CHAPTER 20 (Sultan of Sulu Part 2)

~~~ Crown Prince Siagu's POV ~~~

My father then takes the centre of the podium and started to make his short speech. Thanking those who have attended and have joined the empire in celebrating its founding anniversary. Applause from the attendees resounded the entire room while others raises their glass of wine after my father finishes his speech, and shortly after, music from the court musicians echoes throughout the entire room commencing the start of the ball.

People started to mingle with each other irrespective of their status and nationalities. The empire's nobility, brilliant minds, ministers, and higher-ranking military officers have gathered tonight along with foreign delegates, heads of state, and representatives. I can even see my own tutor, Dr Jose Rizal, from where I am sitting.

He is currently busy talking to a group of people consisting of 4 individuals, one of whom is an 84-year-old thin woman, tall and straight, with a very pale face. Her eyes were very bright and intelligent. But despite her appearance, she still excludes an air of elegance and class while wearing her sonmin elegantly.

Next, is a 21-year-old young man of medium height, with a well-proportioned body standing next to the old woman. He had a clear complexion, dark hair, and a pair of piercing eyes. His face was oval-shaped, with a straight nose and a determined chin. He was always neatly dressed in his military uniform which had a military bearing of a colonel despite his young age.

The next one is a 33-year-old man who had a thin build, with a fair complexion and dark hair. His eyes were sharp and full of intelligence and showed a sternful look despite laughing with the group. He is currently wearing his simple yet elegant sonmin.

And lastly, the youngest Prime Minister in the Empire's history and the first Butuanon-Chinese Prime Minister, Prime Minister Emilio Aguinaldo, age 27. A member of the conservative party and a staunch royalist, much like my tutor himself. He is currently wearing a sonmin, while he has a medium height, with a slim build and a fair complexion which greatly complements his dark brown hair and eyes.

A few minutes of me staring at them, my curiosity couldn't hold it anymore, I then excused myself to my parents and started to make my way towards Doctor Rizal and his circle. People started to greet me and ask for me to spare a few minutes with them, of which, I humbly declined.

Noticing my arrival to their location, Doctor Jose Rizal, then introduces me to his companions.

"Greetings, Your Imperial Highness." Doctor Rizal said while smiling at me. I then nod towards him acknowledging his greeting before answering

"Hello, Doctor Rizal. It seems like you are enjoying tonight's ball with your companions." I said while smiling towards him and started to look at the faces of my tutor's companion. It is just a bit weird since I needed to raise my head just to see them clearly.

"Indeed, I am, Sir." He said while smiling "By the way, these are my acquaintances whom I have shared tea with on multiple occasions." He said while extending his hand pointing to every people whom he is talking a while ago.

"Of course, you already know Prime Minister Emilio Aguinaldo." He continues while pointing to Aguinaldo himself who is bowing his head while wearing his formal sonmin of black and white.

Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy or commonly known as Emilio Aguinaldo. The first President of the Republic of the Philippines, a controversial figure back in my previous world. Accused of the deaths of the revolutionary leader Andrés Bonifacio and General Antonio Luna, and of his collaboration with the Japanese Empire during their occupation of the Philippines in World War II. He was never made into a national hero.

A big contrast to this world's Emilio Aguinaldo, the youngest prime minister of the empire out of 8 previously selected prime ministers. An influential member of the Conservative party and a staunch supporter of our family. He came from a family of politicians and businesses. He finishes his education at the Riverbanks Imperial Institution taking politics and he is currently taking his second degree in philosophy.

"Nice to meet you once again, Your Imperial Highness." Aguinaldo said respectfully while I offer my hand for a shake which he accepted.

"It is good to see you also, Mr Prime Minister." I smilingly said while shaking his hand.

"The man beside him is Andrés Bonifacio will do, he is a successful businessman in both fields of manufacturing and mining. He currently holds the top stop of our nation's mining industry." He said while proudly pointing towards Andrés Bonifacio. He then leans closer to my ears before saying "A strong royalist"

Hearing what Doctor Rizal has said, I then offered my hand towards Andrés Bonifacio for a handshake, which he accepted while bowing his head before saying respectfully "Good evening, Your Imperial Highness."

Andrés Bonifacio, back in my previous world is often called "the father of the Philippine Revolution", and is considered to be one of the national heroes of the Philippines. He used to be the unofficial president of the shortly lived "Sovereign Nation of the Tagalog People" in Luzon. Hence, some historians have argued that he should be considered the First President of the Tagalogs instead of the Philippines; that is why he is not included in the current official line of succession.

While in this universe, Andrés Bonifacio is a huge contrast to his counterpart in my past life. Andrés Bonifacio descended from a family of businessmen and politicians. His father, Santiago Bonifacio, of Chinese-Butuanon descent, is a politician in Tondo. His mother, Catalina de Castro, a European Spanish Mestiza, is a business owner. Now, they are considered to be one of the wealthiest families in the Empire after their successful venture in military equipment manufacturing and mining.

"Good evening as well, Mr Bonifacio." I noddingly said while we shake our hands.

I then turn my attention towards the youngest of them all.

"This young man here, Sir, is Gregorio Hilario." He proudly said while tapping the back of Gregorio Hilario.

"He is the youngest individual to receive the rank of colonel, Sir. He was promoted after his major contribution during the uprising in Sabah." Doctor Rizal continues while smiling at me.

In my previous world, he is known as Gregorio H. del Pilar, the youngest general in the Revolutionary Army. Known for the successful assault on the Spanish barracks in the municipality of Paombong. A Filipino general of the Philippine Revolutionary Army during the Philippine–American War. He was killed in the skirmish from a shot in the neck, killing him instantly. While his belongings were taken by the Americans as war trophies, including a handkerchief embroidered with the name Dolores, a locket with a picture of a girl, and his diary.

Good thing this universe is unlike my past life. In this world, he is only called Gregorio Hilario, a descendant of the noble House Hilario, Baron of San Jose. His uncle, the late Marcelo H. del Pilar, is a prominent journalist who shaped the journalistic world of the empire. Since he is not expected to inherit the title of Baron, he joins the military to gain some merit and recognition, following in the footsteps of his ancestors.

"It is nice to meet you, Colonel Hilario." I smilingly said as I offered my hand for a handshake to which he accepted after bowing his head respectfully "The pleasure is mine, Your Imperial Highness."

Now left is the oldest of them all yet the most refined woman for her age I saw.

"And lastly, this is Dowager Viscountess Melchora of Looc. She is currently the head of his late husband's business which ventures the production of military equipments." Doctor Rizal said respectfully while introducing the dowager Viscountess.

Wow… the legendary mother of the Philippine revolution, Melchora Aquino de Ramos, in my past life. The daughter of a peasant couple, she never attended school. However, she was apparently literate at an early age and talented as a singer and performed at local events as well as at Mass for her Church. In her native town, she operated a store, which became a refuge for the sick and wounded revolutionaries. She fed, gave medical attention to and encouraged the revolutionaries with motherly advice and prayers.

Now, in this universe, she is known as the noblewoman of the Northern Nobility. She used to be called Lady Melchora Aquino of Caloocan, now she is called Dowager Viscountess Melchora of Looc. She is the daughter of the current baron of Caloocan, she receives the education that she wants in the Ateneo Municipal de Manila. Married to the late Viscount of Looc, Viscount Fulgencio of Looc.

She helped her late husband in establishing and expanding their weapon manufacturing business, which later grow to become the number one private weaponry company in the entire country. Their company supplies the majority of the military's weaponry.

"I greet the heir of the empire." She gracefully said while curtsying in front of me.

"Hello, Dowager Viscountess." I smilingly said while shaking our both hands.

Despite my calmness and composure outside, I am nervous and excited inside. I mean, who wouldn't be? The once-revered heroes in my past life are now in front of me. Smiling and talking to me. This is a dream come true for me.

After Doctor Rizal, introduces them all to me, they then continue with their conversation with each other while I make my way back to our table. I was only there out of curiosity actually; I don't have an intention to stay and force them to converse with me, that wasn't my thing. Besides, it is already a dream come true experience for me to meet them all. The face of the revolutionary movement against Spanish rule is now here in the ball.

As I made my way back to the podium, my Uncle His Imperial Highness Prince Sharvel of Cebu and Carmen suddenly calls me out while talking to a man in his 30s, with a tall and robust physique, standing around 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall. He excludes an aura of command and strictness while wearing his imperial military uniform.

"Siagu! Come here for a bit." My uncle said as I draw closer to him.

"What it is uncle?" I asked in curiosity. It is rare for my uncle to introduce me to others.

"I want you to meet one of my closes friends in the military, Major General Antonio Luna. He is currently assigned to Hainan Island to monitor the situation." My uncle said proudly "Good thing he was able to return here to the capital to attend tonight's ball. Hahaha!" my uncle laughingly continues

"You are lifting me too much, Sharvil." Luna said while smiling at my uncle

What The Fuck?! This really caught me off guard. I was already overwhelmed after meeting the other faces of the revolution and now I am facing Luna? WHY?! Why am I so lucky today? Did I do something good in my previous life? Wait...

Oh, yeah… I died without even a single thought of revenge. Silly.

"Your Imperial Highness?" a manly deep voice suddenly enters my ears bringing me back to reality after a minute of self-talking.

"Huh?" I said unknowingly

"Are you okay, Siagu?" A worried expression appeared on my uncle's face after seeing me zoning out. I then compose myself before replying

"I am okay uncle, don't worry." I said trying to compose myself. After doing so, I extended my hand towards Major General Antonio Luna smilingly, saying "Good evening, Sir."

"Good evening, Your Imperial Highness." He greeted me as he accepted my handshake.

"I have heard a lot of things about you sir from your uncle, and I must say I am impressed." He noddingly said while looking at me.

"You humbled me with your compliment, Sir." I said awkwardly, I mean who wouldn't be? A national hero is in front of me right now.

"Hahahaha! Don't be too humble in his presence, nephew." My uncle said while laughing to his heart's content.

Hearing what my uncle has said, I abruptly turn my attention towards him before saying in a serious tone "Not is here, Uncle."

My uncle then stops his laughter and shifted his laughter into a grin before nodding. I then excused myself to the both of them since I wanted now to take a sit.

"Uhm… Looks like my mother is looking for me now. Excuse me first, Uncle, Major General Luna." I said respectfully before finally returning to my mother's side at the podium.

"Where have you been?" Mom said after noticing my return

"I just went to Doctor Rizal a bit to say hello and then subsequently called by Uncle Sharvil." I honestly replied

"Good thing you made it in time. Now stand up and let us greet the incoming friends of your father." Mother said and shortly after, two men in their traditional garment called Songket Baju Melayu. Songket Baju Melayu is a long-sleeved shirt decorated with intricate embroidery, a sarong, and a fine golden Songkok hat.

"As-Salaam-Alaikum, Your Imperial Majesty." The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Al-Masyhur said as he draws closer to my father while behind him is the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Idris Murshidul Azzam Shah.

"Wa-Alaikum-Salaam, My friends! Hahaha!" My father laughingly said as he hugs both Sultans.

"How are you two faring, my dear friends?" Father said while facing the two Sultan.

"Somehow, we still manage to gain a bit of autonomy under the British." Sultan Ahmad said trying to joke about their current situation.

The Sultan of Johor, Perak, Yogyakarta, and Brunei, these Sultanates are now under the protection of the British while ceasing their foreign and defensive affairs. Making them a bit more like a vassal of the British to avoid the locals from revolting against them.

"I don't know if I should laugh or feel sad about that situation, my dear friends." Father said melancholically.

Father is actually close to the neighbouring Sultans of our nation, especially to the Sultans of Johor and Perak; I even manages to meet them both when I was still a 5-year-old child. Their friendship is quite a surprise, especially since the history between our nation and the sultanates was not that great.

Ever since my father's ascension to the Imperial Throne of Butuan, he has been maintaining his friendship with the Sultanate of Johor and Perak, especially since these two Sultanate are the first two Sultanate that recognizes the dominance of our empire in the region.

"Don't be too sad about us! Let us stop this melancholic topic and focus on the ball! Hahaha!" Sultan Ibrahim Al-Masyhur said while laughing. He then turned his attention towards me and my mother who is now standing behind my father. My siblings are not here anymore, they are now at the food area of the ball with Prince Yeong and his personal eunuch.

"Ah! As-Salaam-Alaikum, Empress Alice." Sultan Ibrahim Al-Masyhur said as he shakes my mother's hand while smiling at her.

"Wa-Alaikum-Salaam, Sultan Ibrahim Al-Masyhur." My mom replied while smiling back at the Sultan.

"Is this now your son, Siagu?" Sultan Ibrahim Al-Masyhur said asking my father while looking at me. While Sultan Idris Murshidul Azzam Shah greeted my mother in the same manner Sultan Ibrahim Al-Masyhur do so.

"Ah! Yes! He is my heir and first-born son, Siagu Alexie of Butuan." My father said proudly as he gestures for me to greet the two Sultans who is now in front of me.

"As-Salaam-Alaikum, Sultan Ibrahim Al-Masyhur." I greeted him first as I bow my head while putting my hand on my right chest, signifying his higher status compared to me. A nodding smiling gesture is what I received from the Sultan after seeing my action. I then turned towards the Sultan of Perak to do my greeting.

"As-Salaam-Alaikum, Sultan Idris Murshidul Azzam Shah." I said as I bow my head again to show some respect. He then accepted my gesture by offering his hand to me in a handshake which I accepted and it was followed by Sultan Ibrahim Al-Masyhur.

Before anything could continue in this situation, my mother pushes me to approach Princess Khao, who is now sitting on a chair beside her mother. Aunt Sae is smiling widely at me while raising her hand in a thumbs-up gesture towards my mother. Apparently, she wanted me to dance with Princess Khao at least once as our next meeting will take some time, according to her.

Since I am a good child, I then walk towards Princess Khao and her mother. Standing in front of her, a confused look is plastered on her face while a nodding smiling mother is beside her. I then smiled back at HRHC Sae while bowing my head towards her.

"Sir Siagu. What brought you here on our table?" HRHC Sae said acting innocent despite already conspiring this with my mother. Why are our parents like to act like a child? Haayst.

"I would like to ask for Princess Khao a dance, Maam. If you permit." I said while offering my hand towards Khao. Still confused while a bit shocked, she turns her attention towards her mother asking for help. But instead of being helped, her mother instead put her hand towards mine and pushes us to start dancing.

"You should go and dance. Enjoy the night since this is a celebration." She said while smiling and then continues "Ops… I will leave the both of you for now, I will talk to other attendees first." She hurriedly said while leaving me and Princess Khao in a bit of an awkward position.

"Uhm… Shall we?" I asked as I squeezes her hand. She then nods at me while looking at the floor.

As we made our way towards the centre of the dancefloor, the music started to change a played a bit slow song. With that cue, we both then started dancing to the rhythm. My right hand is placed on her upper back while her left hand is on my right shoulder, while her right hand rests on my left hand, slightly above waist level.

We both then started dancing on the cue of the music, a western-styled dance, or waltz is called, is a common dance used in royal courts in Asia after our first contact with the West. As we take our moment to dance, I couldn't help but stare at her beautiful smiling face. As her hair continues to sway on each turn we make, her small giggles that exits her mouth every time we stepped on each other's toes.

Those small yet memorable moments made me realize how beautiful she is, especially in her attire tonight. The word princess really fits her face. As we continue to dance, dancing couples started to surround us. If only Abba is in here, one song really fits the girl that I am dancing with today. Dancing Queen.

After minutes of dancing, I then returned her back to her seat to take a rest, while thanking her for dancing with me. I didn't leave her right away as I can feel the prying eyes of other young attendees wanting to interact with her. You wish!

We continue to talk with each other talking about our respective hobbies, our families, and our likes and dislikes. We laugh and giggle, not minding our surroundings. Until she suddenly asked me to accompany her to the diamond pond outside the mansion.

Curious as to why she asked me to accompany her, I agreed and we both exited the mansion. 5 imperial courtiers then started to follow us towards the pond.

As we arrive at the pond, an ethereal scene enters our very eyes. The reflection of the full moon appeared on the surface of the pond while the lights of the moon illuminated the entire area. The swaying trees from the gentle blows of the wind, and the blooming lotus flower adds more to the scenery. While at the centre, a golden Buddhist shrine is illuminated by both moonlight and a lantern.

I then faced Khao after I finished observing the entire scenery.

"Why did you ask me to be here, Khao?" I ask in confusion; she then looks at me before answering

"We will be leaving tomorrow." She said with a hint of sadness in her voice. Realizing what she is trying to say, I then take a seat beside her at the pond while looking at her.

"I know. My mother informed me of this prior to your arrival." I said informing her that I already know. Hearing what I said, she then looks at the pond and pluck the blooming lotus flower out from the water.

"Mhmm… Are you not going to stop our departure?" She said while scanning the entirety of the lotus flower. A moment of silence rules the entire pond before I could say anything.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" I said as I touch the flower that she is holding making out hands touch each other.

"I- it is." She said stuttering a bit before composing herself "Why do you ask?"

"You know why we let the lotus flower bloom on its own?" I asked her once again while still looking at the lotus flower in her hands.

"Uhm… No, why?" She confusedly asks as she turns her attention towards me. I then look at her in return before answering.

"We let the lotus flower bloom on its own because it is a symbol of purity and enlightenment. The lotus flower usually grows in muddy water, but it blooms into a beautiful flower that is clean and pure." I then smiled at her before continuing "This is why I am not stopping you to go home. This is not the right place for you to grow. We might have been betrothed with each other now, but this is not the right time for you to stay here."

I then inserted an Amesiella minor flower on her left ear, complementing her fair-skinned beauty.

"W- What is this?" She shyly asks while gently touching the flower on her left ear.

"That is an Amesiella minor, an orchid flower, one of the unspoken sigils of our family." I smiled at her before continuing "We both still need to grow and you know that this isn't the right place for you to grow."

She just stayed quiet while looking at her reflection in the pond.

"Siam is your home, that is where you should grow first. And I will just be here, waiting for you, until you return." I said while is now looking at me

"You promise?" She said as she extends her pinky towards me to do a pinky promise. I then intertwined my own pinky on her before replying

"I promise." I replied as the both of us giggles in happiness.

It was a joyous night for us both as we continue to observe the glittering stars in the night sky of the Imperial grounds. It was a lovely moment for me, a dream come true for me to experience, but our moment was cut short after we hear a commotion outside the Minbury Mansion.

What I saw is a man wearing the formal attire of a Sultan being dragged by Imperial household guards while shouting to his heart's content. Following behind them are the people from the party headed by my parents, followed by the people of Prince Yeong and Khao's mother, and beside them are the Sultans under the British protectorate, the nobles, foreign delegates, and other attendees.

"Let me go you bastards! I am the rightful Sultan of Sulu!" the man shouted angrily.

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Author's note:

Thank you so much for the Support everyone!

Just a reminder. Please don't take this novel seriously, although some are historical figures, but this is not meant to disgrace or insult them. And if ever you are insulted... Please, forgive me in advance. Thank you.