Yakov Polyakov

"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear."

~ Mark Twain

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The next morning, Nicholas was in his office, waiting for someone whom he was really interested to meet.

Soon, a stout old man, probably in his late 50s walked in. His beard well-groomed, his hair neately combined and his eyes sharp, constantly evaluating and calculating met Nicholas' eyes.

He was impeccably dressed in a fine suit made from dark expensive fabric with subtle patterns. A gold po let watch chain was visible, a common accessory among wealth businessmen of his class.

His demeanor was polished and confident, with a calm and deliberate manner of speaking.

He would maintain an air of quiet authority but also convey warmth and charm when neccessary.

"Your Imperial Highness." He bowed in respect.

"Mr. Polyakov, I appreciate your willingness to meet me on such short notice. Your reputation precedes you. Not only as one of the most successful industrialists of our time but as a man who has shaped Russia's growth through your railways and banking ventures. Come, sit down." Said Nicholas while pointing to the two comfortable sofas, smiling amicably.

Yakov sensed an opportunity to affirm his of course 'unshakable-unless-interests-dictate-otherwise' loyalty to the Empire and the Royal Family.

"Your Imperial Highness, I am deeply honored by your kind words. My family and I have always strived to serve the interests of the empire. Please, tell me, how can I be of assistance?"

"I'll be direct. I'm pursuing a project that requires immediate funding. 10 million Rubles, to be precise. They will be payed over 10 years with an interest rate of 10%. This endeavor is crucial for the stability and modernization of Russia. It's my intention to overhaul certain institutions to better serve the nation and ensure our empire's prosperity."

Polyakov opened his eyes wide, certainly surprised. He maintained his composure though and asked:

"That is indeed a significant sum, Your Highness. May I inquire as to the specifics of this project?"

"It involves the Okhrana, bringing skilled individuals to make it a more efficent and less corrupt organization. Additionally, the funds will support industrial and scientific innovation through partnerships and investments in key industries across various sectors. This will lay the foundation for Russia's strength in the coming century, which both of us want."

Nicholas used patriotic talk to give Polyakov few ways out. Refusing collaboration with the Crown Prince who was seeking the betterment of Russia wouldn't be great measure. But Polyakov was an cunning fox. He wouldn't fall in Nicholas' trap and walk out of this room without gaining anything.

He leaned forward and said with a seemingly sad and resigned face:

"A bold and admirable plan, Your Highness. However, such an investment comes with risks. 10 million Rubles is no small amount. If I were to assist, I would need certain assurances."

'Of course you would you old fox. I didn't expect anything less from you. You're even a good actor. I could learn two or three things from you.'

Nicholas didn't let these thoughts show on his face but in reality he said:

"Of course, I expected nothing less. You will collateral in the form of my own personal estates and shares in foreign venues. Additionally, I am prepared to offer you exclusive contracts in select projects for a set term. Railway construction, for instance."

Nicholas got on his feet and walked towards his desk. There, he got a document and handed it to Polyakov.

Polyakov got it respectfully and started reading. In it were the properties and shares who would become collateral. He was certainly impressed.

He closed the document shut and said:

"This is certainly generous, Your Highness. But as you may know, my family's position is not without its challenges. Anti-semitic laws and political maneuvering often make or operations... precarious.

Might I request some guarantees for our community's stability in return for this loan?"

'Your real face is finally in the open huh?' Nicholas mused to himself.

"I understand your concern. But unfortunately I don't have the power or authority to make any changes, yet. But I aim that any business and industry is not interfered with. After all, industry is key to Russia's development."

'A wholly empty promise. Didn't refuse but didn't even say he'd protect or help us. He said he would basically help all industrialists and capitalist. This Crown Prince is really something isn't he?' Contemplated Polyakov to himself, making a mental note to keep an eye on him.

"Perhaps one more suggestion, Your Highness. Should this reform of your succeed, might the newly revitalized Okhrana prioritize suppressing those who wpupd endanger the stability of both state and its key contributors?"

Of course, Nicholas got the underlying meaning of Polyakov's words. He was asking if he and his businesses will be protected against perpetrators from the Okhrana of the future.

"Mr. Polyakov, you have my assurance that any threats to Russia's prosperity, whether they come from radicals or those seeking to undermine our institutions, will be dealt with swiftly. Your interests align with mine." Nicholas stated.

Polyakov was a pragmatic and shrewd individual. He was well-informed and already knew Alexander was sick. He didn't know how sick but he figured that Nicholas would probably become Tsar in the upcoming years. He was going to invest on Nicholas.

Because of that, he would of course accept the offer. Whether to curry favor with the future Tsar or gain influence in the Russian court. The reasons were multiple but the conclusion was one.

He gave Nicholas an amicable smile and stretched his hand forward.

"In that case, Your Highness, I believe we have an agreement. The 10 Million Rubles will be yours within a month. I trust this partership will prove mutually beneficial."

And Nicholas responded with the same kind of fake amicable smile, rising to his feet:

"I look forward to working together, Mr. Polyakov. Russia's future depends on partnerships like these."

They shook hands and after that, Yakov Polyakov bowed and left Nicholas' office.

Nicholas stared at the door for 5 minutes, his mind working constantly.

Then, Nicholas called his butler in, telling him:

"Call Witte, Brusilov, Mendeleev and Fedorov to come meet me as soon as possible."

The butler bowed and said: "As you wish, Your Highness.

Nicholas needed Brusilov to make sure he had the full support of the military in any case and needed Sergei to help him with the economical part of the purge and reshuffle.

In his past life, Nicholas had stopped understanding maths when the alphabet decided to get involved...