Chapter 07

At the beginning of the year 1824, I was sitting, reviewing my investments with my now secretary, Natasha, who had stood out among the orphaned girls, she had earned the position of my personal secretary and captain responsible for all the girls.

"My prince, here are the reports on the new cotton crops in the flooded regions of the Caucasus and Transcaucasia" - Natasha said, presenting me with the papers.

"Have there been many opponents?"

"The Muslim groups have refused to follow the royal order."

The reports indicate a surplus in domestic cotton production over the past two years, my factories have stopped purchasing cotton from the Americans since last year, and only the Polish continue to import cotton.

With this move, I will kill two birds with one stone, my products will gain a larger share of the domestic market with cheaper prices and higher profit margins compared to the Polish products.

When the Tsar annexed the kingdom of Poland, my uncle, he guaranteed groups of Polish nobles and burghers, less taxes on products produced in Poland, guaranteeing these disloyal freedoms and funds for their revolts.

With the cotton maneuver, I will ensure support and wealth for the loyal people of the Caucasus while suppressing the disloyal Muslims. As the wealth of the loyalists increases, they will themselves eliminate each other in the competition for cotton-rich lands.

Meanwhile, I will profit from my factories, enriching myself and competing with the Polish in the domestic market, reducing their profits. This will ultimately lead to a decrease in their financing of rebel and insurgent groups.

"Send a communication to the general in Sebastopol, informing him of any insurgent movements by the Muslims in the region, and deploy small detachments to patrol and support the actions of the Caucasians in the area." - I said to Natasha, handing her a letter sealed with my father's seal.

"Is there anything else I should know?" - I asked her.

"Your Lady mother requested to inform you to prepare for a new visit to Berlin in the middle of the year" - Natasha said with a serious and reluctant expression.

Sensing her hesitation, I said - "Once again in that land, perhaps we should stay there longer to make new connections."

Opening a seductive and dazzling smile, I continued - "You know, the last time I was there, I was so bored, maybe this time I should bring a new toy too play, don't you agree Natasha?".

I observed her changing expression and blushing slightly from her neck to her cheeks, but she couldn't disguise those mischievous green eyes.

She said, lowering her head slightly to hide her expression - "I agree, my Prince."