Chapter 33 Dowager Duchess Jayanti Devi

--- 22nd of December 1896 ---

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

By nighttime, we all spend our dinner in the dining room. A typical Asian dining room, with small tables and no chairs to sit in, only cushions made out of expensive fabric, is only available for the upper class of society.

The dining practices of the upper class of the Butuan society use chopsticks and spoons as utensils in eating. While the peasantry and lower-class individuals use their hands and chopsticks as their main utensils for eating. This has been a practice that has been done since ancient times.

The dinner went well despite the recent development of my younger brother's situation. Papa then informed me that my sister and Prince Yeong would be here tomorrow along with the others. Which made the entire courtiers in the estate busy preparing the rooms for each of us to stay into.

Especially for the couples. Sharing bedrooms for the nobility has never been a thing in Butuanon culture. Even my parents never shared a room with each other, except for making us, obviously.

This practice of separate quarters for noble couples dates back to when we still practice polygamy. Men used to have more than 1-3 wives at that time and to avoid creating a disagreement between the wives the husband decided to create the visiting practice. The practice goes like this, the husband will only sleep with his wife on the night he will visit them, depending on the woman's schedule.

Which was still in practice by the nobility and royalty, even if the empire now forbids polygamy. But the lower classes never did this.

By the next two days, me and my cousins and Prince Yeong are in the garden of Diliwata Estate. Playing with each other while having a picnic. I smile as I watch Ainesh finally putting a smile on his face while playing with Haimi and Yeong. Although he is still quite distant towards us sometimes, overall, he is slowly recovering and that is good already.

It has been two days since then, but a lot has happened.

To start with, the news about my brother's current situation has finally been disclosed to the public curtsy of the Lobestar Tribute itself. The news draws sympathy towards our family and hate towards the 3 perpetrators who are involved in my brother's case.

Thousands of individuals flooded the gates of the Imperial complex and the Diliwata Estate to offer their prayers and wishes for my younger brother. Some are even demanding the government to take action to ensure the protection of our family.

Despite my future concerns regarding our family and my want to modernize our houses. Our Imperial family, House Shaja, is still popular in the eyes of the people. Industrialization had little to no effect in turning public opinion against our family, unlike the West. This is what separates Asia from the West; monarchy is a tradition in Asia while it is considered an institution in the West.

The law enforcers finally arrested the three suspects and were taken to the station for detention and profiling while waiting for the trial to start. The arrest was not as smooth as we expected it to be. A mob of angry people rushes towards the suspects after exiting the estate compound, almost burying them with the law enforcers.

The household guards have no choice but to help the law enforcers despite their anger towards the suspects. In the end, the suspects were full of bruises and bleeding after being beaten by the people. Even the court lady was not spared by the people.

Senior Eunuch Isagani, the spoke person of our family, has also released a statement from my papa asking for solidarity and prayers for my brother's condition. The statement also highlights my papa's condemnation towards violence against children and is appealing to the Imperial Judicial Council to bring justice to my brother's case.

My grandmother, Dowager Duchess Jayanti Devi of Pangasinan, along with my younger sister, Aunt Advika, and Prince Yeong, have arrived at the estate via Kalesa. Shortly after their arrival, it was my Aunt Haimi and Uncle Sharvil arrived with their respective families riding their Kalesa.

Their arrival signals the gathering of the upper echelons of our family and its one branch, House Pangasinan. This once again catches the attention of the tabloids and has started covering a small detail of the whole ordeal.

"Our parents must have been busy right now." Ate Kaahini said while eating her rice cakes.

"I agree." I noddingly agreed.

"Hey… What do you think they are talking about right now?" Dakhs curiously said while smilingly looking at me and his older sister, who was sitting on the mattress laid for us to sit on in our picnic.

"That is not for you to be curious about idiot." Ate Kaahini said teasingly towards Dakhs, which made me giggle looking at his upset reaction.

"Hahahaha. Don't even try to ask for some help, Dakhs. Ate Kaahini is our eldest and titles and positions were nothing for us children." I said teasingly towards him which further upsets him.

"By the way, how were you and Khao, Siagu?" Ate Kaahini said while smiling meaningfully at me. Her inquiry puts me as the centre of attention for the 3 of us since the other 6 are playing with each other.

"Oh yeah! I never heard anything from her since the founding anniversary. I tried asking my mother about her but she never talks." Dakhs said while crawling closer to me like a silly dog. "You must tell us, Siagu."

"Uhm… What do you all want to know?" I said calmly.

I have nothing to hide since I and Khao have been on good terms since our last meeting. We have constant communication with each other and update one another. Besides, the family should always be the first ones to know about this kind of stuff.

"EVERYTHING." Ate Kaahini said smilingly towards me while moving her eyebrows up and down. Which was seconded by his younger brother.

I then started telling them the things that Princess Abbhantripaja (Khao) and I have been talking to each other for the past month. I even started telling them both about her current routine in learning the Butuanon culture and language. Even those silly topics we have talked about, I also shared with them. And without even realizing it, I am slowly smiling while sharing my and Princess Abbhantripaja's conversation.

I even complained to them how long it takes for the telegrams to arrive in the Imperial Complex. The two siblings are just there sitting on the mattress while I complain and share some updates with me and Khao.

Although telegrams are much faster than letters, 24 hours of waiting just to receive a single reply is just too much for me.

Yes, I loved monarchy and history. But I grew up in a time where technology is so advanced that messages are sent in seconds. I was not used to waiting 24 hours just to receive a single reply.

I was so into complaining that Ate Kaahini suddenly said, "If that is the case, wouldn't it be good to have a communication technology that can transmit messages in a much faster way compared to those telegrams?"

"What do you mean, Ate?" Dakhs said confusedly.

"Well, you see, I have this idea of having a communication that can transmit messages in just hours or minutes from one person to another. This way, we don't have to wait 24 hours just to receive a reply." Ate Kaahini said while drinking her orange juice.

"But is that even possible, Ate? You might be imagining things; those are just fantasies and are impossible to happen." Dakhs said while smiling towards his sister.

"Hayts… you are right. Those are just fantasies and are impossible to happen." Ate Kaahini said disregarding her idea about 'cellular phones or telephones'.

Ate Kaahini's idea is not myth or fantasy. That thing was made possible and materialised during the mid and late 20th century with the invention of the telephones which later became cellphones and later evolved into chats.

This gave me the idea of introducing an early model of telephones that would bypass the messy process it would take. Although telephones are available in the entire empire and Siam for the upper class. Overseas calls are still not a thing, especially when the first intercontinental call only happened during the year 1901.

That's it! I will introduce the idea of advanced communication to the government and maybe the idea of television also. I might not know the process of the television since it is much more complicated than the telephone, but with my instructions, it might be possible to create it.

"It appears to be that you and Khao have been quite close since your last meeting, Siagu." Ate Kaahini said towards me.

"I agree. He must have fallen for her since then, Ate." Dakhs seconded while smiling at me.

I know this… they wanted to embarrass me with their silly antics of teasing, but they thought they would succeed, they were wrong. I have something that can embarrass Ate Kaahini more, curtsy to my good friend, Vajiravudh.

"Really?" I sarcastically said while smiling at the both of them. "By the way, Ate Kaahini. How was Vajiravudh? I heard you and him are on good terms." I continued while smiling mischievously towards her.

My response caught her off-guard. She then turns a bit red while Dakhs is now staring at his sister in confusion.

"Hahahaha! Looks like I hit a soft spot here." I teasingly said before continuing. "And it looks like someone is oblivious about his. Hahaha poor little puppy."

My teasing upsets Dakhs as he finally realizes what I meant. He is not against his sister's interaction with Vajiravudh, but what makes him upset is the fact that his sister didn't even tell him about this.

He is the type of brother who wants to be updated in his family's life, and who hates being left in the dark on important family matters.

"Shut up! I am not a puppy!" he said while being upset and turned his back on the two of us and made his way towards our other cousins.

With Dakhs out of the picture, I then turned my attention back to Ate Kaahini who is now sipping her orange juice while her personal court lady is pouring her a glass of water. I am generously curious as to what is really going on between Ate Kaahini and Vajiravudh.

"So, ate… care to share what is going on with you and my friend?" I said while looking at her.

"Hayts… You really are as crafty as your forefathers are, Siagu." She replied in annoyance while glaring at me.

"I will that as a compliment. Hahahaha." I sarcastically said while laughing at her before continuing. "So?"

"Fine… we are both on good terms." She replied shyly.

"Did he propose to you already?" I said directly which caught her off-guard, even the courtiers who heard what I had said were in shock.

"W-what do you m-mean, Siagu!" she stutteringly replied while turning red.

Even noble women in her age are still vulnerable to these kinds of feelings.

"Answer me, Ate." I seriously said towards her. "Did he bring up the topic of marriage to you?"

My response made Ate Kaahini stop and compose herself. She then replied with a nod while turning red.

I knew it. Another change that will not just affect our nation and this region's future, but will also have an effect on the succession of the Siamese monarchy. A change that will affect the future generation.

"Are you against this idea, Siagu?" Ate Kaahini said while looking at me in full concern.

"No. I am not against this idea, Ate. Vajiravudh is a good guy and I think he will be a good husband to you, if ever you and him will really end up together." I smilingly said. Giving her an assurance that I will not hinder her happiness as future monarch and head of the family.

"Thanks." She replied with ease. "I also think that he will be a good husband if ever we will really end up together."

"Good. But you are ready to share him with other women right, Ate Kaahini?" I said while stuffing some rice cakes in my mouth. These sumans are really delicious and are good for snacks paired with coconut milk.

"I am aware that they are still practising polygamy, the same as Joseon. And I don't have anything against those practices. Our ancestor, Rajah Siagu V, managed to maintain peace in his household after marrying 65 wives. And I know, Vajiravudh will also do the same of being able to maintain peace between his wives." Ate Kaahini said after a minute of silence after I had asked my question, to which I nodded as a reply commending her mindset.

"What a mature way of thinking you have there, child." An old yet stern voice enters my ears and as I take a look at the originator of the voice, I see a strong aristocratic woman who manages to bring the prestige of her husband's house.

My grandmother, Dowager Duchess Jayanti Devi, is the mother of my mama. She is a force to be reckoned with in terms of wit and power. Despite her old age, she can amass the entire aristocrats in Luzon at her own bidding. She even once almost put an end to a minor noble house on the Island after being discovered that he was embezzling some governmental money.

My grandmother's influence in Luzon has helped her husband's house to further establish itself, even though the house in Pangasinan is a cadet branch of our own house. She helped the entire house develop from being a small overlord of the north during the feudal era into an influential house during the start of the semi-constitutional era. Despite her husband's house not having the same power as it once had during the feudal era, house Pangasinan still remains the most influential house on the Island.

"Lola! Hehehehe!" I happily said as I took a stand and hugged her tightly.

"Your Grace." Ate Kaahini and the courtiers said while curtsying and bowing their heads.

"Ah! What a clingy little child." She said as she scratched my head making my hair a bit messy. "A future monarch must not act like this in public, understand?"

"Mm-Hmmm." I said noddingly while smiling. "Where is King Gojong, Lola?"

"Hahaha. He is there heading towards Prince Yeong." Lola Jayanti said while pointing at King Gojong who is slowly making his way towards Prince Yeong and my siblings who are playing together.

I pity him, actually. He used to pour his entire time and attention towards his eldest son, Sunjong, expecting him to inherit the Phoenix throne after his death but instead, he was betrayed. His son, whom he paid attention to, has fallen into the hands of manipulation by the Japanese.

Now, he is only left with Prince Yeong, a child whom he never lain an eye on. It must have hurt him so badly after knowing the betrayal of his son and father, but what can he do? This is not a fantasy world where everything can be fixed by just a wish or wads. This is reality, and reality is a cruel foe to face. No one can subdue or enslave reality, even the United States failed to do so.

"Little Kaahini… I like how you think positively about the prospect situations that you might face if ever you are going to marry, Crown Prince Vajiravudh." Lola Jayanti suddenly said towards Ate Kaahini.

"Thank you for that." Ate Kaahini awkwardly replied.

"Don't be so stiff with me, Little Kaahini." Lola said while taking her seat on the mattress while being assisted by her personal courtiers. "Kindly brew me some green tea."

"Yes, your grace." A court lady said before she started brewing the tea of my Lola.

"Uhm… What brought you out here, Lola? Aren't you supposed to be with our parents today?" I confusedly said towards her.

"Hm? I already attended it already and besides my part is now over, their current discussion is not my concern for a moment. Besides, I was only there to scold your parents, my dear Apo. Hehehe." She replied while pinching softly my cheeks.

"By the way, Little Kaahini… I was surprised to know that you are now quite busy entertaining with that Siamese Prince." My Lola said while smiling towards ate Kaahini. "Was he a good guy?"

"Yes, Lola. Crown Prince Vajiravudh is a good guy and we have been in constant communication with each other." Ate Kaahini respectfully replied with full calmness totally removing her stiffness.

Although Ate Kaahini is not related to my Lola. My Lola still prefers to be called 'Lola' by my cousins rather than being addressed by 'Your Grace'. Besides, this is also part of our tradition. The term 'Lola/Lolo' is used as a sign of respect towards the elderly whether they are your blood relatives or not. It is one of the pillars of Butuanon culture, respect for the elderly.

"That is good to hear. Are you happy communicating with him? Did he express his want to marry you?" My Lola said while sipping her green tea.

"Mh-Hmm." Ate Kaahini noddingly replied. "He did. A few days after his departure, he shared his interest in having me as his wife." She continues, while I am just looking and listening at the both of them as I continue munching my suman.

"I see. And it also looks like you are interested in him while also not worrying about the possibility of being just the second wife of Crown Prince Vajiravudh, am I right?" My Lola inquired which was answered by a nod from ate Kaahini. "That is good. And I presume you are not also willing to be bullied by others if ever you really ended up together, am I right?" My Lola continues.

"Mm-Hmm… My mama has been instructing and teaching me how to be a strong woman. She also keeps on sharing her experiences as the only woman in her family while also reminding me that I also have the blood of Rani Mahati I in me." Ate Kaahini smilingly replied.

"Indeed. The royal blood of Rani Mahati runs in your vein, Little Kaahini. You must live with it and be proud of it. Our culture used to totally look down on women but Rani Mahati I changed everything, proving that women can also rule and be equal to men in some certain field." Lola noddingly replied while caressing Ate Kaahini's face before continuing. "Although the Siamese culture is entirely different from Butuanon culture when it comes to the role of women, that doesn't mean that you must be totally subservient to this… stand firm on our tradition Little Kaahini and our Lord will reward you with prosperity."

My Lola then turned her attention towards me.

"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."

Hearing my grandmother's confirmation and approval made me smile wide. The planned marriage between me and Khao has upset my grandmother, after not being included in the discussion. Out of her anger, she rushes to go on a 'vacation' in Siam, wanting to assess Princess Abbhantripaja herself.

She stayed there for quite some time and it looks like her stay has changed her attitude towards Khao. I am not the kind of person who will marry someone without the approval of the entire family. My marriage is not just for me but also for my family since my partner will also be part of our family.