Mid spring 1901
The weather had begun to grow warmer, and with it the land slowly awakened from winter's grip. Fresh green leaves unfurled on the birches and lindens, while the first blossoms pushed through the thawing soil, scattering gardens and fields with gentle bursts of color. The rivers, once locked in ice, now ran freely, their currents carrying away the last fragments of snow. Mid-spring in Russia carried with it a sense of renewal, the promise of life returning after the long, merciless cold.
As Alexei traveled back to St. Petersburg with his father, he watched the countryside roll past the train carriage windows. Villages stirred with activity, farmers turned the damp earth in their fields, children splashed in muddy lanes, and the scent of fresh growth mingled with smoke from cottage chimneys. Everywhere was the hum of a season awakening, a quiet joy that seemed to settle over the land.
He grinned as he watched the world outside, a quiet satisfaction settling over him. Life, so far, had been good in this new life. Though he felt restrained by the limits of his cultivation, it no longer weighed heavily on his mind. After all, this world was nothing like the cultivation realm of his past life. He only needed to be cautious not to end up assassinated.
Alexei's eyes drifted around the small compartment of his train carriage. It was cramped, but large enough for him to pace in circles when restless. He stepped toward the desk where his notebook lay waiting. Sitting down, he opened it and began to jot down the tasks that awaited him once he returned to the imperial capital. The issue of money still gnawed at him. He couldn't simply turn to his father or mother for funds, doing so would invite too many questions about where it would all be spent, and he had no desire to endure their scrutiny. No, he would need to solve this problem on his own.
It was around midday when Alexei finally finished jotting down his thoughts. He closed the notebook with care and slipped it beneath his pillow, as though hiding away a precious secret. Just as he was about to settle onto the bed, a knock sounded at the door. Sednev's voice followed, announcing that it was time for lunch and that the Tsar had requested his presence.
With a soft sigh, Alexei rose and opened the door, telling Sednev to lead the way. Nagorny, who had been standing guard outside, immediately fell in step behind him. Alexei couldn't help but notice the strange looks the two exchanged as they walked. Clearly, they still hadn't forgotten the unsettling laugh they had overheard back at the lodge.
But what could he do? He got so caught up with happiness when he figured out that his enhancement truly worked in amplifying a bullet's firepower. So he decided to ignore the weird glances and not talk about it. Some things were better left unspoken.
Alexei arrived at the dining car of the train, where all of his father's acquaintances had gathered for lunch. The Tsar's eyes immediately lit up at the sight of him.
"Alexei, you're here. Come, eat with us," his father said warmly, gesturing to the seat beside him.
Alexei complied and began filling his plate with Sednev's help. The sight of the dishes spread across the table stirred his hunger. His appetite had been steadily increasing as he grew older and advanced in his cultivation. Without hesitation or restraint, he began eating the moment his plate was full.
His father watched with quiet satisfaction. To him, a hearty appetite meant health, and that was all that mattered. He made no attempt to correct his son's manners at the table. Without his wife's presence, and away from the rigid etiquette of court, there was a freedom in these moments, a freedom where indulgence was allowed, so long as it did not slip into excess.
When his father saw that Alexei had finished eating, he couldn't help but ask,
"So, what do you think of our first hunting trip together?"
Alexei wiped his mouth with a serviette before replying.
"It was okay. You shot plenty of game, but I didn't even get to fire once."
He gave his father a quick glance before turning his attention back to the table, searching for more food. The dish he wanted was too far away, so he asked Sednev to fill his plate for him.
His father watched speechlessly, realizing how difficult it was to satisfy his son. He had already granted Alexei's requests during the hunt, yet it still seemed not enough.
"Your mother wouldn't allow it anyway. Besides, it's not as if you could handle the recoil yet. You need to grow a little more before you're ready. Maybe in a few years, my son." He grinned as he gently ruffled Alexei's hair.
"Maybe next year?" Alexei asked hopefully, his eyes fixed on his father.
"You're pushing it. If you can convince your mother, then I'll agree too." His father chuckled, not expecting his son to bargain.
Alexei didn't answer. He only pouted and continued eating, knowing full well it would be impossible to convince his mother.
It didn't take Alexei long to finish his second plate. He wanted more, but realized it might seem odd for him to eat so much already, so he reluctantly stopped. Glancing around the dining car, he noticed it was still full, and it seemed as though some of the passengers were quietly listening to their conversation while pretending not to. As usual, Alexei paid them no mind. It would still be a few years before he had to concern himself with court politics. For now, that burden rested with his father, who could manage them easily, after all, they were his friends and close confidants. Not his.
Seeing that Alexei finished his lunch, his father spoke. "We'll arrive tomorrow at dawn. Hopefully, it won't be too cold. Make sure you're ready by then, we'll be having breakfast at the palace with your mother and sisters."
"Okay," Alexei replied. Then, realizing he had nothing else to do, he added, "Can I go back to my room now?"
"Of course," his father said with a nod.
Alexei rose from his seat and said, "Thank you," before walking back to his room, followed closely by Sednev and Nagorny.
When they arrived, Alexei turned to Sednev. "I'm still a little hungry. Could you bring me some food? I want the roasted beef."
Sednev hesitated for a moment. He had served Alexei during lunch and knew how much the boy had already eaten, yet it still wasn't enough? Still, he kept his thoughts to himself and replied, "Of course, Your Highness. Anything else?"
"That'll be all," Alexei said with a shake of his head. He walked over to the window, sat down, and resumed gazing at the passing scenery.
At that, Sednev quietly left the room, while Nagorny remained stationed outside the door to stand guard.
—---
Alexei rose early the next morning, carefully packing away the few belongings he refused to let others touch, his notebook chief among them. After checking twice to be sure he hadn't forgotten anything, he sat by the window and waited for Sednev and Nagorny to summon him for disembarkation. They came soon enough, and together they left the room, meeting the tsar near the exit.
His father only gave him a nod when he saw him. He seemed preoccupied, speaking with Boris, likely about the gifts he intended to bring along for the journey. Alexei's own presents for his mother and sisters were already with Sednev, chosen with care from local artisans near their lodge in Białowieża. Once the conversation ended, his father turned to him and asked, "Are you ready? We'll disembark as soon as the guards finish checking the station."
"Yes. But why are they checking the station? Can't we just go now?" Alexei replied, unable to hide his impatience. He wanted to reach the palace quickly so he could rest. Sleeping in the carriage train was nearly impossible, the constant motion kept him awake. He had become a light sleeper in the cultivation world, where danger lurked everywhere. One careless lapse could mean death.
"They're just doing their job, son. Be patient," his father said with a smile. But Alexei could tell it was only an excuse. He simply muttered, "Oh," and sat down to wait.
As he observed their surroundings, he noticed that everyone seemed tense. The nobles who usually accompanied his father were absent, likely taking a different exit. The tsar's personal guards formed a tight circle around them, every man on high alert. Even Sednev and Nagorny looked uneasy. Were they anticipating an assassination attempt? Alexei didn't know, no one had informed him, but the possibility was clear enough. He resolved to keep his enhanced senses sharp during the journey from the train station to the palace. Better to be cautious than to risk cutting his life short.
Soon, a guard approached his father to report that the station was secure, and they began to disembark. To Alexei's surprise, he was separated from his father by at least ten meters, some kind of precautionary protocol in case of an attack, he assumed. The walk outside was heavy with tension. When they exited the station, they were met by more guards who surrounded their carriage. The entire area had been cleared of travelers. Communication among the guards was conducted only through hand signals. In silence, they were escorted safely to the carriage.
The moment the door shut, the carriage lurched into motion. Alexei peered out the window, keeping vigilant in case anyone tried to strike at them. His father did not speak to him, conversing instead in hushed tones with Boris, who rode with them. Nagorny and Sednev hadn't joined their carriage, but Alexei was certain they were close, probably in the one behind them.
Keeping his senses sharp throughout the ride only deepened his exhaustion, yet he refused to relent. His eyes swept the streets, searching for any sign of unusual movement beyond the carriage window. Each turn of the wheels felt heavier with tension. At last, and to his quiet relief, nothing happened, and soon the palace loomed into view.
—--
Alexei walked beside his father as they made their way toward the dining room. It seemed he wouldn't be given the chance to rest or change before meeting his mother and sisters. Still, he thought it was for the best, this way he could enjoy the rest of the day without interruption.
It didn't take long before they arrived. His mother stood near the doorway, her rounded belly unmistakable, while his sisters were carried in the arms of their caretakers.
The moment she saw his father, she offered a graceful curtsy and said softly, "Good morning, and welcome back, husband."
His father smiled warmly. "Good morning, my wife. You didn't have to wake so early just to greet me." He stepped closer, embracing her without hesitation, his voice tender. "Tell me, how are you feeling? How is the pregnancy treating you this time?"
Without minding the servants or attendants nearby, the tsar leaned down to kiss her cheek and placed a gentle hand upon her swelling stomach.
She blushed faintly at the public display, though she tried to disguise it by taking his hand and lowering it from her belly. "It is already my fourth pregnancy," she said softly. "There is nothing to worry about."
Then her eyes shifted, settling warmly on Alexei.
The moment Alexei noticed his mother looking at him, he quickly spoke. "Good morning, Mother. I missed you so much." He tried to smile, but the exhaustion on his face betrayed him.
"Good morning to you too, my son. If you miss me that much, then perhaps you should stay with me next time instead of following your father." She opened her arms with a gentle smile. "Come, let your mother hold you."
Alexei obeyed, leaning into her embrace. After the hug, she studied his face more closely, her eyes softening with concern. "You look tired from your travels. Let's have breakfast first, and then you can rest," she said gently before turning toward her husband, who was happily entertaining their daughters.
"That's enough, husband. Let's eat."
The Tsar reluctantly handed the girls back to their caretakers, then guided his wife to the table, helping her sit.
They prayed before beginning their meal. Not long after, Alexei's mother started a conversation with his father. "Count Witte came here a week ago and told me about something…"
Alexei paid little attention. He simply kept eating, even after his parents had already finished. His mother noticed his appetite and was about to speak, but his father stopped her with a subtle shake of his head. He leaned close, whispering something to her. She raised an eyebrow but sighed, deciding to let Alexei be.
Their quiet conversation resumed until, at last, Alexei set down his utensils, having finished his meal.
It was then time for gifts. His father began first, presenting his offerings to his wife and daughters. When his turn came, Alexei carefully handed his gift to his mother, then turned to his sisters. Olga's face lit up with delight as she received hers, while little Tatiana, too young to understand the meaning of gifts, simply let her caretaker accept it on her behalf.
When all was finished and his mother had finished admiring the gifts she received, she turned to Alexei and said, "You may rest for the day, my son, but tomorrow you will resume your studies with your tutor. And do not forget, you must tell me everything that happened during your vacation."
Alexei, too full and weary, only replied, "Yes, Mother. Then I'll take my leave." He rose from his seat and began walking toward his room, accompanied as always by Nagorny and Sednev.
When he arrived, he found Anya, whom he hadn't seen for quite some time, preparing his bed. She smiled warmly and said, "Good morning, Your Highness. Welcome back." Yet almost instantly, she cast a resentful glance at Sednev standing behind him before quickly forcing another bright smile in Alexei's direction.
The gesture was swift, but Alexei caught it. He guessed she might be upset at being left behind while Sednev and Nagorny had accompanied him on his vacation with his father. But he was far too tired to entertain their petty rivalries and said only, "Good morning to you too, Anya. I'll take my bath before going to bed. Is it ready?"
"Yes, Your Highness," she replied, gesturing toward the bathroom. Alexei made his way there. She knew well that he disliked anyone assisting him with his bath, so she simply led him to the door.
Once Alexei closed it behind him, Anya turned around and shot a sharp glare first at Sednev, then at Nagorny, who was already busy checking the room. She said nothing, only returning to her task of readying the tsarevich's bed.
At this, Sednev and Nagorny exchanged a glance and shrugged. They both knew she had been Alexei's nanny since his birth, and unless their tsarevich himself ordered otherwise, there was little they could do about her moods.
What a jealous woman, they thought.
It didn't take Alexei long to finish his bath. When he returned, he told them he would sleep for the rest of the day, skip lunch, and only have dinner later. With that, he dismissed them and went straight to bed.
—--
Alexei woke to the sound of the door opening. His body tensed instinctively, but the faint aroma of food reached him, and when he turned his head slightly to see who it was, he relaxed. It was only Sednev.
Noticing that the tsarevich was awake, Sednev bowed his head slightly and said, "Forgive me, Your Highness, if I disturbed you."
Alexei pushed himself up slowly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. A glance toward the window told him that the sky was already darkening. He turned back to Sednev. "It's fine. Is that dinner?" he asked, gesturing toward the food. Hunger stirred within him again, though all he had done was sleep.
"Yes, Your Highness. Your mother instructed that you stay in your room and dine here tonight. She only asks that you be on time tomorrow for your lessons and a talk with her." Sednev carefully set the food on the table, then moved to help Alexei out of bed.
"Thank you, Sednev. Did you manage to rest?" Alexei asked. He was never sure when, or how, his attendants found time to sleep. They always seemed to appear whenever he needed them.
Sednev smiled. "Of course, Your Highness. I rested earlier while Nagorny stood guard. Now it is his turn to sleep, and I will keep watch for the rest of the evening."
Alexei's expression remained calm but inwardly he silently cursed them. He didn't like their arrangement one bit. He had a plan for tonight, and if Sednev remained outside his door, he would have no choice but to slip out through the window again. He only hoped they wouldn't discover his absence before he returned.
It was best to tell them about his plans, but Alexei reminded himself, not yet. They would probably panic if they discovered a five-year-old like him could do things far beyond his age. So, instead, he simply nodded at Sednev and began eating. He finished his dinner quickly and told Sednev that he would spend the rest of the evening reading in preparation for tomorrow's lessons. He emphasized that no one should disturb him or open the door unless the palace was burning or under attack.
Sednev paused, staring at his tsarevich for a moment before replying. "Yes, Your Highness." He bowed his head, then started clearing the table. Inwardly, he mused about his young master's peculiarities. Once the table was spotless, he asked, "Do you need anything, Your Highness? Perhaps a snack for later?"
"No need. Thank you, Sednev. See you tomorrow." Alexei smiled, patting his stomach. He was grateful that Sednev had brought so much food, it seemed his attendant already knew how much it took to make him full.
"Then have a good reading, Your Highness." Sednev bowed once more before leaving the room.
Alexei remained seated for a moment, waiting until he was certain that Sednev had walked away to put away the cutlery. Then, he stretched, trying to digest his meal quickly so it wouldn't hinder his movements later. Once he confirmed it was still early, he picked up a book and read while waiting for the household to fall asleep. By the time he had finished nearly half of it, he closed the book and began his preparations.
He changed into light, fitted clothes, then retrieved a small sack he had hidden before leaving for his vacation. After checking that he had everything he needed, he moved toward the window, quietly unlatched it, and carefully climbed out. With deliberate care, he pulled the window shut behind him before making his descent into the night.
Alexei carefully slipped past the guards, making his way toward his destination, the servant's quarters, the place where the palace's repository supervisor lived. He already knew every corridor and hidden walkway in the palace from his previous nightly excursions. Getting lost was impossible. The only place still beyond his reach was the basement, where the vault and family treasures were kept. The guards there were so numerous and vigilant that even he hadn't dared to attempt sneaking in. For now, he had to find another way to secure the seed money he needed for his plans.
When he reached the servant quarters, he noticed that some of the lights were still lit. Curious, he paused and listened. A few servants, still awake, were quietly gossiping among themselves. Alexei lingered for a moment, straining to catch their words. Once he confirmed that their idle chatter had nothing to do with him or his family, he moved on silently, heading toward the room of the man he sought, Andrei, the repository supervisor. With luck, he would already be drunk and fast asleep.
From what Alexei had gathered, Andrei was a disgrace of a servant, lazy, corrupt, and thoroughly detestable. How he had secured such a position remained a mystery, though it was clear he must have had powerful backers within the palace. Alexei didn't yet know who, but he was certain of one thing, once he had real power in his hands, Andrei would be among the first to go.
What kind of man entrusted with safeguarding palace property spent his days harassing servants, drinking himself senseless, and shirking duty? Worse still, Andrei oversaw the storage of broken or slightly damaged palace items, objects that might still hold value. Who could say how many had already found their way into his pockets, sold off in secret? Perhaps darker dealings lay hidden behind his drunken bluster.
And Alexei didn't like it one bit as it was happening where his family lives. He already swore to himself that he would protect them and the ones he confirmed that pose a threat to his family need to be eliminated. Still, for now, this Andrei would live, as it would cause too much commotion if they found a body inside the palace.
Alexei arrived at Andrei's door and carefully looked around. Once he was certain no one was nearby, he checked the door, and, as expected, it was locked. Without hesitation, he slipped outside to where Andrei's window should be.
Fortunately, Andrei's room was on the first floor, so the climb wasn't too difficult, though it was still high for Alexei's stature. He scaled the wall with care until he reached window level and tested them. To his relief, one had been left slightly ajar.
Pausing, Alexei pressed his ear closer, listening for any sign of movement inside. He wasn't concerned if Andrei was awake, if that was the case, he would simply beat him until he passed out. That was the plan. If Andrei happened to already be drunk and asleep, then he should consider himself lucky, his own drunken stupor had spared him a well-deserved thrashing.
Once he was certain there was no movement inside, Alexei carefully widened the gap in the window and slipped through. He landed silently, already in a fighting stance, his senses sharp and alert. The room was dim and quiet. On the bed lay what he hoped was Andrei. Alexei scanned his surroundings one more time, and when he found no sign of danger, he allowed his body to ease just slightly. Moving closer, he peered down at the figure on the bed. It was Andrei.
To be sure, Alexei leaned in and checked his breathing. The stench of alcohol hit him so strongly he nearly gagged, cursing himself for even trying. Still, the reek confirmed what he needed to know, Andrei was drunk and completely passed out.
Without wasting time, Alexei began searching for the keys to the repository storage of the palace, where he intended to ransack anything of value. Luck was on his side, the keys sat openly on the table beside the door. He didn't know which keys were for the repository storage, so he took them all and would test all of them at the site.
He cast one last glance at Andrei, checking if he had stirred. The man remained dead asleep. Satisfied, Alexei pocketed the keys and slipped out as quietly as he had entered.
Alexei made his way toward the repository storage of the palace, carefully avoiding the guards who were on their nightly duties. What struck him most was how absurdly easy it had been to slip in and out inside. If there had been an organization, or even a single group, skilled in such work, the palace would have been stripped bare long ago, or worse, its occupants slaughtered in their sleep.
He silently hoped no such group existed. After all, this was the 1900s.
He pushed the thought aside as he reached the repository storage. Keeping his distance, he carefully scanned the area before approaching. Two guards caught his attention, one stationed firmly at the door, the other slumped nearby, fast asleep.
Just as Sednev had mentioned earlier, they seemed to take turns standing watch. Convenient, Alexei thought. Their routine made his task far easier, perhaps even too easy.
He carefully wrapped a cloth around his fist, making sure it was tight. Then he pulled his mask over his face. After scanning the area once more and confirming that no one else was present aside from the two guards, he moved.
Keeping to the guard's blind side, Alexei wrapped his fist with qi and advanced. He managed to get within four meters before the guard finally noticed him, but by then, it was too late. Alexei surged forward, his sudden speed catching the man completely off guard. Before he could make a sound, Alexei's fist crashed into his jaw. The guard dropped his rifle with a dull clatter before collapsing unconscious to the ground.
The noise roused the second guard, who stirred and began to rise from his slouched position. But before he could fully sit up, Alexei was already upon him. A sharp blow to the head forced him back down, returning him to an even deeper, unwilling sleep.
Alexei drew in a slow breath and let it out. That short burst of speed had drained more from him than he expected, his stamina was nearly gone. At least the immediate problem was dealt with. His body still wasn't built for a prolonged fight.
He shook his head and unwrapped the cloth from around his fist. A bruise had already begun to swell across his knuckles. The pain was sharp, but manageable. He still didn't know what was wrong with him, but he trusted it would heal with time.
Once his breathing steadied, he dragged the unconscious guard and propped him next to the one who had been sleeping. To anyone passing by, it would look like two men shirking their duty. That done, Alexei turned his attention to the door.
He worked through the keys one by one, his patience tested with every failed attempt. Finally, the right one slid in and turned with a soft click. He eased the door open and paused, scanning the surrounding area once again. When he confirmed that no one had seen him. He slipped inside.
What greeted him inside was dust, the kind that clung to the throat with every breath. They didn't even bother to clean this place, he thought. Alexei searched for a switch, and when he found it, he flicked it on.
The dim light revealed broken palace items, heavy with dust. Most weren't worth much, yet some still held value, especially silver pieces and ornaments whose designs still pleased the eye. He scanned the room carefully, selecting only what could fit into his small sack.
When he found objects that were light, compact, and still valuable, he slipped them inside with practiced hands. He moved quickly. Time was short, and he knew sooner or later a guard would come through on patrol. Larger items weren't worth the risk. He ignored them, focusing only on what he could carry.
Once he was satisfied, he closed the sack and moved silently toward the door. First, he switched off the light, plunging the room back into darkness. Then he pressed his head against the narrow gap of the door, carefully peering outside.
The guards he had knocked out were still slumped where he left them, breathing heavily in their forced sleep. After confirming no one else was nearby, he eased the door open just wide enough to slip through with the sack. Once outside, he closed it gently, locked it, and left.
Alexei made his way back toward Andrei's room, carefully avoiding the patrolling guards. He walked slowly, the sack dragging heavily behind him. Exhaustion was beginning to creep back into his body, but he pressed on.
When he finally arrived, he set the sack down quietly and climbed up to the window. Peering inside, he checked first to see if Andrei had stirred. When he confirmed that the man was still asleep, Alexei slipped through the window and returned the keys to their original place.
He was about to pass Andrei's bed when a groggy voice stopped him.
"Who are you? What are you doing here?"
Andrei was struggling to sit up, drunkenness still weighing heavily on him.
Alexei froze, his body tensing as instinct took over. Without replying, he lunged forward. His fist, charged with qi, connected squarely with Andrei's jaw, knocking him back into unconsciousness.
Really? You just had to wake up for that punch? Alexei thought bitterly, wincing at the pain now throbbing in his knuckles. For a moment, he was tempted to hit him again just to vent his frustration.
But he didn't linger. Climbing back out the window, he hefted the sack once more and disappeared into the night, heading back toward his room.
Alexei carefully climbed through his own window, the sack slung behind him. Once inside, he let his body relax as he quietly set the sack down, making sure not to make a sound that might alert Sednev, who he was certain was still outside.
He allowed himself a moment to rest, breathing heavily as his eyes fell on his knuckles. The skin was swollen, dark with bruising, and it looked as if the blood beneath was about to burst through. Slowly, he gathered what remained of his qi and willed it into his injured hand.
The healing was faint, almost sluggish. By the time his qi was nearly depleted, the wound had only improved by the barest margin, perhaps one-tenth healed. Alexei let out a quiet chuckle at the futility of it.
Looks like this will take some time to mend, he thought. But now he was certain of one thing, whatever his illness was, it had something to do with his blood.
Thankfully, he was certain the disease would heal once he advanced to level three of his body cultivation. If not, he doubted he would even make it to adulthood, and would likely end up dead, again.
He chuckled ruefully at the thought, then sat up and quietly hid the sack. Once that was done, he took a bath to wash away the sweat and dirt. Fortunately, plumbing had been added to the palace not long ago. Though the water wasn't heated, as Anya usually prepared for him, he didn't bother with the inconvenience and bathed anyway.
When he finished, he carefully dried himself and prepared for sleep. He didn't bother cultivating tonight as he was so damn tired.
As he waited for sleep to claim him. He reflected on what had become of him. A prince who was a killer and a thief. What's next?