Chapter 103

--- 3rd Person POV ---

--- 5th of August 1904 ---

"Mama should have," Maharajkumari Mahati chimed in. "Ainesh is already an adult and it is unsightly for him to act like a baby in front of mother."

Maharani Alice and Maharaja Siagu XV laughed. "I love all my children equally," she said, pulling Maharajkumari Anaya closer and touching Maharajkumar Kiran's face. "Each of you brings something unique and precious to my life."

Maharajkumari Anaya's eyes sparkled with pride, and she nestled closer to her mother, while Maharajkumar Ainesh, standing nearby, rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "You two should be nicer to your elder brother," he said, feigning a wounded expression. "After all, I'm going to be the greatest soldier this nation could ever have in the future."

The siblings laughed; their camaraderie evident. Yuvraj Siagu in particular were in deep joy seeing his family together once more after years of being almost indifferent with each other. This reminded Yuvraj Siagu of the words of his fiancé; Princess Khao, that every pain will not last long and it will be replaced with smiles of joy and stronger bond.

Before, Yuvraj Siagu have not fully understand those words of his fiancé, but seeing his family's interaction now just after the situation of their father's sudden collapse. Yuvraj Siagu could not help it but cherish and savor more the moment with smile and a bit of tears on his face.

Maharajkumari Mahati, sensing her older brother's deep contemplation smiles in satisfaction and gently tap her older brother's back to give an acknowledgement which was answered with a nod from Yuvraj Siagu himself. Maharajkumar Ainesh on the other hand is jokingly teasing Maharajkumar Kiran while being held by their father while Maharajkumari Anaya keeps on preventing the two from further teasing with each other. Causing Maharani Alice and Maharaja Siagu XV to giggles in amusement.

It was a scene full of harmony and joy for the entire family of Maharaja Siagu XV, a moment that the family have rarely been doing in the last 2 years ago.

Three weeks have passed since the sudden collapse of Maharaja Siagu XV happened. And just like the plan of Yuvraj Siagu and the stand of the palace; no information regarding the collapse of Maharaja Siagu XV came into the public's attention.

But one sudden change that happened in Butuan is the appointment of Yuvraj Siagu as the regent of Butuan Empire by the command of Maharaja Siagu XV after being advised by Doctor Rizal to take some break and relax. Which Maharaja Siagu XV only complies after being pressured by his wife and children.

Thus, after being appointed as the regent of a semi-constitutional monarchy. Yuvraj Siagu Alexie were forced to attend his last class under the tutelage of his tutors while also balancing the work of the monarch of Butuan. And with that, today; Yuvraj Siagu is currently at the private meeting audience room; right wing of the Sella Palace meeting his favourite tutor; Madame Maria Salomea Skłodowska-Curie.

"Your Imperial Highness?" Madame Curie called while standing in front of the table used by Maharaja Siagu XV, Yuvraj Siagu's father, in having personal meeting with his ministers.

Brought back to reality after recalling the events that happened with the Curie family for the past years. With smile on his face, Yuvraj Siagu replied, "Yes?"

"Your mind has been wondering into nothingness once again, Your Imperial Highness." Madame Curie stated while writing something on the movable board.

Observing, Yuvraj Siagu smiles, "Hahaha. It's just that, it reminded me that this will be our last meeting as teacher and student before you will officially be dismissed as my personal tutor."

It has been years since Madame Curie and her family moved to Sooraj after being offered to work under the imperial family of Shaja as a tutor to Yuvraj Siagu himself. Since arriving in Sooraj, Yuvraj Siagu had witnessed the remarkable contributions of Madame Curie and her husband, Pierre Curie, to the scientific community of the empire. The Curies' presence brought a wave of innovation and enlightenment to Butuan, their expertise becoming a cornerstone of the empire's modern advancements.

Yuvraj Siagu, though just a young prince, had a profound respect and admiration for Madame Curie. Her knowledge and dedication to science inspired him daily. Pierre Curie; Marie Curie's husband, became the tutor of Yuvraj Siagu himself for a few months after Marie Curie gave birth to her child. Which further gives the young Yuvraj Siagu a chance to established a good relationship with the Curie family.

"Indeed, it has been quite the journey, Your Imperial Highness. I must say, I am immensely proud of your progress and the knowledge you have accumulated. Not to mention that you have helped my family to fully settle in this country of yours and experienced a treatment that woman in my previous country could not even experienced." Madame Curie paused her writing and turned to face him, a soft expression crossing her features.

With a gentle smile, Madame Curie remembers the day where she received a five month leave after giving birth to her eldest child, just weeks after being the tutor of the Yuvraj. At first, Madame Curie was scared on the possibility of being fired and replaced by others, as common in her previous country. Even her husband whom have gotten used to be neighbors with Doctor Rizal; a good friend of theirs, were worried of returning to France.

But her fear and her husband's worries were put aside after her student; Yuvraj Siagu, explains that as a mother, a five month leave to take care of her child is necessary in establishing connection and bond. Yuvraj Siagu even called this as 'Maternity leave', which further amazes Madame Curie and her husband at that time. Not just that, but her husband was also assigned to replaced her for the time being which gave her more time to relax and focus on her child.

But what made Madame Curie and her husband; Pierre Curie more motivated and excited, is the sponsorship and support that her student; Yuvraj Siagu, have provided for their research and venture about radiation. Which made Madame Curie and Pierre Curie more motivated and excited to further their studies, while she finishes her doctorate degree. Allowing her to travel from Sooraj to Paris back and forth.

She was also made aware by Yuvraj Siagu to wear protective suits that she and her husband have never seen before. Which Yuvraj Siagu explained that it will limit the exposure on radiation, which confuses her and her husband. But with Yuvraj Siagu's insistent, Madame Curie and her husband decided to wear those suits every time they will enter their laboratory.

Which later she discovered a good thing, allowing her and her husband to be safe from radiation after seeing the radiation made towards other organisms. Allowing them to safely conduct their study on uranium allowing them to discover in 1897 two uranium minerals, pitchblende and torbernite (also known as chalcolite).

After this discovery, Madame Curie and her husband; Pierre Curie's curiosity and intrigue towards the radioactivity of the said substance began their systematic search for additional substances that emit radiation. And by 1898, she and her husband discovered that the element thorium was also radioactive. Which received a praise from Yuvraj Siagu himself and Maharaja Siagu XV.

And on an unprecedented move, she and her husband became the first foreign nationals to receive the rank of Grand Collar of the Order of the Royal Palm in 1900. Awarded by Maharaja Siagu XV, breaking the traditional rules of the chivalric order of the empire. Which we later known was due to Yuvraj Siagu's recommendation and me and my husband's close friend; Doctor Rizal. Making me and my husband grateful towards Yuvraj Siagu himself for his action.

It was big news in the entire nation at that time actually, and it even became a talk in the entire intellectual community of Sangha of Erudition of the Butuan Empire. Allowing her and her husband to enter the society, the only foreign individuals in a society for people with Butuanon blood.

Marie Curie could still remember the feeling of scrutiny she have experienced the first time she has enter the halls of the Sangha of Erudition headquarter. The feeling of being an outcast was what Marie Curie and her husband; Pierre Curie felt at that time, due to them being the sole pure foreigner and the sudden hatred that Butuanon felt towards westerners after the allied nation pressured Butuan into withdrawing from Xuwen County and the Leizhou County, right after the boxer rebellion.

Despite the scrutiny and ridicule the intellectual community have shown towards her and her husband, Marie Curie and her husband continues with their research under the patronship of Yuvraj Siagu himself. Allowing both to further their research.

But what really changes the attitude of the members of the Sangha of Erudition towards her and her husband is when the Curie surname have even become a prestigious surname in Butuan. Having majority of intellectual families and nobles to foster good relationship with her family. Not to mention that Marie Curie and her husband received the Noble Prize in Physics and the Davy Medal, further establishing the family surname in Butuan.

This made her and her husband more indebted towards Yuvraj Siagu as Marie Curie believes that everything happened due to the support that Yuvraj Siagu have provided towards her and her family.

"Hmmm?" Yuvraj Siagu commented, "I have never really helped you and your family that much, Madame."

"Don't be, Your Imperial Highness," Madame Curie shakingly replied, "Without your support and extensive helped in developing those protective suits, me and my husband would have been extensively been exposed to those radiation. Not to mention the risk of contaminating you.

And without those suits, our extensive study on radioactivity of those minerals would have not been that deep and bear its fruit. Having me and my husband not received the Noble Prize in Physics and the Davy Medal. Not to mention that it was due to your recommendation that I and my husband received the invitation from the Sangha of Erudition and be awarded the Grand Collar Order of the Royal Palm."

Yuvraj Siagu smiles gently, "Those were just trivial matters, Madame Curie. I am a man of knowledge and always gets excited when we are talking about advancement of knowledge and the improvement of living standards for all.

The extension of my support to you and your family are just a small matter and is not worth mentioning. Besides, the contribution that you both have made towards our nation have indeed given us a head start from the others."

Madame Curie smiles gently after hearing her student's words, touch by the appreciation given towards her and her husband's effort in their research. Since choosing the field of science, Marie Curie have faced discrimination and ridicule due to her being a woman. Preventing her on finding a job to support her family, due to her being a woman. Even her own husband could not do anything about his as they were still a nobody back then.

Thus, Marie Curie and her husband both felt an immense gratitude towards Doctor Rizal for recommending her to be the tutor of Yuvraj Siagu. Marie Curie could still remember how shock and scared she and her husband was after hearing the acceptance of Maharaja Siagu XV to Doctor Rizal's recommendation.

However, their preconceived notions were shattered as they witnessed and experienced the society of the Butuanons firsthand. The progressive and inclusive nature of Butuan had been a revelation. Not only had their views changed, but they also found themselves embraced by a society that valued their contributions and respected their intellect.

Yuvraj Siagu had treated Marie with the utmost respect, valuing her expertise and insights. She never felt less important than the male tutors. This level of respect and acknowledgment was something she had rarely encountered in her own country, now her past homeland.

"Your Imperial Highness," Marie began, her voice filled with gratitude, "you have given us more than just a position. You've given us respect and a sense of belonging. It means more to us than you can imagine."

The Yuvraj nodded thoughtfully, understanding the deeper meaning behind her words. "Madame Curie, I believe that knowledge knows no gender. Despite our world seeing this otherwise. You and your husband have seen that already, and I have known this also. Even Butuan is not strange to this ideology, with the exception of few areas in our society.

But as I said, I believe that knowledge knows no gender. And I envision Butuan to be the country to pioneer this ideology. Seeing woman, both children and adults, be allowed to join the workforce and education. Wouldn't that be nice, Madame Curie?"

Marie's eyes sparkled with hope. "It would be a remarkable achievement, Your Imperial Highness. A society where everyone is given an equal opportunity to learn and contribute. It's a dream worth striving for."

A smile inwardly forms at Yuvraj Siagu with him seeing the reaction of Madame Curie herself, Yuvraj Siagu achieved already the first step of his goal of allowing woman to fully have the same rights as men in the society. As Yuvraj Siagu truly believes the notion of knowledge knows no gender, but Yuvraj Siagu also knows the importance of having preservation on others things as reality tells that there are some industries that women are not suitable for.

The conversation then ended when Madame Curie started to have her final lecture with Yuvraj Siagu regarding radiation. The class took a total of two hours before a court lady, guided by Senior Eunuch Radhesh enters the room carrying a tray with tea and delicacies.

"Your Imperial Highness, Madame Curie" Senior Eunuch Radhesh called respectfully, "please have some snack first before you leave the room."

With smile on her face, Madame Curie replied, "Thank you, Senior Eunuch. Oh? Is this the famous halo-halo and mango float?"

Senior Eunuch Radhesh proudly smiles, "Indeed. Two of the delicacies proudly invented by Yuvraj Siagu Alexie himself."

"Oh? Have that been that good and popular?" Yuvraj Siagu inquired.

Madame Curie nodded with a smile while taking a bite of the mango float, "Hmmm… after you have published the book entitled 'revolutions made in food' and became a hit. Restaurants and families from any background have started making their own of those foods written on your book.

It did not just give people from all backgrounds a chance to create their own due to its cheapness in book price, which is ridiculous if you ask me, but the ingredients were even accessible for all due to it can locally be produce and scout. Although the ice was far more expensive than the other resources due to how far we all source ice in this country."

"Hahaha. Is this true?" Yuvraj Siagu laughingly inquired.

"This is true, Your Imperial Highness," Senior Eunuch Radhesh nodded, "a close friend of mine have also told me this while I was on my break last month. Business shops that focus on Imperial Family desserts have also been popping out in the capital as more and more people wanted to have a taste on the foods that you have been eating."

"Senior Eunuch Radhesh is right, Your Imperial Highness. Even my eldest have grown specially liking towards that dessert cake made of layers of buttercream, meringue and chopped cashews." Madame Curie echoed.

Hearing the words of the effect that Yuvraj Siagu have made towards the food industry of the empire after publishing the book, a smile of satisfaction forms on his heart. Since arriving in this world as Siagu Alexie of Butuan and adapting with the foods and situation. Yuvraj Siagu could not deny the fact that he still longed for the foods he grew accustomed for as a 21st Century man.

Since reaching the age of 10, Yuvraj Siagu have tried recreating those foods that he liked but have always failed to do so as he was always being barred from entering the kitchen of the palace. It wasn't until the age of 17 did he get a success and was once again able to enjoy such delicacies.

And with a dream of sharing it to his people Yuvraj Siagu decided to create a compilation of the food recipes, both from his previous world and the traditional foods of the empire. Publishing on a cheaper price to allow the people to have a copy and start their own version or made it their own.

With an awkward smile, Yuvraj Siagu replied, "That one is called Sans riwal (rival), Madame Curie… but isn't the goal of wanting to have a taste of what I am having is kind a creeping me out."

"Hahaha," Senior Eunuch Radhesh laughs gently, "it is normal for common people to have that wanting, Your Imperial Highness. People shows their devotion towards you and your family in many different ways, from being loyal to showing piety towards the temple, everything varies from person to person. And one factor that they felt drawn closer to you and the institution that you represent is by food, making you a bit more relatable towards them."

"That is indeed true, Your Imperial Highness," Madame Curie seconded, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. "Food has always been a bridge between different walks of life. It connects people in ways that other things cannot. In my travels, I've found that sharing a meal can break down barriers and foster understanding. It seems that your people, too, find solace and connection in sharing the culinary traditions of your family."

Yuvraj Siagu nodded thoughtfully, taking another bite of the Sans riwal. The rich flavors danced on his tongue, a reminder of the cultural heritage he was a part of. "I suppose you're right. It's just… sometimes, it's easy to forget that what seems mundane to us can hold such significance to others."

Smiles of satisfaction and content engraves on the faces of Senior Eunuch Radhesh and Madame Curie upon hearing the words of Yuvraj Siagu. Knowing that the next ruler of the nation can be caring despite how cold he was in the outside, brings hope towards the two for the future of the nation.

Time flies by as the break of Yuvraj Siagu came to an end and the foods were taken already by a handful of Court Ladies assisted by Senior Court Lady Mei Ying. Signaling also the end of the final class between Yuvraj Siagu and his teacher; Marie Curie.

As Marie Curie speaks of her farewell and thanks after years of support, Madame Curie decided to reveal something towards Yuvraj Siagu.

"Your Imperial Highness," she began, while carrying her handy things preparing to leave, "I must confess, my husband and I have been working on a new project. We believe it has the potential to revolutionize not just the field of radioactivity but also medical science as a whole."

Yuvraj Siagu's eyes lit up with interest. Here it comes, Yuvraj Siagu thought with excitement. Coaxing Madame Curie and her husband into staying for good in Butuan is not really the main purpose of his act of providing enormous investment to support their studies and research. But because of his knowing that with the continual pumping of funds to further explore the field of radioactivity, advancement will be made that were not supposed to be made originally.

Yuvraj Siagu had already tested and witnessed this act with the Ministry of Virology under Doctor Rizal. With the continual funding from the government, advancements had been made that helped Butuan's medical research to the forefront of global science. Diseases that plagued Butuan for centuries were being systematically eradicated, and vaccines that were thought impossible were now a reality.

Yuvraj Siagu could still remember the faces of his father Maharaja, the Minister of Health, and Prime Minister Aguinaldo and his cabinets after seeing the reports of the success in developing vaccines for few selected illnesses that plague the empire for years. While subsequently announcing the discovery of other viruses harmful for humans.

Yuvraj's strategic foresight and investment had paid off handsomely, and he intended to replicate this success with the Curies' work on radioactivity. With the hope that the plan would bring Butuan closer into achieving nuclear supremacy over the Western world in the future.

"Please, do tell me more, Madame Curie."

"As you have known, 6 years ago, my husband and I discovered a new element," Marie revealed, her voice barely above a whisper. "We have named it radium. Its properties are unlike anything we have ever seen before. It emits an extraordinary amount of energy, far beyond that of uranium."

Yuvraj Siagu leaned in, captivated by her words. "And?"

Marie took a deep breath, the weight of her discovery evident in her tone. "We believe that radium's energy can be harnessed for a multitude of applications, from medical treatments to potential energy sources. The implications are vast, Your Imperial Highness. Imagine being able to treat cancer more effectively, or powering entire cities with this new form of energy."

'I knew it,' Yuvraj Siagu proudly thought while achieving his goal once again. Butuan will be known to be the most advance country in medicine with the advance discovery of the medicinal purposes of radium without experiencing its fashionable trend first, unlike in the west.