CHAPTER 19 (Sultan of Sulu Part 1)

--- 14 October 1896

--- Siagu's POV ---

I am currently at currently inside the wardrobe room currently being fitted by the imperial dresser on the clothing I am going to wear tonight at the ball. My mother is also seated on the couch wearing her sonmin in purple and gold while wearing a jade sarimanok hairpin while gracefully sipping her green tea.

On her left, sitting on the other chair, one of her Abagaanay or lady-in-waiting is my aunt on the maternal side, my mother's older sister, Her Grace Jiānwén Advika, Duchess of Haikou and Viscountess of Xiuying, age 40, member of House Pangasinan. She is currently married to Duke Jiānwén Xingyu, Duke of Haikou and Viscount of Xiuying, age 41, and the current head of House Jiānwén.

They are blessed with 4 children, 3 boys and 1 girl namely; Jiānwén Xueyu, Viscount of Xiuying (21), Lord Jiānwén Xuanzhong (17), Lady Jiānwén Yulan (16), Lord Jiānwén Xingyu (16).

Aunt Advika is currently wearing her red coloured sonmin attire while also adding a red pifeng (jacket) embroidered with plum blossoms and butterflies, showing her acceptance of the Han culture.

Opposite to my Aunt Advika's seat is another Abagaanay of my mother, currently wearing her sonmin in coloured green, Lady Anika Elizabeth Dayangdang, Baroness of Maligaya, age 30, a member of House Balagtas.

She is married to Baron Rajendra Dayangdang, Baron of Maligaya, age 35, and current head of House Dayangdang. They only have one child, Lady Anika Dayangdang (15).

Lastly, wearing her much modest sonmin in white, Lady Fatima Catherine Avelino, Viscountess of Tudela, age 29, and a member of House Amanhiran. She is currently married to Viscount Rafael Avelino, Viscount of Tudela, age 34, and is the current head of House Avelino. They have 2 children, all age of 10.

The three of them are my mother's Abagaanay (Lady-in-waiting) since her marriage to my father. They have accompanied her since day one in the imperial complex, which is why my mother considered them all her best friends. Now, they are even accompanying her in supervising the attire I will be wearing for tonight's ball while sipping their green tea using their lundati cups.

"I heard from Radhesh what happened between you and Princess Khao at the Temple of St Felipe this morning." Mom said while sipping her tea

"Yes. It was actually fun accompanying her headed to St Felipe's Temple." I said while being fitted on a red and gold sonmin in front of the mirror. I have been doing this for almost a minute now and the dresser hasn't figured out the attire I'll be wearing tonight.

"Looks like she has forgiven you already." She smilingly said while placing the tea back on the small table in front of her.

"Who? Princess Abbhantripaja? Did Siagu have done something wrong to her?" Aunt Advika said trying to know more about the happenings.

"Mhmm… He apparently teases her with intimidation while they are at the pagoda in the garden during the garden party yesterday." Mom said informing all of her Abagaanay.

"No wonder she was kinda irritated after she returned to the pavilion that time." Lady Fatima said while smiling towards me.

"So, Your Imperial Highness, did she forgive you already?" Lady Anika said while looking at me along with my mother's other abagaanay.

"Yes. She has already forgiven me. I have asked her forgiveness during our tour inside the temple." I said towards them while slowly being irritated on how long this dresser took just to find a perfect sonmin for me.

"Pick the gold and white sonmin for him, pair it with white pants and green sablai." Mom instructed the imperial dresser after still not being able to look for the right combination of colours for the sonmin. Good thing she also notices how long it has been. The imperial dresser then gets the colour combination my mother has chosen for me.

"That's good to hear. You shall be her partner then for tonight's ball." Mom said while fanning herself with her fan while her Abagaanays are nodding in agreement.

"Why should I? Besides, we children won't be staying long on the ball, Mom." I said to her, reminding her of the rules that every imperial child has to follow.

"You don't have to worry about the rules. Tonight, you and your siblings will be joining me and your father on the ball. Besides, you and your siblings will also be meeting some foreign monarchs, this will be your training for future imperial engagement." She said while looking at me sternly.

"Foreign monarchs?" I confusedly asked my mother

"Yes, Sir. Apparently, the Sultans of Perak, Johor, Surakarta, Yogyakarta, Kelantan, Ternate, and Brunei, have arrived last night at the port of Manapa." Lady Fatima said as she pulls out a sheet of paper containing the list of attendees for tonight's ball.

"Huh? Why are they late? The celebration will be ending tonight." I confusedly said. Royalty and nobility put importance on time, being late is a huge embarrassment, especially at a state event. That is why I am confused.

"Apparently, they have encountered some issues while heading towards here." Lady Fatima said as she continues to read the content of the paper.

"Oh. Hahaha! It looks like the 'Sultan of Sulu' is also here." She added in a mocking tone.

"What now?" Mom said irritatingly while my Aunt Advika is looking at Lady Fatima in all seriousness bringing the entire room's atmosphere into a bit more suffocating. Even the imperial dresser who is working with my clothes during the ball this evening is now working in haste along with his assistants.

The attendance of the 'Sultan of Sulu' is not a secret for the entire attendees and the government. But the usage of the title 'Sultan of Sulu' is a direct challenge to the empire's authority over the Sulu archipelago.

The current pretender of this title is the descendant of Sultan Shahabud-Din whom my ancestor banished after the annexation of the Sultanate. My ancestors were too lenient in getting the family of Sultan Shahabud-Din to stay alive, and despite being defeated and exiled, they still styled themselves as the Sultan of Sulu to boost their ego.

During those times, almost no one recognizes their status as Sultan of Sulu, afraid of offending the Rajahnate of Butuan. Even the neighbouring Sultanates recognize the end of the Sultanate of Sulu and the birth of the Dukedom of Sulu under House Siasi, except for the Sultanate of Brunei. And now, even the British Empire is recognizing the claim of Faris Qasimuddin on the Dukedom of Sulu.

Currently, the House Siasi, is under the leadership of Duchess Maria's younger brother, Duke Jamalul Kiram II of Sulu (12). He himself has a legitimate claim on the title itself for being a descendant of Sitti Fatimah Shahabuddinah, daughter of Sultan Shahabud-Din.

Sitti Fatimah Shahabuddinah was forcibly married to Rajah Siagu X's 3rd son, Prince Aditya Vikramaditya of Butuan to solidify our family's claim on the archipelago and to minimize the revolts from the local inhabitants. 10 years after their union, Prince Aditya Vikramaditya adopted the name Mustafa Shafi ud-Din and later established the cadet branch House Siasi of House Shaja.

"This man has been growing some guts to attend today's celebration under the title of Sultanate of Sulu." Mom said after calming herself and now once again sipping her tea.

"The support from the British government in Sarawak and Brunei must have encouraged him to attend tonight's ball using the title of Sultan. Faris Qasimuddin should have been grateful already for being invited to attend tonight's ball as a normal individual." Lady Anika said while gaining the nods of Lady Adveka and Lady Fatima.

"Enough with this one." Mom sternly said as she clasps the fan on her hand before continuing "I shall talk to my husband regarding this one before the ball starts. Until then, no one shall talk about this one, understand?" Mom said as she takes her stand and looks at everyone in the room.

Her Abagaanay then stands up and curtsies at her along with the imperial dresser and his assistants while saying "Understood, Your Imperial Majesty."

Seeing their response, Mom then walks towards me and starts fixing my hair which was a bit messy a while ago.

"You must get ready now, Son. It is already past 3 and soon enough the ball will finally start. Your clothes will be handled by Radhesh while you will be preparing in your own room with the help of the imperial courtiers. Remember, you need to be presentable as you will be partnering with Princess Khao, understand?" I then nod in reply after hearing what she said. Finally! My little feet are already tired of standing on that podium. I then jumped from the podium and excused myself to my mother and all the people inside the room before I make haste heading to my room while being followed by 3 court ladies and eunuchs.

But before I could even walk far from the room, my mother's serious voice enters my eras while saying "Inform the emperor that I will be meeting him…" I wasn't able to clearly hear her words after that as I am now quite far from the dressing room.

After arriving at my room, the court ladies and eunuch started to prepare everything for the ball this evening. It took almost an hour just for the preparation and before we could finish, Radhesh came in while bringing the clothes that I will be wearing tonight in greeting the attendees.

And few hours after my preparation in my room as I was about to leave my room, my younger brother Ain along with his eunuchs and court ladies enters my room.

"Kuya! Hahaha!" A giggling Ain ran towards me while wearing his sonmin in blue, while his companions curtsy as they enter my room.

"Ain. What brought you here?" I said while hugging him. He then giggles more after receiving my hug.

"Mom said that we should go together to Minbury Mansion and we should go by now since it is almost time for the ball to start." He said while touching my sablai, curious about the embroidery on it.

"Okay. Shall we then?" I inquired at him as I extend my hand towards him, inviting him to hold my hand as we head to the Minbury Mansion for the ball. He then nodded his head and accepted by invitation.

"So, how was your day little brother?" I inquired at Ain as he keeps on skipping while swinging both hands.

"It was fun, Kuya! Ate Khao, Ate Mai-mai, Kuya Yeong, and Ate Kaahini, played with me in the garden with our eunuchs and court ladies." He said joyously while continuing his skips, which I find cute. However, the eunuchs and court ladies behind us are an expression of worry as this action is not permitted inside the palace or must be acted by the members of the imperial family.

"Your Imperial Highness Ain. Please stop skipping already, if the head eunuch or head court lady will see you do like this, you will be reprimanded." A worried tone from my little brother's personal attendant, Awang Lingkung (35), a native of Sabah and was accepted to work for our family at the age of 16.

"It is okay, Eunuch Awang. No one will see me doing this." My brother replied giggling as he continues his act without listening to Eunuch Awang's plea.

"But…" Before Eunuch Awang could continue, I raised my hand to stop him, saying that I will deal with my brother's action if someone sees him skipping. He only bowed his head before retreating back behind other eunuchs and court ladies.

"What did you all do at the garden, Ain?" I said curious as to what they have done at the garden. I wasn't with them at that moment because that is the time I am with my mother and her Abagaanay.

"Nothing much actually, Kuya. We've just played tag in the garden. Kuya Yeong was there also but he only watched us play most of the time since we can't really understand him." He said as he turns his attention to me. "Why did you ask, Kuya? Are you curious about what Ate Khao is doing?" inquired innocently which kinda caught me off guard

"Huh? Where did you get that idea that I am curious about Khao?" I ask wanting to know where he got this idea

"I heard ate Kaahini told this to Kuya Daksh yesterday, after the garden party." He replied as he continues his skipping steps heading toward the main hall of the palace while I was glued to my place in the hallway of the palace. Ate Kaahini… sometimes her mouth can't keep a secret.

Realizing that I wasn't beside him anymore, Ain suddenly stops and called me. "Come on, Kuya! Mom would be angry if both of us will be late." I then ran towards him and make our way to the mansion. I should talk to Ate Kaahini about this soon.

Few minutes of walking and we finally arrive at the entrance of the ballroom inside the Minbury Mansion. One of the biggest buildings inside the imperial complex, designed to house events organized by the imperial family, the mansion really lives up to its own purpose

The exterior of the mansion is a sight to behold. An elaborate carving of mythical creatures and intricate patterns adorn the walls of the Minbury Mansion, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle.

The entrance of the mansion is marked by an impressive gateway adorned with a gilded roof and ornate columns, that screams the wealth and prestige our family has gathered since the establishment of this nation. While just in front of the mansion is a giant diamond shape pond while a Buddhist shrine is put on the centre island and towering trees provide shade and lend a sense of tranquillity to the surroundings of the pond and the 3 structures that surround it.

Upon entering the mansion, guests are greeted by a vast hall adorned with grand chandeliers, intricate tapestries, and paintings depicting scenes from the empire's history and the past monarchs of the empire. The interior boasts high ceilings supported by ornate pillars intricately painted with gold leaf accents. The colour palette is rich and vibrant, featuring royal purples, deep reds, and shades of gold.

There are a lot of rooms that the Minbury Mansion can offer, but the focus of tonight's event is the ballroom.

The ballroom is a masterpiece of the entire mansion, with a two-story structure it featuring a polished marble floor intricately patterned with nature motifs. The walls are adorned with silk drapes embroidered with scenes of nature and celestial beings. Countless numbers of crystal chandeliers illuminate the space, casting a warm and inviting glow.

With towering pillars made out of polished stones to support the entire room structure. Ceilings carved intricately add up to the glamour of the entire room. The second floor is also a sight to behold. Connected by 3 t-shape stairs located at the further end and both sides of the room, the second floor is designed to perfection, it features several luxurious private rooms and balconies that would allow the guests to have a private conversation and peaceful view of the entire ball.

And the new addition to the design inside the room is the hanging flags of our house and the national flag of the empire and a podium for me and my family to use.

We've just finished greeting the guests for tonight's ball, and it was a tiring task, smiling and bowing to a much higher rank than myself is no easy task. Good thing my younger siblings weren't allowed to welcome the guests yet since they are still below 10.

Currently, I and my family are now standing behind the door of the ballroom, waiting for the announcer to announce our arrival. In front of me is my mother and father, wearing their attire for tonight's event. My dad is wearing his military uniform adorned with medals and hours from the military. While my mother is wearing her fit sonmin in colour gold while a transparent-like silk cape is hung behind her back while her hair is locked into a bun hairstyle with a golden sarimanok hairpin and a tiara made of silver adorned with pearls and diamonds.

I am standing behind them, wearing the sonmin my mother has chosen for me. While at my back are my siblings, Mai-mai and Ain. My uncle and aunt along with their family are already inside to accommodate the guests as representatives of the Imperial family, we are going to be the last ones to enter the room. And just a few minutes of waiting, the door to the ballroom is now open.

"His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Butuan, Emperor Siagu XV and Her Imperial Majesty the Empress of Butuan, Empress Alice!" After their names were announced my mother and father started taking their walk towards the podium inside the room while all people inside the room stopped what they are doing and started to curtsy to my parents. Nobles, diplomats, foreign nobles, and foreign delegates, curtsy towards them, with the exception of the Sultans who attended tonight's event.

"His Imperial Highness, Imperial Crown Prince Siagu Alexie of the Empire of Butuan. The Heir to the Imperial throne!" I then started to take my walk towards the podium that me and my family will be sitting. As I take my walk to the narrow path made of red and purple carpet, everybody inside the room started to curtsy at me. With the exception of people who have higher or the same standing as me. The staring gazes from other nobles and sultans are piercing towards me as if they wanted to devour me instantly, making me a bit nervous.

But instead of making my nervousness overwhelm me, I instead smile and walk proudly towards the podium. Lifting my head high showing that I am above them, might be a bit arrogant but I have to show them all that I am not easy to be bullied. A weak head of state is a shame to a nation, much more to a nation that is considered to be one of the strongest nations in the world.

Without even noticing it, I have already arrived at the presence of my parents, I then proceeded to take a seat next to them, while the announcer subsequently announces the entrance of my siblings.

"Her Imperial Highness, Imperial Princess Mahati Alice of the Empire of Butuan and His Imperial Highness, Imperial Prince Ain Philip of the Empire of Butuan!" My siblings then take their walk proudly and elegantly towards the path made by the carpet while smiling widely while being adorned with their respective elegant sonmin, not caring about the people's reaction. The attendees then started to show their respect towards my siblings by bowing and curtsying towards them.

My siblings, as jolly as they were started to giggle towards the crowd while continuing their walk. A few seconds later, they both then take their seat next to me and my parents.

-------------------------

Author's Note

Hi, everyone!

Thank you so much for the support, guys. Really appreciate it, now just have a few notes below for you all to be guided.

Note 1: I have no intention to mock nor tarnish any individuals in my novel. Any historical individuals being mentioned here that have tarnished your religion, political views, family members, cultures, or way of living… I am asking for your forgiveness.

Note 2: Sitti Fatimah Shahabuddinah is an original character of mine which I made as the daughter of Sultan Shahabud-Din of Sulu. This was made to legitimize the claim of House Siasi to the Sulu archipelago. Sitti Fatimah Shahabudinah was forced into union with Prince Aditya Vikramaditya of House Shaja in 1706, just one year after the Sultanate of Sulu was annexed by the Rajahnate of Butuan.

This action essentially establishes the claim of House Shaja to the Sulu archipelago.

Note 3: Lundate or Lundati is a fictional word using the Cebuano dialect of the Philippines. Lundate or Lundati derive from two words 'Lunda' and 'te/ti'. Lunda came from the word "ludarang" which is used to encompass the various utensils and vessels used for the preparation and serving of tea. While the word 'te' or 'ti' came from the word tea or tia which pretty means tea.

Note 4: "Abagaanay" is a made-up Cebuano word of an AI. This word can be translated in English as Lady-in-waiting.

Note 5: This novel is not your common novel about wars our what not, I am writing this novel to dive more on monarchy and this is a slice of life type of novel. This is the reason why despite this novel already in chapter 19, no major wars have happened yet. SLICE OF LIFE.