Chapter 36 Ezekiel 3:18-19

--- Later that Evening (22nd of December 1896) ---

--- 3rd POV ---

In a dimly lit room just below the Diliwata Estate Mansion, 10 individuals can be seen inside the room. Three of them, two male and one female, were chained to the wall in an 'X' position, panting heavily while small droplets of blood were dripping from their bruises after being whipped by Radhesh and Senior Eunuch Tạ Quang, who was smiling devilishly towards the bloody whip.

On the left side of the room are two Senior Court Ladies, Mei Ying and Puteri Azura. Smiling satisfyingly while arranging the torture tools on the table, neatly. While on the other end of the room, near the door, seats three individuals, an adult male, an old woman, and a 10-year-old child, All of them are seated comfortably on a wooden chair.

But what is quite peculiar on this one, despite the constant low screams of the three chained individuals, is the constant recitation of a verse from the Bible. A childish recitation of Ezekiel 3:18-19 echoes through the entire room, but instead of giving ease to the listeners, it has made them creep in fright instead.

"When I say to the wicked, 'You will surely die,'…" The child said while pausing a bit. His pause signals another set of slashes from Radhesh and Senior Eunuch Tạ Quang directed towards the three chained individuals.

"AAHHHHH!!" The three chained individuals scream in pain as if their souls were being ripped apart by the heavy whipping from Radhesh and Senior Eunuch Tạ Quang.

"S-Stop already! PLE-AHHHHH!!!" The woman pleaded but was cut short after Senior Eunuch Tạ Quang lashed her on her face, ripping some of her flesh out from her facial skin. Blood started to drop from her face as Senior Eunuch Tạ Quang unhinged from the flowing blood continued his work on lashing the woman with the whip.

"…and you do not warn him or speak out to warn the wicked from his wicked way that he may live,…"

Agonizing screams continue to exit from the mouths of the three chained prisoners. The woman and the much younger one are already puking blood after being whipped so hard.

"I-I begged you… Please forgive us, Your Imperial Majesty and Imperial Highnesses." The much older man begged while in pain after the lashing stopped, and they both retreated to the table.

But instead of being answered by the three sitting individuals, they were answered by the continuation of the narration of the text by the child.

"…that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand." The child said before taking his stand and drawing closer towards the chained prisoners while smiling innocently at them, revealing the face of the Imperial Crown Prince.

"Ezekiel 3:18-19… Evil shall be punished, our dear courtiers." He smilingly said while looking at the three chained prisoners, not minding their bloodied bodies and some missing skin.

"W-we a-already regrated our action, Your Imperial Highness." The woman weakly said towards Siagu. The response made Siagu raise his eyebrows in confusion a bit before turning into a laughing reaction.

"HAHAHAHA! Regrated?! Are you kidding me?! After what you have done to my little brother?! HAHAHAHA!" he mockingly replied while looking at the three suspects on Imperial Prince Ainesh's mistreatment like a dissecting frog.

"YOU MONSTERS!!! A PSYCHOPATH!! A CHILD SHOULD NOT BE ACTING LIKE THIS!!" The chained woman screams towards the Imperial Crown Prince.

This upsets the people of the entire room after hearing the woman's scream and silences the Imperial Crown Prince. A deafening silence suddenly rules the entire room.

"Nail them." The older woman said in a stern voice before standing up and walking towards Siagu's position, who was now laughing to his heart's content.

"N-no..." The three prisoners shakingly mumble after hearing the Dowager's voice.

"I want them to further scream in pain and agony." Dowager Duchess Jayanti emotionlessly said while creasing her apo's hair.

"NO! PLEASE!!"

"NOOO!!!"

"I BEGGED YOU, PLEASE!!! NOO!!"

The command from the Dowager made the chained prisoners panic and started screaming once again. Their screams are like a melody to the ears of the 7 others who are mockingly looking at the screaming prisoners.

"They look like a pig being slaughtered. This should be enough." Senior Court Lady Puteri said while handing the nails of 4 inches to Senior Eunuch Tạ Quang.

"I cannot agree more." Senior Court Lady Mei Ying noddingly replied while smiling. "4 inches for a nail? Isn't that a bit too short?"

"Huh? Too short? What do you think then should we use to them?" Senior Court Lady Puteri innocently stated.

"Hmmm… I think 6 inches for a nail is enough." Senior Court Lady Mei Ying replied while pointing towards the 6-inch nail.

"Hmmm… That is still quite short, 8 inches?" Senior Court Lady Puteri said as she lifted the 8-inch nail from the table. This made the three prisoners panic more seeing the size of the nail.

"NO! PLEASE DON'T USE THAT!"

"I BEGGED YOU!!"

"WE REPENT!! PLEASE STOP THIS ALREADY!!!"

The three of them repeatedly scream while fearfully looking at the Imperial Crown Prince and the Dowager who is smiling towards them.

"That should be enough, Puteri and Mei Ying." The last person who was still sitting in the chair on the back side of the room said coldly. "Let our dear guest experience the beauty of experiencing the 8 inches nail."

The man in the shadow's statement made the chained prisoners further howl in fear. They started to wiggle in the hope of escaping from the chain in their hands and feet, but as they wiggled to escape, more blood gushed out from their hand and feet. But despite the gush of blood coming from their arms and feet, they never minded it, the only thing on their mind was to escape from this hell and never come back.

While they are struggling. Radhesh and Senior Eunuch Tạ Quang are now in front of them handling the nails and a hammer.

"Where should we nail you three? Should we place the nail on your hands?" Radhesh said while putting the nail on the female prisoner's hand. Which made the female prisoner struggle more to escape.

"Hmm… I think not. Shall we place it on your stomach then?" placing the nail to the woman's stomach.

"I don't think so… Hmmm… Where should I nail you." Radhesh said while acting as if he was thinking while mockingly staring at the prisoner woman, scanning her entire body. "Aha! I should nail you on your thighs then. By this, you won't be able to escape from prison. Hahahaha!"

Radhesh words creeps the chained prisoners, sending chills to their bones. Senior Eunuch Tạ Quang also copies Radheh's place of nailing the prisoner. While the two Senior Court Ladies were excitedly looking at the event that was about to unfold.

"Do it. I want this fiasco to end already." Emperor Siagu said while still sitting on the chair at the back.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Senior Eunuch Tạ Quang and Radhesh replied and they then started nailing the two prisoners first, leaving the much older one later.

*BAM!*

"AAHHHH!"

*BAM!*

"ARGHHHH!!"

*BAM!*

"AAAHHHHHHH!!!"

Nails after nails were put on the thighs of the two younger prisoners. The once-room field with screams of pain where now replaced with screams of agony and anguish. As the nails penetrate much deeper into their thighs, they both become much crazier and scream in pain while requesting the nailing to stop.

But their screams never reach the ears of Radhesh and Senior Eunuch Tạ Quang, who are still constantly nailing the first two. Saliva and mucus coming from their noses and mouths, coupled with their tears and sweat are dripping from their faces. Making them look much miserable and laughable in the eyes of the observer.

But in the eyes of the much older prisoner, it is a nightmare to look at. Hearing his co-prisoners' screams of pain and agony while continuously begging for freedom and forgiveness made the older prisoner turn pale. Especially knowing that he will be next after the two are nailed.

*BAM!*

"AAHHHH!!!"

And with the last hit of the hammer to the head of the nail, the two who were nailed first fainted in pain and agony. Hearing and seeing his co-prisoner faints, the older prisoner turns pale, as if his soul left his body.

"Looks like they were not able to bear the pain." Imperial Crown Prince Siagu said while looking at the fainted prisoners in disgust.

"That is to be expected, Son. Those nails were coated with red chilis and salt, ensuring a deep pain even after the nail is being removed from them." Emperor Siagu XV said as he called his son to sit beside him as they continued to watch the event unfold.

"Chilis and salt? Is that just what you can think of? They have mistreated your son. A simple chilis and salt is not enough, the nails should have been coated in acid to start with." Dowager Duchess Jayanti said while looking at the emperor in disappointment.

"This is as far as I can go, Mother. We are lucky the government will overlook the wounds or bruises that these imbeciles will sustain in tonight's 'accident'." Emperor Saigu XV calmly stated towards his mother-in-law.

"Tsk! Radhesh, start nailing the last one. I already got bored watching them in pain." Dowager Duchess Jayanti uninterestingly said before making her way back to her seat beside her grandson and son-in-law.

Hearing the command from the Dowager, Radhesh and Senior Eunuch Tạ Quang started nailing the screaming and struggling prisoner. Constant screams of pain and agony once again echo to the entire room while the three important figures are watching the man nonchalantly, while the two Senior Court Ladies are giggling as they witness the miserable situation of the man.

"By the way, Son. I heard that you have let Mr. Faher develop some box or whatnot. Something called radio and television? Is that correct?" Emperor Siagu XV said curiously while looking at his son, not minding the constant pleading of the nailed prisoner in front of them.

An innocent smile with a nod was made by the Imperial Crown Prince while looking at his papa.

"Mm-Hmmm…" Siagu noddingly replied to his papa.

"Can you further expound this thing called radio first to us, son?" His papa replied in full curiosity. Unable to understand what is radio and television.

"Well, radio is boxed and used to transmit news and other things from one place to another via soundwaves. But instead of taking it a few hours or days before reaching the intended receiver, the radio will only take milliseconds to transport that message. And besides, if completed, it will not just be exclusive to one household, those who have a radio at their homes and offices can receive the information without a problem." Imperial Crown Prince Siagu said towards his papa.

Hearing his explanation, put the Dowager Duchess and the emperor in shock. This machine or device is a revolutionary one in conveying information if successful. Especially for their nation that is being divided by the ocean.

"W-will this be usable for our military also?" Dowager Duchess Jayanti replied in excitement while looking at her grandson which was also in the interest of the emperor.

For her and the emperor, if this can be used in the military, further developing this device called 'radio' with financial assistance from their respective families will be worth it and will surely boost their military's communication system.

"Yes. This can be usable for the military in communication, but it would be a different device but having the same concept." ICP (Imperial Crown Prince) Siagu said after thinking a bit.

He never really thought about arming the military with radio for a moment. For him, the only purpose of introducing the idea of radio was to make his country advance further in communication, making his nation ahead in terms of connectivity and surely giving him and his family a strong ground in controlling the minds of their people. For him, whether you are rich or poor, in the eyes of communication and information, brainwashing is an easy feat to do, especially in the age of 2nd industrialization.

Hearing Siagu's response, the emperor and Dowager's faces lit up in delight and excitement. Not just the possibility of having an improved way of relaying more informations towards its people, but the possibility of better communication from different units of stations of the military is making them both excited.

Although telegram and morse codes were a better option for communication with the different units of the military from different locations, the amount of time it took is what made it kind of disadvantageous. The late arrival of help and information is what makes them both a bit frustrated.

Remembering that there is still another device that Mr. Faher is currently developing under the instruction of his son. Emperor Siagu XV wasted no time and started to calm himself before inquiring again regarding the other device.

"W-what about the television thing, son? H-how does it work?" Emperor Siagu XV stutteringly said. Still a bit shocked after hearing the information about the radio.

"Well, television is a telecommunication medium that allows the transmission of moving images and sound. It is a mass medium that is used for entertainment, news, and education. Television works by converting light and sound into electrical signals, which are then transmitted over a wire or through space. The signals are received by a television set, which converts them back into light and sound." Siagu calmly replied while looking at his papa and Lola.

The three of them have literally forgotten the current fiasco that is happening in front of them. Forgetting that Radhesh and Senior Eunuch Tạ Quang are still nailing the remaining prisoner in the wall.

"What is the use of this called television then, Apo?" His Lola inquired regarding this new device. Especially since the concept of television is foreign to her and even to the emperor, who is also quite curious about the television.

"Uhm… Well, we can basically use the television to broadcast plays, operas, concerts, and other forms of entertainment. This would provide people with a way to relax and enjoy themselves after a long day of work. This could also be used to broadcast news according to our bidding, weather reports, and other educational programming. This would help people stay informed about current events and learn new things.

And lastly, we can use the television to broadcast events that celebrate the monarchy, such as Imperial weddings, coronation anniversaries, Imperial announcements, and many more. We can even use this to further promote the monarchy and our propaganda such us the Asianization ideas, government updates, and many more." Siagu replied nonchalantly.

Hearing the capabilities of the television, Emperor Siagu XV and Dowager Duchess Jayanti got chills while thinking about the possibility of having this thing called television as their weapon in controlling the people. 

The tabloids and the so-called radio are also great at informing the public or doing their bidding, but it is quite limited and you can only hear the voice, not the entire appearance. Unlike the television which can do all the things the tabloids and radio can do, even those things that the former cannot do.

"W-what about the things that are needed to transmit these images?" His Lola replied in a bit of shock. 

"Uhm… If I am correct, it uses a camera, which converts light into electrical signals. A transmitter, which amplifies and sends the electrical signals over a wire or through space. A receiver, which converts the electrical signals back into light and sound. And a television set, which displays the light and sound signals." Siagu replied while counting the total number of needed devices to make the television possible.

"That a lot? How long will it take then for all these things to materialize?" His papa inquired after much contemplation regarding the equipments needed to make the television thing possible.

"Hm-Mmmm… I think this will take 3-4 years to complete this venture, Papa. Budget is also a thing to consider on this one."

"That's great!" Dowager Duchess Jayanti happily replied.

*BAM!*

"AAHHHH!!" the older prisoner shouted in pain and agony before fainting in pain. Now, the three of them have fainted and are looking miserable while a mixture of saliva, blood, tears, sweat, and snot, is constantly falling from their faces.

"Call the physician to inspect them. I don't want them to be dead before the police arrest them and present them in the presence of the Imperial Judicial Council." Emperor Saigu XV nonchalantly said.

He then takes his stand which is followed by his son and his mother-in-law. Heading towards the exit of the room, leaving Radhesh and the others to supervise them.

"I want them to be presentable in the eyes of the public. Clean them and this room, it started to smell like a dumpster because of their impurities." The emperor continues before finally leaving the room along with his family.

As the three of them made their way towards their respective rooms in the palace, their conversation continued regarding the radio invention. Questions after questions were thrown by the Dowager and the emperor towards Siagu, wanting to know more about the said device.

Their enthusiasm and eagerness to know more about the radio concept made Saigu delighted and excited. He then expressed his concern regarding the budget for developing the prototype of the said devices and its further development. 

Money runs everything in this world. Despite how powerful you are without the physical money; you are still powerless.

The money concern was then squashed by after his Lola and his papa pledged to invest in the development of this radio device. Money is not a problem for the emperor and the Dowager, both individuals who can amass millions of ¥(Yu) in no time. Emperor Siagu XV even promised that he would instruct the Imperial Estate Commissioner to invest in the Lobestar Inc. to hasten the development of the said devices, which made Siagu delighted.

After this happened, they all went to their respective quarters in satisfaction and pleasure. Especially after what transpires under the estate.

By the next day, the Imperial Family of Butuan with King Gojong and his son, Prince Yeong, had breakfast in the garden. A feast of celebration was held for the recovery that Imperial Prince Ainesh had made for the past days.

The feast was like a festival celebration, especially since the main branch of the Imperial Family and the side of Empress Alice is almost complete. It was a joyous event that made them forget the current happenings outside the estate itself.

People from surrounding cities of the capital, Sooraj, flocked outside the Diliwata Estate to show their support for Imperial Prince Ainesh's situation. An array of flowers, the majority of which were orchids, are placed outside the gates containing recovery wishes and support messages.

Along with the flowers are rows upon rows of angry people who have gathered early in the morning after hearing the gossip about the transportation of the suspects out from the estate dungeon to the police station near the area via prison wagons. 

Most of the people who have gathered outside the estate are carrying some wooden sticks to hit the prisoners. Some are just placing some flowers outside the estate gates and fences, wanting to give their wishes of recovery for His Imperial Highness Ainesh Philipp and the Imperial Household.

The only thing that is preventing the people from storming the compound is their respect towards the Imperial Family and the rows of heavily armed Imperial Household Guards who are patiently guarding the gates and fences of the Estate. But despite their strict patrol, people were also putting orchid flowers in the guards' uniforms to show their respect and sympathy.

A few minutes later, a prisoner wagon pulled by two Hmong horses exits the gate of the Estate, heavily guarded by police personnel and members of the Imperial Household Guards. The array of police and Imperial Household Guards prevented the crowd of people from ramming the wagon and hurting the prisoners.

Not being able to do their want towards the prisoners, the people started shouting for justice while also throwing stones towards the wagon. The police that escort the wagon outside the compound remain firm in their duty to escort the prisoners, despite their want to pound the prisoners who are inside the wagon.

For them, even though they all saw the miserable situations of the prisoners, it was not enough to quench their anger. For most of the people of the Empire, the emperor and the imperial household are revered individuals. The Temple of Butuan (Aylashanism) even promotes this thinking.

A brawl almost occurred outside the Estate after a few angry individuals couldn't hold their anger towards the prisoners and resorted to chasing the wagon. Good thing they were prevented by the police and a few Imperial Household Guards. And when asked about their actions the only words they have spoken are, "For the Imperial Prince Ainesh Philip…".

But overall, the escort of the prisoners was a success and have safely arrived at the police station where they will be staying while their trial is ongoing.