Chapter 105

--- 3rd Person POV ---

--- 22nd of August 1904 ---

As the wind blew and touched the faces of those present in the area, a contented smile spread across the face of Maharaja Siagu XV as he glanced at the waters surrounding the pavilion. "The breeze of wind is indeed fresh on this side of the compound," he remarked.

"Indeed, it is," Maharani Alice agreed, her eyes reflecting the serene beauty of the pavilion. "It's no wonder you spend so much time here, Siagu."

Yuvraj Siagu nodded, his eyes taking in the tranquil scene around them. "It's my favorite place in the entire complex. The calmness here helps me think."

"Anyways," Yuvraj Siagu blurted as he looks at his parents, "how was your recovery been going no, papa? What did Doctor Rizal tell you after his visit today?"

"Eh? Hahaha," Maharani Alice amusingly laughs, "I never thought that time will come that our son will be this strict when talking about health issues, dear. Hehehe"

Smilingly nodded in agreement, Maharaja Siagu XV replied, "I Agree. Looks like the world have been changing so fast that almost the role of being a parent is now under our eldest hand."

"Stop joking like that, Pa, Ma." Yuvraj Siagu embarrassingly replied, "I am still not ready to be a father."

"Hahaha. What do you mean you are not yet ready?" Maharani Alice replied, "You are already at the right age and is expected to start your own family. Even your cousin Kaahini have already started her own family few years ago and now, she is expecting to have her first child in just a month or three."

Confusion appears on the face of Yuvraj Siagu after hearing his mother's words. He knows and have even witnessed the marriage between his friend; Crown Prince Vajiravudh and his closest cousin; Lady Kaahini. But the news of having his closest cousin and best friend having a baby never reaches his ears.

Yuvraj Siagu could still remember the promise his friend, Crown Prince Vajiravudh made to inform him when he is having a child. But with how he was able to know this news, from his own mother's mouth. Yuvraj Siagu could not help it but felt a bit betrayed.

Maharani Alice catches the sudden confusion from her son's face, making her realize that her son might have not been aware yet of his friend and cousin having a baby soon. Thus, catching this situation, Maharani Alice decided to disclose the news to her son.

"Looks like you have not yet been informed about this. To be honest, it was not that long yet since we were made aware that Kaahini is already bearing a child." Maharani Alice gently explained while pouring some green to her husband and her son, "It was 4 months ago that we were informed about this. You were not informed as you were busy travelling at the Sabah Region, giving you almost no time for matters like this."

This made Yuvraj Siagu remembers that during those time, 4 months ago, he was indeed quite busy with his travel at Sabah to inspect plantations, road and government building constructions, and the constructions of military airbase to house the growing aeroplanes and zeppelins. Ports and army bases were also being constructed at Sabah near its border with the Dutch East Indies.

The journey was unpleasant to say the least, basing on Yuvraj Siagu's memory. Although the journey from Sooraj to Sabah Region were smooth due to the usage of the zeppelin. But the journey to his different destinations in Sabah were not as smooth as his areal journey could be due to bad weather and mountainous areas. Especially the military bases and camps which were located on the mountains.

But what really made Yuvraj Siagu raises his eye brow while at Sabah is the tension near the border between Butuan and the Dutch East Indies. Yuvraj Siagu never thought that the article published few years ago could still made an impact on how his people views western countries. It left a long-lasting negative impression that can be a double edge sword for Butuan's future.

The tension between the Netherlands and Butuan started between ministers and high-ranking Butuanon military officials after the Netherlands refuses to sell a portion of land to Butuan in the Papua area despite already having the governor general of the Dutch East Indies giving an approval.

But the general public of Butuan Empire got involve after a manipulated article published by Lobestar Tribute blasted the Netherlands for refusing to grant Butuan the rights to established a colony in Papua after Butuan paid some money to the Dutch and secured the approval of the governor general of the Dutch East Indies.

The article caused a huge uproar to the empire's general public, as it made them remembers the humiliation they received form the Qing. The Ambassador of the Netherlands to Butuan denounces the article and calling it a fraud and manipulated, which further infuriated the general public of Butuan.

Prime Minister Aguinaldo, wanting to join the wave, further fuels the flame by threatening the Netherlands and the Dutch East Indies with an aerial bombardment if the nation will not adhere to its words.

But with the backing from the British and the French, the Netherlands remained firm and instead throws a threat of cutting ties and hunting any merchant ships from Butuan. Yuvraj Siagu could remember how infuriated his family were hearing the report from Prime Minister Aguinaldo. And using his power, his father; Maharaja Siagu XV cut ties with the Netherlands and became cold with the British and the French.

Along with this, an increase of military presence in the Region of Champa and Sabah was made by the Imperial Military of Butuan, causing Britain, Netherlands, and France to protest, but was answered with coldshoulder by his own father and his government. Proving its friendship with Butuan; Siam, Japan, Korea, and Hawai'i, decided to distance themselves from Britain, Netherlands, and France.

This made the Anglo-Japanese alliance in Yuvraj Siagu's previous world to never came to materialize. With the Japanese deciding to seek friendship with its closest neighbor than its distant friend. And with the current war with the Japanese and Russian happening, Yuvraj Siagu could not help but admire the brilliance that government of Japan have made.

"Looks like I have really been quite busy for the past months. Making me unable to grasp the happenings of those important to me during those times." Yuvraj Siagu ponders while shaking his head.

With a teasing smile, Maharani Alice replied, "Yet, you have a lot of time talking with your fiancé despite how busy you are."

"I-I am not," Yuvraj Siagu muttered in haste defending himself while slowly turning red out from embarrassment.

"Don't be ashamed of that, my son," Maharaja Siagu XV said, his voice resonating with warmth and understanding. He placed a reassuring hand on Yuvraj Siagu's shoulder. "Balancing responsibilities and personal relationships are part of your duty as a future ruler. Your engagement to Princess Khao is not just a personal matter; it has political and diplomatic implications for our nation."

Yuvraj Siagu looked up at his father, his embarrassment giving way to a more serious expression. "I understand, Father. It's just that sometimes I feel overwhelmed. There's so much to learn and so many expectations."

Maharani Alice's expression softened. "We all have faith in you, Siagu. And remember, you're not alone in this. We are here to guide and support you. And so is Khao. She will be a great partner to you."

A gentle smile appears on Yuvraj Siagu's face while looking at his parents, remembering their teachings since he was a child. With his parents strict and cold demeanor that an outsider would never understand. To a loving parents and caring individuals when he and his siblings needed adults to lean on. As many as he might reincarnate, Yuvraj Siagu promises to never trade his current family with others.

"Thank you, Ma, Pa." Yuvraj Siagu gently replied making Maharani Alice and Maharaja Siagu XV smiles in reply.

A moment of silence embraces the entire pavilion as the heir and his parents continues their mundane conversation with each other. Not minding the schedules that they all have for a day as the schedule were already been move to accommodate the relaxation made by Maharaja Siagu XV with his heir and wife.

As time progress and the conversation between the three almost came to an end, Maharaja Siagu XV decided to break the topic and start to asked for an update, "Have Emperor Meiji and his heir contacted you already?"

Hearing his father's words, Yuvraj Siagu take a pause for a moment before returning to his composed self and nodded toward his father, "Yes… It was a few days ago that both father and son called me via telephone. Seeking an aid by selling them with few weaponries to combat the Russians and convincing Korea to join the war and share some gain with them."

"Dragging Korea to battle?" Maharani Alice meaningfully stated while sipping her tea.

"That is to be expected. Since their war with us, the 7 years were not that enough to made it possible for them to fully destroy the Russian fleet. Although in the verge of collapse, Russia still boasts a strong naval power and a number of soldiers. And by buying military weaponries from us and joined by Korea in battle, Japan will have a huge advantage in battle." Maharaja Siagu XV seconded.

The Russo-Japanese war, the war that Yuvraj Siagu been waiting for to decide whether to continually support the Russian Imperial Family and secure its survival or to abandon the Romanov and opted to forge a stronger relationship with the Japanese Empire. As much as Yuvraj Siagu been fascinated and fantasizing the Romanovs survival, back from his previous world. In this world, Yuvraj Siagu realizes and witnesses the situation in the Russian Empire, causing him to lose interest in the family's survival. He also needed to prioritize his family and nation first before others.

It has been months since the spark of war between Russia and Japan started. Yuvraj Siagu could still remember few months before the war started that Emperor Meiji first informed his father of the planned declaration of war to the Russians. Signaling the authority and influence Butuan have in the region.

He tries to communicate with Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna to convince her son to communicate with the Japanese after the Russian Imperial Government refuses to recognize the Japanese control over Kuril Islands. As by those time, he was still wanting to forge a healthy relationship with the Romanov and saving them from their doom.

But after months of waiting and receiving a refusal of recognition from Tsar Nicholas II himself. Yuvraj Siagu decided to abandon his goal of saving the Russian Monarchy and have instead opted to pour its support to the Japanese. But before abandoning the Romanovs, Yuvraj Siagu wrote a letter to Empress Dowager Maria Feodorovna, a warning.

A warning that with the current trajectory of the Russian Empire's action and her son's ideocracy, extermination and removal of the entire Romanov family line will be certain. A message was also sent to Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna of Russia regarding her husband's future and seeks her to prevent this, if she wanted to save her husband and possibly the empire.

And in his final act of help towards the Russian Empire, Yuvraj Siagu decided to send one of his trusted assassins to kill Rasputin, whom have managed to enter the court of the Russian Empire despite warning Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna.

With this, Yuvraj Siagu decided to visit Tokyo, becoming the first direct member of the Imperial House of Shaja to visit Japan after its war and meet with Emperor Meiji and his heir; Imperial Prince Yoshihito. Allowing him to fully experienced the Japanese society in early 20th century.

And just a few months after the battle between Japan and Russia started, the head of Gregori Rasputin was delivered at the presence of Yuvraj Siagu by his servant. A letter also from Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna came, acknowledging Yuvraj Siagu's decision and pleading on the possibility of saving her grandchildren with her, completely loosing hope to her son; Tsar Nicholas II, which he responded with nothing.

And regarding the battle, although the Japanese manages to have a great advantage at first after bombing the Port Arthur. Yuvraj Siagu remembers how the Russian retaliated by sending thousands upon thousands of their soldiers in their controlled Manchuria, crushing the Japanese in the area. Montenegro joins the war with them declaring war with the Japanese but not really sending soldiers to battle.

But what shocks and infuriates the Japanese is the sudden aid that the Qing Dynasty made towards the Russian, allowing them to pass its land allowing the Russians to bypass their cold lands to send reinforcement. With the Qing Dynasty siding with the Russians, Yuvraj Siagu fully understood why Japan seeks the help of Butuan by buying arms and convincing Korea to join the battle.

"Emperor Meiji would not act this desperate if the Qing Dynasty and that old hag on the throne of that crippling Dynasty did not side with the Russians." Maharani Alice commented with a hint of disgust upon mentioning the Qing Dynasty.

Maharaja Siagu XV fully understood his wife's reaction as after their nation's victory against the Japanese and reinstating King Gojong to Joseon throne. The agreement between the Qing Dynasty and Butuan should have come into being after a year, but the initial occupation will commence after the defeat of Japan.

But instead of the Qing Dynasty adhering to their end of the deal. Those barbarians even have the audacity to demand the island of Taiwan from Butuan and deny the Butuan Empire its rights over Xuwen and Leizhou county.

He even tried to demanded an explanation towards Empress Dowager Cixi's action or the Qing Dynasty will face the retaliation of aerial bombardment. But instead of receiving a proper reply, he was instead answered with silence, which further humiliated him and the very institution that he represents.

Thus, to make the Qing Dynasty suffer, Maharaja Siagu XV cut ties with the Qing Dynasty and halted all trade with the nation, blockading trading routes and starving the Dynasty. Causing a huge impact on global economy a huge famine in the entire Dynasty as sea trade were now reduced to zero. A constant harassment of Qing fishermen and naval vessels were also made by the Imperial Butuanon Navy, causing significant damage.

It was only because of the pressure from internation community that he decided to halt every action towards the Qing Dynasty. It was after a huge riot and uprising in Xuwen and Leizhou happened that the Qing Dynasty seeks the help of Western Nation. Which the Russian Empire answered along with the other Western countries.

Maharaja Siagu XV and his government did not pursue more on this matter but have always hold resentment towards the Qing Dynasty and Empress Dowager Cixi for their betrayal. Thus, during the boxer rebellion, Defense Minister Sagunon Datumanong with the approval of the Prime Minister launched a surprise invasion to the Xuwen and Leizhou counties.

But instead of being welcomed by heavy counter attacks and resistant from the locals, the forces of Brigadier General Guolao Jiānwén where instead welcome with open arms by the locals while the stationed Qing soldiers were tied to restrain. This made the conquering of Xuwen and Leizhou over in less than a month.

But with how neglected and miserable the situation in these counties were, Maharaja Siagu XV establishes a military government in the counties, ensuring stability and order be restored. And for once after years of being neglected, the counties of Xuwen and Leizhou felt a sense of ease and care, causing the people to praise Maharaja Siagu XV for his benevolence.

But it didn't last long as he was force to once again abandon Xuwen and Leizhou after once again pressured by Western powers to retreat. And despite having the aeroplanes, with the western nations having the same weapon, Maharaja Siagu XV lost his advantage once again.

Thus, despite the humiliation, his army retreated and abandoned Xuwen and Leizhou after the end of boxer rebellion. But along with their retreat is the pumping of money to military research and development, wanting to seek new ventures that will stand against the other.

With his forces now out in Xuwen and Leizhou, Maharaja Siagu XV once again heard the news of a devastating rebellion in Xuwen and Leizhou. With locals demanding separation from the Qing Dynasty and becoming part of the Butuan Empire. Which is a result of his own plan from the very start, inciting rebellion after tasting the feeling of ease and care.

Maharaja Siagu XV is not a benevolent individual, nor would easily forget and accept everything. Even the natives in Taiwan were no exception to his prejudice and views towards them. This is the reason why Major Raghav Patel have been hunting and slaughtering natives of the island.

Under the leadership as Military Governor General and the command from Prime Minister Aguinalado and Defense Minister Sagunon Datumanong, the population of the natives on the island were now reduced to a mere thousand, slaughtered in secret and darkness.

Thus, the events in Xuwen and Leizhou did not really matters to him the most as all he wanted is to expand his nation, in any means possible.

The events that happened for the past years, from the humiliation he faced with the Netherlands and followed by the Qing Dynasty's refusal to honor its end of the deal. And the involvement of the Western nation in his country's diplomatic activities, made Maharaja Siagu XV resent those western countries involved.

Thus, during the funeral of Queen Victoria in 1901, Maharaja Siagu XV mocked the old lady's death and called it an embarrassment and calling its bloodline tainted. He even decided to not attend the funeral and refused to send a representative.

Maharaja Siagu XV could remember that his remark became a topic throughout his nation and allied countries, bringing the death of Queen Victoria a laughingstock in the eyes and minds of Butuanons, Siamese, Japanese, Koreans, and Hawaiians.

"Sigh…" Maharaja Siagu XV blurted, "How about the aeroplanes that the Japanese have produced for the past two years? If I am not mistaken, they should have now a total of 30 aeroplanes on their arsenal. Not counting the zeppelins, they have that numbers 10 in total. They are even more well equipped that the Russians whom have been dealing with internal chaos and uprising for the past years."

"That many?" Maharani Alice inquired in a bit shock hearing how the Japanese manages to reach those numbers in a shorter time.

Maharaja Siagu XV nodded in recognition, "Yes, and they are also developing other variation of the aeroplanes." Maharaja Siagu XV then turn his attention back towards his son, "But anyways, as what I am saying… selling additional weaponries is easy for us to provide but convincing Emperor Gojong to join the fight might be difficult. Not to mention that despite slowly building their good relationship, both countries have still a bitter past that takes time to resolve.

Although the Pan-Oriental Alliance is also considered a defensive alliance, but one of the clauses of the alliance regarding wars and battles is that we are only allowed to join the fight if it is either disadvantageous for our allies and if two or more major powers joins the fight. Siam might have been itching to join the fight but because of the alliance's agreement, we are also tied tightly on this matter."

"Korea will join Japan on this one, Papa." Yuvraj Siagu confidently announced.

With confused expression on their faces, Maharaja Siagu XV and Maharani Alice stares at their son with confusion. As both have known the grudges that the Koreans hold towards the Japanese after the war.

"What do you mean they will join the Japanese?" Maharaja Siagu XV inquired.

"With the Qing Dynasty providing support for the Russians, there is a higher chance that Emperor Gojong will grow weary on the sudden moved made by the Qing. As a nation that used to be under the rulership of the Qing Dynasty, resentment towards the Chinese is still prevalent on the hearts of the people. Much deeper compared to their hatred and anger towards the Japanese.

And the action made by the Qing Dynasty will surely alert Emperor Gojong for fear of the Qing Empire wanting to conquer Korea once again. This will give Korea a moment to reconsider joining hand with the Japanese to crush the threat on its border. Which is by default bypasses the clause stipulated on the alliance."

Silence descended the entire pavilion after Yuvraj Siagu speaks his deduction. Rustling of leaves touching each other and the pond water splashing revibrated bringing the people who can hear the sounds into calmness and composure.

"Korea aligning with Japan against a common enemy," Maharaja Siagu XV mused aloud, his fingers drumming thoughtfully on the armrest. "It is a compelling argument, Siagu. The Qing's actions have indeed stirred old fears and animosities."

Maharani Alice, still processing the strategic implications, glanced at her husband. "But how reliable is this prediction? Emperor Gojong is known for his cautious nature. He might hesitate to form such cooperation."

Yuvraj Siagu, his young face a blend of earnestness and determination, leaned forward. "Papa, Mama, I have been in correspondence with our envoys in both Japan and Korea. The sentiment among the Korean Imperial Court is increasingly wary of the Qing's intentions. Even Mahati can attest to this statement of mine.

And Japan, for all its militaristic fervor, would offer any condition just to have Koreas support on this war. With the Japan's aim of establishing its domain in the mainland, involving the Korean Empire is not a bad decision for them to be made."

"Huh… Evoking the alliance that we established upon the beginning of this century." Maharaja Siagu XV stated while grinning a bit meaningfully.

"Indeed. With how the war have progressed, Emperor Meiji and his government have no choice but to evoke the clause from the alliance." Yuvraj Siagu seconded in agreement, "And if the battle further escalates into something else, Butuan and Siam might be drag on the this one. Banners of war will once again flew in the entire empire."

Maharaja Siagu XV on the other hand remains steadfast and calm, already seeing the trajectory of the war between Japan and Russia. And with the evocation of the 3 clauses of the alliance, having any member be allowed to seek help in any way possible. Maharaja Siagu XV could not help but feel a bit of admiration for Emperor Meiji's decisive decision.

Arrogance, for Maharaja Siagu XV, is one of the causes for a monarch to be destined for doom. A monarch who cannot acknowledge their nation's weakness and lack of power is no worthy to rule nor handle any simple position.

Maharaja Siagu XV nodded slowly. "The winds of change are indeed blowing. But we must tread carefully. Our own empire's stability and security cannot be compromised, we have just ended the war with the Japanese few years ago and the threat of the increasing instability in Champa and Sabah have also been posing a threat to us.

We must ensure that our involvement does not provoke unnecessary hostilities or draw us into conflicts that do not serve our interests. It would be useless to be involved in wars like this that would not even benefit us in any case."

Maharani Alice added, "We should also consider the economic aspects. Our trade routes and the flow of resources must be safeguarded. With the war raging in Eastern Asia, the battle ground will surely be focus near the border of Korea, hampering our trade with Hanseong.

War, even one fought far from our borders, has a way of disrupting commerce and prosperity."

Maharaja Siagu XV turned his gaze to the tea he is about to sip. "You will need to communicate with Emperor Gojong along with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. If your hunches are of real possibilities, then we must secure him to take the side with the Japanese and maybe both countries can expand towards Manchuria.

A united front against the Qing could indeed tilt the balance, but it must be approached with utmost caution." With a grim expression on his face, Maharaja Siagu XV continues, "If they forbid us into taking the lands that is rightfully ours, then we shall help those who can take some out from. That empire has been existing for quite some time already, it is time for it to collapse and be gone in this world."

Hatred can be heard from Maharaja Siagu XV's words as the humiliation he faced after being forced to abandoned the counties of Xuwen and Leizhou still lingers on his mind. It was humiliating moment for him as it signals how fragile and weak Butuan is in international stance. And Maharaja Siagu XV is certain that without the presence of the aeroplanes at that time, the possibility of a much greater humiliation is feasible.

Thus, the amount of pressure and effort Maharaja Siagu XV put to increase the budget in the developments of those ships, tanks, and aeroplanes, were almost tantamount to a mountain being place on a weight scale. Especially after Western countries started to develop their own version of aeroplanes.

But as a leading force in aeroplanes making, Maharaja Siagu XV manages to have Butuan have an arsenal of not less than 200 aeroplanes; majority of which are early fighter planes. And in secret, Butuan manages to produced 10 U-boats that currently being housed at the Island of Palau. While tanks were already under construction and currently the Butuanon Imperial Airforce have developed a new aerial unit capable to housing aeroplanes while in the air, a huge breakthrough to Butuanons technology.

Agreeing with his father's words, Yuvraj Siagu take notes of everything as this will be an additional to his topic to be talked with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister tomorrow morning. Seeing how things have developed, Yuvraj Siagu could not helped but ponder how vastly different his current world is from his previous one. But despite how vastly different the world is to his previous one, he remains confident that his nation can still survive and battle against other super power.