In the nursery, Karl Augustus had already begun his studies. Though he was diligent, he still only half-understood the teachers' explanations.
Franz had set a bad precedent. The royal family and the teachers dearly hoped to educate another emperor like Franz.
If they could mass-produce sage rulers, it would be the best possible thing for both the country and the family.
Next door, Alexander was receiving a traditional aristocratic education. A gentle, beautiful governess was telling him stories.
Yet Alexander was clearly more interested in the toys beside him, while the nannies and maidservants indulged him. After all, Alexander was not the eldest son. He did not need so much knowledge or ability; at most, he could only be considered a spare.
Alexander himself seemed to understand this as well. No one around him expected much of him. He only needed to grow up healthy and avoid disgracing the royal family.
Franz felt rather helpless. He now thought Sophie's approach was more reliable instead. Olga's style of education was too mild, and too easily wounded a child's self-esteem.
Though Sophie's educational approach could easily give the second son unrealistic fantasies and intensify competition between brothers, it did ensure that talent would not go to waste.
Telling such a young child outright that he was merely his elder brother's backup was indeed cruel. But the advantage was that he would understand his identity and standing from an early age, making conflicts between brothers less likely.
"Alexander."
"Greetings, Your Majesty the Emperor."
Alexander spoke with the utmost respect.
"You little rascal. Who taught you that?"
"Mother."
Alexander then asked, "Your Majesty the Emperor, has something happened to Mother? She has not come to see me for a long time. The nannies will not let me leave here either."
Children's instincts were still