Chapter 93

--- 7th of June 1897 ---

--- 3rd Person POV ---

This put Prime Minster Aguinaldo once again in a disadvantageous position. Despite being a royalist and a supporter of the imperial family. After years of being in power as the prime minister of the empire. Prime Minister Aguinaldo stared to envision himself as the one who leads the nation and not just the hand of the maharaja.

The notion of Prime Minister Aguinaldo assuming full control and wielding unprecedented power began to take root in his mind. On the surface, Aguinaldo outwardly demonstrated unwavering loyalty and service to the maharaja and the imperial family. However, beneath this facade, his true intentions were strikingly different.

Reluctant to further push the issue of transferring the revenues from the imperial estate agency to the Ministry of Treasury, Aguinaldo shifted his focus. He inquired about the cost and timeline for the comprehensive renovation and construction of the entire imperial complex.

Commissioner Alejandro responded with an estimate of ¥12.5 million (approximately $9.375 million) and a projected completion time of 5 to 6 years due to the extensive nature of the overhaul. This news only deepened Aguinaldo's dissatisfaction. The discussions about constructing a palace as a gift for Yuvraj Siagu Alexie were abruptly halted, as the budget would be first allocated to the imperial complex. This decision received tacit approval from Senior Eunuch Saanvi, further consolidating the plan's momentum.

The meeting took almost 3 hours due to the heated discussion. But was able to finished with a fruitful end. It was then also decided that the imperial family will be moved to the Diliwata Estate for their temporary shelter while the renovation for the imperial complex is ongoing. The start of the construction is to be made after the war with the Japanese came to its end.

Architect Bhima, Kunal, and Commissioner Alejandro then took their dispersal on the room as they all have things to do also in finalizing the documents needed for the renovation and reconstruction. Senior Eunuch Saanvi on the other hand decided to leave last without even mentioning any reason to Prime Minister Aguinaldo and the others.

Prime Minister Aguinaldo decided to return to his table and begin reading and reviewing the bills passed by Parliament, pointedly ignoring Senior Eunuch Saanvi, who remained in the room. This deliberate snub deepened Senior Eunuch Saanvi's discontent and displeasure with Aguinaldo, viewing the act as both disrespectful and unbefitting of someone who represented the government of the empire.

"Prime Minister…" Senior Eunuch Saanvi stated, calling Prime Minister Aguinaldo's attention whom have become indifference with his presence, "Do you know the reason why moths were attracted to any source of lights? Whether it came from the laps nor some candles, moths will always find themselves on these sources."

With confusion on his head after hearing the sudden words of Senior Eunuch Saanvi after staying on silence for the past minutes. Prime Minister Aguinaldo decided to assess first the reasoning of Senior Eunuch Saanvi's sudden inquiry but lost and unable to find any reasoning. Prime Minister Aguinaldo decided to not mind these words but instead answer them logically while also being vigilant and alert.

"I'm afraid I would ask the senior eunuch to answer this question as I am unable to answer this said question." Prime Minister Aguinaldo replied while acting a bit dumb.

Seeing through Prime Minister Aguinaldo's lies, Senior Eunuch Saanvi decided to play along and answer his own question with a gentle smile.

"...Moths are drawn to the light because they navigate by the moon," Senior Eunuch Saanvi began, his voice calm and measured. "In their natural environment, the moonlight serves as a constant guide. They align themselves with it to fly in a straight path. However, when they encounter artificial lights, they become confused and are drawn closer, mistaking it for their natural guide."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "But here's the irony, Prime Minister. The closer they get to the light, the more they are at risk of being burned. Their attraction to the light is both their guide and their doom."

He paused, allowing his words to settle. Prime Minister Aguinaldo, maintaining his composed demeanor, couldn't help but feel a slight unease growing within him.

Senior Eunuch Saanvi continued, "You see, Prime Minister, there's a lesson to be learned from the moth. Its unwavering focus on the light leads it to ruin. Similarly, those who are too focused on their ambitions, too captivated by their own goals, often fail to see the dangers that lie in their path."

Prime Minister Aguinaldo's eyes narrowed slightly, recognizing the underlying warning in Senior Eunuch Saanvi's words. The senior eunuch was no mere servant; he was a seasoned observer, a man who had witnessed the rise and fall of many within the palace walls.

"Power," Senior Eunuch Saanvi continued with a heavy tone, "can be just like that light—blinding, alluring, but ultimately destructive if one is not careful. I am warning you as fellow individual and citizen of this nation, your ambitions to alter the structure of our governance, to stand as the sole head, might seem noble and necessary to you. But I urge you to consider the consequences, to be mindful of the forces you are dealing with. The imperial family, like the light, holds a power that can burn."

Prime Minister Aguinaldo felt a mixture of irritation and respect for the eunuch's wisdom. He understood the analogy all too well, but his resolve was firm. Yet, he knew better than to dismiss Saanvi's advice outright.

"Your words are noted, Senior Eunuch," Aguinaldo said, his voice steady. "But sometimes, to bring about true change, one must be willing to risk the flame."

Saanvi's smile remained, but a hint of sadness touched his eyes. "Just remember, Prime Minister, the flame that guides you can also consume you. Be wary of becoming the moth."

Senior Eunuch Saanvi then take his stand and made his way to the entrance of the room, while subsequently rejected Prime Minister Aguinaldo's offer of escort to the entrance of the building. But before fully exiting the room, Senior Eunuch Saanvi decided to pause a bit at the entrance and turn his head to Prime Minister Aguinaldo for the last time.

With calmness and force on his voice, Senior Eunuch Saanvi stated, "Before I leave, let me remind you that those regalia were originally owned by the imperial family. It was stolen by those thieves during the raid of Sooraj, giving no respect to the maharaja and his family. Some parts of the total regalia of the imperial family were gifted to the government at that time under the pretext of 'goodwill'.

Members of the imperial household have subsequently been asking for the return of those regalia but the parliament of Sanoor remains indifferent for the past years. Maharaja Siagu XV could have dissolved the parliament to get all those stolen regalia and valuable items from their family but have not done so out of respect for the government and democracy.

Now, the imperial family is not requesting it by words only but demanding the government to return those regalia at once. Prime Minister Aguinaldo must be aware that with the recent war, the public's trust to the government have been steadily under decline while the trust towards the Imperial family have been growing.

Clinging on those regalia will not do good for the government. I suggest that you return those to the imperial family, and with the issue of having the public access to those regalia… have them be replicated to replace those originals. Those were sacred and should have also be under the care of the Imperial family or the Imperial Estate Agency, not with you and your crumbling government."

Prime Minister Aguinaldo stood in the center of the grand office, the words of Senior Eunuch Saanvi still ringing in his ears. The sudden departure of the eunuch had left him fuming, a storm of anger and frustration brewing within him. The indignity of being dismissed so casually, especially by someone he considered a mere servant, was a blow to his pride and authority. But the real sting lay in the implication behind Saanvi's words—the subtle insinuation that his position and government were faltering.

The public's growing support for the Imperial family contrasted sharply with the declining popularity of his own government. Aguinaldo was acutely aware of this shift, understanding that the advent of war, despite its victories, had not shielded his administration from criticism. The success on the battlefield had done little to assuage the dissatisfaction brewing among the populace, dissatisfaction that had been skillfully fueled by the media.

The Lobestart Tribune's recent article had been particularly damning. It had painted Aguinaldo as an opportunist and a traitor, aligning himself with the Americans and the British over traditional allies like the Siamese and Koreans. The piece had not only tarnished his personal reputation but had also cast a shadow over the entire government. The public had been whipped into a frenzy, their anger directed at both Aguinaldo and the administration, questioning their loyalty and judgment.

The exposure of his private remarks about the British and Americans had only exacerbated the situation. What had been whispered in confidential circles was now splashed across newspapers, dragging key members of the government into the fray and deepening the chasm between the public and the leadership. The prime minister's once unassailable position was now under siege, and the erosion of trust was palpable.

Aguinaldo's fingers gripped the edges of his desk, knuckles white with tension. His anger was not just a reaction to the disrespect shown by Saanvi but a manifestation of his frustration with the broader political turmoil. He felt cornered, his every move scrutinized and criticized.

Just after taking a few steps from the office of Prime Minister Aguinaldo in the palace of Sanoor. A shout of frustration of Prime Minister Aguinaldo along with some glasses breaking were audible as it exits the room itself. This made Senior Eunuch Saanvi smiles in satisfaction and content.

For in Senior Eunuch Saanvi's thoughts, the frustration of Prime Minister Aguinaldo just shows that the man is guilty of conspiring something against the monarchy. Which further gives Senior Eunuch Saanvi a reason to be weary and hate the current prime minister. And as a faithful courtier of the imperial family, reporting it to the maharaja is the most sensible way possible.

Senior Eunuch Saanvi treated the hallways of the palace of Sanoor with ease and security. With government officials and members of the parliaments giving him space for him to take a walk, although his walk can sometimes be interrupted with greetings from the people.

Worry of assassination were not even entertained by Senior Eunuch Saanvi as he knows that if he ever dies during his journey back to the palace, it would be the government whom will be facing scrutiny and Senior Eunuch Saanvi knows that with the current tide of support, Prime Minister Aguinaldo would not even dare to act recklessly. Which made Senior Eunuch Saanvi confident on his safety.

By night, before Maharaja Siagu XV enters his chamber, Senior Eunuch Saanvi reported everything to him. Not forgetting any details that transpired during the meeting regarding the renovation and construction of the imperial complex. Of course, Senior Eunuch Saanvi did not even forget to mention the conversation he had with the prime minister.

Which catches the attention of Maharaja Siagu XV, whom have requested Senior Eunuch Saanvi to inform the Imperial Household Guard regarding this one. Which Senior Eunuch Saanvi faithfully complied.

But as the palace once again came into halt as the night embraces the entire nation. Another part of the world was not as silence as the nation of Butuan. After the attacked on the Japanese islands by the Imperial Airforce of Butuan few days ago, words started to travel from east to west about those flying machines that drops bombs to the ports of Japan, wreaking havoc and desolation.

Words after words enters the ears of each leader of the countries of the entire world. All have unanimously expressed their concern and urgency on finding more details regarding those flying machines. Panic even ensued on the courts of the French Empire as the eerie and animosity between Butuan and France remains present, only being covered with a veil of fragile agreement.

On the court of Siam, King Cholalongkorn or known as Rama V, have already anticipated this event to happened. As close friend and ally of Butuan, King Rama V have been given the special privilege of Maharaja Siagu XV to be the informed and even be able to procure and study those machines with their engineers. Thus, when King Rama V heard the news of the bombing on the ports and capital of the Japanese Empire, it was a grin of satisfaction that appears on the face of King Rama V.

As King Rama V hopes for the defeat of the Japanese, he also hopes for those earoplanes to be a success and with this news he received he can now calm himself. With the prospect of being able to acquire those earoplanes with his cooperation with the Butuan Empire. The threat of the British and the French poses to his nation would reduce significantly. This made King Rama V vowed to remain an ally of Butuan until the end of his descendants.

On the British Island on the other hand, reports directed to the Prime Minister Robert Arthur Talbot Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury arrived late at night. With Prime Minister Robert reading the news, fear and disbelief creeps to his veins as the invention of those flying machines gives rise to a new threat to the British Empire's influence and expansion to Asia. An urgent meeting was then scheduled to tackle this said news were organize first thing in the morning to assess whether this would be a threat to the British Empire or not.

But during the entire night, Prime Minister Robert remains fearful and uncertain on the recent developments of Butuan. From a nation whom they have defeated during the last war with Siam to a nation whom have skyrocketed its way towards a global powerhouse. In Prime Minister Robert's mind, Butuan is a nation that should not be underestimated and be left unchecked.

And in his opinion, two ways can he tackle the Butuan at the moment, whether to be an ally with them or to instigate them. But despite these thoughts of Prime Minister Roberts, he knew for a fact that his cabinet have different opinions regarding Butuan. Which can be a disastrous opinion for the British Empire.

On the other side of the European continent, at the country known as the German Empire with its capital Berlin. Chancellor Chlodwig, Prince of Hohenlohe, where informed on the happenings and inventions made by the Butuan Empire. With them totally conquering the skies with their new invention, reported to be much faster compared to the zeppelins.

Despite being shocked and doubtful about the authenticity of the news, Chancellor Chlodwig, Prince of Hohenlohe, decided to contact its ambassador at Sooraj and investigate this news. While also establishing a much friendlier connection with the imperial family of Butuan and the government.

For years, Chancellor Chlodwig, Prince of Hohenlohe and the German Empire have always been intimidated and pressured by its neighboring countries. On its west, the French Empire or now called Third French Republic have been a thorn to the German's interest, on its east is the massive Russian Empire, and on the seas; the British Empire. Years after years, the German Empire have sought allies to ensure its survival in case that her enemies seek to invade her but have only manages to established one with the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

But for Chancellor Chlodwig; Prince of Hohenlohe, and the Reichstag, this is insufficient. Thus, after hearing the success of Butuan in conquering the skies, a hint of possible alliance with Butuan and its allies enters the mind of Chancellor Chlodwig, Prince of Hohenlohe. Not just would he be able to secure the Southeast Asia to counter the British and the French but would also be able to have an advantage on its expansion in Asia with the support of the Butuan Empire and its allies. Not to mention the possibility of having technological advantage compared to other western nations.

While having these thoughts in his minds, Chancellor Chlodwig, Prince of Hohenlohe, could not help it but smile meaningfully while sipping his glass of wine with pride and content. For once, with the possibility of establishing an alliance with Butuan, Chancellor Chlodwig, Prince of Hohenlohe have seen a bright light shining through the horizon of the German Empire.

By that night, Chancellor Chlodwig, Prince of Hohenlohe and Kaiser Wilhelm II received a dream. A dream of the German Empire being the dominant force in Central Europe, prosperity and advances in all aspect of human life greatly improves. But behind all these good things happening, an accounted numbers of stack of skulls scattered on fields while ammunition where also rains one after another. It was a dream that both Chancellor Chlodwig, Prince of Hohenlohe and Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany viewed as both ominous and auspicious.

On the America's on the other hand, the news was received mixed by countries from the South to the North. With the majority of the southern countries in America expected Butuan to achieve something like this. While on the north, the president of the United States of America, William McKinley, received the news by morning of that same day. The news causes William McKinley to expedite his plans of expansion of the United States Army and the funding of research on machines and guns necessary for the arming of the military.

As William McKinley plans on having the United States a superpower, being on par with other nations development militarily is also necessary. Thus, the threat of Butuan Empire increases significantly for countries who have views the nation as an enemy, much like how the United States feel.

But as the world scramble on this news, unbeknownst to all of them another news will be sweeping everything they have never anticipated will occur. After months since the initial start of the war, on June 28 1897, another shocking news reaches the shores of each country in the world.

Hanseong, the capital of the Joseon Kingdom, have fallen; captured by the forces of King Gojong, Lieutenant General Chitrangad Verma, Vice-Admiral Alexander of Siargao, and Yi Ha-je after the siege that lasted for 5 days. Subsequently, the news further stated that the entire peninsula is now under the total control of King Gojong and a purge towards those who have conspired against King Gojong were happening.

As the news further spread towards the entire world, the Qing Dynasty, fearing being involved on the battle sends a total of 20 thousand soldiers to guard its border with the Joseon. Causing further tension in the entire region. As this basically broke the agreement made between Butuan and the Qing Dynasty.