Confirming that the head of the arms smuggling ring was no other than the treacherous Finnish General, Alexander set his agencies to work and track him down. Though he'll expect that it will take a long time for them to nab him down despite their advances in technology, he could only hope that he won't do major things that will disrupt the global stability that is already tipping on the other end.

Meanwhile, in the St. Petersburg Winter Palace. His only son and his heir, Andrei Romanoff were in his study room, taking all the words his tutors were teaching him. His tutors are teaching him basic mathematics, and the topic at hand is making him bored.

"Sir, I already learned the four fundamental operations in math. Why don't we discuss something more meaningful?"

His tutor, who was writing mathematical equations on the chalkboard, turned around and let out a nervous chuckle. Despite only being five years old, the way he presents himself and talks are like a mature person.

"That won't do Your Imperial Highness, this is in our curriculum and we have to strictly follow it," his tutor said.

"But it's pointless don't you think? I already mastered it. Seriously, you can give me a set of questions and I'll answer them correctly."

"Well, Your Imperial Highness, you see, the purpose of mathematics is not how we solve the equations and come up with the right answer, it's developing our critical thinking skills. Granted, in the higher years, you will learn complicated mathematics but in the end, you will really use it."

"But the fact that I already know it means that I have good critical thinking skills right? I know the importance of mathematics but I'm the heir to the throne, the next emperor of the Ruthenia Empire. I won't waste time on something that I already learned on my own but rather on something new. If you understand my point, please erase what you have written on the board and give me an actual lesson," Andrei chided his tutor lightly.

The tutor sighed. "Understood, Your Imperial Highness.If you insist. Since you already know the four fundamental operations then we will proceed to algebra, a lesson that you'll find interesting and challenging," the tutor said.

Andrei grumbled, "Finally." and he leaned his back on the chair. He watched as his tutor wrote equations that are like hieroglyphs from a child's perspective of a child.But Andrei is no ordinary child. In the royal family of Romanoff. He was hailed as a prodigy with a precocious mind. Learned how to read and write at the age of two, engaged in a conversation with an adult and talk fluidly at the age of three, and then capable of understanding and memorizing the contents of the book he had read and reciting it as the book is laid right in front of his eyes.

With those innate talents, Andrei was able to garner the attention of his family, especially his father, Alexander, whom he looked up to the most.

He had read about his father, like what he did to the Ruthenia Empire and how he made it strong like it is today. It was his genius that saved this country, though there are some points that he could criticize his father for such as giving up absolute authority in favor to make way for the constitutional monarchy. Still, it was done to appease the people who had been suppressed and oppressed by his father's predecessors.

Now it's that principle that made the Ruthenia Empire strong, and Andrei is filled with ideas of how he will surpass his father in that aspect. That's why he is making huge strides to better himself as he knows he is the next in line to the throne.

Though there is a limitation, Andrei can't do it in a palace where he is cooped up, learning the basics. If he wants to learn more, he'll have to go outside of this palace, to the real world. He can't rely on what he is seeing on the television, as he is aware of the filtration going on in the media.

Two hours later, before dismissing Andrei, his tutor asked a question before wrapping up the session.

"So what did you learn, Your Imperial Highness?" his tutor asked, his eyes narrowing in great expectations. He was aware of the capabilities and skills of the son of the Emperor, and he is sure that he can answer a pretty easy question such as his.

"Well, I have had the pleasure of learning both the four fundamental operations and Algebra, and I've found them to be quite different. While the four fundamental operations involve straightforward arithmetic calculations, Algebra involves the manipulation of variables and equations to solve problems.

In learning the four fundamental operations, I gained a solid understanding of how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers. I learned how to apply these operations to solve basic problems involving numbers.

On the other hand, learning Algebra has challenged me to think more abstractly and critically. I've learned how to solve complex problems by manipulating variables and equations, which has helped me to develop my problem-solving skills."

"Elegant answer!" The tutor praised him with a smile. "You truly are a remarkable student, Your Imperial Highness. You have always defied my expectations."

Andrei took the praise coolly as he shut his book. "Can I go now, sir? I have to go to my father's office, seeking reconciliation."

"Oh my! Did something happen, Your Imperial Highness?"

"Well, we had a small argument, I'm sure we can talk it down."

"I see, in that case, good luck, Your Imperial Highness and be careful on your way toward your father's office."

After his tutor said that, Andrei left his study room and made his way toward his father's office. He paced in a hurried manner, eager to resolve the disagreement that they had the other day.

pαπdα-ňᴏνê|·ｃóΜ As he walked, his mind drifted to the recent news of the arms smuggling ring that his father's agencies were tracking down. He knew that his father was worried about the stability of the country and the potential threats to its security, and he was busy dealing with that. Could it be that his father might not accommodate him? He'll know soon.

Arriving at his father's office, Andrei knocked on the door and waited for a response. When he heard his father's voice telling him to enter, he pushed the door open and stepped inside. Alexander was sitting at his desk, surrounded by stacks of papers and files, looking exhausted and stressed.

"Oh, Andrei. I am not expecting you to visit me," Alexander said, his tone gentle and soft. "What can I do for you?"

"Father, I came to apologize about the thing that happened between us the other day, where we almost broke up in a complete argument. It was my fault, and I'm sorry," Andrei said sincerely, his eyes looking up at his father.

Alexander smiled and stood up from his desk. "Apology accepted, my son. I know how passionate you are about your beliefs, and I admire that about you. But sometimes, we need to compromise and see things from a different perspective," he said, patting Andrei's shoulder.

Andrei nodded in agreement. "Yes, Father. I understand that now. I'm still learning and growing, and I appreciate your guidance in shaping me into a responsible and wise ruler for our country," he said, looking up at his father with respect and admiration.

Alexander smiled again, feeling proud of his son's maturity and wisdom beyond his years. "You are already showing great potential, Andrei. I have no doubt that you will surpass me in many ways and bring prosperity and peace to our country," he said, his voice filled with pride and love.

He went on to say, "However, I believe that not everything can be learned from books. It takes real-world experience to truly acquire the necessary skills. Would you like to join me today and observe me at work?"

"Father, wouldn't that be an inconvenience?" Andrei asked.

"Absolutely not," Alexander replied. "You are my son, you could never be a bother to me."

"In that case, may I request to stay here for a bit longer?" Andrei asked politely.