Chapter 97

--- 3rd Person POV ---

--- 04th of March 1898 ---

The city of Sooraj, capital of the Butuan Empire, thrummed with energy. Its streets were a vivid blend of modernity and tradition, as ancient customs intertwined with new innovations, the air filled with the scent of spices and the hum of industrial machinery. The crowd that moved along the streets reflected a vast diversity of people from various corners of the world, testament to the empire's expanding reach and influence.

In every direction, the future of Butuan was on display—newly erected buildings with steel frameworks jutted toward the sky, while in between them, shrines and temples stood stoic, retaining the spiritual heart of the empire. The sonmin, the traditional clothing of Butuan, was worn by most of the locals, though in more streamlined, practical designs. The elegant folds and intricate patterns were now fused with modern fabrics, allowing for ease of movement in the rapidly growing urban landscape.

Westerners, once seen frequently in the streets after years of western establishing influence, had gradually receded in prominence. Now, it was the rising nations of the East—Korea, Japan, Hawai'i, and Siam—that sent their people, their diplomats, and merchants into Butuan's streets, seeking alliances, trade, and knowledge. In the back alleys, one could even hear their languages, blending with the native tongue of Butuanon.

Among the crowds, a group of merchants from Siam walked past, their traditional outfits glistening under the midday sun. Nearby, a delegation of Koreans in smart military uniforms paused to examine the newspaper headlines plastered on street stands, intrigued by Butuan's growing role on the global stage. As one Korean man read, his brow furrowed slightly, taking note of the empire's new announcement of cooperation with its regional allies.

"Excuse me," the Korean man called out to a nearby vendor, his accent heavy but his Butuanon practiced, "what is the news of the alliance?"

The vendor seeing that a foreigner wearing military uniform is asking, eager to share what he had read, explained, "Butuan, along with Hawai'i, Siam, and Korea, have pledged a formal agreement for the defense of their realms and economic cooperation. It's historic, really! They call it the Pan-Oriental League."

The Korean nodded thoughtfully, exchanging looks with his companions. "Pan-Oriental League... so it's official, then?"

"Yes, sir. They'll share military training, economic resources, and a pact to protect their borders. They say it's in response to growing tensions in the region... with Russia and the Qing Dynasty becoming unpredictable."

"Aren't you a soldier from Korea? Why are you not well informed on this one?" the vendor confusedly inquired causing the Korean man to blush in red and excused himself along with his friends, whom have been teasing him nonstop.

They were part of the military officers sent by the Korean Empire to study and train in Butuan for months, seeking to establish strong military and diplomatic alliance with Butuan. They were not alone as they were accompanied by soldiers from Siam, Japan, and Hawai'i, all are seeking strong military and diplomatic relationship with Butuan. And since staying in Butuan, they were becoming unaware of the established alliance between their nation and other Butuan allied countries, causing them to inquire truthfully to the vendor.

But it did not come as a surprise for them as prior to their departure from Hanseong, Korea, the Qing Dynasty were put into a spotlight after Butuan reveled to the world that the Qing Dynasty would not want to honor its promise to the Butuan Empire. Which causes Butuan to publicly denounces the Qing Dynasty and dragging the name of Empress Dowager Cixi into mud for offering the county of Xuwen and Leizhou.

They could still remember how it cause a huge uproar in their home country and in the entire region as the Qing Dynasty replied by labelling the denunciation made by Butuan a lie. Infuriated by the reply made by the Qing Dynasty, Prime Minister Aguinaldo commanded to close its borders with the Qing Dynasty and stops all imports and exports of its goods, starving the people of Xuwen and Leixhou.

This causes a riot in Xuwen and Leizhou, which killed thousands of people, causing the international community of western countries to denounced Butuan's action while the countries of Siam, Japan, Hawai'i, and their home country Korea expressed their support for Butuan. This forces the Qing Dynasty to tighten its control over Xuwen and Leizhou, sending troops to quell the uprisings. The situation grew dire as famine spread, and reports of brutality from Qing soldiers reached the ears of foreign diplomats.

The international stage became a theater of tension, with the Western powers condemning Butuan for its harsh policies, while the eastern nations quietly rallied around the empire, recognizing the strategic brilliance behind Prime Minister Aguinaldo's actions. They can remember how the tension only subsided when nations like France, Britain, USA, and Russia, rallies behind the Qing Dynasty, with the aim of stopping the Butuan Empire expanding more.

With this information entering their minds once again, a hush enters the entire group. The alliance had clearly been a reaction to the rising instability from the north. The news had traveled fast in diplomatic circles—Russian expansion in the Far East, Cixi's desperation to cling to power, and the looming shadow of Western imperialism all loomed large. The Butuan Empire, despite its wealth and strategic importance, had been careful to avoid becoming ensnared in foreign conflicts once more.

And yet, the formation of this alliance was more than a defensive measure—it was a declaration to the world that the East would no longer bow to the dominance of the West.

As the merchants and diplomats continued down the street, the vibrant city of Sooraj remained alive with possibilities. Carriages and steam-powered vehicles passed by, their passengers gazing at the signs of Butuan's progress. The empire had embraced technology without losing its cultural roots, weaving innovation into its identity. Overhead, an airship slowly drifted across the horizon, a symbol of the future Butuan was building—one that stood as a bridge between worlds.

On the heart of the identity of being a Butuan, the family that lead the nation since its founding, at the estate of Diliwata. Yuvraj Siagu can be seen quietly sitting on the deck of the Diliwata Estate. Solemnly watching the flow of the river while sitting on the floor are his courtiers, silently guarding and attending him to his needs.

"Yuvraj," Senior Eunuch Radhesh called, "the wind is blowing too strong, I plea that you get inside the estate and take cover."

"It is just a gentle wind, Radhesh. Don't over react." Yuvraj Siagu replied smilingly as he continues to take glance at the smooth flow of the Agusan River, a complete opposite on how it looked like in his previous life.

With melody from the gentle gust of the wind, accompanied by the music produces by the musical courtier and the aroma produces by nature, Yuvraj Siagu manages to relax and contemplate after months of being too busy with his studies and being updated with the happenings around the world.

It has been months since the defeat of the Japanese against Butuan and Joseon, now Korea, happened. And since then, a lot have happened within the region and other parts of the world. For starters, Butuan have formally announces its alliance with Korea, Japan, and Siam, ensuring cooperation militarily and economically, with just one main goal of maintaining peace and ensuring protection of each nation.

And as Yuvraj Siagu have expected since suggesting this to his papa, countries like Britain, France, Germany, Qing, USA, and Russia, have viewed this move as a concerning move. Thus, since last week after the announcement of the alliance, the tension in the entire globe became much colder and eerier. Not to mention the unspoken race of developing their military technology, in fear of being dominated by Butuan.

But despite these countries wanting to develop as fast as possible the same sophisticated earoplanes of Butuan, they remain oblivious and unsuccessful. As Yuvraj Siagu heard, few military research facilities in Europe and America blew up due to some failure in experiments. Which made Yuvraj Siagu laughs in secret due to their haste and fear of being dominated by others, a weakness that Yuvraj Siagu wanted to exploit in the near future.

Crown Prince Yeong and his entire family have also returned to Hanseong after years of staying in Sooraj. It was a tearful moment for Yeong and Mahati as they will be separated from one another. But Yuvraj Siagu and Maharajkumari Mahati's papa promises that she will be sent to Hanseong soon to study with the nation's culture and tradition, preparing her to be the bride of the soon-to-be Emperor of Korea.

Along with the departure of Prince Yeong and his entire family is also the arrival of Prince Khao and Crown Prince Vajiravudh. As it will be the start also of the military schooling of Crown Prince Vajiravudh in Butuan while Princess Khao just wanted to see Yuvraj Siagu and spend some time with him.

As the eunuchs and courtiers fluttered around him, he took comfort in the serene landscape of Diliwata Estate. The estate had been his sanctuary for moments like these, when the world seemed too vast, the political games too intricate. The river, the wind, and the trees spoke to him, calming his restless spirit.

"Yuvraj," Eunuch Radhesh spoke again, his voice more insistent. "The wind grows stronger still."

Siagu sighed lightly but rose from his position. He was always one to listen to those he trusted, and Radhesh had been by his side for as long as he could remember. As he moved back toward the shelter of the estate's grand halls, he couldn't help but reflect on the alliance he had helped his papa shape in the shadows.

The Pan-Oriental League was more than just a treaty to him; it was a masterstroke of diplomacy and strategy. By uniting Korea, Japan, Siam, and Butuan, they had sent a clear message to the world: the East was no longer the pawn of the West. Siagu's foresight, coupled with his papa's dream, had been instrumental in this, even if no one knew the full extent of his involvement.

As he enters the grand hall of Diliwata Estate, the soft patter of his steps echoed off the wooden floors. His courtiers fell into formation behind him, always at attention. It has been weeks already since him and his entire family moved to the Diliwata Estate for their accommodation as the entirety of the Imperial Compound is currently under renovation and maintenance, expecting to finished for the next 6 years.

And since they are now occupying the Diliwata Estate, their family as dictated by the agreement made with the government and the Imperial Estate Agency were asked to pay a lump sum of ¥100 thousand per year for occupying the estate. Which Yuvraj Siagu found at first ridiculous as they own the estate in the first place but then realizes that it is for the better also to show to the citizens of Butuan that they were following the law also. A good publicity and boost for support for his family.

Despite constantly visiting the Diliwata Estate due to its proximity with the main palace, Yuvraj Siagu could still not help it but marvel on the beauty of the interior of the estate. With natural lights entering the hallways of the estate, Yuvraj Siagu could understood why this estate became one of the favourite estates of Rajah Silongan II after dedicating the estate to his favourite wife, Dayang Diliwata. Intricate carvings and architectural design that embraces nature while also ensuring safety and comfort of its occupants, shows how much Rajah Silongan II deeply cared for Dayang Diliwata.

(A/N: Dayang is the title given to the second ranking wife of the Rajah during the Rajahnate Era of Butuan, Dayang usually numbers not less than 3 per Rajah. While the rank above them is Ratu, the first wife of the Rajah, bellow the Dayang is the Putris and lastly are the Binokot.)

But as he made his way inside the estate an exquisite portrait suddenly caught his attention, causing him to take a pause and marvel on the subject of the painting. The painting is a 2x2 painting made using the painting style of the 18th Century artistic style. But what really caught Yuvraj Siagu's attention is the subject's clothing, as instead of the known sonmin of the empire is a completely different clothing that shows influence from its neighboring Song Dynasty.

And He knew that the man in the painting is none other than Rajah Aarush who reign the Rajahnate in 1080 after Rajah Agusan I. If he is not mistaken, Rajah Aarush is known for his close relationship with the Song Dynasty, causing him to be mocked as the servant of the Song Dynasty for his act of offering tribute to the Emperor of the Song Dynasty. This also causes an influx of migrants from the Song Dynasty to arrive in the Rajahnate at that time.

Modern historians estimated that a total of 100 thousand individuals, maximum, arrived in Butuan. Causing the Rajahnate of Butuan to adopt some practices that the Song migrants have brought to the Rajahnate. Two of the biggest influence these migrants have brought were the tea culture and the national testing admission. This also brought a better status for the Song migrants while locals suffered a bit. It only changes during the reign of Rajah Agusan III in 1154 as he separates Butuan from the Song Dynasty during this time.

But despite the bad reputation that Rajah Aarush got due to his action, Yuvraj Siagu knew that the action made by Rajah Aarush is for the greater good of the Rajahnate as the threat of its neighbors were far greater than its military might. Causing Rajah Aarush to bend his knees to the Song's and offer Butuan as its vassal by name.

Yuvraj Siagu could only imagine how humiliating it is for Rajah Aarush to bend the knee to foreign powers. Much more painful it is to be viewed as traitor by your own people just because they don't know what might be the consequence of you not bending the knee.

"Rajah Aarush, the monarch who bend the knee to foreign powers in fear of its neighbors and sovereignty." A deep yet calm voice enters his ears which never really surprises Yuvraj Siagu as he already knew who this might be. The heir to the throne of Siam, Vajiravudh.

"You are not supposed to be in here, Sayammakutratchakuman Vajiravudh." Yuvraj Siagu calmly stated while still focusing his attention to the portrait of Rajah Aarush.

"Woooh! You're such a fun breaker!" Crown Prince Vajiravudh complained while acting in pain beside his best friend which Yuvraj Siagu ignored causing Crown Prince Vajiravudh to composed himself and face his best friend with a dignified expression.

"You are such a heartless friend for ignoring me like that you know."

Yuvraj Siagu turned slowly to face his best friend, his expression calm but laced with mild amusement at Crown Prince Vajiravudh's antics. Despite his serious demeanor, Siagu found Vajiravudh's lightheartedness refreshing.

Yuvraj Siagu chuckled, still not turning his gaze from the portrait. "A heartless friend? You came in uninvited, Vajiravudh, and now you accuse me of cruelty. My guards could have arrested you and accused you of assassination with that act of yours."

"Yet they did not even do it," Crown Prince Vajiravudh mockingly stated before laughing hardly, "Hahahaha!"

Yuvraj Siagu could not help it but smile at his best friend's action, seeing a man much older than him acting like a child. "I really can't comprehend how you always acts like a child when both of us are alone while you act mighty and high when we are with others." Turning his attention to Crown Prince Vajiravudh, "Are you not afraid of breaking the rules?"

Crown Prince Vajiravudh of Siam gave an exaggerated sigh but couldn't hold back a grin. "Ah, but what's the fun in always following the rules? We are human also Siagu, not metals whom devoid of emotions."

"Yet we are not like any normal human being. We hold power that will influence the course of our people." Yuvraj Siagu replied calmly while staring at Crown Prince Vajiravudh's eyes.

Crown Prince Vajiravudh's grin faltered, and for a moment, a flicker of seriousness crossed his face. He leaned against the wall, his eyes now mirroring Yuvraj Siagu's. "I know that," he said softly, his voice devoid of its usual lightness. "Believe me, I know."

He glanced away, as if contemplating something deeper. "But sometimes… I think we get so caught up in what we have to be—princes, future kings, leaders—that we forget what we are. We're still just boys, Siagu. Still trying to figure out what all of this means." He gestured vaguely around him, as if to encompass the weight of their royal duties, their expectations, and their futures.

Yuvraj Siagu watched him closely. "And yet," he began slowly, "there will come a time when no one will care if we still feel like human. They'll expect us to act as rulers. To lead. To be more than human, more than just a person. They'll demand it of us."

Vajiravudh smiled ruefully, "You sound like you're ready to be the emperor already. What are you, ten? Eleven? You talk like an old man."

Siagu chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm only ten, Vajiravudh. But I've seen enough to know what's coming."

"Are you a seer? Hehehe" Crown Prince Vajiravudh jokingly replied while making a funny expression, causing Yuvraj Siagu to laugh explosively, echoing through the halls of the estate.

A smile of accomplishment appears on Crown Prince Vajiravudh's face after seeing his best friend's reaction. Despite their huge age gap of almost 8 years, Crown Prince Vajiravudh have never really felt that he is talking to a child when conversing with Yuvraj Siagu. Instead, he always felt that he was talking to an adult much older than him, causing him to trust Yuvraj Siagu and be comfortable around him.

Crown Prince Vajiravudh then strolled over, standing beside Yuvraj and admiring the portrait. "Rajah Aarush, you say? The one who offered tribute to the Song Dynasty? He looks dignified in that robe, doesn't he? But I've heard he was widely ridiculed for it."

Yuvraj Siagu nodded, his youthful face unusually solemn for a boy of ten years. "Yes, he was. Even today, many in Butuan sees him as a weak monarch for submitting to a foreign power. But they don't understand the true strength it took to make that decision. He didn't bow out of weakness—he bowed to preserve Butuan when it could have been destroyed by its neighbors."

Vajiravudh raised an eyebrow, glancing sidelong at his friend. "Quite a perspective for someone your age. But then, you always were a little too wise for your years, Siagu."

The two soon-to-be monarchs stood in silence for a moment, gazing at the portrait. Despite their youth, both were heirs to thrones, and both understood—perhaps more than most—what it meant to bear the burden of a nation's future.

"Do you think you could make a choice like Rajah Aarush?" Vajiravudh asked quietly, a rare tone of seriousness in his voice.

Yuvraj Siagu didn't hesitate. "If I had to, yes. I'd rather be seen as a weak ruler by the people than allow Butuan to fall."

Vajiravudh smirked, his playful demeanor returning. "And here I was, thinking you'd make a terrible king. Maybe there's hope for you after all!"

Yuvraj Siagu rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "Thank you, your highness, for your vote of confidence," he said dryly, but there was a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

Vajiravudh gave him a small smile.

"Why are you even here?" Yuvraj Siagu inquired with an inquiring stare, "You should still be at Panaylan (Vũng Tàu) for your training. Are you ditching your education just because you are bored already?"

With a smile still lingering on his face, Crown Prince Vajiravudh shakes his head in haste, "Nope. I would be killed by my father and uncle first before I could ever dream of abandoning my schooling in Tulang Parang Military Academy. Hahaha."

"As they should," Yuvraj Siagu teasingly replied, "Tulang Parang Military Academy is not free you know. It cost your family almost ฿1 thousand or ¥1.2 thousand just to send you in Panaylan to study warfare."

"I know that," Crown Prince Vajiravudh replied as he gently pushes Yuvraj Siagu's forehead causing Yuvraj Siagu to stares deathly towards Vajiravudh whom only laughs as his reaction, "I already asked some permission from the headmaster since I will be staying here for a couple of weeks."

Confusedly, Yuvraj Siagu inquired, "Weeks? What do you mean?"

With a meaningful smile Crown Prince Vajiravudh answered, "I have promised someone… And I needed to keep that promise of mine."

Getting what his best friend meant, Yuvraj Siagu could not help it but tap the shoulder of Crown Prince Vajiravudh for good luck. He knows that only one person can make his best friend act like this and do the trouble of seeking weeks of leave just to fulfil some promise.

-----

Hi everyone!

I am opening a discord server for the first time and I want you all to join me and contribute a bit for the continuation of the story. I will be posting some bits of information in the discord server and few pictures also, if I am not busy.

Currently, I have posted a poll to the server regarding the plot of the subsequent chapters. Hope you all join in and let us all have some fun!

https://discord.com/invite/KMmszZ3Crv