CHAPTER 5 (God Save the Imperial Prince)

"Now, change of subject. I have a piece of good news for you my dear son." She said while smiling at me continuing her caressing to my head. "I have found you a future wife, befitting for your standing as the soon-to-be emperor of our nation."

"HAAAA?!!"

I shouted in shock as to what I have heard coming from the mouth of my mom. Even my siblings and the eunuchs and court ladies surrounding the pavilion are quite shocked hearing the news about my prospected wife.

"What do you mean wife, Mom? I am still ten and am still a child" outside appearance maybe, but still "I haven't even attended the Imperial Institution yet. I cannot marry her."

"Hahahaha… Silly child. I know, dear. Besides, I am not talking about marriage, I am talking about a prospected fiancé. You might still be a child, but as a member of the Imperial family, marriage is important to ensure the continuation of our line." Mom laughs as she walks back to her chair opposite to mine.

'Oh. So that's what she means… I thought I was to get married already.'

"Marrying for love isn't for us royals. We marry our partner not because of love but because of the benefits it could bring towards our family and country, understand?"

Of course, I understand. We don't have the luxury of choosing our partner as it will be damaging to our honour and status. As much as I am against this idea back when I was still 'Alexis', my ten years of living in this world as Siagu made me understand and realizes a lot of things.

"Hayst. Yes, Mother. I understand."

"Who is it, Mom?" "Is she beautiful?" "Is she strong?" "A human?" "A Butuanon?" my siblings bombarded my mother with questions as they are quite curious as to who is it that my mother took a liking to be married to me.

"Hahahaha. Calm down Mai-Mai and Ain." My siblings calm down and focus their full attention on my mother, the same as me.

"I have taken a liking to the daughter of the current King of Siam. She is Princess Abbhantripaja of Siam nicknamed 'Khao'. A very promising girl, worthy to be paired with the future of the empire." A smile appeared on my mother's face. 'I bet she is imagining the future once again. She always does this.'

"Did Father know about this?" Giving up the idea of rebuttal and arguing more, I accepted my faith and started to ask other related questions. "Or did King Rama V know about this? Because if he doesn't? He will not be happy about this."

"You don't have to worry about that, My Son. This has been discussed last year by your father and King Rama V himself."

"Okay. It is up to you both to decide on this one. To strengthen the alliance with Siam, am I right?" Mom nods her head in agreement. I stayed silent thinking that I am now not available, my past self would be in so much envy because of me having a prospected partner already. My past self didn't even have a girlfriend despite being rich and already in college.

"What about us, Mom?" My sister inquired in curiosity while my brother nods his head repeatedly.

"Oh, dear. You two will have your turn soon." Mom assured them both. And with that, our afternoon break comes to an end.

~~

The time now is 3:30 past lunchtime and I am currently in my private library, located at the Palace of Sella. A newspaper of today's edition from the 'Lobestar Tribune' is placed on my desk showing on the cover the latest headlines. Looks like the world is indeed heading to an all-out war soon, and our nation will not be left untouched by the coming war. But before I could flip the page of the newspaper, I suddenly heard a knock coming from the door. Radhesh suddenly enters the room after knocking and stops in front of me.

"Mr Allen Faher from the 'Lobestar Tribune' is here to meet you, Your Imperial Highness."

"Ah. Finally! Make him come in." I said while smiling. The world might indeed be heading towards an all-out war, but I am not just going to sit by and watch. My father and the government are doing their best to make it possible for the empire to survive this coming turmoil, they might have already seen the fact that the world is about to enter a war.

A man in his black trench coat carrying a wooded cane and wearing a bowler hat. Mister Allen Faher, is a handsome man in his early 30s. Having features of a Butuanon, black hair and black eyes. Born to a rich family in the city of Davao, he aspires to make a name for himself and establishes the news company Lobestar Tribune. It was a success for him at first but the world seems to be against him afterwards as he was dupped and got most of his money stolen.

Portraying myself as a saviour to his failing business while simultaneously gaining his trust. Offering him an amount that he cannot reject in exchange for his service and loyalty, being an eye and voice of the monarchy. The Lobestar Tribune, written using the simplified version of the language Butu-anon is being used, the language is considered the national language of the empire.

Public opinion and sentiments are important in a world of monarchy and information. The more popular and well receive the institution is, the longer it last and the bigger the crowd that will back the institution. This has been done brilliantly by the British and Japanese royal and imperial families.

"Good afternoon, Your Imperial Highness. Thank you for allowing me to visit you today." Mr Allen said while bowing his head towards me, while Radhesh stands on my left side. I nod in response to his bow.

~~ Allen Faher's POV ~~

"Good afternoon, Your Imperial Highness. Thank you for allowing me to visit you today." I said in excitement and respect while bowing my head. Why should I not be? I am currently facing the future of the Empire, the Imperial Crown Prince Siagu of House Shaja.

I raised my head after confirming that he accepted my gesture. I saw a young man at the age of 10 years old, adorned with imperial morning attire which suits him the most. His jet-black eyes that is like pulling you to his world and his long wavy black hair that is screaming elegance, pride, and dignity, worthy of his status as an Imperial Prince. Behind him is his personal attendant, Radhesh Huang, a cold-looking individual, a loyal servant indeed.

I can still remember the day I first met the Imperial Crown Prince. In the time of my trouble and devastation over a failed business venture, he was there extending his hands towards me. He pulls me out of the dark and gave me a new life and goal. His help literally saves me from committing suicide. Without His Highness's help, I would be here, that is why I have made a vow to do all of his bidding just to repay his goodness.

"Do not mention it, Mr Faher. Now, what is it that you are here for?" The Crown Prince said while leaning forward the table.

"Yes, Your Imperial Highness. I have some grave but magnificent news coming from my men at the German Empire. It appears to be that the German Imperial Army is developing a war vehicle that could fly. If proven to be true, Germany will have a huge advantage in wars to come."

I said while focusing on the Imperial Prince's face wanting to see his reaction. But I failed, known to be serious and rarely shows any emotions with others except with his family. The Imperial Prince just stares at me back while clasping his hands together.

"Hmmm… It looks like they might indeed fly soon." His Highness said as he leans back in his seat "Radhesh, have you already contacted my uncle?"

"Yes, Your Imperial Highness. Duke Sharvil Shaja, Duke of Cebu, will be coming here the day after tomorrow."

"Great! Now then, Mr Faher. Thank you for that information. You may now leave, and please continue to defend the Imperial household and promote it to the public. I want it that by 2 years' time, other news agencies that threaten the existence of the Imperial family would be almost non-existent." The Crown Prince said while playing with his wooden pen while grinning. I stand from my seat and bow in front of the prince.

"As you wish, Your Imperial Highness. Rest assured that 2 years from now… there will be one news agency, and that would be the Lobestar Tribune." I raised my head and saw him, Radhesh, smiling sinisterly. "Excuse me, Your Imperial Highness." I said as I take my leave from his private library and headed towards the main entrance of the Imperial Palace.

~~

A tik-taking sound of a walking shoe can be heard as the man, Mr Allen Faher, walks through the hallways of the Imperial Palace going to the main door after talking to the Imperial Crown Prince. Walking through the hallways, a portrait of the past monarchs and members of the Imperial family hangs through the walls.

A sign of reverence and loyalty appears on his face as he abruptly stops in front of a portrait. The portrait depicts a child at the age of six, wearing his customize white Imperial uniform adorned with golden buttons and a golden thread tracing all hems of his attire. Despite the age of the child in the portrait, a serious expression can be seen while his eyes are looking at the centre, the Imperial Prince.

A smile appears on Mr Allen's face while observing the portrait. If the courtiers of the imperial palace could see his appearance right now, one word would be enough to describe Mr Allen, 'fanatic'.

"The Imperial Crown Prince has spoken…

For the Glory of the Empire.

God save the Imperial Prince." Mr Allen said.

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Thank you for reaching this part of the novel. Hope you enjoy it guys.