章節 115: Chapter 109

--- 3rd Person POV ---

--- 25th of August 1904 ---

But everything changes when Rasputin came into picture. Tsar Nicholas II trusted the man so much that he willingly listens to the mystic's advices and decisions to be made. Nicholas even decided to banish his own mother after refusing to accept Rasputin at court and have even decided to put restriction on Moscow after seeing the improvement of the lives of the common people, which he views to be an abomination and the destruction of the established system of hierarchy of the empire.

Tsar Nicholas II admitted to himself that he relied to Rasputin more than anyone else in the court but why shouldn't he? The man demonstrated miracles that even monks of the Orthodoxy could not perform to do so. Thus, he could not understand why his own mother and family could not accept the reality that Rasputin as the man of God.

He believes that his actions were guided by God for the betterment of the Empire. The peasantries suffering was not really an issue for him as he believes that those were necessary for the people to grown strong and that death is the foundation of every strong nation, as per Rasputin have told him. He wages war with Japan in hopes of fulfilling his mission bringing glory to Russia by defeating Japan, after the Japanese bomb Port Arthur, their port in their controlled area in the Qing Dynasty.

And with the support of the Qing Dynasty, the belief of Tsar Nicholas II on his success against the Japanese further ignited coupled with the assurance of Rasputin himself. But everything changes when Rasputin, his trusted advisor and faithful confidant, Tsar Nicholas II spiral into depression and reclusion, afraid that someone might kill him also the same how Rasputin died.

But despite Rasputin's death, Tsar Nicholas II still pursue the war with the Japanese fully believing that this will lead to glory for the empire and the salvation of his family and the cure of his youngest son, Alexie from the illness of bleeding. But despite this, his own mother still refuses to side with him and have completely abandoned him.

Now, after months of not properly seeing each other, what Tsar Nicholas II received from his own mother is a huge slap instead of a warm hug. Feeling betrayed and humiliation in front of his own wife and family, Tsar Nicholas II faces his own mother with angry expression on his face, glaring at Empress Dowager Maria intensely.

"Ho-how dare you slap the Tsar!" Tsar Nicholas II shouted in response towards his mother slapping him.

But instead of intimidating Empress Dowager Maria, his own mother, and retreat in fear. What Tsar Nicholas II received is another set of slaps that resonated to the entire room. Further bringing Tsar Nicholas II into shock and disbelief.

Anger is what Empress Dowager Maria is feeling right now after hearing her son's response. Expecting that her son will finally be reasonable after being slap by her first but instead, her son became more feral and idiotic. Disappointment was written all over the face of Empress Dowager Maria while clinching her hands in anger.

"Preposterous!" Empress Dowager Maria responded, "You are no true Tsar at all! You have failed the moment you allowed that Rasputin to enter the court! You have failed not just your family and this government but you have failed your people!"

Tsar Nicholas II staggered back, reeling from his mother's furious blows, his face flushed with a mix of shock and anger. The room fell silent, the tension palpable as everyone present held their breath, watching the confrontation unfold.

"You speak of failure, Mother," Nicholas spat, his voice trembling with rage. "Yet it is you who failed to see the truth! Rasputin was a man of God, a beacon in these dark times! He brought hope, and he alone could have cure Alexei."

Empress Dowager Maria's eyes blazed with an unyielding fire. "Hope?! You call this hope?! You've led our empire to the brink of ruin! Our people suffer, our soldiers die in a senseless war, and all for what? The delusions of a madman?"

Nicholas clenched his fists, his knuckles white. "I did what I had to do! For Russia, for our family! You, who cling to the old ways, cannot see the vision I have for this nation. Rasputin showed me the path, and I will not stray from it, not even for you."

Empress Dowager Maria stepped closer, her voice dropping to a fierce whisper. "Your vision is a nightmare. You have turned your back on your people, your family, and your duty as Tsar. Rasputin's influence has poisoned your mind, and it is you who cannot see the truth. It is a good thing that the man is now dead, yet you still cling to his words.

For years I have stayed away in the court to give you some chance to rule on your own despite how feeble and weak you are. Yet, you were unable to demonstrate the same resolute as your father and forefathers did.

Have you been on the street? Witnessed the peoples' suffering? Have you seen them struggle to live for everyday because of how they were being treated by their masters and bosses on their work? Your people were crying for help and have even resorted in begging, yet here you are delusionally thinking that you are doing everything for the empire."

With a pause, Empress Dowager Maria take a deep breath while still glaring at her son with intimidating expression. Disappointment and ridicule over her son's failure were visible on the eyes of Empress Dowager Maria, causing Tsar Nicholas II to remain in silence and contemplate on his words and action.

On the other hand, tears have started to fall from the eyes of Tsarina Alexandra after hearing the hot exchanges between her mother-in-law and husband. As the woman who have remained on the side of her husband after being abandoned and pressured by both the government and the council, Tsarina Alexandra have witnessed everything and really understood her husband's internal problems.

Although their union were originally arranged strategically by her mother and the late Tsar of Russia. Tsarina Alexandra have grown to like and loved her own husband, especially after the birth of their first daughter, Grand Duchess Olga. At that time, Tsarina Alexandra could still remember how happy everyone was after the birth of Olga.

Those were the time that Tsarina Alexandra could remember how genuine her family's laughter was. Although they were having some problems, but those problems were not as severe as they currently are experiencing. And she could not pin point the reason for the sudden change, causing her to tremble in anxiety and forceful deep thinking.

When suddenly, it came to Tsarina Alexandra's mind that everything happened to her family after the arrival of Rasputin. She thought that the man was a man of God for his miracles and the suggestions made by her confidants. But she was wrong, instead of bringing joy to her family, it causes some cracks to appear, severing the relationship between her and her sister.

Tsarina Alexandra started to felt guilty for trusting Rasputin and recommending him to her husband, Tsar Nicholas II. Resentment have also started to boil on her blood with this realization and conclusion. Blaming Rasputin for everything that negatively happened within her family.

Grand Duchess Elizabeth on the other hand, seeing her younger sister, Tsarina Alexandra's sudden change of emotion and demeanor could not hold her sisterly loved towards Alexandra and have instead come to her side and hugged her tightly. Comforting Tsarina Alexandra affectionately while affectionately comforting her.

Despite estranging Tsarina Alexandra for months, Grand Duchess Elizabeth still deeply cares for her sister. Thus, seeing her younger sister breaking down, Grand Duchess Elizabeth could not help it but felt a sense of sisterhood and care towards Tsarina Alexandra. Causing her to shed some tears also while comforting her younger sister.

"Mo-mother-" Tsar Nicholas II tries to utter but was cut off by Empress Dowager Maria after throwing the letter came from Butuan causing Tsar Nicholas II to inspect that letter with great curiosity.

"This came from Butuan few days ago," Empress Dowager Maria commented seriously, "Not just have you wage war with the Japanese but have unintentionally offended Butuan by the disruption of its trade in the region. Not to mention that the Japanese have been one of the biggest trading partners of Butuan. Your action has also put Korea into a position that might trigger its siding with the Japanese."

Tsar Nicholas II's face paled as he read the letter, his hands trembling. The room seemed to close in around him, the weight of his decisions pressing down harder than ever.

"What... What does this mean?" he stammered, looking up at his mother, his voice barely a whisper.

Empress Dowager Maria's gaze was steely, unwavering. "It means that your reckless actions have not only endangered Russia but have also strained our relationships with other powers in the region. The Butuan Empire is a significant force, and angering them could have disastrous consequences.

And what are you thinking on including the Qing Dynasty in this war? Have you not read the newspapers about its relationship with the Pan-Oriental Alliance? Have you lost your mind and that you have to really bring the most hated Asian nation of the Pan-Oriental Alliance?!"

Nicholas's eyes darted between the letter and his mother, panic creeping into his features. "But... But Rasputin said—"

"Rasputin is dead!" Empress Dowager Maria snapped, cutting him off. "And his misguided advice has led you down a path of destruction. It's time to face reality, Nicholas. The world does not revolve around the delusions of one man."

Tsarina Alexandra, still being comforted by Grand Duchess Elizabeth, lifted her tear-streaked face. "Nicholas, please," she implored softly. "For the sake of our children, for the sake of Russia, listen to reason. We cannot continue like this."

Nicholas looked at his wife, seeing the pain and desperation in her eyes. His resolve began to crumble, the enormity of his mistakes becoming painfully clear. He looked back at the letter, then to his mother, and finally to his wife and sister-in-law.

Empress Dowager Maria stepped forward, her expression softening slightly. "Nicholas, it is not too late to change course. We can still save Russia, but you must be willing to listen and to act with wisdom and compassion."

But instead of softening and listening to his mother's words, Tsar Nicholas II instead decided to be stubborn and arrogant deciding to disregard his mother's words and instead pursue on the path that he thinks is right and is the will of God. Completely abandoning his family and instead dwindling on what he believes is correct.

Empress Dowager Maria Feodorovna watched her son's face harden, the last vestiges of her hope slipping away. His stubbornness, his refusal to see reason, was now fully evident. She could see the shadows of Rasputin's influence still lingering in his eyes, an unyielding grip on his soul.

"Nicholas, please," she tried once more, her voice filled with a mother's desperation. "Think of your children. Think of Russia."

Tsar Nicholas II straightened, his face a mask of determination. "I am thinking of Russia," he declared. "And I will do what must be done. Rasputin's death changes nothing. The war will continue, and we will emerge victorious."

Empress Dowager Maria felt a cold chill run down her spine. She could see the battle was lost, at least for now. Her son was beyond reach, ensnared by the delusions Rasputin had spun around him.

"Then you leave me no choice," she said quietly, her voice trembling with a mix of sorrow and resolve. "You are leading us to ruin, Nicholas. And if you will not change course, then I must act to protect this nation and my FAMILY."

Tsar Nicholas glared at her; his anger rekindled. "You dare to defy me?"

Empress Dowager Maria met his gaze steadily. "I dare to save Russia, even from its own Tsar."

With that, she turned and walked out of the room, her heart heavy with the knowledge of the struggle that lay ahead. Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich and Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna followed; their expressions grim.

Tsarina Alexandra, before following her sister, looked at her husband with pleading eyes. "Nicholas, please reconsider. For the sake of our family…"

But Nicholas only shook his head, his expression resolute. Now, left on his accord in his own office, Tsar Nicholas II takes his seat while disinterestedly throwing the letter from Butuan on the side, completely disregarding the authority of the Butuan Empire. The once crying face of Tsar Nicholas II is now replaced with calm and smiling appearance, completely different to his previous expression.

"I am the Tsar. I must follow the path I believe is right." He suddenly mutters while staring at the golden figurine of an angel next to him.

"Yes, Nicholas…" A menacing yet soothing voice echoed in his mind, filling the silence of the room. "You are chosen by God himself. Your destiny is beyond the comprehension of those around you."

Nicholas straightened in his chair, his grip tightening on the armrests as the voice continued, wrapping itself around his thoughts like an unbreakable chain. He recognized the voice—a voice whom he really trusted the most. And despite receiving news of his death, Tsar Nicholas II never believe it and dismissed it as false information.

And why would he believe it be as the man whom they claimed as dead is right behind him, standing while holding his shoulder gently. Tsar Nicholas II have it all already, the amount of individual claiming that his trusted aid is dead, but in reality, is really alive. Like, how can a man of the Lord be killed just like that.

"Only you can see the path to glory, the path to salvation for Russia," Rasputin whispered. "Your mother, your family… they cannot understand. They are driven by fear, not faith."

Tsar Nicholas's expression hardened. Yes, it was faith that would save Russia, not the weak compromises others proposed. The sacrifices required were great, and he alone bore that burden. He alone could see the vision Rasputin had ignited within him—a vision of Russia's glory, even if it was distant, even if the road to it was wrought with trials.

"Russia will be great again," Tsar Nicholas II muttered fanatically, his voice laced with a fervor that even surprised himself. Rasputin's hand gripped his shoulder firmly, a silent affirmation of his destiny. The presence of his trusted adviser, his spiritual guide, felt like a blessing, a sign that he was on the correct path, regardless of what others might say.

"Yes, Nicholas. Russia's greatness awaits you," Rasputin purred, his voice low and persuasive. "But greatness is achieved only through unwavering resolve. Do not let the weak-hearted distract you from what must be done."

Nicholas nodded, his resolve steeling with every word Rasputin spoke. His family's pleas, the desperate, imploring looks in his mother's and Alexandra's eyes, the doubts of the courtiers—all faded into insignificance. Those who opposed him simply couldn't understand his divine duty, the sacred charge he bore as Russia's Tsar. If they doubted him, they doubted God's will itself.

"Let them speak against me," he murmured. "Their words are only wind. It is my hand that will guide Russia's future."

Rasputin's gaze burned with approval. "The people are sheep, Nicholas. They do not see what you see, and they cannot understand your purpose. You must lead them, even if they protest. They will thank you when Russia stands atop the world."

In that moment, Nicholas felt his fears and doubts dissolve, replaced by a certainty that bordered on divine revelation. He was beyond questioning now. He would do what he believed was right, regardless of the cost. He was Russia's shepherd, and he would lead his people toward the vision of glory that Rasputin had instilled within him, even if it meant walking alone.

A menacing and fanatical smile appears on the face of Tsar Nicholas II, dreaming on the day that he will rise as the greatest ruler Russia has ever have. People might protest to his rule for now, but what does he expect from the people whom have known nothing but to eat and sleep? They were not born to rule unlike him, whom have been blessed and chosen by the man of God to lead his nation to greatness.

He is Russia and without him, Russia will not exist. These were the thought of Tsar Nicholas II while menacingly smiling and seated on his chair.

"Continue the battle against the Japanese. Do not fear the involvement of Korea in the battle," Rasputin whispers on Tsar Nicholas's ear, "What can the tiny nations of Korea and Japan do to the combine forces of your mighty Russia and the Qing Dynasty?"

Rasputin's words lingered like a dark mist in the room, filling Tsar Nicholas II with renewed determination. The prospect of a Japanese or Korean threat seemed almost laughable now, like mere whispers against the thunderous roar of Russia's might. He dismissed his mother's and uncle's concerns with a wave of his hand; they were blinded by caution, lacking the divine insight that guided him.

"Yes, Korea and Japan are but minor obstacles," Nicholas affirmed, his voice steady. "And their resistance is nothing in the face of God's chosen empire."

Rasputin's intense gaze met Nicholas's. "Precisely, my Tsar. And as for Butuan and Siam…" he leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with certainty, "they are far too entangled in the West's web to make any serious move. They won't dare interfere. The British and French have them under watchful eyes, and both Butuan and Siam know the cost of defiance."

Nicholas felt a swell of pride and confidence. He had been right to trust Rasputin's counsel all along. Why worry about distant nations, tangled in their own conflicts, when the path before him was so clear?

"So, we press on. Korea, Japan—let them try to stand against Russia. They will know the power of the Empire soon enough."

Rasputin's grin widened. "And they will fall in line, as they all do. Your destiny, Tsar Nicholas, is unbreakable. Russia will emerge triumphant."

The Tsar's heart pounded with conviction. All doubts faded as he looked to the vision Rasputin had laid before him—a Russia that would stand invincible, an empire whose light would never dim. And with that certainty, he prepared himself for the battles to come, oblivious to the forces gathering beyond his view, and unaware of the fire he was stoking that could yet burn all he had sworn to protect.

As the rays of day pierced the shadows, the room grew softly brighter, illuminating Tsar Nicholas II in his solitary fervor. The mirror, standing across from him, cast back his reflection—but to anyone else, it would have seemed as if he were speaking to an empty room. The figure of Rasputin, the mystic he so trusted, was nowhere to be seen, save for in Nicholas's own mind.

Nicholas's eyes gleamed with a zeal so intense it bordered on madness, his face lit with a strange, almost feverish belief. His hands gripped the armrests, knuckles pale against the dark wood, as if holding fast to the words of a ghost. The reality he clung to was one built on delusion, his faith in Rasputin's wisdom so unwavering that he refused to accept the man's death. Rasputin, buried somewhere deep in the forests of Siberia, was to Nicholas very much alive—a guiding voice, a living symbol of his divine mission.

Outside the walls of his chamber, the empire lay restless, tensions boiling beneath the thin veneer of imperial order. But within, Tsar Nicholas sat alone, cocooned in a vision, readying himself for the challenges that lay ahead—utterly oblivious to the fractures already forming in the foundation of the world he sought to preserve. As talks of rebellion have already started to take foothold on major cities within the empire, threatening to attack the monarchy for the better good of the people.