Chapter 17

The growth of Moscow was constant, thanks to my father's and my investment, the modernization and urbanization projects initiated by me received great praise during the coronation. The wide and tree-lined avenues greatly contributed to the city's beauty, the creation of septic tanks and sewage tunnels also played a significant role in the city's population growth.

Before, Moscow was the third-largest city in Europe with an estimated population of just over 300,000 inhabitants, trailing behind Paris with 850,000 and London with 1.5 million inhabitants. The population size of a city does indeed have an impact on the process of industrialization, as it often signifies a larger labor force available for factory work rather than agricultural labor in the fields.

The process initiated in Moscow was so appreciated by my father that one of his first decisions as the new Czar was to replicate my actions in the capital, St. Petersburg was the fourth-largest city in Europe, with a population of around 250,000.

My idea for industrialization in Russia was to create regional development hubs, promoting industrial growth in major cities throughout the empire, this approach differed from the British and French models, which concentrated development primarily in the capitals of their kingdoms.

Decentralized industry had its positive and negative aspects, and at this moment, the major drawback was the difficulty in transporting goods, to address this issue, I focused my resources on cities with greater accessibility to waterways.

Moscow and St. Petersburg became my primary focus for now, with increased export growth to the Ottomans, my next steps will be directed towards the cities of Odessa and Kiev, where I plan to further expand industrial development.

Indeed, the reduction of common diseases in large cities, such as typhoid fever and cholera, through investments in basic sanitation has significantly lowered the mortality rate in Moscow, combined with the ample job and housing opportunities provided by my factories, the population of Moscow has grown to nearly 500,000 inhabitants in 1826.

Prior to the establishment of railways, my plan was to further expand Moscow's population to 1 million and have the capital city reach 500,000 inhabitants, with cities like Odessa, Kiev, and Minsk reaching 300,000 inhabitants. These ambitious goals reflect my vision for urban development and industrial growth in Russia.

-------- pov Miguel Nikolaevich Grand Duke of Russia.

"I'm not sure what to make of my brother's mission, traveling the globe for business and agreements, It must be quite tedious, but at least I'll get to see new places and experience new beauties. I think he's punishing me for something, he can be quite intimidating when he wants to be," thought the Grand Duke as he reflected on his actions, trying to find an excuse for his "punishment."

My first stop was relatively close, in the city of Stockholm to know the city the royal palace, and especially its ruler Charles XIV John king of Sweden and Norway, I was received quickly in a direct meeting with the final Nordic king my train came following the diplomatic envoy Swedish for my brother's coronation, the diplomat was apprehensive about being escorted by a large Russian fleet, he was probably scared shitless of being the bearer of news emergencies after all, the Russian record diplomatically is not very good.

Miguel internally reflected, ''The old king's face was serene and cold, he had likely witnessed many things since his participation in the Napoleonic Wars, he did not cower in my presence like his subjects, I liked his demeanor of him; it seems we will understand each other quite well.''

"To what do I owe the honor of receiving such an important envoy from our neighbors in the East?" spoke the old king as we sat in a separate room for our meeting, as I had requested on behalf of my brother.

I opened a wide smile and said, "I come bearing only good news my new friend, a highly profitable and fair trade agreement, and even a proposal to ensure strong future relations between our countries."

"What kind of agreements are we talking about?" asked the Swede.

"A most favored nation agreement, where Russian products would have a significantly lower tariff rate compared to products from other nations, we are also open to trading even in the field of weapons and ammunition with our new friends, of course, the same privilege will be extended to products made in the territory of Sweden in our country,"

I explained, as I spoke, I could see that he had understood the hidden meaning behind my words.

It was well known that the old king was facing challenges from the Norwegian parliament. There were many rebels and disloyal individuals, and the king had limited power in Norway. Their rebelliousness was growing by the day, fueled by the covert support of the British, who sold cheap products to the Norwegians, making them wealthier and more powerful compared to their neighbors, however, the agreement alone did not satisfy the greedy king; he wanted more.

"It is a good agreement my friend, but you see, this agreement does not provide any guarantees for the security of my country," the old king spoke slowly and deliberately.

"I can offer you my friend, a ten-year non-aggression treaty where both nations would establish a border supervision commission to monitor borders and military movements.

Both countries would reduce military presence along the borders, and the treaty could be renewed or terminated with a two-year notice before expiration, however, with the condition that you my friend, cannot sign a tariff agreement with any other nation that would result in an immediate breach of the agreement, what do you think my friend?"

I proposed firmly to the Swedish king, leaving no room for changes.

The old Swedish king pondered for a few minutes and said, "The termination clause is quite stringent, but this is indeed a good agreement, I must admit, It was good negotiating with the new Czar, and I am certain that he will be a great monarch."

The agreement was successfully concluded and would be signed by both monarchs in Helsinki in a month's time, my obligations here were now complete, and I could enjoy all the privileges that this beautiful city had to offer.

The journey on a ship had been quite stressful, and my fellow travelers were not particularly entertaining. I had only a few days to relax before heading to my next destination.

Speaking of companions, I also announced the new services available in case the Swedish king needed the assistance with rebels, the Blackwater mercenary company.