Mid spring 1901
Alexei had been watching the palace closely for a week. He expected Andrei to report the incident to his superiors, but nothing seemed to have come of it. No whispers of burglary, no mention of an assault. The only change he noticed was that the guards at the repository had been replaced and now numbered at least ten. He didn't dwell on it, since he had no plans for another heist anytime soon.
He had already sold his spoils on the black market pointed out by Anna a few days earlier, bringing in 2,100 rubles. At first, Alexei thought it was far too little, certainly not enough for a house in the slums. But Anna quickly gave him a lesson in perspective. In this era, urban workers earned barely 25 rubles a month. Renting a room cost only 7 to 8 rubles, while a small house could be rented for around 15 rubles a month. Bread and a simple meal didn't even cost a full ruble. By that measure, a slum house might not fetch more than 2000 rubles if they were lucky enough to find one for sale.
For now, Anna hadn't located a suitable property, so they had no choice but to wait.
Alexei would soon begin his military lessons, as his uncle, Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich, had arrived just yesterday at his father's request to instruct him. He was relieved that he didn't have to attend a school, since being the heir meant his education came solely from the imperial family and selected tutors.
His mother, however, had been at odds with his father over the matter of carrying a rifle during hunts. She questioned every guard present, including Sednev and Nagorny, to ensure Alexei had never fired a shot. It seemed she trusted neither him nor his father on the issue. She even refused his request to learn martial arts, forcing him to practice alone in secret. He knew he had to start conditioning his body, as just a few moves left him exhausted. Thankfully, at least, his mother approved of his military lesson.
—--
A few days later…
"Good morning, Uncle," Alexei greeted as he entered the room for his military lessons. He wasn't very familiar with his uncle, who traveled often and rarely attended family gatherings. His presence was usually felt only through birthday gifts.
"Good morning to you too, Alexei," his uncle replied with a smile. He looked relaxed, dressed casually in his home clothes. It seemed the rumors were true, his uncle was easygoing and not overly concerned with strict court etiquette.
Alexei sat across from him at the desk, where several military books were neatly arranged, likely by the man standing behind his uncle. It appeared his uncle had brought along an acquaintance.
Noticing Alexei's glance, his uncle introduced him. "This is my guard, attendant, and friend, Viktor. You can call him whatever you like. Haha."
Alexei gave Viktor a polite nod before turning back to his uncle, silently thinking, That wasn't funny, Uncle. Still, it seemed the stories about his uncle's strange humor were true. He smiled politely and asked, "What are we going to do today, Uncle?"
"Oh, about that…" his uncle leaned back with a chuckle. "Since this is our first meeting alone, let's save the lessons for next time and just talk today. I want to get to know you first, Alexei. As for these books, well, if your father or mother happens to walk in, we'll pretend we're having a lesson. What do you say? Are you in? Hehe."
He chuckled again, as though convinced Alexei shared his dislike for lessons. But that wasn't true at all. I like to learn, Uncle! Alexei protested inwardly.
"Oh… okay," Alexei said instead, forcing a smile and pretending to go along with the arrangement. If his uncle wished to be closer to him, that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Alexei knew he would need people he could trust in the future. And if his uncle proved to be one of them, much better, family loyalty came first.
Thus, his first day of "military lessons" ended not with books and strategies, but with his uncle showing him a revolver. When Alexei mentioned that he liked guns the most, his uncle happily indulged him, eager to impress his nephew.
—--
"So, how was your lesson with your uncle, son?" his mother asked during dinner.
Alexei took a bite, swallowed, and then replied, "It was okay. I had fun."
His uncle barely suppressed a grin, looking at Alexei with a smug smile, as if proud of his decision to skip a serious lesson on their first day.
"How could you possibly have fun in a military lesson?" his mother asked suspiciously, glancing at his uncle, who pretended not to hear and quietly continued eating.
"Just…" Alexei tried to come up with an excuse, but his uncle saved him.
"I taught him how to give orders to soldiers, and he enjoyed it," his uncle answered for him, winking at Alexei before resuming his dinner.
Still, his mother eyed them both with suspicion but didn't press the matter further. Instead, she asked, "How long will you be staying this time, Michael?"
Alexei didn't know how his father had convinced his mother to agree to this arrangement, but it was clear she didn't fully trust his uncle to properly teach him about the military.
"Until I'm no longer bored, sister-in-law," his uncle replied with his signature grin before glancing at Alexei's father, who was watching him with narrowed eyes. That made his uncle quickly drop the grin and silently take another bite of food.
"Hmm. Then I hope you get bored quickly," his mother muttered under her breath. No one seemed to notice, except Alexei, whose sharp hearing picked it up.
The table fell into silence until his father broke it. "How about you organize a party, Alexandra? My mother should be back next week from her travels, and my brother rarely visits. Since they'll both be here, I think it's a good opportunity to throw a party.. What do you think?"
"Pawrty!" little Olga chimed in, raising her hands with a wide smile. Her enthusiasm brought a smile to everyone's faces at the table.
His mother forced down a frown before agreeing softly, "Alright." From what Alexei knew, his grandmother was more popular in court and among the people than his mother. That's why he was sure that there is some tension between his mother and his grandmother, and judging by his mother's reaction, he was certain he was right.
"Good," his father said with a pleased smile, nodding before continuing his meal.
Dinner ended shortly after, and Alexei excused himself. Instead of going to his room, he headed straight to the kitchen, with Sednev and Nagorny by his side.
When they arrived, he spotted the chef, Yuri, busy chopping ingredients. The servants were cleaning up and looked ready to speak, but stopped when Alexei pressed a finger to his lips. They bowed silently instead. Alexei didn't disturb Yuri, waiting until the man was finished.
As Yuri turned to prepare the next dish, Alexei greeted him.
"Good evening, Yuri."
Yuri paused, then smiled.
"Your Highness! Here again? I suppose dinner didn't fill you up. The usual, then?"
Alexei nodded with a grin.
"The usual. I just can't get enough of your cooking, Yuri. It always makes me want to come back." He took a seat, while Sednev and Nagorny remained close by.
"You're getting cheekier, Your Highness," Yuri chuckled, pleased by the compliment. He then barked at one of the servants, "Pavel! Get over here and help me." Remembering his manners, he quickly bowed with an apologetic smile. "Forgive me, Your Highness."
"It's fine. I don't mind. Just bring me the food," Alexei replied.
"Of course, Your Highness. Just a moment." Yuri hurried to work, with Pavel assisting him. Soon, he returned. "Will this be enough, Your Highness?"
Alexei smiled and nodded.
"That's perfect. Thank you, Yuri. I'll be back again soon."
"You're always welcome here, Your Highness," Yuri replied with his warmest smile.
Not lingering, Alexei left the kitchen with Sednev and Nagorny, this time carrying food. When they reached his room, he found Anya preparing his bed. She bowed and greeted him, and he nodded before dismissing them. "I'd like to be alone now. I'll see you all tomorrow."
Anya and Nagorny left, but Sednev lingered. Alexei noticed.
"What's wrong, Sednev?"
Sednev hesitated before voicing out his concern.
"It isn't good to eat too much before bed, Your Highness. I don't know how you manage to eat so much, but… it's not normal. From my experience, it can't be healthy."
Alexei looked at him quietly for a moment.
"I know, Sednev. But don't worry. How about this, if I get sick from eating too much, I'll stop. Fair enough?"
Sednev sighed in defeat and nodded.
"Alright, Your Highness. Goodnight."
With that, he finally left the room to rest while Nagorny stayed outside to guard his door.
—-
Alexei paid little attention to what Sednev thought of his eating habits. The food had never been meant for him anyway. After Sednev left, he quietly changed into darker clothes, the kind that wouldn't easily catch the eye in the shadows. He sat by the window, listening as the corridors of the palace grew still and the murmur of the servants and guards outside faded into the deeper silence of night. Only when he was certain that everyone had retired did he move. Carefully, he packed the food into his sack, tying it tightly so it wouldn't rustle. With one last glance at the door to make sure Nagorny hadn't stirred, Alexei slipped the window open and lowered himself into the cool night air, vanishing into the darkness beyond.
He walked directly towards the slum area of the city. Carefully maneuvering the people he suspected of harboring ill intentions. After so many nightly excursions, he had begun to form a clearer picture of the place, a breeding ground for petty criminals and larger crime groups alike. He might have called them the mafia of the 1900s or gangs, yet they were so disorganized that they spent more time fighting each other than engaging in illegal activities for money and power.
What unsettled Alexei most, however, was not the violence but the ease with which the people could be swayed by propaganda. When Anna first mentioned individuals distributing pamphlets in the slums, he hadn't given it much thought, only curious about their contents. But when she finally handed him one, he was shaken. The words were incendiary, accusing the tsar and nobility of hoarding wealth while peasants starved, denouncing injustices faced by workers, and promising change if the people rose together. These were the ideas being sown into the minds of the people.
It wasn't as though everything written in the pamphlets was false, some of it was undeniably true. Alexei himself had witnessed the suffering, the hunger, and the injustices with his own eyes. Yet what troubled him was not the grievances themselves, but the way they were being twisted into calls for open rebellion against his family.
Sadly for them, he stood firmly against their ideas. Their cries for revolution, though powerful and often rooted in truth, were nothing but a direct threat to everything he held dear. His defiance was not born out of loyalty to the nobles and aristocrats who clung greedily to power, he cared little for them or their privileges. No, his resistance came from a far deeper place, his devotion to his family, to his sisters. For them, he would stand against the tide of rebellion itself, even if it meant standing alone.
Alexei had already accepted that change in Russia was inevitable, perhaps even necessary. But it could not be the kind of change that would bring about the downfall of his family, and with it, his own end. If change was to come, it had to be on terms favorable to himself. That was the only way he could reconcile his conscience with survival.
The problem, however, was painfully clear, he had no real power. He was still a child, bound by his age and circumstances, unable to act openly. For now, he would have to be cautious, careful in how he approached these storms gathering around his family, waiting for the moment when he could act with purpose.
As Alexei drew closer to his destination, he forced himself to shake away his thoughts. For now, he would simply do what he could. After a turn down the narrow street, he arrived. He knocked with a coded rhythm, and soon the door creaked open. Without hesitation, he stepped inside.
Anna and her brothers were already gathered around their small table, sharing a late dinner. They had been waiting for him, he realized, and the thought warmed him. For the first time in a long while, he felt they were beginning to see him as one of their own.
"You're only eating now?" he asked, his eyes drifting toward Anna in particular. The others nodded in agreement.
Anna quickly pulled out a chair for him before answering. "Yes. We thought you'd arrive earlier. Sorry, we couldn't wait." She ended with an embarrassed smile.
"Next time, don't wait on me. Eat on time. Here, I brought food," Alexei said as he sat down. He began taking food from his sack and placing them on the table, which immediately brought smiles to Anna's brothers, and to Anna herself, of course.
"Thank you," Anna said softly once Alexei had emptied the sack. Her brothers echoed her words with gratitude.
Alexei simply gave a small nod. "Eat."
And eat they did.
Alexei joined them, taking bites of food while engaging in light conversation about their day. From his observations, the siblings shared a strong bond, united as one, which he greatly admired. Anna, in particular, cared for her brothers with the attentiveness of a mother, always placing their safety above her own. Her brothers, however, leaned on her far too heavily, a dependency Alexei knew he would need to address in time. If they wished to survive, each of them would have to carry their own weight.
Dinner did not last long. Once the table was cleared, Alexei reviewed the assignments he had given them the day before. Petrov showed notable progress in his studies, outpacing his older brothers. Despite his frail constitution and the weakness left by the days of starvation before Alexei found them, Petrov excelled in academics. His aptitude for learning compensated for what he lacked in martial ability. The twins, on the other hand, were the complete opposite, restless when it comes to academics, yet eager and full of energy whenever martial training began. Anna, he mused, was something in between, diligent in her studies, yet not averse to the discipline of combat.
After checking their work, Alexei resumed teaching them the basics of mathematics, writing, and language. He had already resolved to send them to school in the city, or perhaps hire a proper tutor, once circumstances allowed. He could not devote years of his life solely to their education, his time was needed elsewhere, for preparations of greater importance in the future.
Once the lessons ended, they shifted to combat training. The twins' faces lit up with excitement, while Petrov's expression darkened with reluctance. This time, however, Alexei spared him from drills. Instead, he set Petrov on a regimen of simple exercises, meant to build his strength and improve his constitution over time.
When they were done, Alexei told them to wash up first before going to bed. He leaned back on his chair, listening to the soft chatter of the children as they prepared themselves. Once Anna finished, he gestured for her to sit with him.
"Any news?" he asked in a calm but expectant tone.
Anna wiped her hands on her apron before sitting across from him. Her brows knitted slightly, as though she were carefully weighing her words.
"Yes, I found one, but it's not for sale," she said hesitantly. "I asked around, but I think it's difficult for us to buy a house since we don't have any status, and we're just children. So I think renting might be a better option. We can just make up things that might be believable."
Alexei had not realized this problem until now. In his mind, everything had seemed so simple, you found a house, offered money, and made it yours. It hadn't occurred to him how suspicious it would look for children, especially Anna, barely eleven years old, to be handling such matters. He had been too focused on the practical side of securing shelter and had overlooked how the world would perceive them. Fortunately, Anna had seen what he missed, and he felt a quiet relief that she had been sharp enough to catch his mistake.
Leaning forward with renewed interest, he said, "Go on."
Anna then described the house in detail, the modest size, its location near the edge of the district, the creaking yet sturdy frame, and the rent. She even mentioned the small courtyard where, in her imagination, her younger brothers could play safely.
Alexei tapped his finger on the table thoughtfully, then gave a short nod. "I'll check it out. Good work. Any other news in the slums?"
Anna shook her head firmly. "Nothing. No."
"Hmmm…" Alexei murmured, though his tone carried a hidden weight. After a moment of silence, he asked another question, his voice quieter this time, as if testing the waters. "Anna, before you met me, did you ever know others like you and your siblings? Children without parents, orphans struggling to get by?"
Anna tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly as she tried to read his expression behind the mask. Alexei often had a habit of hiding his true intentions behind casual questions. Finally, she sighed and answered. "Yes. But not many. We don't see them much anymore since we rarely go out. Why?"
Alexei's gaze sharpened, a glint of resolve in his eyes. "When we can find a house, I want you to try to find them. Invite them to join us. Tell them I'll provide food and work. A future."
Anna blinked in surprise, her mouth opening slightly. She fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve, visibly unsettled. "Why? Aren't we enough for you? We can study harder, practice more… I promise we'll do better. You don't need anyone else."
Alexei softened his tone and leaned back, watching her carefully. "It's not about you not being enough. You and your brothers are already the core of everything I want to build. But in the future, I'll need more people, more hands, more minds. You'll always be at the center, Anna. That won't change."
She lowered her gaze, chewing on her lip. The thought of strangers joining their tight-knit little group clearly bothered her. "Really?" she whispered.
"Really," Alexei assured her, his voice firm yet kind. "You don't need to worry. We will grow bigger, stronger. But you and your siblings must always stay ahead, study harder, train better. If you lead them well enough, the others will follow."
Anna lifted her eyes, meeting his gaze. For a long moment, she studied him with a mix of uncertainty and admiration. Then, as though making a quiet vow, she straightened her back. "Don't worry. We won't disappoint you. And… I'll talk to them. If they want to join, I'll bring them to you."
Alexei smiled faintly, the corner of his lips curving with satisfaction. "I know you won't disappoint me, Anna. You and your brothers are my first students, and you'll always be the ones I trust the most. If you falter, it reflects on me too. That's why you must stay sharp." He paused, his tone softening. "But for now, just think about what I said. There's no rush. First, we secure the house, then we observe the others before letting them in."
Anna nodded, determination flashing in her eyes. "Okay."
Alexei stood up, brushing the dust from his trousers. He walked over to the boys, who were already arranging their bedding, and grinned. "Goodnight, boys. Don't forget your assignments."
"Goodnight, Master!" they chorused together, their voices filled with warmth and playfulness. A ripple of laughter followed, and even Anna allowed herself a small smile.
Alexei chuckled, shaking his head as he turned away. "Goodbye," he said softly.
The title Master amused him. It felt like being a high ranked expert or young masters in the cultivation world in which he could only envy in his past life. It seemed they decided on their own on what to call him since he didn't give them his name. Still, he liked it.
Alexei didn't dwell on it as he made his way through the slums toward the location Anna had told him. When he arrived, he carefully observed the surroundings of the house. It was a detached structure that looked abandoned, its walls worn down by time and neglect. At the back, he noticed a canal that could serve as a convenient escape route if the need arose.
After ensuring the area was clear, he climbed the wall to get a better view. The front yard was wide enough to fit three cars side by side, while the back was nearly twice as spacious. From the outside alone, he found the property appealing, but he still needed to inspect the interior. Circling the building cautiously, he looked for an alternate entry to avoid the front door. Fortune favored him when he discovered a broken window, through which he climbed, sliding into the darkened interior.
The inside resembled a haunted house, dusty, cold, and silent, but Alexei ignored the eerie atmosphere and pressed on, inspecting every detail. Several parts of the structure needed repairs, and certain fixtures would have to be replaced, but overall, the house suited what he was looking for.
Once satisfied with his inspection, Alexei slipped back out. He had decided he would rent the property, provided their budget was enough to cover both the rent for a few years and the necessary renovations. Still, it would have been better if they could just purchase it but it seems he didn't think things through. Without wasting time, he returned to the palace, quietly entered his room through the window, washed up, and settled into bed. Cultivating first before sleeping.
—---
The days passed steadily. Alexei had instructed Anna to rent the house, though the process was not without its difficulties. After all, who would believe that an eleven-year-old girl had the means to rent a property? Alexei himself could not handle the matter either, as he was unable to appear during the day.
In the end, they managed to rent the house for forty rubles a month on a three year-long contract, though the actual price was only thirty. Lacking a trustworthy adult to negotiate on their behalf, they had no choice but to accept the inflated terms. With the rent agreed upon, their next challenge was to scrape together the remaining funds, carefully budgeting for both repairs and food.
They also needed to address the suspicions of the owner, who had found the circumstances unusual. Even so, Alexei was confident they could endure whatever challenges lay ahead. All he needed was to be present each night, ready to drive off any thug foolish enough to try and take the house from them, while Anna would handle the situation during the day, she could just tell whoever was interested in them to wait for the renter to arrive at night from work and he'll handle the rest. And if the owner turned out to be a scumbag who would sabotage them? Accidents can happen anytime and the owner was surely not immune to it.
—--
Alexei walked toward the banquet hall, where the celebration for his grandmother's and uncle's homecoming was being held. He was accompanied by his father, his heavily pregnant mother, and little Olga, who was carried in the arms of her caretaker. Tatiana didn't make the cut, as she was too young.
He felt quite uncomfortable in his clothes, but since his mother had personally chosen them, he had no choice but to wear them. Together, they walked like a group of peacocks, ready to impress the crowd. The moment they arrived, they instantly became the center of attention, and their little group was soon surrounded. It took much talking and smiling before his father finally managed to guide them toward his grandmother, who had been watching them from afar, the star of the day together with his uncle.
"Welcome back, Mother," his father said the moment they reached his grandmother, his voice formal yet affectionate. His mother echoed the greeting, followed by Alexei, and little Olga, who only managed a smile from her caretaker's arms.
His grandmother's sharp eyes studied each of them in turn, her gaze lingering on Alexei for a moment longer before softening into a faint smile. She then turned back to her son, Nicholas.
"Thank you for the party, my son. Now, where is your brother?" she asked, her tone carrying both curiosity and the slightest trace of impatience.
Nicholas glanced around but saw no sign of his younger brother. Helplessly, he returned his gaze to his mother. "It seems he hasn't arrived yet, Mother. Don't worry, I'll send someone to look for him." With a discreet nod toward Boris, he gave the order.
"Tsk." His mother clicked her tongue and waved her hand dismissively. "No matter. Let's get on with the evening and enjoy ourselves." She gestured lightly, signaling that she didn't need them hovering around her any longer.
Nicholas chuckled softly and bowed his head in deference before leading his wife and Olga away toward the other guests. Alexei was about to follow when his grandmother's voice stopped him.
"Not you, dear," she said, her eyes fixed on him with a mixture of pride and curiosity. "Come here. Let me look at you properly."
Alexei hesitated, glancing back at his parents. His mother frowned slightly, clearly reluctant to leave him behind, but before she could speak, his father intervened.
"Go on, son," Nicholas said warmly. "Spend some time with your grandmother." He gave him an encouraging smile before guiding his wife and daughter onward.
Left with little choice, Alexei stepped forward and bowed politely before his grandmother. She reached out and touched his cheek gently, her stern expression softening even more.
"You've grown so much since I last saw you," his grandmother murmured, studying him closely. "Tell me, how have you been? Are you being a good boy to your parents?"
Alexei shifted slightly under her steady gaze but managed a polite answer. "I've been well, Grandmother. Father and Mother take good care of me."
Her lips curved into a small smile, the sternness in her face softening into warmth. "Good. That is what I wanted to hear. You remind me of your father at your age, no, I'll take that back. You're far better than your father ever was. Handsome, taller, and perhaps a little brighter too."
Alexei wasn't sure how to reply to that, so he simply nodded, his ears turning faintly red.
His grandmother chuckled softly, patting his shoulder. "Why don't you tell me how you spend your days, Alexei? I heard you went on a hunting trip with your father. I truly don't know what he was thinking, bringing you along at your age. Why don't you tell me about it, hmm?"
With no polite way out, Alexei recounted the trip in detail. By the time he finished, he realized he had spoken far more than he intended, his throat dry from the effort. Still, his grandmother seemed genuinely pleased, her eyes glinting with quiet amusement as she listened.
At last, she waved her hand lightly. "Go on then. A boy your age shouldn't be stuck talking to an old woman. We'll see each other again soon, Alexei." She smiled, her expression softening once more.
Relieved, Alexei bowed respectfully. As he stepped back, he spotted a familiar group of boys and girls weaving through the crowd toward him. The moment they saw him, their faces lit up. Alexei's own smile broke free, he finally found an excuse to not join his mother and father at their table, a task he found exhausting, as it required him to constantly mind his manners
They clustered around him, hovering so close it felt as though they were afraid he might vanish if they let him out of their sight. Alexei arched his brow and asked dryly, "What are you all doing?"
Each of them wore the same mischievous grin, so identical and sly that it almost looked unsettling. After a brief standoff, Sergei finally broke the silence. "You won't escape us this time."
Marina immediately jumped in, her eyes glinting with playful determination. "Exactly! You haven't played with us once since you came back from your vacation. Tonight, we'll play until we drop." She lifted her chin smugly, daring the others to challenge her.
The group nodded eagerly in agreement, their anticipation palpable. Alexei made a show of hesitating, before sighing and agreeing. At once, their faces lit up, and they all shouted a cheerful, "Yeahey!" in unison, their voices ringing across the hall.
A few guests turned their heads at the noise, but upon realizing it was only children, they shook their heads with indulgent smiles and returned to their conversations. Alexei's gaze wandered toward his parents, his mother was deep in animated chatter with the court ladies, while his father, as always, was locked in serious discussion with his ministers. Both seemed far too absorbed to notice him. He exhaled softly in relief.
"So," he asked his friends, lowering his voice a little, "what now?"
"Let's go! There's a juggler just for us," Elena announced, her face bright with excitement. She was already bouncing on her heels as if ready to sprint.
And so, laughing and whispering conspiratorially, the little band of children paraded across the hall, weaving past tables and gilded pillars, until they reached the far corner where the entertainers had gathered to perform.
They watched the jugglers until the novelty wore off, then turned to their favorite card game, Durak. This time, however, they were determined not to let Sergei emerge victorious yet again. Laughter and playful bickering filled their little circle as they lost all sense of time, the game pulling them deeper into its rhythm. Their attendants dutifully brought trays of food whenever hunger struck, allowing the children to remain engrossed in their play without interruption.
Their parents eventually discovered them, but seeing the harmless joy of the gathering, they chose to let the children be. Even Alexei's mother, who often kept a watchful eye on her son, felt a swell of contentment knowing he blended so naturally with her friends' children.
It was almost the end of the banquet when Alexei noticed his uncle arrived, who was clearly being scolded by his grandmother and father despite having smiles on their faces.
Alexei didn't bother with them and instead turned to Roman, who had just begun talking about his dreams.
"One day, I'm going to be a soldier," Roman declared with certainty. "A general, even. Just wait and see, I'll have men marching at my command."
Sergei smirked. "You? A general? You'd get yourself into trouble for disobeying orders before you ever led an army."
Roman sat up, offended. "And what about you, then?"
"I'll be a great general," Sergei replied with a grin, undeterred by Roman's jab. "The greatest the world has ever seen."
"You're just copying me!" Roman huffed, clearly unwilling to share his dream with anyone else.
"You just happened to say it first," Sergei retorted with a chuckle.
Elena rolled her eyes. "You two always argue. As for me, I want to travel. I want to see Paris, Rome, maybe even faraway lands like Egypt. Why should I stay in one place all my life?"
Marina clasped her hands together dreamily. "I'd like to be a ballerina. Imagine dancing on stage, with everyone watching and applauding, that's what I want."
Irina shook her head but smiled softly. "I'd rather have a quiet life. A family, perhaps. Something simple, but happy."
Lev scratched his freckled nose thoughtfully before speaking. "I want to be an inventor. Did you hear about those automobiles they were talking about? I want to build one too."
Vladimir, with his perpetually furrowed brows that made people wonder if it was simply the natural shape of his face, scoffed. "You all keep dreaming. My father says if you tell your dreams to others, they won't come true."
"Liar," Marina, Roman, and Lev said almost in unison.
Marina narrowed her eyes at him. "Then what's your dream, Vladimir?"
Vladimir flashed a sly, almost wicked smile. "Secret."
Marina gave a dramatic huff at that, though deep down she looked a little troubled, as if worried her own dream might never come true now.
At that moment, all of them turned toward Alexei, their eyes expectant. He froze for a moment, caught off guard.
"What about you, Alexei?" Elena asked gently. "What do you want to be?"
Alexei hesitated at first. He hadn't thought about dreams since he was reincarnated into this world. Survival had always been at the forefront of his mind, and dreams felt like a luxury he could not afford. Still, with everyone's eyes fixed on him, he forced himself to speak. "I'm not sure yet. Perhaps… I just want to live long enough to choose for myself."
For a moment, silence hung in the air. His friends didn't fully understand his words. Finally, it was Marina who broke the silence, "What do you mean you're not sure yet? Come on! Tell us your dreams." Almost pleading.
"I don't really know yet. Why don't we continue playing?" Alexei tried to shift the topic back to the games they were playing and after much effort, finally averted the topic. He knew how fragile dreams could be, how war, sickness, and fate could shatter them in an instant.
Still, as he looked at each of his friends, so full of life and hope, he silently hoped that their dreams would come true, no matter the hardships they might face in chasing them.