CHAPTER 14 (Founding Parade Part 3)

While on his left side is the flag bearer of the Imperial Navy's flag. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the flag incorporates elements that embody the essence of the Imperial Navy.

The flag features a rectangular field with a deep navy-blue background, symbolizing the vastness and power of the oceans over which the Imperial Navy holds dominion, which is quite similar to the Imperial Coast Guard's flag. The rich blue expanse serves as a backdrop for the prominent emblem positioned at the centre of the flag, capturing attention and conveying a sense of regality.

At the heart of the flag is a bold and magnificent golden anchor, its imposing shape commanding the attention of all who behold it. The anchor represents stability, strength, and the Navy's ability to maintain control over the seas. The anchor's colossal presence symbolizes the empire's naval dominance and unwavering commitment to maritime security.

Flanking the anchor, two golden laurel branches extend outward, their vibrant green leaves contrasting against the navy-blue background. The laurel branches represent victory, honour, and the triumphs achieved by the Imperial Navy in countless maritime endeavours. They serve as a testament to the empire's naval achievements and its dedication to upholding its maritime dominion.

While above the anchor and laurel branches is a golden naval crown that sits atop the flag, symbolizing the Navy's authority and command over the seas. The crown, adorned with intricate details and regal embellishments, represents the empire's sovereignty and the distinguished status of its naval forces.

The flag is easily recognizable, even from a distance, ensuring its visibility during naval operations and ceremonial occasions. Its combination of bold colours, striking emblem, and symbolic elements make it an iconic representation of the Imperial Navy.

Behind the 1st squad of colour-bearers, is the colour-bearer and escort of the Imperial Household Flag, the flag of our house, the flag of House Shaja.

Our house flag stands tall, proudly displaying our regal heritage. Crafted from the finest silk, the flag takes a rectangular shape, its proportions carefully designed to evoke a sense of elegance and harmony.

The background colour of the flag is a deep imperial yellow, symbolizing wealth, power, and prosperity. It represents our family's status and noble lineage, paying homage to our ancestors who once led our great house.

At the centre of the flag, a radiant emblem commands attention. Embroidered with intricate silver threads, the emblem depicts a majestic and mythical creature—the bakunawa. The bakunawa, a revered symbol in Butuanon's culture, represents strength, wisdom, and good fortune. Its sinuous body, meticulously rendered with exquisite details, curves gracefully, emphasizing its majestic presence. Scales of silver, shimmering in the sunlight, symbolizes our family's opulence and prosperity.

Finishing touches adorn our family's house flag, as golden tassels hang from each corner. These tassels, intricately crafted with golden thread, cascade elegantly, symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and fortune. Reflecting our family's grandeur and status.

As our family flag unfurls in the breeze of the wind while being carried by the colour guard, it stands as a testament to our family's noble heritage, enduring traditions, and commitment to excellence. The flag embodies our once absolute power, prosperity, and spiritual connection, serving as a beacon of unity and pride for generations to come.

As the 2 squad of colour-bearers and escorting guards made their way through the centre of the square, the imperial bands change their sound and started playing the entirety of the Empire's National Anthem, 'Celestial Blessings'.

We all take our stand on our respective viewing boxes to pay respect to the nation's anthem while the whole crowd starts to sing along to the melody of the song. After the end of the song, we all then take our seats and the parade continues with the continuation of the marching song.

The Princess of Siam along with her mother are sitting in our viewing box, but we haven't spoken with each other yet. Later during the party maybe. Even my sister's fiancé is also here. But we shall talk about that later, I am too focused watching on the marching imperial soldiers proudly on the square while wearing their uniform.

The main body of the parade enters the square and is made of 12 imperial army regiments form from various platoons of the imperial army, each representing the pinnacle of discipline and training of the army. The soldiers march in perfect synchronization, their movements crisp and precise. Dressed in their formal uniforms, the same as what the escorting soldier of the colour-bearer wears, with differences in their ranks and number of medals.

Passing through our box, the regiment leader suddenly shouted and then faces our box while saluting. His row of sub-unit leaders then lifted their swords in the air while marching with their men on the back continuing their march while crossing their firearms on their chess.

The platoons march smartly while the drums of the Imperial band continue to play the marching song. The regiment marching of the Imperial Army continues as they parade their heavy weaponry on the ground. Crowds of people continue to cheer loudly while on the opposing side of the square as they witnessed the soldiers that defended and protected them from foreign invaders. Soon after, the march of the Imperial Army came to an end, signalling the entry of the Imperial Navy.

The Imperial Navy uniform consists of several distinct elements, each carefully tailored to reflect the traditions, functionality, and rank within the Imperial Navy. The centrepiece of the uniform is a double-breasted coat made from high-quality navy-blue wool. The coat is tailored to perfection, featuring a precise fit that exudes elegance and military precision. Its length reaches just below the waist, allowing for ease of movement.

Adorning the shoulders of the coat are intricately designed epaulettes, crafted from gold or silver bullion. These epaulettes display rank insignia, denoting the officer's position and seniority within the Navy. The epaulettes serve as a symbol of authority and command. On the cuffs of the coat, officers wear embroidered rank insignia, meticulously crafted with gold or silver thread. These insignia denote the individual's rank and responsibilities within the naval hierarchy.

The collar and lapels of the coat feature a contrasting detail, typically in a lighter shade of blue or white. These details add visual interest to the uniform, while the collar often displays the Imperial Navy's insignia, denoting the wearer's affiliation with this prestigious maritime force. Trousers, made from the same navy-blue wool as the coat, are tailored to be well-fitted and comfortable. Designed for ease of movement, allowing officers to carry out their duties efficiently.

One key component of the uniform is the headgear. Wearing their peaked cap featuring the Imperial Navy's insignia. The headgear is typically made out of the matching navy-blue fabric and is worn with pride. To complete their uniform, officers wear a variety of accessories. These include a white shirt and white fabric gloves. Additionally, some high-ranking officers of the regiment wear a ceremonial sash, featuring intricate decoration, to further accentuate their rank and formal appearance.

Regiments after regiments of Imperial Navy soldiers marched through the entirety of the square brimming with an aura of patriotism and reverence towards the national flag and the imperial family's flag.

Murmurs and whispers happened from both sides of the viewing boxes as the marching of troops continues to happen. While other boxes are full of whispers and murmurs, our box on the other hand is full of smiling and laughing individuals. Especially my uncle, who is also the head of the Imperial Army and my father who is the Commander-in-chief of the entirety of the empire's military.

The Imperial Air Force will not be presenting today despite already being established and having recruited some personnel discreetly. Why? To make other nations oblivious to our newfound force of course.

I know that keeping the Imperial Air Force a secret is hard and could not last long. The US and Britain will always find ways to uncover other nations' secret, even my spies in Berlin manages to discover the aeroplane building plan of the Germans. But as of now, the longer they are oblivious the better for us.

After the Imperial Navy personnel, the Imperial Household Guards enter the square, a total of 100 members of the available Imperial Household Guards marched through the square, while the others are currently guarding the Imperial Complex. Wearing their uniform that features a combination of regal colours, intricate details, and distinguished accessories that set the Imperial Household Guard apart from other military units.

The uniform is a tailored, single-breasted coat made from a deep deep-green fabric. The coat falls to mid-thigh, exuding an air of formality and authority. The fabric is of the highest quality, ensuring durability and a crisp appearance. While the shoulders of the uniform are adorned with ornate epaulettes, crafted from gleaming gold or silver braids. The epaulettes feature intricate designs, symbolizing the rank and position of the guards within the Imperial Household Guard's ranking. These embellishments serve as a visual representation of their authority and status of being the main protector of our family, the house of Shaja.

At the collar of the uniform is an embroidered crest prominently displayed. The crest showcases the emblem of our family's house, the bakunawa. Which represents their allegiance and duty to protect the members of the imperial family. The uniform also includes tailored trousers made from a matching black fabric. The trousers are designed for both comfort and functionality, allowing the guards to move swiftly and efficiently during their duties. They are tailored to be well-fitted and neatly pressed, maintaining a sharp and professional appearance.

Their uniform incorporates various accessories that enhance its distinguished appearance. A wide black leather belt, embellished with a polished metal buckle, cinches the waist, adding a touch of formality and unity, while white gloves are also being worn. The guards wear a distinctive headpiece, a polished brass salakot adorned with feathers. Which is meticulously maintained, reflecting the pride and attention to detail of the guards' appearance.

Some highly decorated household guards wear their awards, showing how proud they are for achieving a feat which illustrated their dedication to duty and loyalty to our family. But as the Imperial Household guards continues their march, a whispering sound coming from behind enters my ears, curious as to what it was, I instantly turn my head.

As I turn my head to see what is happening on my back, but instead of knowing the reason, something else caught my attention. A girl in her traditional Thai clothing, a princess who perfectly fits to be called beautiful, and her skin is a little lighter compared to her mother. The Princess of Siam, my promised fiancé, Princess Abbhantripaja of Siam, a member of the Chakri Dynasty.

Unknown to me, I have been staring at her much longer to the point that she notices it already, making our gazes meet for the first time. She then shyly smiled at me, an angelic smile. I instantly turn my attention back towards the marching army while hearing my heart pounding nervously.

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The National Anthem in full verses: Celestial Blessings

Verse 1:

Beneath the Eastern skies, a realm divine, Where ancient wisdom and glory intertwine, God save the Emperor, noble and wise, With blessings from heavens, our voices rise.

Chorus:

Celestial blessings, we humbly bestow, To the Emperor's reign, may it eternally grow, With reverence and honour, our hearts unite, God save the Emperor, in radiant light.

Verse 2:

Through misty mountains and rivers serene, An empire's splendour, a majestic scene, In harmony we stand, diverse and strong, God save the Emperor, our loyal song.

Chorus:

Celestial blessings, we humbly bestow, To the Emperor's reign, may it eternally grow, With reverence and honour, our hearts unite, God save the Emperor, in radiant light.

Verse 3:

The sun and moon witness our loyalty true, As the Emperor's grace shines through, Guided by virtue, we forge ahead, God save the Emperor, whose wisdom we tread.

Chorus:

Celestial blessings, we humbly bestow, To the Emperor's reign, may it eternally grow, With reverence and honour, our hearts unite, God save the Emperor, in radiant light.