Reincarnated as an Imperial Prince
chapter-435

On October 26, 1936, in the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Emperor Alexander of the Ruthenia Empire, along with his closest relatives and advisors, gathered to witness the historic launch of a rocket that would forever change the course of human history. For the first time in the world, a journey to the moon was about to take place, and the Ruthenian Empire was at the forefront of this technological breakthrough.

Alexander looked up at the towering rocket, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. He knew that this launch would mark a turning point not only for his empire but for the entire world. The idea of traveling to the moon had been a dream for centuries, but now it was becoming a reality.

"So, Father, this is what you were talking about during the time we visited this place. You are really going to send a man to space," Andrei said as he looked up at his father.

"What did I tell you, Andrei," Alexander smiled warmly as he patted him on the head. "That we are going to send a man into space. You were doubting that at first but now we are here, witnessing it soar into the heavens. Anyways, where is your sister?"

"She's with mother and aunties, they said they are buying food from the stall."

"Ah those ladies," Alexander could only sigh. He glanced behind him to see Rolan who was watching over them. "Rolan, can I leave Andrei to you for a moment? I am seeing someone important before the rocket launch."

"Of course, Your Majesty, I will look over to His Highness while you are away," Rolan said.

"Sorry for pulling you out from Christina, I know you wanted to be with her on a momentous occasion such as this."

"Even if my heart desired for that moment, Your Majesty, I still work for you as your bodyguard, so no need to apologize as I was simply doing my job," Rolan said politely.

"In that case, I'll leave you two then," Alexander said but didn't immediately leave. He crouched down to Andrei's level and took his hand. "Andrei, I want you to behave yourself while I am away."

"Father, you don't have to tell me, I'm not my sister," Andrei said.

Alexander chuckled. "I know you're not, but I still want you to be on your best behavior."

Andrei nodded solemnly. "I will, Father. You don't have to worry."

Alexander ruffled his son's hair and stood up, giving one last glance at Rolan and Andrei before making his way through the crowd towards the place where the cosmonauts who will set foot on the lunar face are resting.

As he arrived at the room where the cosmonauts were waiting, he was greeted by one of the cosmonauts who will be flying into space. Yuri Gagarin. He has the same name as the man whom he knew from his original world. Though this might be fate's call or destiny is something that Alexander is still figuring out.

"Your Majesty, you have graced us with your presence," Gagarin said reverently while bowing his head.

"Raise your head, Mr. Gagarin, I've simply come here to see your crew holding up in the anticipation of this historic moment," Alexander replied with a smile. "How are you feeling, Gagarin? Are you ready for this?"

Gagarin straightened up and smiled back at the Emperor. "I am feeling excited and honored, Your Majesty. This is a great opportunity for me to serve my country and be a part of history. We are ready to take on this challenge."

Alexander nodded in approval. "I have no doubt in your abilities, Mr. Gagarin. You and your crew have undergone extensive training and preparations, and I have full confidence that you will succeed in your mission."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Gagarin said, his eyes shining with determination.

Alexander turned to the rest of the crew and addressed them. "Gentlemen, you are about to embark on a journey that no human has ever undertaken before. You are pioneers, explorers, and adventurers, and you carry with you the hopes and dreams of millions of people around the world. You represent the best of humanity, and I have no doubt that you will do us proud."

The crew members nodded solemnly, their faces showing a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Alexander turned to leave, but before he did, he turned back to Gagarin. "One more thing, Gagarin. When you reach the moon, I want you to plant the Ruthenian flag and make sure that it is visible for all to see."

Gagarin smiled. "We will make sure of it, Your Majesty."

As Alexander made his way back to where his family and advisors were waiting, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and awe. The world was about to witness a feat of human ingenuity and bravery that would forever change the course of history. And the Ruthenian Empire was leading the way.

As he reached his family and advisors, he saw that his wife, Empress Sophie, had arrived with their daughter, Princess Anya. His sisters are also there, Anastasia, Christina, and Tiffania.

Not only that, he saw a podium in their midst, and he knew that it was time for him to make a speech.

Alexander made his way towards the podium while waving a hand over the people who were erupting in cheers and applauses as well as to the cameras that were locked onto him.

Alexander raised his hand to silence them. And when they were silent enough, he began.

"My fellow Ruthenians,

Today, we stand witness to a momentous occasion in the history of humanity. For the first time, we are about to send a rocket beyond our planet's atmosphere and reach for the stars. We are about to embark on a journey that will take us to the moon, and in doing so, we will forever change the course of history.

The journey we are about to undertake is not just a scientific experiment, but it is also a testament to the resilience, courage, and ingenuity of the human spirit. It is a testament to what we can achieve when we set our minds to something and work towards it with unwavering determination.

Today, we prove to the world that nothing is impossible. We prove to the world that no dream is too big, no goal is too far-fetched, and no challenge is insurmountable. Today, we prove to the world that we are capable of achieving greatness and that there is nothing that we cannot accomplish when we work together towards a common goal.

As we prepare to launch this rocket into the heavens, I want to take a moment to thank all those who have made this possible. The scientists, engineers, and technicians who have worked tirelessly to design and build this rocket, the cosmonauts who will risk their lives to venture into the unknown, and the people of our great nation, who have supported us every step of the way.

I also want to take a moment to honor those who have come before us, who have dreamed of reaching the stars but never had the chance to see it come to fruition. Today, we stand on the shoulders of giants, and it is our duty to carry on their legacy and continue to push the boundaries of human exploration.

My fellow Ruthenians, today we make history. Today, we prove to the world that we are a nation of visionaries, pioneers, and of adventurers. Today, we show the world that we are not content to simply exist within the confines of our planet, but that we are destined to reach for the stars.

So let us launch this rocket with pride, with determination, and with the knowledge that we are embarking on a journey that will change the course of history. Let us take the first step towards a new era of human exploration, and let us continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.

Thank you, and may God bless the Ruthenian Empire."

After the speech, the crowds erupted again in cheers and applause. Moments after, they turned their attention to the rocket that will soon fly into space.