Chapter 101

--- 3rd Person POV ---

--- 5th of August 1904 ---

Using the main stairs of the , Yuvraj Siagu Alexie made his way towards the office of his father; Maharaja Siagu XV, located at the west wing of the palace. Due to the sheer size of the area, it took almost 3 minutes for Yuvraj Siagu to arrive at his father's office.

Adorned with intricate traditional patterns of the Butuanon culture, inlaid with gold and exquisite carvings, the door of the office of Maharaja Siagu XV screams power and authority, worthy of the occupant's position. Imperial Household Guards have also stood guard outside the room while courtiers of any ranks have gathered outside, all on the floor, praying earnestly while others are tearing in sadness.

Guards who have been guarding the private audience chamber of Maharaja Siagu XV bowed their heads towards the approaching Yuvraj Siagu before opening the door, allowing entry to Yuvraj Siagu alone. Senior Eunuch Radhesh and the others remains outside the room, waiting in full anticipation.

"Mama." Yuvraj Siagu Alexie stated as he approaches his mother and bowed his head in curtsy.

Worry and concerned is what Yuvraj Siagu's inner feeling at the moment. With his father now in an unknown condition, Yuvraj Siagu started to be worried on his family's situation and their nation.

And from this, it was his siblings and mother that he worries the most. Not to mention the twins, whom are still children and have spent little time with their father. The mere thought of them growing without a father shaken Yuvraj Siagu's dream of having a complete family.

But out from them all, he knew for a fact that the one suffering the most is his own mother; Maharani Alice. And it is visible on his own's mother's face. Exhaustion, fear, and worry, were written all over his mother's face. But despite all of these, his mother remains firm and composed, avoiding for others to see her true feeling.

"Siagu…" Maharani Alice affectionately stated while caressing her son's face, "You papa has been placed on the inner chamber of this room. Doctor Rizal and the others are already there watching him."

Yuvraj Siagu nodded in recognition before taking a glance at the room attached to his father's private audience room before returning his gaze to his own mother, "Mama, you need to take a seat and relax for a bit."

With these words of Yuvraj Siagu, the Abagaanay, or lady-in-waiting of his mother, took this as a signal and gently assisted Maharani Alice to take a seat on one of the couches in the room. Maharani Alice wanted to insist on standing up and waiting for the imperial doctor's news, but with Yuvraj Siagu's insistence, she could not help but concede to her son's insistence.

"I have told your papa before that he should have taken it slow with those alcohols and cigarettes. But he never listens, keeps on using them even though how hard I have reminded him," Maharani Alice calmly stated as she began to reminisce about the times, she reminded her husband about his overindulgence in alcohol and cigarettes. "Still as hard-headed as ever, he insisted on having those, wanting to drown himself with those substances to escape pain."

Slowly, Maharani Alice began to sob in sadness and pain as she recalled the times when she had lost one of her children. She had witnessed how her husband forced himself to be drowned in work just to forget their son's passing. The memories were still fresh in her mind, and the sorrow that accompanied them was a constant companion.

Yuvraj Siagu stood by his mother's side, his heart heavy with his own grief and concern. He remembered those dark days, too, when the palace seemed shrouded in an endless night of mourning. His father's once robust laughter had turned into hollow echoes, his eyes distant and unfocused. Maharani Alice had been the pillar that held their family together, despite her own profound sorrow.

The room was silent except for the soft sound of Maharani Alice's sobs. The Abagaanay, sensitive to the Maharani's emotions, quietly stepped back, giving her some space to process her grief. Yuvraj Siagu, feeling helpless, gently placed a hand on his mother's shoulder, offering what little comfort he could.

"Mama, we must stay strong," he said softly, his voice trembling slightly. "Papa needs us now more than ever. We need to be there for him, just as you have always been there for all of us."

Maharani Alice nodded, wiping her tears with a delicate handkerchief. "You're right, Siagu. Your papa needs us. We must be strong for him, and for each other."

While comforting one another, Maharajkumar Ainesh and Maharajkumari Mahati arrived with worry plaster on their faces. Both dashes towards Maharani Alice's side after doing their curtsy, decided to seat on the floor to lean to their mother's lap, Maharajkumari Mahati decided to remain standing, not wanting to take a seat on the floor.

"Ma-mama, will papa be, okay?" Maharajkumar Ainesh inquired, tears welling up in his eyes.

Yuvraj Siagu gently caressed his younger brother's face, his heart aching at the sight of Ainesh's distress.

At 15 years of age, Yuvraj Siagu was acutely aware of his younger brother; Maharajkumar Ainesh efforts to be strong and composed since the death of Rajkumar Arin. Never to be seen as weak person in public events and gatherings. But Yuvraj Siagu knew that Maharajkumar Ainesh have always been fragile and soft when it comes to family matters, specially talking about their parents and siblings.

Their parents, Maharani Alice and Maharaja Siagu XV, had never seen this as a problem. They simply wanted Maharajkumar Ainesh to grow up healthy and happy after the incident that had nearly cost him his life.

Maharani Alice forces a smile and meet her youngest son's gaze, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and reassurance. "Your father is a strong man, Ainesh. He will come through this. We must have faith."

Maharajkumar Ainesh sniffled, nodding slowly as he tried to hold back his tears. Yuvraj Siagu wrapped an arm around him, providing comfort and strength. "Mama is right, Ainesh. Papa has faced many challenges before. He will overcome this one too."

"Papa would overcome this." Maharajkumari Mahati commented calmly and firmly, "A minor collapse from those things won't be the end of him."

"Mahati is right…" Yuvraj Siagu stated as he nodded in agreement to his younger sister's words.

As the family gathered in the maharaja's private audience room, the air was thick with anxiety and hope. The grand halls, usually filled with the vibrant energy of the royal children and the bustling activity of courtiers, were eerily quiet. Outside, the Butuan Empire's flag fluttered gently, a symbol of strength and unity that the imperial family desperately clung to in this moment of uncertainty.

The palace head physician, Dr. Rizal, entered the room, his face a mask of professionalism yet carrying a hint of fatigue. He bowed respectfully before addressing Maharani Alice. "Your Imperial Majesty, the Maharaja is stable for now. But I suggest that a few months away from his duties must he take to avoid further complications. I would also like to suggest to kindly remind His Imperial Majesty that he should be avoiding to take excessive alcohol and cigarettes."

Maharani Alice stood up, her regal demeanor momentarily faltering as she absorbed the physician's words, along with her are her Abagaanays. "Thank you, Dr. Rizal. Rest assured that we will do our best to follow your suggestion."

Dr. Rizal nodded, his gaze briefly meeting hers with an unspoken promise of dedication. As he left headed back to the room, the family started to resumed with their respective activities under the command of Maharani Alice. Despite Yuvraj Siagu and his siblings protest, they could not really do anything much as the command of their mother is absolute.

In another part of the palace, Prime Minister Aguinaldo and Head Eunuch Saanvi were in deep discussion. The recent crisis had thrown the empire into a state of alert, and the leadership was grappling with the sudden shift in responsibilities. After hearing the news of the maharaja's sudden collapse, Prime Minister Aguinaldo hastily made his way to the palace to check the maharaja's condition.

After hearing the news from the current condition of the maharaja, Prime Minister Aguinaldo were feeling more ease. But with this situation, the possibility of the public knowing this is in great chance. Thus, before other tabloids and radio stations uncertain contents, Prime Minister Aguinaldo decided to discuss the palace releasing official statement with Head Eunuch Saanvi himself. Bringing them with their current situation.

"The palace must release a statement regarding the maharaja's condition," Prime Minister Aguinaldo stated, his tone resolute. "The public has their rights on knowing the current situation of their monarch."

Head Eunuch Saanvi skeptic with Prime Minister Aguinaldo's suggestion, stays in deep thought before answering. "Reports are unnecessary thing for this situation. The maharaja's situation is in good shape and the doctor said that he will wake up any moment now. The people hearing their monarch's sudden collapse due to an unknown reason will only bring harm to the imperial family and the government."

"Are you suggesting that we shall keep this a secret?" Prime Minister Aguinaldo replied with a hint of irritation, "The nation has the rights to know their monarch's recent condition."

Not wanting to back down with the intimidation, Head Eunuch Saanvi stated in a much firmer and stern voice, "And the Imperial Family have their rights to keep this a secret… You must have forgotten due to your years of being in power under the banner of the conservative party, Mr. Prime Minister. But let me remind you this, in case you have forgotten.

The Imperial family is an institution that operates under its own set of rules and protocols. By the constitution, they were above the parliament and is not subject to your childish rumbles," Saanvi continued, his voice unwavering. "Their well-being and privacy are paramount, and it is not up to you to decide on whether to announce this to the public. You might have forgotten that all activities and information regarding the imperial family must first undergo to the eyes of Ministry of Imperial Palace.

The maharaja's condition, while concerning, does not warrant an immediate disclosure. The government, which you represent as the chosen representative of the people, must focus instead on the threat outside our borders instead of forcing the palace to release this event to the public."

Prime Minister Aguinaldo clenched his fists, his frustration mounting. "This is not about exposing vulnerabilities, Head Eunuch Saanvi. It's about transparency. The people have the rights regarding their monarch's situation, and while we are both arguing on this matter, rumors might have already spread outside the palace regarding the Maharaja's situation. Silence will only fuel speculation and distrust."

Despite the exaggeration, it was not far-fetched to assume that news of Maharaja Siagu's sudden collapse would soon reach the public. In Prime Minister Aguinaldo's view, it was better to inform the people now, before rumors began to spread and misinformation could cause even greater harm to the monarchy. He believed in taking control of the narrative before it spiraled beyond their reach.

Head Eunuch Saanvi, however, disagreed sharply. Stepping closer, his gaze fixed intently on Aguinaldo, he spoke with measured intensity. "And what do you think will happen if we confirm their fears? Panic. Uncertainty. Potential unrest. The last thing we need is for our enemies to view this as a sign of weakness. Stability must be maintained at all costs." His expression was serious, and his words bore the weight of his loyalty.

With a scrutinizing look, Saanvi continued, "Do you really hold the courtiers in such low regard? Do you believe they would spread rumors beyond these palace walls about their Maharaja's condition? Let me remind you, Prime Minister, our loyalty to the imperial family is beyond question. Our blood and soul do not sustain us for our own survival—they sustain us for the service of the Imperial family. That is where our devotion lies, and you should never doubt it."

Frustration started to mount on the room as the two individuals could not find their common ground. Prime Minister Aguinaldo would want to inform the public regarding the recent condition of the maharaja to allow the people to start to distrust and waver their loyalty to the maharaja and subsequently the entire institution. With the aim of bringing the empire under his total control as the Prime Minister.

Despite years in office and being spared suspicion by the Maharaja and the imperial family, Prime Minister Aguinaldo managed to dodge every speculation and accusation regarding his loyalty to the crown, allowing him to remain in power. Elected for a second term as the Prime Minister of Butuan, the second highest position in the empire, he maintains his position through strategic silence and cunning.

The victory against the Japanese and the forging of alliances between Butuan, Siam, Korea, and Japan were credited to Prime Minister Aguinaldo through his manipulation of the news. Buoyed by these achievements, his ambition to remove the monarchy grew once more, believing that the people and the nation would support him now more than ever.

As Prime Minister Aguinaldo's frustration and irritation became more evident, a smug expression began to form on Head Eunuch Saanvi's face. While outwardly maintaining his polite and professional demeanor, Saanvi's eyes reflected deep suspicion and a sharp awareness of Aguinaldo's true intentions. With his extensive connections within the palace and his keen understanding of court politics, Saanvi had long been wary of the Prime Minister.

To Head Eunuch Saanvi, Aguinaldo was like a lion feasting on a carcass that other predators had left untouched, feeding on opportunities others were too cautious to pursue. The empire's recent technological breakthroughs—most notably the aeroplanes that had elevated Butuan to the status of a global superpower—were a source of immense pride. But they were also a constant reminder of the fragile balance of power within the empire. Saanvi understood that while these advancements had brought glory, they also provided a stage for political ambitions to flourish unchecked.

The aeroplanes where symbols of the empire's might and innovation, but instead of giving the credits to the engineers and military, Prime Minister Aguinaldo instead claim it to be his and his government, which causes Head Eunuch Saanvi to hate and distrust Prime Minister Aguinaldo more. And even before becoming the Head Eunuch, he already saw how much Prime Minister Aguinaldo crave for power, which he already reported to the maharaja, but was asked to dig more on Aguinaldo's plans, quoting that everything is still not yet the time.

"Do not mistake your recent reappointment as a sign of popularity or support from the people, Prime Minister. It was not the people who voted you into this position for a second term. It was the ministers and the Maharaja who appointed you," Head Eunuch Saanvi stated coldly, his gaze piercing into Prime Minister Aguinaldo, who returned the look with equal intensity. "Your achievements mean nothing in the eyes of the monarchy—the very institution you seem so eager to betray."

Prime Minister Aguinaldo clenched his fists in silent anger and humiliation, the words cutting deep. His mind raced with questions, wondering how a simple request for an official statement from the palace had spiraled into this confrontation.

"You seem to have forgotten what your predecessors told you before you assumed the office of Prime Minister, and what I personally warned you about," Head Eunuch Saanvi continued, his voice firm. "Let me remind you once more: you serve at the pleasure of the Crown. Every action you take, every decision you make, must align with the will of the monarchy. Your position is not a testament to your popularity or competence but to your usefulness to the royal family. Every breath you take, every move you make, must be in accordance with the will of the Maharaja."

Prime Minister Aguinaldo's face reddened with frustration. The truth in Saanvi's words stung. His reelection had been orchestrated behind closed doors, a product of political maneuvering rather than genuine public support.

Head Eunuch Saanvi continued, his voice unwavering, though a hint of mockery crept into his tone. "You are but a pawn in the grand chess game of the empire. Your influence is an illusion, bestowed upon you by the benevolence of the Maharaja.

People assume that after the fall of the empire to the British and the French, the Imperial family lost its control and dominance over the nation, much like the situation in Siam. But that is merely a fantasy that will never see the light of day. To forget your purpose in serving the monarchy and embrace this reality? Hah! You risk everything you hold dear."

Aguinaldo's mind raced. He had envisioned himself as a reformer, someone who could modernize the Butuan Empire's governance and earn a place in history. But the stark reminder from Head Eunuch Saanvi was a sobering dose of reality. His ambitions and achievements were secondary to the whims of the imperial family.

He took a deep breath, steadying himself before responding. "Head Eunuch, even pawns have their uses. The palace needs me to manage the state's affairs along with other elected officials, especially now with the international tensions rising due to our technological advancements. Thus, I am confident that this pawn of the monarchy, as you say, have still it uses and cannot be replaced wantonly."

Head Eunuch Saanvi narrowed his eyes, his gaze piercing. "Indeed, the empire stands at a critical juncture. The aeroplane arms race has made us both admired and feared. Our allies in Siam, Korea, and Japan rely on our strength, while our enemies envy our innovation.

Thus, announcing the current situation of the Maharaja would be a foolish and laughable act at this time. Keep this a secret from the public, Mr. Prime Minister. In exchange, I will remain silent about your close aides' embezzlement of funds intended for the people."

Once again, Prime Minister Aguinaldo was shaken with the words coming from Head Eunuch's mouth, further pushing Prime Minister Aguinaldo into disarray while hatefully staring at Head Eunuch Saanvi.

"Are you threatening me, Head Eunuch?" Prime Minister Aguinaldo stated in frantic anger, "I am the Prime Minister of this nation! How dare a servant, a lowborn, like you threaten me?!"

With smile of ridicule, Head Eunuch Saanvi smile in satisfaction, "Yes… you are indeed the prime minister of this nation and I am just a mere servant. Yet, this servant is not as greedy and idiotic as you are… It was never really a mistake of mine to not trust you. I will say this to you once again, Prime Minister… Do not even think of doing what you are planning. The monarchy is something that a mere politician like yourself is enough to crumble to nothingness."

Silence once again embraces the entire room after Head Eunuch Saanvi finishes his words. Sensing that their conversation finally came to an end, Head Eunuch Saanvi head to the door and opens it for Prime Minister Aguinaldo to take his leave.

Knowing that he already failed with his plan, Prime Minister Aguinaldo left the room with hatred towards Head Eunuch Saanvi and vowed that one day he will be able to remove the smugness on the face of Head Eunuch Saanvi himself.

After leaving the room, Head Eunuch Saanvi closes the main entrance of the room and head towards the attached door of the chamber, opening it for the persons behind the room to enter. Revealing the standing stature of Yuvraj Siagu Alexie, Maharajkumari Mahati, and the current head and founder of Lobestar Tribune; Mr. Allen Faher.

Gloom and serious expression can be seen at the eyes and facial expression of the two royal children and Mr. Faher, letting Head Eunuch Saanvi to know that the three individuals have heard everything.

"Your Imperial Highnesses, Mr. Faher," Head Eunuch Saanvi stated with respect and bowed for a greeting.

"It appears to be that the man has started to bear its fangs to those who have nurtured him." Mr. Faher stated with a hint of seriousness on his tone as he follow's Yuvraj Siagu and Maharajkumari Mahati entering the chamber.

"But papa still have some use with that man." Maharajkumari Mahati commented as she takes a seat to find comfort while her older brother; Yuvraj Siagu chooses to stand by the window.

Seriousness is what Yuvraj Siagu is showing outside, he heard everything along with his sister and Mr. Faher. And all can Yuvraj Siagu thought is the betrayal and idiocrasy that Aguinaldo have shown in his past life. Betraying the first republic of the Philippines, the government that he supposed to represent, and the general whom have contributed a lot during the battle against the Americans.

Yuvraj Siagu thought that Aguinaldo in his current timeline would be different from the Aguinaldo from his previous timeline, but it appears to be that he was mistaken. 'I should not have trusted the man', Yuvraj Siagu thought while staring outside the window.

After years of staying in his current timeline, Yuvraj Siagu develop hatred and distain towards those whom can easily betray those helped them and nurtured them. In his past life as Alexis Francisco, he was enclosed and ignorant towards these kinds of situations. The biggest he might have encountered in his past life was shooting a man under the command of his grandfather at the age of 15.

Now, after years in his current life as Siagu Alexie of Butuan. He encountered different situations, honing him into a person which can only be describe as the complete opposite of his previous life. After seeing everything and losing his younger brother from a disease that he thought he can overcome with his knowledge from his previous life, Yuvraj Siagu is forced to abandon his easy-going and bubbly character and start to take things seriously.

"Let the man run a mock for now." Yuvraj Siagu replied to the statements made by Maharajkumari Mahati and Mr. Faher.

Which made Maharajkumari Mahati nod in agreement along with Head Eunuch Saanvi.

With confusion on his face, Mr. Faher replied, "Forgive me on saying this, Your Imperial Highness. But why must we let that man escape for now? We have gathered enough evidence to dealt him and his allies."

"Everything has a time for reaping and burning." Yuvraj Siagu replied with a smile on his face, "Besides, the man whom I wanted to replace him is still quite young to lead."

Agreement on Yuvraj Siagu's words expressed by other people in the room with confidence after seeing Yuvraj Siagu smiles. As this only means one thing, everything regarding the situation with Prime Minister Aguinaldo have been under the control of Yuvraj Siagu himself.

Pity and ridicule are what Maharajkumari Mahati, Head Eunuch Saanvi, and Mr. Faher, felt towards Prime Minister Aguinaldo. Not being able to realize that he was being used, Head Eunuch Saanvi could not help it but recall his conversation awhile back with Prime Minister Aguinaldo.

'Heh! He is indeed an idiot. Wanting to be the player yet was unable to realize that he was only a disposable piece, worth almost nothing.', thoughts of Head Eunuch Saanvi, knowing that it only takes time before Prime Minister Aguinaldo and his allies reaches the end of their journey.

"Anyways, Mr. Faher…" Yuvraj Siagu suddenly stated in the midst of silence catching the attention of the other people in the room, "How was the progress with the invention of those television that I have made you do?"