CHAPTER 21 (Scandal)

Few minutes before the commotion

~~~ Emperor Siagu XV of Butuan ~~~

After my wife pushes our son to dance with sweet little Khao while I am busy talking with both Sultans, Sultan Ibrahim Al-Masyhur and Sultan Idris Murshidul Azzam Shah. Seeing that Siagu is now talking to HRHC Sae, a smile appeared on my face.

"Your Imperial Majesty. The room is now ready for your usage." An imperial palace eunuch said while bowing his head towards me.

"Good." I replied before turning my attention back to my friends "Shall we?" I offered in full smile which was answered by a smile by them before we all make our way towards the room.

My wife, Empress Alice, was left to supervise and watch the entire ball while I am not around.

The room is located on the second floor of the ballroom where multiple private rooms and balconies are in. A T-shape stair is built just behind the podium that I and my family are sitting on while the two others are on the opposing sides of the room, designed to connect the first floor and the second floor of the room. It is made out of fine wood and polished marble and is decorated with a golden coiling vine.

As we arrive at the second floor, rows of private rooms and balconies are placed strategically to avoid the feeling of being squashed by walls and the railings of the balconies. The second floor is decorated with draping red silk with golden tassels, array of paintings hangs the entire wall of the second floor, while vases of flowers are put strategically to give the feeling of nature.

The escorting eunuch then escorted us to the third room that we saw. The room itself is designed to accommodate private meetings with any member of the Imperial family with the guests, this is to ensure that private conversations won't be heard by outsiders.

When you entered the room, you will be greeted by a large and spacious space, with high ceilings and plenty of moonlight passing through the windows. With walls decorated with tapestries and paintings depicting scenes from our nation's history and mythology. Floors made out of polished stone complement the furniture that is made out of fine Nara wood.

At the centre of the room is a large circular ornate table made of solid wood and inlaid with precious stones. While chairs surrounded the table, the chairs are upholstered in silk and decorated with silver thread. While other furnitures are placed in the entire room to provide comfort and class; sofas, bookshelves, and tea tables are placed. A single crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling to add light to the room.

Upon our arrival, we all then take our seats on the chairs surrounding the table. Imperial courtiers then started to serve us some foods and delicacies that are made by the imperial cooks.

"Shall we?" I offered as I gesture for them to take some snacks while we have our conversation.

"So, how were both of your journeys heading here to the capital?" I ask them as I take a bite of the rice cake that I am holding before continuing "I thought you all won't be able to be here because you're not here during the parade."

"Hahaha! We thought so too as well. But it looks like Allah has been good to us as he safely guided us to reach here." Ibrahim Al-Masyhur said while laughing

"Yeah. We really thought we won't be able to make it. Even the Sultans of Surakarta, Yogyakarta, Kelantan, and Ternate, have already voiced their willingness to return back. Good thing we manage to convince them to continue our journey." Idris Murshidul said while drinking the tea being served to him by a courtier.

"Speaking of which… where are those 4, by the way?" I inquired to the both of them which was answered by a head shake from them.

"Isagani." I called before my personal attending eunuch entered the room.

"Yes, Sir?" He asked

"Did you know where are the Sultanate of Surakarta, Yogyakarta, Kelantan, and Ternate, are? They should have been here by now."

"They are already on their way now, Sir. They were just stopping for a bit to have a conversation with the Empress." He said respectfully while lowering his head.

"Good. Kindly tell them that we are waiting for their arrival here." I said while nodding my head which he answered with a bow for the three of us before leaving.

"Is that Isagani? Hahahaha! He is still under your care, huh." Ibrahim Al-Masyhur said after confirming Isagani's departure.

"Yes. He is an invaluable asset to our family. Despite his blood being tainted with Spanish blood, he still remains loyal and true to our nation's values." I grinningly said while sipping some green tea.

"Hmm… that's good to hear." Idris Murshidul said while nodding.

"Indeed, it is." I smilingly replied

Our chat continues for a few more minutes discussing some mundane things before the 4 other individuals arrive in the room, escorted by Isagani and some courtiers.

"Hahaha! Sorry for being late my friends. I was busy talking with some guests on the ball." Pakubuwono X of Surakarta said while laughing as he made his way towards the sofa. He is a tall good-looking man in his 30s, wearing a Linto Baro, a long-sleeved shirt made from white linen decorated with intricate embroidery, while a sarong made from a brightly coloured fabric is wrapped around his waist and legs, paired with a Kopiah to complete the set.

"Don't believe him. He was just busy seeking for another noblewoman to bring as his concubine. Tsss" Hamengkubuwono VII of Yogyakarta said while shaking his head as he debunks Pakubuwono X's statement.

Laughter erupted in the entire room after hearing Hamengkubuwono VII's statement. Which put Pakubuwono X into a bit of an embarrassing situation. Along with Sultan Ayanhar of Ternate and Sultan Muhammad IV of Kelantan, they all made their chosen seats, while the imperial courtiers started to serve them with food and snacks.

"I must say. I was really surprised that you manage to gather this number of visitors to your nation's celebration of its founding anniversary despite the challenges and turmoil going on within and outside your nation's border." Ayanhar said before taking a bit of the biscuit he is holding.

"What do you expect from this man, Zainal? A simple celebration like this is not much for his country." Muhammad IV said while jokingly tapping the back of Sultan Zainal.

"Hahahaha! Indeed!" Ibrahim Al-Masyhur laughingly said while looking at me.

"Hahaha. You humble me, my friends. The success of my country is not because of my family's efforts alone but also because of the people that have worked hard in supporting our nation." I said while looking at all of them

"True. A monarch is nothing without the support of its people." Pakubuwono X said while drinking his tea. Since Alcohol is forbidden in Islamic law. A unanimous agreement happened by all of us nodding our heads in agreement with Sultan Pakubuwono X's statement.

"But why is he here, Siagu?" Hamengkubuwono VII suddenly said in a serious tone while staring at me.

"Looks like you have seen him already huh?" I calmly said while sipping another cup of green tea.

"Who? Who is here?"

"Who?"

"Tell me, Hamengkubuwon!" confused sultans raise their inquiries, wanting to find out who we are talking about.

"Why, Siagu?" Idris Murshidul said realizing what Hamengkubuwono VII means.

"You invited him?" Ibrahim Al-Masyhur said solemnly while staring at me. All eyes then went on me realizing who the 3 Sultans means.

"Yes. I invited him. Faris Qasimuddin" I calmly stated while being stared at by 6 individuals before I continue "His invitation is out of respect for the Duke of Sulu since he shares blood with the Duke through Sitti Fatimah Shahabuddinah."

"He will cause some troubles, Siagu." Pakubuwono X said seriously

"I know." I said noddingly

"So, you knew yet you still invited him? Are you out of your mind, Siagu? Faris Qasimuddin is currently backed by the British Empire in their claim on the archipelago." Idris Murshidul said before continuing "If the situation permits, Faris Qasimuddin will launch an attack on your nation with some British troops just to retake his 'land'."

"Hahahaha! I never thought that you can joke like that Abdul. Hahahaha" I laughingly replied to his statement. Seeing that no one is laughing except me, I then instantly compose myself and continue with my reply. "Ahem! The British might support his claim along with the Sultanate of Brunei on the Sulu Archipelago, but they will only support him verbally. The British won't risk their position as 'peace enforcers' in the region, while Brunei is not even enough to challenge our nation's military." I nonchalantly said

"So, what really is your plan on inviting him here?" Ibrahim Al-Masyhur inquired while making his own tea.

"Nothing much." I said showing my disinterest in the topic, which makes them all stop prying for more information.

"Anyway, I heard that the Dutch have been exploring some newfound land on its further ends." I said trying to know more about this news. Despite our nation's standing as the 3rd strongest economy in the world, happenings on other nations' lands aren't easy to obtain.

"M-hmm… They are indeed trying to conquer that land as their own. They have even named the Island Papua." Hamengkubuwono VII said

"Hmmm? How about the native inhabitants of the Island?" Muhammad IV inquired curiously "Are they planning to take care of them?"

"Natives? Do they even matter? Hahaha!" Idris Murshidul laughingly said before continuing "In the eyes of the colonizers and conquerors, natives who never made some advances in their ways of living are considered uncivilized and barbaric and worthy to be slaves and workers, while for colonized natives who made an advancement in their society, they are treated as second-class citizens, treated with minuscule of respect."

Silence rules the entire room after hearing Idris Murshidul's reply. As harsh as it may sound but he is telling the truth. Even our own nation has once viewed the natives of our conquered territories in such a way, especially during the heights of our nation's Christianization campaign.

Even our respective kingdoms and Sultanate used to fight each other for dominance and power in the area but was stopped during the Western countries' arrival. This is why we never criticize the Dutch, French, and British, for treating the natives of the conquered land as that, it would be hypocritical for us all.

"I heard that the Dutch are having a hard time incorporating the entire island inhabitants under their control." Ibrahim Al-Masyhur said while sipping his green tea.

"Really? How so?" I curiously inquired. I mean, it is rare for a European country to take this much time in conquering an island, much more an uncivilized one. Our ancestors weren't even aware of their existence.

"Apparently, the Dutch East Indies is currently facing some major problems on their conquest. One of which is the resistance from the locals. Hahahaha!" Pakubuwono X laughingly said while heavily tapping his thigh.

"What is so funny about this, Pakubuwono?" Ayanhar said while seriously looking at Pakubuwono.

"Hahahaha! Sorry about that." Pakubuwono laughingly replied while calming himself before he continues in a mocking tone "It's just that, despite the advanced technology they have faced, they were still pushed back by the natives of the Island. How ironic."

Indeed. The Dutch Indies Company were pushed back by the barbaric natives of the island. Instead of gaining the benefits of controlling a colony, they are literally bleeding some gold. In no time, the Dutch would be struggling to finance this conquest if no plans were made by the government.

Realizing something, I instantly gesture to Isagani, who is standing behind me, to come closer.

"I want you to contact the Cabinet members and schedule a meeting with me next month." I said in a low voice to convey its secrecy which he understands and made his way out of the room.

"What was that?" Ibrahim Al-Masyhur curiously asked after noticing my sudden action with Isagani.

I just smile at him while raising my tea, not wanting him to know what I have said to Isagani.

The 7 of us continue our conversation with each other. It is not every day or month we can gather together and have a normal conversation. Despite our differences in religion and culture, we still manage to overcome these hurdles and started to build a mutual understanding of our respective cultures and religion.

The past years have been a bit harsh for us all, especially during the arrival of Britain, the Netherlands, and France in our region. Their respective Sultanate was conquered and ruled over by the British and the Dutch. But despite being ruled over by foreign powers, they still play an important role in their domains, ceremonials for the most part.

"Your Imperial Majesty and Your Majesties!" A panting Imperial courtier suddenly shouted after entering the room with haste. His entrance catches the attention of us all inside the room. Now, he is being stared at by 7 pairs of prying eyes of mine and the Sultans.

"What is it?" I seriously asked.

"Y-y… Your Imperial Majesty! Something has happened in the ballroom!" He said stutteringly before stopping and trying to compose himself before he continues "Faris Qasimuddin, have caused a scene."

Hearing the courtier's words, I instantly bolted out of the room and started to make haste back to the ballroom, while being followed by the Sultans and the imperial courtiers. And what appeared in my sight is a rampaging man being restrained by Antonio Luna and the young Gregorio del Pilar, the man in question is Faris Qasimuddin, screaming and struggling to get out from the restraints of the 2 military officers.

I then scanned the entire room in full worried, looking for my wife, only to find her behind my brother while being surrounded by her Abagaanay, Duchess Maria, My sister, and some imperial courtiers.

I then sigh in relief and went my way towards my wife while Faris Qasimuddin continues his rampage. The Sultans have already gone their way back to their respective wives, while gossip, murmurs, and ridicule echo throughout the entire room because of Faris Qasimuddin's outburst.

"Alice! Alice, what happened?" I called my wife out making her and the people that surround her turn their attention towards me.

"Oh! Siagu!" She said as she rushes towards me and hug me tightly which I reciprocated.

"Are you alright?" I inquired as we separated and I look her worried expression while nodding "I am alright."

"Good." I said as I turn my attention towards Faris Qasimuddin who is still wrecking the entire place "What happened? And where are the fucking guards?!"

"Let me answer that for you, Your Majesty." My younger brother, HIH Prince Sharvil, said while looking at Faris Qasimuddin. "The guards are on their way here now; an imperial court lady left a while ago to call them. Regarding this man…"

Sharvil explains to me in detail what transpired prior to Faris Qasimuddin's outburst. Apparently, Faris Qasimuddin started to socialize with other attendees of the ball after having a talk with the Sultan of Brunei. The first individuals he approaches are the wives of the Sultan of Perak, Johor, Surakarta, Yogyakarta, Kelantan, and Ternate, who welcomed him as a co-guest of the ball and a fellow Muslim.

He was addressed as Sir Faris Qasimuddin by them since that is what he is called, but apparently, he doesn't like being addressed like a commoner and demanded that they must address him as Sultan of Sulu. He was then laughed at by the wives of the Sultan and ridiculed for still clinging to the title of Sultan of Sulu despite knowing the fact that the current Duke of Sulu is a descendant of his same ancestor and to make it more interesting is a Muslim also.

Hearing the ridicule from the wives, he then started to make a scene by screaming at them and demanding that all people at the ball must address him as Sultan of Sulu, saying that it is his rightful title. This was a big mistake of his since instantly, a group of imperial nobles reprimanded him and demanded that he cease forcing people to address him as Sultan of Sulu. Telling him that it is offensive towards the current Duke of Sulu and is a blatant disrespect towards our nation.

Outrage by this, Faris Qasimuddin then throw a fit and started to cause a scene. His action causes a lot of damage to the ball which made the once magnificent scene a disgrace. Foods and decorations are destroyed after being thrown by him. Major General Antonio Luna along with Colonel Gregorio del Pilar and other ball attendees jumps at him before he could do more damage and restrain him by pinning him on the floor.

As I recount what my brother has told me about. Murmurs and ridicule from the attendees that surround the entire scene enter my ears.

"What a mess!" a certain noble lady disdainfully said

"A disgraceful sight to behold. Barbaric!" a foreign delegate said

"Uncivilized! It is fitting to give him the title of monkey rather than a Sultan." A certain noble lady mockingly said

"The House Siasi must have been disgusted knowing that they share a blood with this graceful individual." Lady Fatima said with a look of pity towards my brother's wife while disdainfully looking towards Faris Qasimuddin.

"I agree with you. He should have stayed quiet and be grateful for even being allowed to attend tonight's celebration." My sister-in-law, Lady Advika noddingly replied "His unsightly attitude resembles more of a barbarian rather than a human. Tsss."

"I wonder what made the British and Brunei support this animal to his claim on the duchy of Sulu." A foreign delegate said.

"He must be dreaming of ruling the entire archipelago under his absolute rule! Pathetic!" a certain noble from our nation mockingly said.

Hearing the murmurs and ridicule directed towards Faris Qasimuddin, I could not help but smile inwardly. His image is now totally in ruins, even the Sultans of Perak, Johor, Surakarta, Yogyakarta, Kelantan, and Ternate, are looking at him in disgust while their wives are disgusted by his attitude.

"And their reactions?" I ask towards my brother who is now looking at the British delegates and their ambassadors.

"Nothing. They both just watch the entire scene to unfolds." My brother said as he looks at me.

"Good." I replied while nodding while a group of Imperial guards enters the room and started to drag Faris Qasimuddin out from the ball while shouting and making a fool of himself.

'Good. Embarrass yourself more before these people… the more you do this, the more you are doing the empire a favour.' The demise of Faris Qasimuddin in the eyes of these people will be the end of the support that he receives from the British and the Sultanate of Brunei.

"Let go of me you embezzles! I am the Sultan of Sulu and I demand respect!" Faris Qasimuddin shouted in rage while being dragged by the imperial guards out of the venue.

"Shut up and just walk!" A strong authoritarian command exits Major General Antonio Luna's mouth as he reprimanded Faris while tailing the guards that are currently restraining him.