March 1901
Alexei pondered the events that had taken place in the slums just weeks ago. With the discovery of the bodies, the authorities began questioning anyone who might be connected to the murder, Anna and her brothers included. Fortunately, being children, they were quickly ruled out as possible suspects.
Still, the incident had shaken him. He needed to increase their security soon. They were his investments, and he would not allow anything to happen to them.
Maybe I should recruit another batch of children? The thought made him grimace. It was starting to feel as though he were running an orphanage, and he didn't like that one bit. Anna's brothers were already more than enough to manage.
He shelved the idea for now. What he needed most at the moment was money. He had promised Anna that he would buy them a house and assured her that he would handle the cost. Only now did he realize that he hadn't actually figured out how to obtain the money.
He couldn't simply ask his parents, not without raising suspicion. They already found his knowledge unsettling. Requesting a large sum of money would only deepen their concerns. How could he possibly explain what it was for?
Maybe I should just steal it from them instead of asking? He considered the idea seriously. Bold, but not impossible.
Another thought followed. What if he robbed the criminals in the city instead? Play Robin Hood, but keep the money for himself. It wasn't a bad idea. The city was full of corrupt, wealthy men whose losses would hardly be noticed.
Whatever path he chose, he would decide after returning from the hunting trip this spring.
Alexei let out a quiet sigh and headed to the washroom to clean up. He still had appointments with his "new friends" later in the day. His mother had been overjoyed when he made friends during her party, despite his disappearance after the "soiled pants" excuse. So much so, in fact, that she had convinced her friends at court to spend the late winter season at the palace with their children.
There wasn't much he could do about it now.
Best to get ready.
—----
After lunch
Alexei walked toward the room beside the nursery, where his supposed playmates were already gathered and playing. The moment his attendant, Sednev, opened the door, he was greeted by the sight of children running about.
Of course, he thought. With their parents not present today, they're behaving like normal children.
He sighed inwardly, already wondering what he would do with them, or whether he could find an excuse to leave early if they turned out to be especially annoying. He also noticed a few unfamiliar faces among the group.
Looks like the other nobles at court aren't letting this opportunity pass them by, he mused.
Marina, the most talkative among his so-called friends, spotted him and immediately dashed over.
"Your Imperial Highness, you're here! We've been waiting for you. We thought you weren't going to join us again today," she said with a pout.
Before he could respond, Sergei, the eldest of the children present, came running up.
"Your Imperial Highness, you're finally here! Come on, let's play Durak again." Sergei laughed, already looking smug. He clearly remembered how many times he had beaten the others and was enjoying the memory far too much.
"Alright," Alexei replied.
In no time, the rest of the children gathered around him. Elena and Roman moved closer, subtly positioning themselves beside him. Alexei didn't mind and let them be. He led them to the table, where the cards were already prepared, and they began to play.
As they gathered the cards after the first round, Elena glanced toward a group of children watching from a distance. After a brief pause, she turned back to Alexei.
"Do you want me to introduce them?"
"Who?" Alexei asked without looking up, neatly stacking the cards.
"Our friends," she said, gesturing behind her. "We brought them with us today. Their parents are also staying in the palace."
Before Alexei could respond, Marina was already waving them over. "Come on, don't just hover there like ghosts!"
The tallest of the group stepped forward—a boy with neatly combed blond hair and an arrogant tilt to his chin. He stopped a few feet away, crossed his arms, and stared at Alexei as if sizing up a rival.
"This is Vladimir," Elena whispered. "He's… well… he can be difficult."
"I heard that," Vladimir muttered sharply. "I'm not difficult. I just don't grovel."
"Obviously," Marina replied with a laugh, clearly unfazed.
The second boy, Lev, had a much more relaxed air. Freckles dotted his nose, and a shy smile played on his lips as he stepped forward.
"Your Imperial Highness," Lev said with a small bow. "It's an honor to meet you."
Alexei offered a polite nod. "Thank you."
"And this," Marina continued, "is Irina. She's great at embroidery and chess. You'll like her."
Irina, a tall girl with neatly braided dark hair draped over one shoulder, gave an elegant curtsy. "It's nice to meet you, Your Highness."
Alexei studied them one by one. Lev seemed eager to please. Irina appeared calm and composed. And Vladimir, well, Vladimir looked like he'd rather be anywhere else.
"Everyone," Alexei began, tapping his fingers lightly against the table. The small sound somehow drew their attention and quieted the group. "Since it looks like we'll be playmates from now on, there's no need to call me 'Your Imperial Highness' when no one else is around. It's too long. You can just call me Alexei. Just remember to use my title when adults are nearby, so you don't get scolded. Alright?"
"Yes, of course!" Sergei replied immediately, eyes wide with excitement. The others quickly nodded, clearly pleased by the idea.
Even Roman, quiet as ever, gave a small nod, the faintest smile tugging at his lips.
Vladimir didn't say anything, but he didn't object either.
With that settled, they returned to the game. Cards were dealt, and laughter soon filled the room. Sergei, brimming with confidence, kept winning round after round, grinning smugly each time he outplayed someone. Before long, the others began to gang up on him, verbally, at least.
"This isn't fair! You've won three times in a row!" Marina huffed, tossing her cards down.
"Yeah," Elena added, narrowing her eyes. "At this point, you should just step aside."
Sergei leaned back in his chair, hands behind his head, practically glowing with pride. "Then beat me. That's the rule, isn't it? If you want me out, you'll have to win first."
He laughed loudly, and the others groaned in good-natured defeat.
As the next hand was dealt, Marina leaned closer to Alexei, her eyes shining with curiosity. "Hey, Alexei, are you going to join the spring hunting trip?"
At that, a few of the others perked up. Elena raised an eyebrow, and Lev straightened in his seat. Even Irina, who had been quietly watching the game unfold, looked mildly interested.
Alexei glanced up from his cards. "Yes."
"Oh!" Marina clapped her hands. "Then we'll ask our parents if we can go too!"
"Me too," Lev said eagerly. "I've never been hunting, but I've always wanted to try."
"Irina and I can go together," Elena added with a smile. "We'll bring warm clothes and practice archery until then."
Alexei exhaled softly, the corners of his mouth twitching somewhere between amusement and weariness. He set his cards down for a moment and leaned an elbow against the table.
"You can ask," he said, "but they probably won't agree."
Marina tilted her head. "Why not?"
"Because hunting is dangerous," Alexei replied. "Most of the court keeps their children away from it, no matter how much they ask."
"I'm not afraid of danger," Sergei declared.
"It's not about you being afraid," Alexei said flatly. "It's about your parents worrying too much."
The group fell quiet for a moment, digesting that. Roman looked down at his cards, fidgeting. Lev exchanged a glance with Marina, who slouched in disappointment.
Still, Marina wasn't one to be discouraged for long. "Well, I'll ask anyway. Maybe if enough of us ask, they'll make an exception!"
Alexei gave a quiet sigh and picked up his cards again. "Good luck with that."
He was certain their parents wouldn't approve of them joining the hunting trip, so he wasn't worried in the slightest that they would actually come along and ruin his vacation. What he truly looked forward to was seeing what kind of guns would be used. He planned only to observe, of course. No matter how much he begged, he doubted his father would allow him to fire one. Maybe, just maybe, he would be allowed to hold one, but not shoot it.
Still, that would be enough.
He had never used a gun in his first life. And in the cultivation world, firearms didn't exist at all. This would be his first real encounter with one, and since guns were the primary weapons of this world, he was determined not just to become familiar with them, but to master them.
It didn't take long before they were called away by their respective parents. They said their goodbyes and parted ways.
Alexei walked out with his attendant, Sednev, who had remained quietly present the entire time. Outside, they were joined by Nagorny. Alexei found himself quietly grateful that his attendants were the silent type, professional, discreet, and unlikely to speak unless spoken to. From what he could tell, they carried out their duties with discipline.
Still, he couldn't quite read what they truly thought of him.
He wanted to test whether they could be trusted and eventually confide in them about his plans. That would be ideal, from what he could tell. They already worked closely with him, and it would be useful to have someone who could cover for him if he ever needed to go out in an emergency. Time would tell.
As they walked through the corridor, the soft clack of polished shoes echoed against the marble floor. Sednev and Nagorny flanked him in silence.
When they reached the dining room, servants pulled the tall doors open. Inside, the table was already set, crystal glasses, silver cutlery, and the quiet weight of imperial etiquette hanging in the air like perfume. His parents were already seated.
"Alexei," his mother greeted him with a warm, practiced smile. "Did you enjoy your time with the other children?"
"I did," he replied, taking his seat. "They brought new friends with them."
His father glanced at him from across the table. "And did you behave as you should?"
Alexei inclined his head slightly. "Yes, Father."
The meal progressed with quiet civility. His mother asked gentle questions, what games they played, whether the other children were polite, and Alexei answered in a suitably childish tone. His father spoke little, mostly observing his children.
Olga, as always, ate while playing with her stuffed toy. She refused to behave unless her beloved companion was with her. Tatiana, on the other hand, was quiet. It seemed their parents had finally figured out what would keep her occupied during meals, judging by the object she clutched in her hands. Alexei wasn't sure what it was, nor was he particularly interested. What mattered was that, for once, there was no crying at the table.
Dinner concluded quickly, and Alexei was soon led back to his chambers by his attendants. When they reached his room, Sednev stepped forward to open the door, waiting as Alexei entered. Sednev followed him inside while Nagorny remained outside, standing guard.
Inside, Sednev moved with practiced ease, drawing the curtains and preparing the bed. The room was warm, the soft crackle of the fire in the hearth filling the silence.
"Please rest now, Your Highness," Sednev said with a gentle smile.
Alexei glanced around the room, checking the corners as he always did. After a moment, he nodded. "Thank you. You may go now." Then he added, before Sednev could close the door, "Oh, and thank Nagorny for me."
"Yes, Your Highness," Sednev replied with a bow before leaving.
Once they were gone, Alexei went to the washroom and cleaned himself thoroughly. Warm water sluiced over his skin as he scrubbed away the weight of the day, but his thoughts were already drifting toward the coming spring hunt.
He couldn't help but wonder, could he enhance a rifle the same way he had enhanced his throwing knives?
Back in the slums, during that encounter, he had instinctively coated his knives with a thin layer of qi before throwing them at the intruders. The energy, though barely controlled, had enhanced the blades' sharpness and durability. It was a crude application, but in that critical moment, it worked. The knives pierced deeper and struck faster than they ever should have.
It hadn't been something he consciously planned. It was a split-second reaction, the moment he saw the thugs about to strike his subordinates, his mind acted before his body could catch up. In truth, he hadn't practiced qi enhancement in this life, nor had he attempted it before then. His body wasn't trained for reflexes like that yet. But his soul remembered, and his instincts carried the action through.
He hadn't expected it to work.
But it did.
Since that day, he had practiced every night, using forks, spoons, and any other handheld objects that could be turned into weapons. The qi enhancement would cling to the object for no more than five seconds after leaving his hand before dissipating. He also tried applying other enhancements he remembered from his past life, but failed. He could only enhance sharpness and durability.
In the cultivation world, weapon enhancement with qi had been commonplace, but it was always a deeply personal art. Qi was not a universal force; it reflected the nature, will, and affinity of the cultivator. Some enhanced their blades with burning heat, others with icy sharpness, others with pure force or speed.
My qi isn't elemental, Alexei thought, rubbing his face with a towel. At least, not that I can tell. But it's stable… dense. Focused. Like me.
He recalled what the elders in his past life used to say: Qi is not just energy. It is intent made manifest. It carries your will. The stronger the cultivator's will, the stronger the effect. But unlike legends and myths, qi could not form weapons out of nothing. It required a medium, steel, wood, iron, something physical to bond with.
A gun, however, was more complicated.
Rifles were not designed for qi circulation. They had moving parts, delicate mechanical structures not easily reinforced with raw energy. But if he could figure it out, if he could even partially enhance one, improve its accuracy, reduce recoil, reinforce the barrel, or extend the bullet's range, it would give him a decisive edge.
The real question was whether he would even be allowed to fire one during the hunt.
He doubted it. His father was unlikely to let him so much as load a rifle, let alone shoot it. At best, he might be allowed to observe. Maybe even hold one, under supervision.
Still, that would be enough.
After finishing his wash, Alexei returned to his room and completed his usual checks, curtains drawn, windows secured, locks clicked into place. Only then did he sit on his bed, posture straight, breathing steady.
The fire still crackled softly in the hearth, casting flickering shadows across the walls.
He closed his eyes and sank into the stillness.
Qi flowed slowly from his dantian, circulating through his limbs like a steady current. Not wild, not fiery, but calm, controlled and dense.
—----
Early Spring…
"Are we there yet?"
His son had been repeating that question ever since they left St. Petersburg.
They were on their way to the Białowieża Forest for the upcoming hunt. This would be the first time Nicholas had a chance to spend time alone with his son, without his ever-watchful, ever-nagging wife present.
He immediately pushed that thought aside. Careful, he reminded himself. He wasn't sure whether his wife possessed a sixth sense or something close to it, but she always seemed to know whenever he even thought about badmouthing her. After all these years, Nicholas had trained himself not to fall into that trap.
"Not yet," Nicholas replied, glancing sideways at his son, who was still buried in his book. The boy hadn't even looked up.
Nicholas narrowed his eyes in mock suspicion. "What's wrong with you today? You've asked that question like…" He paused, trying to remember.
"Nine times, Your Imperial Majesty," Boris answered promptly, clearly listening to every detail that might interest his Tsar.
Nicholas chuckled. "Right, nine times. That's nearly a week's worth of words coming from you. Miraculous, really."
He leaned back against the cushioned seat, stealing another glance at his son. For a moment, he considered trying again, another attempt at conversation, some shared interest, anything to build a connection between them.
When Alexei had spoken his first words earlier than most children, Nicholas had been overjoyed. He'd imagined them talking about books, history, or even politics one day. But in reality, Alexei gave short, clipped answers that ended conversations before they truly began. Every attempt at bonding made Nicholas feel as though he were speaking to a small statesman, or worse, a scholar trapped in a child's body.
"Why are you reading anyway?" Nicholas asked, feigning boredom. "We're supposed to be on vacation. Can't you at least pretend to be excited?"
"I am excited," Alexei replied without lifting his eyes from the page. "I just want to finish this chapter."
Nicholas rolled his eyes, smiling despite himself. "Well, forgive me for wanting to talk to my only son while we travel to the imperial hunting grounds. Silly me."
That earned a small grin from Alexei, though it remained mostly hidden behind the book.
"What's the book this time?" Nicholas asked.
Alexei finally looked up. "It's about European rifle manufacturing. I want to understand the differences before the hunt."
Nicholas blinked. "Of course you do." He glanced at Boris and muttered, "He's not even ten."
Boris simply smiled.
Alexei closed the book slowly and rested it on his lap. "I know I won't be allowed to shoot. But I'd still like to understand what I'll be watching. It helps me learn."
Nicholas was quiet for a moment, caught off guard by the seriousness in his son's tone.
"You're right," he admitted, sitting up straighter. "But you should also learn how to enjoy yourself. You're allowed to have fun, you know."
Alexei nodded slightly. "I'll try."
Outside, the scenery had begun to change. The endless white of the countryside gave way to dense forest lines as they neared the estate.
"We'll arrive in about fifteen minutes, Your Majesty," Boris informed them, adjusting his gloves as the carriage rocked gently along the packed snow road.
Nicholas smiled and leaned toward the window. "Look at that, Alexei. That's the edge of Białowieża. You see those trees? Your grandfather hunted here."
Alexei pressed a hand against the frosted glass and peered out. The trees looked ancient, tall, silent guardians of some forgotten world. He had read about this forest. Białowieża was said to be one of the oldest and most mysterious forests in Europe, still home to bison and wolves.
"Will we see any wolves?" he asked.
Nicholas chuckled. "Maybe. But don't get your hopes up, they're shy creatures. Not like your mother."
Oops.My wife is the most beautiful woman in the world, he quickly amended in his thoughts.
Alexei smirked.
Nicholas let out a satisfied sigh. Moments like this, when his son smiled or made even the smallest joke, were rare and precious.
The carriage slowed as the forest thinned near a clearing. Ahead, the imperial hunting lodge came into view, a stately wooden manor nestled among the trees. Smoke curled from the chimney, and guards stood at attention near the gate. Their horses exhaled clouds of steam into the cold air.
"Here we are," Nicholas murmured, straightening his coat. He gave his son a playful look. "Time to stop being a scholar and become a hunter, eh?"
Alexei half-shrugged as he gathered his gloves and book. "Maybe I can be both."
Nicholas laughed. "Of course you can."
The carriage came to a stop, and the door was opened by an attendant. A gust of cold air swept in, but neither father nor son flinched. They stepped out together, Nicholas lifting Alexei lightly before setting him down, and walked toward the gathered nobles who would join them for the hunt.
A cluster of fur-clad men stood near the entrance of the hunting lodge, their breaths visible in the frigid evening air. Snow crunched beneath polished boots as they shifted in place. Behind them, grooms tended to horses, and the scent of pinewood smoke drifted from the chimney, blending with the crisp winter air.
As Nicholas approached, the nobles straightened. Their bows were measured and practiced.
"Your Imperial Majesty," Count Orlov greeted first, stepping forward. His thick mustache was tipped with frost, and his gloved hand pressed flat against his chest. "It is an honor to accompany you once again on the hunt."
"Count," Nicholas replied with a nod, a polite smile tugging at his lips. "I trust your aim has improved since last year?"
A ripple of polite laughter followed. Count Orlov chuckled. "I've done my best, Sire. Though I fear the boar may still outrun me."
"Then let's hope they're feeling charitable," Nicholas said, stepping aside and gesturing toward his son. "You all know my son, Alexei."
The nobles offered respectful nods and bows to the young Tsarevich. Alexei stood straight despite the cold and returned each greeting with polite stiffness.
"He'll be observing this year's hunt," Nicholas added, resting a hand gently on the boy's shoulder. "A future Tsar should know our traditions, even if he isn't pulling a trigger just yet."
"A wise decision, Your Majesty," said General Mikhailov, a broad-shouldered man with a weathered face. "Nothing teaches better than watching men in the wild."
Alexei glanced up at his father but said nothing, his expression unreadable. He remained quiet as the greetings continued, Baron Sheremetev, Prince Volkonsky, and other familiar names from court.
They were soon ushered into the warmth of the lodge, where a roaring fire welcomed them in the central hall. Coats were removed, boots dried, and drinks offered. The air smelled of aged wood and fur, spiced liquor, and faint cigar smoke.
The lodge itself was rustic yet elegant, befitting imperial taste without losing the charm of a forest retreat. Hunting trophies adorned the walls, stag antlers, bear heads, even a rare lynx pelt. Beneath them, polished rifles rested on mounts, glinting in the firelight.
Nicholas joined a group of older nobles by the fire, already deep in discussion about which dogs would be used and which trails promised the best game. It didn't take long for politics to creep in, the murmurs of unrest in the cities, strikes spreading like frost. As usual, Nicholas treated it as background noise. He had no desire to discuss politics on his vacation.
Alexei, meanwhile, kept his distance, observing rather than engaging. He wandered along the edges of the room, studying the mounted rifles and occasionally meeting the curious glances cast his way.
Eventually, dinner was served in a long, timbered hall. The meal was hearty, game stew, fresh bread, cured meats, and root vegetables. Despite the formality, the atmosphere was far more relaxed than at the palace. Nicholas watched his son closely, noting how smoothly Alexei handled the nobles' curiosity, answering questions with polite, concise replies.
When the plates were cleared and the fire settled into glowing embers, Nicholas rose.
"We rise before dawn," he announced. "Let's all get some rest. Tomorrow, the forest awaits."
The nobles stood as one, offering bows and murmured goodnights. The mood shifted, less laughter now, more anticipation. The hunt was a performance of power, grace, and tradition, and none wished to be found lacking come morning.
Nicholas placed a hand gently on Alexei's back and nodded toward the stairs. "Come. Let's settle in."
Alexei didn't resist; fatigue was already setting in.
Their attendants met them upstairs. The bedrooms were warm and spacious, thick curtains drawn against the cold, heavy quilts laid neatly across the beds. Sednev helped Alexei out of his coat while Nagorny prepared the fire in the hearth.
Nicholas lingered in the doorway of his son's room.
"You did well today," he said softly, his tone lacking its usual teasing. "You carried yourself with dignity."
Alexei glanced up briefly while unlacing his boots. "I learned from you, father."
Nicholas smiled, then gave a small nod. "Sleep well, son. Tomorrow, you'll see the forest come alive."
"I'm looking forward to it," Alexei replied.
With a rare, quiet smile, Nicholas turned and disappeared down the hall. Sednev drew the curtains shut while Nagorny dimmed the lanterns.
—--
After checking that everything in the room was in order, Sednev and Nagorny excused themselves.
Alexei slid beneath the heavy covers. As warmth enveloped him and the crackle of the fire lulled him toward sleep, he stared up at the darkened ceiling.
He thought of his friends at court, who had cried when they learned they could not join him. Just as he had expected, their parents had refused to let them take part in the hunt. They were content to see their children accompany him within the safety of the court, but in a place as dangerous as this, they would never agree.
He didn't mind, though. If anything, he was grateful they hadn't come. It would have been a headache trying to entertain them while also figuring out whether he could enhance a rifle's capabilities in his hands.