After the burial of my Grandma, I stayed in the Palace doing nothing apart from diligently learning languages of the diverse Russian Empire, and I'm proud to announce that I'm fluent in not only Polish but also Cossack, the reason being while the cossacks don't make a huge percentage in the Empire, they are pretty instrumental in the Russian Army, as the cossacks are renowned horsemen, famed for their skill with the spear, saber, and gun.
I learned this from Alexei Orlov who is my eyes and ears, and while Masha is an educated woman, she isn't capable of telling me current events apart from telling me what she hears from the gossiping maids and usually that info is dubious and when it reaches my ears it tends to be outdated.
I can't also possibly tell Genri and Andrey to keep me updated on everything, they already have it hard not only protecting me but trying to keep me updated on the happenings of the Guard regiments.
Speaking of Info, Alexei reported that my father Peter sent a general named Ivan Gudovich to Frederick of Prussia, most people thought it was a way to bring Frederick to the peace table, Frederick lost Berlin thanks to the butterfly effect that led to Elizabeth living one year longer so you'd think he would call it quits.
I on the other knew the truth, well I hope it wasn't the truth, maybe the the more precarious situation Frederick was in would make Peter reconsider offering a lenient attitude to Prussia in the peace deal, but with the mockery he did during the funeral I doubt it.
However, today was a different day, for today I was to receive some guests, Alexei didn't tell me who they were but said they were quite important.
They arrived by lunchtime and the guests I had to entertain? People that if you were in the Russian court you'd know them.
"Greetings your Highness, you may have seen me and you probably know me but for courtesy's sake, I will introduce myself. I am Count Alexei Grigorievich Razumovsky, but your grandmother referred to me as Alexei".
Ah it's my grandmother's lover and potential husband if the rumors are to be believed but I shouldn't talk bad about dead people, also is it me or was he called Alexei by Grandma?
Beside him was another man who looked very similar to him, the difference being my grandmother had picked the better-looking of the two brothers.
"And this is my brother Count Kirill Grigoryevich Razumovsky, ah but many people just call him Razumovski, he doesn't really like his noble title, he prefers being called-" Alexei was cut off by his brother, "Thank you very much brother but I think I can talk for myself. Ahem, like my brother said I am Count Kirill Grigoryevich Razumovsky but I'd prefer if His Highness just called me Sir, after all, I am a scholar before a nobleman".
Well, the two favorites of my grandmother showed up(they were second and third place, I am first), and I wonder why they showed up. These two rarely partake in politics.
"His Highness may probably be wondering why we two are here considering we rarely interact with the outside world, correct?". I nodded my head to his question.
"Well it's not complicated, we are here at the behest of your grandmother to faithfully serve you and help you to the best of our abilities", Alexei answered my question, man... I have two Alexei's, I wonder what should I do about this, I'll think about a solution later.
The Younger brother spoke, "Yes, let it be known that we Razumovsky's always pay back our debt and I don't think I have done enough for all the gratitude your grandmother gave me, my brother on the other hand has his... reasons".
"I loved your grandmother and I don't think it's fair for me to not help her 'cute grandson', so I hope you accept our service, your father outright refused us", the last part it seemed he was happy to be refused.
"Although with the death of your grandmother, I have lost a lot of power to be able to help you as effectively, but I still have my connections to some members of the guard and some nobles".
"Furthermore, I have my connections to other scholars and gentlemen as the President of the Academy of Sciences, we will be your stalwart shield in the academic world".
Guess it's time to give them an answer, it should be obvious what it is, "Well I am thankful for your offer of support and I accept it. So, do you want to recite an oath or something?"
"Well why not", they said simultaneously,
"I, Alexei Razumovsky"
"I, Kirill Razumovsky"
""Hereby solemnly swear an oath to Prince Paul of Russia, grandson of Elizabeth II of Russia, to be loyal, through thick and thin, through hardship and adversity, this I swear on my name, my family, my loved ones and my life. If I show disloyalty may I never have the luxury of living my life and my the Father in Heaven never forgive or give me respite""
"You know those are pretty strong oaths, right? maybe a bit too strong for my liking" I calmly said.
"Well, like I said we Razumovsky's never forget our debt", "I would gladly give my life to the child who brought joy and happiness to Elizabeth's life, so be proud that before Elizabeth left this world she had many joyous occasions with you".
I always knew my grandmother was a liar, giving her grandson another gift like this, just the thought is very fucking priceless, and that reminds me, my Father is an ungrateful son of a bitch isn't he? I'll get my payback.
All in all, not a bad day, I guess it's time to make some moves to get rid of a gross incompetent man.