January 1908
The Prime Minister did not waste any time. After reading the proposal several times and cross-referencing it with his secretaries to ensure that no important details had been overlooked, he promptly approved it.
He had people within the palace who regularly reported to him on the Tsarevich's activities. Because of this, he already knew that the proposal had been carefully prepared. He had heard that the Tsarevich had wasted no time after receiving approval in principle and had immediately enlisted the assistance of his tutors to help draft the organization's structure, responsibilities, and administrative framework.
Furthermore, the Tsarevich had already informed him that he intended to finance the organization's entire first-year budget from his own funds. With the proposal professionally prepared and no immediate financial burden placed upon the government, there was little left for the Prime Minister to nitpick into.
As Stolypin handed the proposal back to the tsarevich, he could not help but wonder how the sports organization would fare under the Tsarevich's leadership. The young heir had already demonstrated an uncanny ability to turn ambitious ideas into reality, and he found himself genuinely curious to see whether this latest endeavor would prove just as successful.
Another thought soon crossed his mind. Perhaps it was time to persuade his son once again to befriend the Tsarevich. Stolypin let out a quiet sigh as he watched the young heir leave his office with a smile, clearly pleased with the outcome of their meeting. He was not getting any younger, and there was only so much he could leave his son. Wealth, estates, and titles could secure a comfortable life, but connections often proved far more valuable if you want to achieve more in life.
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The very next day, Alexei summoned Major Zakharov, the man whose efforts had turned the shooting competition into a resounding success, along with Mr. Yurovsky.
After exchanging the customary greetings, Alexei wasted little time getting to the point. He explained that his proposal to establish a sports organization had finally received official approval from both the Prime Minister and the Tsar. With the organization's creation now only a matter of time, he wished to begin assembling the people who would lead it.
"Do you truly mean that you want me to lead this new organization, Your Highness?" Zakharov asked, unable to believe what he had just heard.
He stared at the Tsarevich in stunned silence. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that the young heir intended to appoint him as the first chairman of the organization he just heard for the first time.
The Tsarevich had already rewarded him generously for the success of the shooting competition. He had received a substantial monetary reward, and thanks to the Tsarevich's personal recommendation, his name had already been placed on the list for promotion later this year. To Zakharov, these rewards alone had been more than enough compensation for his efforts.
Yet it seemed the Tsarevich had been preparing another surprise all along, and this one was far greater than anything he could have imagined. To be entrusted with leading a new organization established under the direct authority of both the Tsar and the Prime Minister was an honor that few men could ever hope to receive, let alone someone of his rank who served in the Logistics Department, where promotions came slowly and opportunities to distinguish oneself before the Empire's highest officials were exceedingly rare.
"Yes." Alexei nodded with a small smile. He understood exactly what was going through Zakharov's mind. There had been no opportunity to inform him beforehand, so this was the first time the Major had heard of this.
After a brief pause, Alexei continued, "I have seen with my own eyes how capable you are, Zakharov. You already have experience organizing large-scale events. This organization will certainly be much larger than the shooting competition, but I know you are more than capable of handling the responsibility. In truth, I had already decided that you would lead this organization long before my father and the Prime Minister officially approved its establishment." His smile widened slightly before he asked, "So, what do you think of my offer?"
Upon hearing the offer once again, Zakharov could no longer contain his excitement. A broad smile spread across his face as his eyes became misty, and he nodded repeatedly before the Tsarevich. "I accept! Of course I accept, Your Highness."
The moment the words left his mouth, tears began streaming down his face despite his best efforts to hold them back. After hastily wiping them away with his hands, he added, "Forgive me, Your Highness. I'm just... so happy right now. I... I never imagined that I would one day be entrusted with a position like this."
Alexei quietly handed him a handkerchief before replying, "I understand. I wasn't able to tell you beforehand because I was busy preparing the proposal, and I wasn't certain whether it would receive immediate approval. You've come a long way, Zakharov, and you've earned this opportunity through your own ability."
After wiping his face with the handkerchief the Tsarevich had given him, Zakharov took a deep breath and finally regained his composure. "Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I swear that I will not disappoint you."
"Make sure you don't, Zakharov," Alexei replied with a faint chuckle.
Seeing that the Major had calmed down, Alexei picked up a thick stack of documents from his desk and handed them over. "These contain the proposed administrative hierarchy, regulations, departmental responsibilities, and other important aspects of the organization you'll be building. Read through them first, and if there's anything you're unsure about, don't hesitate to ask."
"Yes, Your Highness." Zakharov accepted the documents with both hands as though they were a priceless treasure before immediately opening the first page and beginning to read.
While Zakharov carefully reviewed the documents, Alexei turned his attention to Yurovsky, who had remained silent throughout the conversation. Reaching for another folder, he handed it to him.
"This is the proposed budget based on the discussions I had with my tutors and the Prime Minister," Alexei explained. "Please review it carefully and let me know if you find anything that needs to be adjusted. I want to know whether the allocated budget is sufficient, excessive, or if there are any expenses we may have overlooked. Since we will be financing the sports organization during its first year, we need to prepare the funds as quickly as possible so that Zakharov can begin building the organization without unnecessary delays."
"Yes, Your Highness." Yurovsky accepted the documents with a calm nod and immediately began reviewing them. This was the first major expense the Tsarevich had undertaken outside of business ventures so he had no objections whatsoever. In truth, it was not his place to object in the first place. Even so, his presence at this meeting spoke volumes. The fact that the Tsarevich had entrusted him with overseeing funds beyond the commercial enterprises only strengthened his confidence in his position as one of Alexei's most trusted subordinates.
As he waited for the two men to read through their respective documents, Alexei leaned back in his chair and allowed himself to relax. At last, he had an organization in the open that he could truly call his own. In many ways, it was his first independent undertaking as Tsarevich, his first opportunity to establish something under his own name with the full approval of both his father and the prime minister. He intended to see it succeed and prosper. After all, whatever became of the organization would inevitably reflect upon him. Although he had no intention of managing its day-to-day affairs personally, he would make certain to keep a close eye on its development and guide it whenever necessary.
He knew that if the sports organization proved successful, it would open many new paths for him and give him greater freedom to present even bolder ideas to his father and the Prime Minister in the future. Of course, he also understood that his proposals had to remain realistic and achievable within the circumstances of the present era. Lost in thought, he had no idea how much time had passed until the sound of someone clearing his throat pulled him back to reality. Looking up, he saw that it was Yurovsky, who appeared to have finished reviewing the documents.
Alexei quickly composed himself before clearing his own throat. "Are you finished, Yurovsky?" he asked. "Did you find any issues?"
Yurovsky shook his head as he closed the folder resting on his lap. "None, Your Highness. The figures are appropriate for the organization's first year of operation, including its operating expenses and the recruitment of personnel." He paused for a moment before asking, "If I may ask, Your Highness, do you intend to hold any competitions under the sports organization this year?"
At those words, Zakharov looked up from the documents in his hands and turned toward the Tsarevich, waiting for his answer. After all, if he truly became the organization's first chairman, it would fall upon him to oversee the planning and organization of every event held under its authority.
"Yes," Alexei replied with a firm nod. "Of course we will. The annual shooting competition will become one of the organization's first official events. As for other sports, we'll decide on them later, depending on whether Zakharov and his team can accommodate additional competitions." He paused before adding, "However, the organization's most important responsibility this year will be preparing the Empire's delegation for the upcoming Olympic Games. I've already discussed the matter with the Prime Minister, and we've agreed that Russia's Olympic representatives will henceforth fall under the supervision of this organization."
He then turned toward Zakharov, who was already breaking into a cold sweat despite the winter weather after realizing the amount of work awaiting him.
"So," Alexei said with a faint smile, "you'd better start building your team as soon as possible, Zakharov."
Zakharov swallowed hard and could only nod. "Yes, Your Highness." Without another word, he lowered his gaze and returned to reading the documents in his lap.
Yurovsky, however, furrowed his brow. "I'm afraid there's one issue, Your Highness," he said. "The budget I've just reviewed doesn't include the expenses associated with preparing and supporting our athletes for the Olympic Games. If those costs are to be covered by the organization as well, the current budget may not be sufficient."
Alexei waved a dismissive hand, having anticipated the concern. "Don't worry. We can revise the budget accordingly. I have more than enough funds at my disposal to cover the additional expenses, do I not?"
"Of course, Your Highness," Yurovsky replied with a nod, his earlier concern immediately easing now that he knew the budget could simply be adjusted to account for the Olympic preparations.
"Then we have nothing to worry about." Alexei clapped his hands together lightly.
The discussion soon shifted to a detailed breakdown of the organization's projected expenses and monthly operating costs. It did not take Zakharov long to finish reading through the documents, though he had numerous questions that required clarification. Alexei answered each one patiently, explaining the reasoning behind the proposed structure, regulations, and administrative procedures as clearly as he could.
Once all of Zakharov's questions had been addressed, Alexei gave him a timeline of one month to recruit and appoint the organization's initial personnel. He also instructed him to begin searching for a suitable building near the palace to serve as the organization's temporary headquarters. For the time being, Alexei intended only to rent the property for a year. He had no intention to spend large amounts of his personal fortune to the organization. Only when the sports organization would get its budget directly from the ministry of finance, would he buy a permanent headquarters. Perhaps he could even persuade the finance minister to finance the construction of a proper stadium on the outskirts of Saint Petersburg, one capable of hosting the many sporting competitions he envisioned organizing in the years ahead.
By the time Alexei had finished outlining his instructions to both men, the morning had given way to afternoon. Satisfied that they understood their respective responsibilities, he dismissed them and instructed them to submit weekly progress reports.
After seeing the two men out of his study, Alexei finally allowed himself to relax. Rising from his chair, he stretched his stiff muscles before letting out a long, satisfied breath.
Meetings had occupied nearly his entire week, and constantly sitting in one room after another had left his body feeling surprisingly stiff. Even his daily morning exercise had not been enough to offset the effects of spending hours seated in discussions and planning sessions. Fortunately, those meetings were finally over, allowing him to turn his attention to the many other matters he had neglected over the past several days.
Then another matter suddenly came to mind. He still had to tell his mother about his decision to personally visit each of the potential brides she had selected for him. Officially, it would be an opportunity to get to know them before making such an important decision. In reality, however, he simply wanted an excuse to leave the Empire for a while and see the world of this era with his own eyes. There were so many places he had only read about in history books or remembered from his previous life, and he wanted to experience them firsthand.
After giving it some thought, Alexei decided to speak with his mother the following day. For now, he wanted nothing more than to enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and take a well-deserved break.
That break, however, proved to be short-lived. He had only just settled comfortably onto the sofa in his study and propped his feet up on the chair opposite him when Sednev entered the room. The attendant bowed respectfully before announcing, "Your Highness, Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Xenia is outside. She is accompanied by Prince Andrei and Princess Irina. They are waiting for your permission to enter."
Alexei let out a quiet sigh. His brief moment of relaxation had come to an abrupt end before he had even begun to enjoy it. At the same time, he found himself wondering what had brought his aunt to visit him so unexpectedly. Reluctantly, he lowered his feet from the chair, rose to his feet, and straightened his clothes.
"Very well," he said. "Please show them in."
Sednev nodded but, instead of immediately opening the door, walked over to the Tsarevich. Without saying a word, he carefully smoothed out the wrinkles in Alexei's clothes and made a few final adjustments to his appearance. Only after satisfying himself that everything was in perfect order did he walk toward the door and admit the visitors inside.
Alexei frowned ever so slightly at Sednev's meticulous nature, but before he could dwell on it, his aunt had already entered the study, accompanied by her son and daughter.
A warm smile immediately appeared on his face.
"Good afternoon, Grand duchess Xenia," he greeted politely before turning to the younger pair. "Good afternoon, Prince Andrei. Princess Irina."
Prince Andrei bowed respectfully in return, while Princess Irina curtsied gracefully and greeted him as well. Grand Duchess Xenia, however, seemed to have little interest in formalities. She walked straight over to Alexei, kissed him lightly on the cheek, and pulled him into a brief embrace before looking at him with an amused smile.
"Oh, come now, Alexei," she said. "There's no need to be so formal among family. Besides, your mother isn't here, so we don't have to be quite so careful."
Alexei could only smile wryly after hearing that. "Very well, Aunt Xenia."
"Good." Seemingly satisfied, Grand Duchess Xenia turned toward her children. "What are you two standing around for? Come, let's all have a seat."
Alexei followed his aunt to the seating area. Since she had already claimed the sofa where he had been relaxing moments earlier, he simply took the one opposite her. His cousins soon joined them, each taking a seat nearby.
A brief silence settled over the room after everyone had sat down, but Grand Duchess Xenia quickly prevented the atmosphere from becoming awkward.
"You're probably wondering why we came to see you, aren't you, Alexei?" she asked with a smile. "So I'll get straight to the point. I heard that you're establishing a sports organization and that your father and the Prime Minister have already approved it. Is that true?"
Alexei sighed inwardly. It seemed that news about him spread through the palace with astonishing speed, perhaps even beyond its walls.
Putting on a mildly puzzled expression, he replied, "Yes, Aunt. The Prime Minister signed the approval only yesterday, and I just finished meeting with the people who will be managing the organization for me. It hasn't even been formally established yet, but it seems you've already heard about it."
Xenia chuckled softly.
"News travels through this palace far faster than you might imagine," she said. "In fact, almost every move you make is watched by someone. Courtiers, officials, nobles, everyone wants to know what the heir to the Empire is doing, what he enjoys, and even what habits he has."
She leaned forward slightly before adding with a playful wink, "So you'd better be careful, Alexei."
Alexei nodded in agreement, though he could not help but mutter under his breath, "It seems you're one of them, Aunt."
The moment Xenia heard that, she burst into laughter, covering her mouth with one hand.
"My, my," she said between chuckles. "You're more perceptive than I thought, Alexei. You're right, I am one of them. But don't worry, my intentions are hardly the same as everyone else's. I'm simply curious about what my nephew has been up to."
Alexei could only laugh along at his aunt's shameless admission. Though he still couldn't understand what she came here for.
At that moment, Sednev entered with several maids carrying trays of tea, refreshments, and light snacks. They quietly served everyone before excusing themselves and leaving the study.
Only after the door had closed behind them did Grand Duchess Xenia continue. She took a graceful sip of her tea before setting the cup back onto its saucer.
"Anyway, the real reason I came today concerns my son, Andrei." She gestured toward the young prince seated beside her. "I'd like him to learn from you while you're establishing and running your sports organization. He doesn't have to do anything important. He can simply follow you around, observe, and learn. I only want him to gain some experience. If it isn't too much to ask, nephew, would you allow it?"
Alexei looked at his aunt speechlessly before shifting his gaze to Prince Andrei, who was fidgeting nervously in his seat.
"He's only ten, Aunt," Alexei said after a moment. "Does he even know why he's here?"
"Of course he does," Xenia replied without missing a beat, shooting a brief glance at her son. The look alone was enough to make Andrei immediately straighten in his seat.
"He's very much like you," she continued. "Young, curious, and more capable than most people give him credit for. What he lacks isn't ability, it's opportunity. I want him to learn from you, Alexei. That's why I'm asking if you'll allow him to accompany you while you work on the sports organization."
A warm smile spread across her face as another idea occurred to her. "And who knows? The two of you might even become good friends. Just as you've taken Vasily as your study companion, perhaps Andrei could become one as well."
She said the last part with unmistakable pride, wearing the expression of a mother who firmly believed her son was the finest boy in the Empire.
Alexei had no intention of challenging her opinion of her son. After giving the request some thought, he failed to see any real disadvantage in allowing Prince Andrei to accompany him while he oversaw the sports organization in the future. After all, the boy would merely be observing, and it would also strengthen his relationship with Aunt Xenia, which he might need in the future.
"Very well," Alexei agreed with a nod. "I have no objections, provided Prince Andrei simply follows me around and observes. The organization still needs time to begin operating properly, however, so it will likely be at least another month before I can bring him along."
Xenia's face immediately brightened.
"That's wonderful to hear, Alexei. Don't worry, my Andrei is very well behaved. He won't cause you any trouble." She turned toward her son with a raised eyebrow. "Isn't that right, Andrei?"
The young prince nodded immediately after seeing her mother's scary face. "Yes, Mother."
"See?" Xenia said with a satisfied smile as she looked back at Alexei. "He's a very obedient child, so you have nothing to worry about. And waiting another month or so isn't a problem at all."
She laughed cheerfully, clearly delighted that the purpose of her visit had been accomplished.
Alexei could only laugh along politely. The conversation soon drifted to lighter topics, and they continued chatting over tea. From time to time, he asked Prince Andrei a few questions to better understand his interests and personality, while also including Princess Irina in the conversation so she would not feel left out.
By the time the visit finally came to an end and the three of them took their leave, Alexei felt as though he had exhausted his social energy for the entire month. His cheeks had grown slightly sore from smiling for so long, and after seeing them out, he instinctively rubbed his face to ease the stiffness.
As he did so, a thought crossed his mind.
His aunt would almost certainly not be the last member of the Imperial Family, or even the nobility, to send a son or daughter his way. Now that he was beginning to take a more active role as the Tsarevich and was establishing an organization under his own authority, many influential families would undoubtedly seek opportunities to place their children at his side. Some would do so out of genuine goodwill, while others would have ambitions of their own.
Alexei could only shake his head before leaning back in his chair and relaxed his entire body. There was little point in worrying about it now. He would simply take things one step at a time and deal with each situation as it arose.
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A/N: Please don't forget to rate and review the story after reading. And if you want to read ahead. You know where to look.