Even on Willie's yacht, the troubled Nicholas found himself being pulled into grand discussions about world affairs by the young Wilhelm II.
In Wilhelm II's view of diplomacy, driven by personal insight, he would often passionately share his grand vision with Nicholas: "An alliance between Germany and Russia would create a new order in Europe. Smaller countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway would gravitate towards this new, massive power center, much like how larger masses attract smaller ones in nature. Its presence would ensure that all neighboring countries remain orderly, even if it means using force to maintain peace."
When Nicholas inquired about Russia's direction of expansion, Willie, eager to elaborate, called for an exquisite world map from a servant. He pointed grandly at India, Afghanistan, Persia, and the Far East.
"You will become the Admiral of the Pacific, and I will be the Admiral of the Atlantic."
Watching Wilhelm II gesture at the map, Nicholas couldn't help but feel that this scene was hardly different from a taxi driver or an old man at the gate discussing the world's affairs.
Willie spoke grandly of the "mighty Germanic people" and "maintaining world order," which seemed incongruous considering he had been troubled by parliamentary disputes just minutes before.
"I believe Russia is already big enough."
Nicholas' brief statement drew a stunned look from Wilhelm II.
"My God, Nicky! Aren't you the future Emperor of Russia? Such a weak and short-sighted answer! I'm telling you, the Far East is territory untouched by the English and French; you need to seize the opportunity!"
"Of course, but I must be responsible for my subjects. War costs money and lives."
"I didn't expect you to have such merciful and naive thoughts."
Willie, propping his healthy arm on the table holding the map, tried to guide Nicholas with a frustrated yet earnest tone.
"The yellow-skinned monkeys of the East have already proven to be a backward race. Slavs, as God's chosen people, should conquer the lands of the infidels."
"Turks have also oppressed countless Orthodox Christians. I think it's necessary to take action against this decadent sultanate. What do you think?"
"Uh... well, the issue with Turkey involves many countries... it's not like the Far East... you know what I mean!"
When Nicholas brought up the Dardanelles Strait and Turkey, Wilhelm II started to sidestep the issue. After all, he was only trying to provoke Russia's expansion with a sense of mischief. But if Russia's expansion targeted the Balkans and the straits, his vested interests would be at risk.
Seeing Wilhelm's evasiveness, Nicholas understood perfectly.
The alliance between Russia and Germany, and the respective expansion directions in Europe and Asia that Wilhelm II discussed, had been the subject of much historical debate. Wilhelm's ideas mirrored those of Hitler, who later tried to persuade Stalin with similar rhetoric.
But what benefits would this bring to Russia?
Germany would gain advanced, industrialized, and prosperous European territories, while Russia would only acquire hostile, resistant territories of foreign cultures and religions, devoid of industry and purely agricultural in backward Asia.
Moreover, if an alliance between Germany and Russia were to form, who would be the dominant partner? Clearly, it would be the more advanced industrial nation, Germany. Russia's strategic security would be naively dependent on Germany's goodwill to maintain the alliance.
What if Germany sought to dominate Europe single-handedly, seeking "Lebensraum"?
Historically, this led to the disastrous Operation Barbarossa, with devastating losses for Russia.
Thus, an alliance with Germany held no future. Russia could never willingly become Germany's junior partner, and likewise, the proud Germany would never regard the backward Russia as an equal partner.
Even if a pact like the Molotov-Ribbentrop non-aggression treaty, a disguised Russo-German alliance, were formed, Germany consolidating most of Europe and then turning hostile would leave Russia nearly defenseless.
In contrast, the Franco-Russian Alliance was more appealing to Nicholas. At least the French were genuinely willing to spend heavily on purchasing Russian bonds to court the Tsar, unlike Wilhelm, who offered empty promises.
"I think it's a bit premature to discuss these matters. You should try convincing my father. He's only in his forties, a strong 'giant' who can rule Russia for at least another decade."
Seeing Willie rendered speechless by his retort, Nicholas eased the awkward atmosphere.
"Oh, Nicky, do you really think so?"
The ever-changing Willie suddenly gave Nicholas a knowing wink.
"My father, Friedrich, as you know, was in poor health. So, I know what someone with poor health looks like. Your father seems a bit like that... you should be prepared, whether it's calling a doctor or preparing for your coronation day."
"…"
Nicholas fell silent on this topic, unsure whether to anticipate or fear that day.
"Don't worry, I'll send Germany's best doctors when the time comes."
Willie patted Nicholas on the shoulder. Despite many unfulfilled promises, Willie did keep this one.
When Nicholas and Wilhelm arrived in Britain, it was already late 1892. The temperature in London during winter was in single digits, with occasional strong winds and snow.
However, Nicholas didn't visit the city of London in a broad sense. At that time, London was quite uninhabitable, with the industrial pollution and the foul-smelling Thames driving most wealthy residents to flee to the suburbs.
Before reuniting with his fiancée, Nicholas met with his mother, Empress Maria, and other relatives who had come to Britain, including Wilhelm II. They all planned to visit the reigning "Grandmother of Europe," Queen Victoria.
Since becoming a widow, Queen Victoria had remained in mourning, wearing black veils and dresses, and was described by Alexander III as a "gloomy old lady."
However, Queen Victoria was still the ruler of the most powerful empire in human history. Her grand reception involved an entire company of the Guards Dragoon Regiment, with an entire battalion following her carriage.
After the grand entrance, Nicholas, as a guest, stayed at Windsor Castle. There, he unexpectedly encountered a somewhat familiar yet very unfamiliar lady, Princess Alix.
"…"
"…"
Their meeting was naturally silent and emotionally complex.