“You expressed gratitude to the Emperor for his visit. Before returning to Russia you also released a similar message in the newspapers, thanking the Japanese people.”
“I was nearly moved to tears when I learned of the faith George had inspired in the people of Japan. My brother had truly loved this country. I had to continue expressing those same sentiments to some degree, in his place.”
“I assume your true feelings were much less generous.”
“Much less,” Nicholas replied stiffly.
“Afterward,” Sherlock prompted softly, “when the court released your diary…”
“It was Father’s idea, to better establish the narrative of my travels in Japan.”
“In your diary, however, you stated that none of the Japanese people came to your aid. The statement resulted in controversy.”
“That’s what my cousin Prince George of Greece said in his report. He insisted quite vehemently that it was he who saved my brother. It was also Prince George who told me that people along the road did not intervene.”
“The people standing along the road had their heads bowed,” Ito said. “Most of them didn’t even see the attack when it happened. Once the commotion had begun and they had finally raised their heads, all they would have seen was a policeman—an officer of the law—running down the street. Of course they only watched. What else would you expect them to do?”
Nicholas raised his eyes to the ceiling. “You mean to tell me that the people did not recognize George because he was wearing ordinary clothes, whereas the familiar policeman projected an air of authority? Is that how the mind of a peasant works? I find that rather unpersuasive.”
Sherlock didn’t turn his gaze away from the Tsarevich. “The Japanese had hurt your brother. You hated them now more than ever. Correct?”
“Of course I hated them.” Nicholas stared at Sherlock defiantly. “Perhaps it is wrong to say this in front of Chairman Ito, but you wanted me to be honest. I knew the Japanese were uncivilized barbarians before we even got here, just like the people in Siam and China. After the Otsu attack, I was still hopeful. I thought George would regain his senses before long. But his condition has grown worse! The doctors say they are unsure how to treat him, and there is no telling if he will ever recover…”
“You referred to the Japanese as monkeys?”
“They are damned monkeys, not even people. How many foreigners were slaughtered in this country, mere decades ago? They are savage yellow monkeys and I will never forgive them.”
The hairs on the back of Ito’s neck bristled. “Then you take no responsibility for sending your brother in your place? Of making a mockery of our country?”
Nicholas stood up, his eyes flashing with anger. “If my brother hadn’t taken my place it would have been me who was attacked. The chauvinism of the Japanese, to protect the man who attacked my brother when you know he should be executed! I detest it!”
“We are not chauvinists! We are a country of laws!”
“Those are empty excuses. Tell me, what were you doing before the Meiji Restoration? Are you going to say you never supported joui, not even once? That you never spilled Western blood?”
Ito was silent. Not for lack of a counterargument, however. He knew Nicholas was only trying to change the subject, and he would not allow himself to be provoked. Westerners were quick to bring up joui when they wanted to portray themselves as victims and justify their aggression against Japan. However much Japan attempted to develop and progress, their reputation was still shackled to the Bakufu. Was it truly Japan, though, that had been high-handed? No. Rather, wasn’t it the Western powers who had resorted to force to interfere in Asia?
Sherlock interceded, raising both hands. “Our only interest now is the truth. Tsarevich Nicholas, you were preoccupied by hatred of the Japanese, and a desire for revenge. The international community, however, has applauded you for your magnanimity. This only caused you further rage.”
Nicholas looked down and sighed. “It was galling. And Father would not understand at all. He counseled me to be patient. Can you believe it? The ministers and generals all insisted that I abide. They are insane. Russia has been laying the groundwork to crush Japan for ages. Why else would we build the Siberian railway, or Vladivostok port?”
Chekhov shifted in discomfort. “Your Highness, with all due respect, I am afraid you have misunderstood His Imperial Majesty the Emperor’s intentions. His Imperial Majesty, the ministers, the generals—all they wish for is peace. They would never pursue any actions they thought would lead to war.”
“I don’t believe you! I am not the only one who realizes the Japanese are damned monkeys. Important people—in the military, in the government—agree with me. Ever since I was a child, everyone I know has looked down on Japan. The only reason we do not act now is because they have the British backing them. Japan is ours for the taking, if only Father would not fear the Brits. You see, Chairman Ito even came here today with a British lapdog!”
Nicholas’ angry voice reverberated. The quiet that ensued almost seemed itself like a sound. The more silent it was, the louder the pulsing in everyone’s ears.
“So you demanded revenge against the Japanese,” Sherlock said coolly, “but your father refused to lend you an ear. Instead, he ordered that you negotiate with the Siamese. You saw this as an opportunity to take action on your own. You anchored in Japan rather than Siam, and goaded Ambassador Shevich into reigniting disagreement over Tsuda’s verdict. You hoped that you could pressure Japan until it broke.”
“I wasn’t acting alone. The captain of the ship sympathized with me.”
“And your father probably predicted what you would do. This explains why he did not allow you to take your imperial flagship. But you requested the largest escort you could, and then led your string of cruisers about like they were toys. You remind me of a boy who has run away from home dreaming of military glory.”
Nicholas stepped forward and shouted in Sherlock’s face. “You dog! You insolent English dog!”
“Am I as insolent as you were when you deceived the Emperor and King Rama V?” Sherlock said sharply. “Your behavior is not fitting of a crown prince. Protest all you like, but after such behavior I am afraid there are few foreign dignitaries who will find value in your opinion. Even now you flinch at shadows, and you are terrified that unless you get this tattoo upon your arm you will be undone. Your behavior in all this is beneath Japan’s dignity.”
Nicholas’ face turned bright red. He raised his arms in the air, but made no attempt to swing at Sherlock—who towered over the Tsarevich. Instead Nicholas sat down again and cradled his head in his hands.
They heard a commotion from the hallway. Many footsteps approached and the door flew open with enough force to nearly tear it off its hinges.
Lt. Colonel Kanevsky rushed inside, accompanied by three guards. Ambassador Shevich came last.
Shevich glanced first at Ito, and then at Sherlock. Unbridled rage spread across his face. “It is the Queen’s mongrel!” he shouted. “How dare you show yourself again! You have broken our agreement. I hope you are prepared now for the consequences!”
Kanevsky and his guards rushed to Nicholas’ side. Nicholas remained slumped over in the chair. They seemed to be urging him to escape.
“A moment,” Ito said to the ambassador. “You misunderstand.”
“Chairman Ito, what on earth are you wearing?”