Chapter 34 Duty over Love

--- 22nd of December 1896 ---

--- Imperial Crown Prince Siagu's POV ---

"And you, Apo. I personally saw Princess Abbhantripaja in Siam while I was there. The child is good and innocent and it appears to be that she's very much fallen for you. She even never missed a day visiting me at our house in Siam after knowing that I was in there." Lola smilingly said. "She would be a good wife to you, Apo."

"I-I know." I said calmly while looking at her smiling face.

She then gestured for us to come closer to her which we both followed.

"Ahhh… Such a wonderful child you both are." Lola said gently while cupping me and Ate Kaahini's face. "You both are the future of our nation in solidifying our relationship with the Siamese. At such a young age, you both have shouldered a heavy responsibility for our nation and her people."

She paused a moment and directed her attention towards our siblings and cousins, who were still playing with each other, before continuing in satisfaction.

"The future of the Imperial House of Shaja lies in both of your shoulders. Since you both are the eldest of the direct descendants of the previous emperor, you both have the responsibility to discipline and take care of each other and your family. Especially you, Siagu."

"Yes, Lola?" I said in full respect as I continued to listen to my Lola Jayanti Devi's words.

Despite being Siagu as my second life, Lola Jayanti Devi is still my senior in this world. And being nurtured in an environment where respecting the elders is important, it is not awkward for me to do this on my Lola in this world.

"The House Shaja is the symbol of power and unity of our nation. Without the Imperial House; the empire will collapse, unrest will consume the entire nation, and our motherland will be consumed by the West or our enemies. That is why, you need to further strengthen the Household, understand?" She said while expectantly looking at me, which I only answered with a nod.

"Great!" She exclaimed with a full smile as she took a sip of her tea.

She really enjoys her green tea, much like I do.

Solemnity arrives on our side as we three watch our siblings and cousins play in the garden while King Gojong is supervising them along with the Imperial Palace courtiers. As we three savour the moment of silence, a childish voice echoes to the entire garden.

"ATE KAAHINI!!" Prince Yash and Prince Sharvil of Cebu shouted in unison while waving at Ate Kaahini. Both are inviting Ate Kaahini to come to their side and play, which was only answered with a smile from Ate Kaahini.

"Such a sweet little kid they were." Lola smilingly said as she looked towards the siblings. "Their father and mother have raised them well for a royalty."

"Mm-Hmm. Uncle Sharvil and Aunt Maria have raised them to a standard of royalty despite their age." Ate Kaahini replied noddingly while sipping her juice.

My Lola Jayanti then got a suman for herself and started eating elegantly. No wonder she is called the most elegant lady of the North. Her strict etiquette adherence was also passed to her children, making my mother etiquette-conscious and strict.

"That is great. The Imperial Family and its direct descendants must be the epitome of the nobility in terms of etiquette and elegance." My Lola noddingly replied before directing her attention towards Ate Kaahini.

"You should go, Little Kaahini." Lola Jayanti gently stated while gently pushing Ate Kaahini on her back. "The two children wanted to play with you and it is not common for the family to be complete like this."

"But-" Ate Kaahini hesitantly stated while holding her tea. While Prince Yash and Prince Sharvil's childish screams still echo, trying to catch Ate Kaahini's attention.

"Go. Don't let the kids wait. A woman should be friendly towards children." Lola Jayanti said noddingly.

Hearing my Lola's reply, she then gently took her stand and excused herself to go towards our cousins. Now, being left with my Lola, solemnity returns to our side. I have been quite busy for the past week and a peaceful moment like this needed to be savour as it rarely comes in my life as a crown prince.

As I continued to savour the moment, my Lola suddenly said something that brought me back to reality.

"I heard what you did with those three, Siagu." Lola Jayanti said nonchalantly.

I remained silent after what she said. The information regarding those three individuals is not a secret for those who are inside the compound of the estate, and I am not afraid to let them know what I did to them. Those three deserved what they had done to my brother.

They are even lucky that I allowed the Imperial Judicial Council to take the case and handle this situation. But that doesn't mean that I will be handing them to the Judicial Council unscratched. 'Accidents' happened while handling a criminal, right?

"Will you scold me because of that, Lola?" I innocently replied while staring at her pleadingly.

Despite her strictness and firm decision, my Lola has a soft spot for kids and her grandchildren. This is the reason why she was so angry regarding my engagement and my sister's planned engagement. She wanted to know our future partner first before approving.

Her fondness towards children is also the reason why I always acted like an innocent child in front of her. Although she is aware of my maturity in some cases, she never likes to treat me like an adult, in her eyes, I am still a child needed for guidance and supervision.

"Huh? Why should I scold you?" Lola confusedly replied at me before slowly turning her confused look into a grin. "I am not here to scold you nor warn you about what you did toward those imbeciles. They deserved it and they should have known what was coming to them for harming a direct member of the Imperial household."

"But the Judicial Council, they might…" I replied acting a bit worried because of the Imperial Judicial Council.

The Imperial Judicial Council is the Judicial branch of the Imperial government of our nation. Comprises 12 judicial members or judges that hear and decide cases involving the constitutionality of laws, treaties, and executive issuance; resolve conflicts between different lower courts; review the decisions of lower courts; set precedents that are binding to lower courts; protect the right of the people; interpret and apply the law; hold huge scandals that involved public money and government officials; and lastly, cater cases involving the Imperial Family.

These 12 judicial judges are divided into 3 positions; one supreme judicial judge, two associates' judicial judges, and nine judicial judges. These judges have a duration of a maximum of 40 years of serving as members of the Imperial Judicial Judges after 40 years of service, they will then retire and a new one will replace them in their position.

They were chosen by the Prime Minister, with the approval of the emperor. The selection is based according to their records and service in the nation, a deep investigation is also conducted regarding the authenticity of their record and their background.

After being selected as a candidate, they will then be subjected to an examination that will test their knowledge of laws and governance. If they pass, their name/s will be given to the emperor for approval, and if they fail, they will never have a chance to be part of the Imperial Judicial Council again. A once in a lifetime opportunity for judges of the nation to take the test.

This process of selecting members of the Imperial Judicial Council is an ancient and important event in the life of the judges of the empire. The practice has been around in the nation since AD 1000 when Rajah Agusan I established the very first Grand Imperial Court bodies, consisting of the intellects who studied Buddhism and are well versed with The Code of Rajahnate: Laws of Butuan.

The Imperial Judicial Council is the highest judicial court in the Empire. The council is the successor of the Grand Imperial Court of the empire. The Grand Imperial Court functions the same as the Imperial Judicial Council, the only difference is that the Imperial Judicial Council holds the same power as the executive and legislative branches of the empire, unlike the Grand Imperial Court which virtually has no power over the emperor and the Imperial court.

But despite the power of the Imperial Judicial Council, they have never touched nor gotten involved in the business of our family. Respect and tradition hinder them from doing so, which is a good thing for us.

I have learned all of this from my lesson last week with my tutor in Imperial Law, Baron Kalyan Varman of Casul.

"Hmp! Those magistrates will not do anything to harm any member of the Imperial Household, Little Siagu." My Lola said full of pride before continuing. "The Imperial Judicial Council might be one of the most powerful government institutions in the country, but they won't do anything to you, Siagu. Your act of 'disciplining' those three imbeciles is not illegal nor intentional, am I right?"

My Lola then looks at me with a full smile, waiting for my reply.

"Yes, Lola. It was just an accident. I never done anything too hard those three individuals." I flatly replied while looking back at her. I replied then made my Lola nod in satisfaction before directing back her attention towards my cousins and siblings playing.

"Excellent… Now, let us move on from this depressing topic and talk about something else, shall we?" she said.

"Uhm! I would love to, Lola." I noddingly replied. "So… How was your stay at Siam, Lola? Was it great? Did you enjoy it there?" I curiously inquired.

Although in my past life, I have already visited Thailand, Siam in 1896 is different to Thailand in 2023. The architecture, society, people, and governance, all are different. And as a history and monarchy fanatic, it never made me bored listening to stories and reading books about their records. I even cried once after reading the Historical books of our nation.

"Hahaha! You wanted to know about my stay in Siam or you just wanted to know about my interaction with Little Khao, am I right?" Lola teasingly replied to me.

Her reply made me blush a bit and bowed my head in embarrassment. I never thought I would say this, but I might have fallen for her. I have fallen into the hands of love.

"Well, my visit to Siam was great. It was fun experiencing another atmosphere and area to stay in. Although Siam is still a little behind our nation in advancement, they are catching up. Their custom and tradition are also a bit different from ours, especially with the servant system." Lola said smilingly while reminiscing her experience in Siam.

"Really, Lola?" I curiously replied while touching her lap and looking at her.

"Hahaha! True! It was a fascinating one to witness. For example, when the master is sitting on the couch or something, servants are expected to sit on the floor. And according to what I have asked about that, it means the respect for hierarchy and cultural tradition." Lola said in full fascination while fanning herself with her nipa fan.

Fascination appears on my face after hearing my grandmother's information about the servant in Siam. It might be kind of bad to say but I don't really believe in equality and the abolition of classes in society. Whether we like it or not, the world is unfair and classes are really there. Equality is just a thing for people who can't do anything but whine about how miserable their life is.

In this world, equality will never be a thing when it comes to wealth. Human beings need to accept that some people are born rich and they can't do anything about that. You only need to accept that you have lost and will have zero chance of reaching the top of the wealth scale.

"How about Khao, Lola?" I inquired shyly.

"Hahaha! Yes, I did." She laughingly replied to me. "That child's kind of active in inquiring more about you. She would spend the entire day at our house in there just to talk about you and anything else that involves you and our nation." She continues nodding. No wonder Khao has been quite knowledgeable about our nation.

Hearing my grandmother's response, I cannot help but smile in admiration and happiness towards Khao's effort in knowing me and my country.

"Such a cute little child. Love is the sweetest thing a person can have, child. It is an emotion that will bring you joy and companionship and will soon bring you to a stage of your life where you will be contented with what you have. Your mama and Papa have both experienced this emotion prior to their marriage. But you also needed to remember that you must know how to separate love and your duty as monarch of this empire." Lola said calmly which made me focus my attention on her.

"When you love someone, you should cherish that love, but always remember that as a monarch, you have a duty to your people. Sometimes, your choices will be difficult, and they may require sacrifice. Sacrifices for the greater good of the empire. It might mean putting the welfare of your people above your personal desires. It might mean making decisions that are not always easy or popular. But that is the burden and honour of being a monarch." She continues after pausing a bit.

"I understand, Lola. I will make sure to remember this in the future." I noddingly replied.

I really understand what my grandmother has said. Sacrifices are necessary for the better good of the masses. It might be controversial in the future but it is a necessary move to make in the current time. Not all problems of the monarch require simple solutions, some require sacrifices, and those sacrifices often are personal.

My ancestor, Rani Mahati I made this sacrifice decision after she decided to beheaded her cousin, Rajah Arhaan IV after declaring himself Rajah in protest towards Rani Mahati I's ascension to the position of Rani of the Rajahnate of Butuan. She was then known to be the first Butuanon monarch to kill her own blood.

"That's good to hear, Siagu." Lola smilingly replied before continuing in full disdain. "I just hope you won't turn out like your grandfather and great-grandfather."

"What do you mean, Lola?" I replied in confusion.

Although I have already started my class on the history of the Empire, I am still quite far from reaching the present-day monarchs. Besides, there are few records of my great-grandfather and grandfather kept in my private library and the study room inside the complex.

"Well, your great-grandfather and grandfather have both failed to separate their personal feelings and duties from each other. If your grandfather never listened to your grandmother in attacking the British and the French, we might have not been humiliated at that time and we along with the Siamese would have still held dominion over our lands that are now under the alliance, especially the French." She replied in full disdain making her fan herself violently.

The hatred of the Butuanons towards the French is really deep, it would take a lot of generations to change this perspective. We can cooperate with the French on the surface but it would be difficult, especially after the failed uprising in the Sabah Region. The people's perception towards the French is really low now a great difference to the public's opinion towards the British.

Who have been increasingly good in the eyes of the public, even after the failed uprising in the Sabah Region. Other nobles even sent their children to Britain to attend school and then return here to the capital of study at the Riverbanks Imperial Institution.

"Siagu." My Lola seriously said towards me, making me more attentive and focused on her serious face.

"Our people have already seen two monarchs who failed to be a good leaders. Do not be one of them, Siagu. Remember that you have the blood of Rajah Shaja and Emperor Charan I. Two of the greatest monarchs our nation has ever witnessed. Do you understand?" She said while looking at me expectantly.

"I understand, Lola. I will make sure that our nation will never be threatened nor back down with the West." I replied full of determination.

I will really make sure that our nation will never be threatened by the West. I will make sure of that.

"Good. As the future of the empire. Your siblings and your entire family are under your care. Be attentive to your lessons and always remember that we are the Bakunawa of the Southeast, dragons of the sea, we rule the waves." Lola said before she took her stand and turned her back to me.

"You should add more 'accidents' towards those imbeciles while the police are still not here, Little Siagu." She meaningfully said while grinning at me, which made me smile at her back. She then started walking towards the estate mansion, leaving me and my personal courtiers in our picnic location.

I really love my Lola; she really knows my thing and she will always support me on what I want. She's even the reason why Dowager Mechora and Sir Bonifacio agreed to meet with me last time. Her words inspire me to do more 'accidents' while waiting for the police to arrive.

"Senior Court Lady Puteri Azura…" I called as she stepped closer while crouching a bit to listen to me. "Prepare the tools for tonight's 'accident' will you? Kindly also inform the butcher that I want some meat for tonight's dinner. A chicken meat will do." I smilingly said towards her.

"As you wish, Sir." She replied before leaving.

I then directed my attention towards my cousins and siblings playing in the garden. It brings me joy to see them all enjoying their time on the estate. Aunt Advika is the only one still in here, along with my mother's other Abagaanay (Lady-in-waiting). Her Husband Duke Jiānwén Xingyu of Haikou and Viscount of Xiuying along with their children will be arriving tomorrow. While Uncle Harish Chandra, Duke of Pangasinan, will be here tonight after the session in the House of Lords.

Seeing how happy they all were playing, I suddenly got jealous and opted to join them in the fun.

"Let me join! Hahaha!" I excitedly said while running towards them. This caught all of their attention and made them smile at me and started calling me to run faster.

"Faster Kuya Siagu! You are too slow!" Prince Yash innocently shouted while looking at me.

"Yeah! Run faster!" Prince Sharvil seconded making all of our cousins and my siblings laugh at me.

"Yash! Sharvil! I will surely kill you both!" I jokingly said while running towards their direction. Which made them scared and started running away from me. This has resulted in us playing tag in the garden. Prince Yeong and King Gojong are not around since according to Ate Kaahini, they have something to talk about.

Which I brushed off and continued our bonding as children of the Imperial House. I might be an adult inside but enjoying my childhood now is also important in ensuring my happiness. Our body needed to rest and enjoy.