Reginald Shireman

A young journalist was granted an audience with the new Tsar, Reginald Shireman, who had ascended to the throne after his father's assassination. In his office, plunged into mournful silence, he startled her with a sudden and direct question: "How should I begin to change?"

At first she tried to deflect: "I've heard that kings can be arrogant... Why do you need advice?" But under his insistent, tired gaze, she found the courage to answer honestly. "Well, the country needs education."

Her timidity gave way to confidence, and she voiced her deepest convictions: “Slavery is abolished, down with flagellation!”

"I've had this idea for a long time!" Reginald responded, and for the first time there was genuine interest in his voice.

“Everywhere and at once – the abolition of censorship!” she continued.

“Of course it is necessary, and right now,” he agreed.

The Tsar laughed, and there was relief in that laughter. He gave her his word: "From now on, I will personally read you. We will abolish censorship, I give you my vow."

When the journalist, shocked, asked: “Do we have an agreement?” he replied: “The word of the Tsar.”

In the finale, Reginald revealed his deepest secret, bitter and lonely: "I never wanted to be a king. Everyone only criticizes kings. We live like kings, but we die like men..."