CHAPTER 6 (Duke Sharvil of Cebu)

~ August 16, 1896

It is now Sunday, one day after Mr Allen's visit and informing me about the development of the German Empire. After his visit, my life resumes to normality.

I am now at my private library reading some books about the history of the Temple of Butuan, accompanied by Radhesh who is guarding the door, wearing his usual black suit paired with the traditional pants of our people, while I am being watched by an old man in his early 50s, a face that shows the brutality of ageing while also having a gaze of compassion and strictness, wearing his daily robe, a simple yet neat plain grey robe and a necklace of a silvery cross. Archbishop Adam of the temple2 of Sooraj, the mother temple of all temples in the empire.

The temple has been used on many occasions, but it is known as the temple of anointment after the reign of Rajah Aakesh I in the 1300s as all monarchs that followed after him were crowned at the temple. Since the temple was built in the 12th century, it has more of a Buddhist temple feature rather than Christian Churches in the Western World.

"That is enough reading, Your Imperial Highness. Let us start our question properly then." Archbishop Adam said as he stands in front of me while I put the books on my right side.

"Now then. Please tell me, Your Imperial Highness. Who is the first and the last Rajah who ruled the Rajahnate of Butuan under the Catholic faith?"

"By 1540, Rajah Siagu II converted to the Catholic faith marking the Christianization of the Rajahnate. The faith of Catholicism prevailed and ruled over the Rajahnate until 1700 marking the 160th anniversary of the Rajahnate's Christianization. By the same year, Rajah Siagu X also known as Siagu 'The Ambitious' created a new religion making the Rajah or King the head of the Temple of Butuan." I said confidently while Archbishop Adam is nodding his head.

"Hmmm… What causes Rajah Siagu X to establish the Temple of Butuan?"

"Peasant uprising, the Pope's insistent on destroying all temples in the Rajahnate, and negligence from the church and priests. These 3 are the main reason for Rajah Siagu X to create a new faith under Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism."

"Good. Now tell me how different are we from the Church of Rome?"

"Not much of a difference really, but there are few of our practices that are different from the Church of Rome. First, in terms of observance of the day of rest, we follow the old practice of the Jews, which is resting on Saturday, this has been strictly indicated in our temple's code by the then Archbishop John of Sooraj. Second, having the Rajah/King/Emperor as the head of the temple. Third, divorce is allowed but it should be done on the bases of infidelity, as we believe that marriage is a sacred union." I paused for a second and look at the archbishop's face wanting to know if I am correct or not.

"Continue…" he said while nodding, acknowledging that I was correct.

"Fourth, abortion is accepted on a case-to-case basis. Fifth, praying to the saints and their images was outlawed. And lastly, regarding the view regarding the afterlife, the Temple of Butuan believes that the dead are just asleep and shall be awakened during the second coming of Jesus Christ."

"How about our similarities with the Church of Rome?" He said while he takes a walk around the settee in front of my desk. He must have been bored watching me answer his questions.

"A lot. First, we adopted the venerated saints of the Catholic Church from the 1st century to the 17th century. Second, Festivals are celebrated although those minor festivals are only. Third, the process of selecting temple deacons, nuns, priests, and other temples post was adopted. Fourth, uhm… what is the fourth once again Archbishop?" I said as I genuinely forgot what is the other one. Archbishop Adam then touches the cross hanging on his neck.

"Fourth… crosses and making of statues of the dead saints. Although carving a statue of Christ and praying to any statue is prohibited. We are still allowed to raise statues according to our Temple code. Fifth, the celibacy of our temple priests, nun, bishops, and archbishops. These are some of our similarities with the Catholic Faith. As future emperor and head of the Temple of Butuan, this is a must knowledge for you to know."

The Temple of Butuan is almost the same as the Church of England. And the most shocking on this one is the Church's much open-minded stand concerning abortion and divorce. This enrages Pope Boniface VIII as it was seen by him as an act of heresy against the Catholic faith. The enrage Pope Boniface VIII then excommunicated the whole Rajahnate which Rajah Siagu X didn't give a shit about him.

"Enough with the questions. For our lesson today, I will be explaining to you the sainthood system of the Temple of Butuan. As you said a while ago, we adopted the saints of the Catholic Church from the 1st century up to the 13th century, after our separation from the Church of Rome, under the reign of Rajah Siagu XI, who rules for just 6 years, the church establishes the Council of Palawan, made up of 10 Archbishops from different temples within the empire. The Archbishop of Sooraj, Davao, Maynila, Cebu, Palawan, Sulu, Maguindanao, Vigan, Pasay, and San Juan."

Archbishop Adam said as he sits on the couch while reading a book entitled "Church History". As a religious lover both from the past and today, this lesson will always make me excited. Church history is as exciting as kingdom/empire history. I don't get why people got bored with knowing church history. Weak.

"The Council of Palawan was made so that the Temple of Butuan can still honour those martyrs who died defending and upholding their faith. The process of giving the martyr the title of a 'saint' usually takes up to 10-15 years, depending on the records about the martyr." Archbishop Adam then closes the book and looks me in the eye. "Any questions?"

"Nothing, Archbishop" I said

"Good. Now, that should be all for today. See you next time, Your Imperial Highness. Excuse me." He said as he stands and take a bow, I nod in response before he lifted his head and left the room.

"Take care, Archbishop Adam."

~~~

Later that afternoon in the same room. 2 individuals are currently in the room. The Imperial Crown Prince of the Empire, Siagu of Butuan and a man in his mid-30s, dressed in his Imperial Uniform is currently sitting on the couch sipping his tea.

"Tell me what is it now, Nephew?" The man said in his serious tone. Years of guarding the border of the empire in the Sabah Region have made him into a more serious and intimidating individual. The youngest son of the late Emperor Siagu XIV, Duke Sharvil Shaja, Duke of Cebu and Marquis of Carmen, is currently the commanding general of the imperial army stationed in the region of Sabah. Married to the daughter of the previous Duke of Sulu, Lady Maria Sulu of House Siasi, a young noble house that was established in the early 17th century.

Their union produces 3 children: Princess Marie Shaja (6) of Cebu, Imperial Sharvil Shaja (5) of Cebu, and Prince Yash Shaja (4) of Cebu. Currently staying at their house in Cebu, the Dunstead Castle.

"Nothing much. Just wanted to ask for some update in the region." Siagu said as sit on the opposite side of his uncle making them face each other. Duke Sharvil look into his nephew's eyes before answering.

"How did you know it? How did you know that an uprising will occur in the coastal city of Kota Kinabalu? No signs have appeared in the past years connected to the uprising, so answer me, nephew, how did you predict the uprising?"

Duke Sharvil said to his nephew while staring at him in full seriousness.

A few days before returning to the capital to visit his family, an armed uprising of the dissatisfied populace happened in the capital of the province, Kota Kinabalu. The Uprising was supported and instigated by British and French Oligarchs, who wanted to make the province independent and exploit its resources.

Remembering his nephew's warning about the uprising a few months ago, Duke Sharvil instantly took action and dispatches all military officers currently stationed in the capital.

The uprising lasted for days, buildings were destroyed and bodies of fallen imperial soldiers and rebel forces scatters throughout the battlefield. After squashing the uprising, the duke instantly wanted to talk to his nephew but faced with the wake of the uprising, he was forced to suppress his curiosity about wanting to know the truth.

Now, having to face his nephew, his curiosity kicks in and instantly confronted Siagu without further delay.

"A hunch." Siagu said while being silly in front of his uncle. A vein pops out of his uncle's head after hearing his answer.

"Do I look like I am playing here, Nephew?" Sharvil said in all seriousness, instantly changing the atmosphere of the entire room. He leans closer to the table that separates him and his nephew from each other.

"Let me ask you once again. How?"

"As I told you. A hunch." Siagu said still being silly towards his uncle not minding that he is about to explode 'I am not an idiot uncle to tell you my secrets. I don't want to spoil the fun, you know.'

A few minutes of silence rules the room as Sharvil composes himself in front of his nephew. Remembering his image as an adult and a high-ranking officer, patience should be his best friend.

"Okay. Your call. Now tell me, why did you call me here? I was about to leave to go back to Sabah."

"Okay, I will not waste more of your time, Uncle." Siagu said as he takes a sip of a glass of drink. While his uncle is still looking at him

"How do you wish to fly?"