Chapter 45 Nobility

--- Empress Alice POV ---

"Raise your head, Court Lady Riya," I stated. "You are new in your position, am I right?"

"Y-yes, Your Imperial Majesty. I was just recently hired as a court lady, recommended by the Head Court Lady herself, Head Court Lady Putri Chaya," she nervously replied, which made me nod in realization as to why she was able to say that.

"I see. You do not have to be nervous this time. It is your first mistake, and a sermon from Senior Court Lady Priya will be enough for now. Your ignorance regarding this type of topic is also quite shocking, as this is common knowledge among all the courtiers in the imperial palace. It's a practice that has been in place since the founding of this nation," I calmly stated before turning my back from her and returning to drinking my tea.

"Rest assured, Your Imperial Majesty, that Court Lady Riya will be learning these important lessons regarding the monarchy and many more. This mistake will not be repeated," Senior Court Lady Priya stated.

"F-forgive me once again, Your Imperial Majesty," Court Lady Riya stammered with a hint of nervousness in her voice.

"If I were in your place, I would cease this incessant plea for forgiveness. Once suffices; twice surpasses necessity; and thrice descends into meaninglessness. It is as though you are proffering..." Ate Advika paused momentarily, as if searching for the appropriate expression to use, "...empty words."

The entire area then returned to silence after what my Ate Advika had said. Among the three of us siblings from our mother, Dowager Jayanti, and our late papa, Duke Akshay Chandra of Pangasinan, Ate Advika is the strictest and most traditional.

As the eldest among the three of us, Ate Advika plays a crucial role in overseeing our upbringing during our childhood. She has been the primary recipient of our parents' traditional teachings. Ate Advika has a low tolerance for individuals who struggle with intellectual challenges and may have difficulty processing information efficiently.

Even our brother, who currently holds the title of Duke of Pangasinan, often seeks Ate Advika's counsel when making significant decisions that have an impact on our family's status and affairs.

Status plays an important role in the life of each member of the imperial family, especially for my son, the future monarch of this country. He is expected to marry a woman with the same status as himself, as are other members of the imperial family.

Marrying a commoner is not a practice allowed by the imperial family of Shaja. Currently, the Imperial House of Shaja has a total of 350 cadet houses out of 600 noble houses in the empire. All cadet houses are from the ranks of dukes (31); marquesses (73); viscounts (93); and barons (153). All of them have descended from the past monarchs of this nation that survived or spared during the slaughter of Emperor Charan I.

While other hereditary noble houses have some history of allowing their members to marry commoners, these commoners are not ordinary; they are rich and powerful, capable of further increasing their wealth and status.

Although this practice of marrying a commoner was allowed by previous monarchs for the cadet branches of the family, the main branch was forbidden from doing so. This was made even stricter by my husband when he passed a household rule last month prohibiting any member of House Shaja, except for the cadet houses, from marrying a commoner or they would lose their imperial status and be treated as commoners.

I was initially against this rule as the punishment seemed harsh for simply marrying someone of lower status. But my husband explained that it was to preserve the credibility of the monarchy. As a family revered by the people and the temple as holy and chosen by God, marrying a commoner was unthinkable.

He reminded me that, as a member of the cadet branch of the Imperial Family, I should have known that this practice had been followed by previous monarchs; it just hadn't been put into formal law.

Which is true. According to the historical records of the monarchs of the empire, rajahnate, and the clans, marriage has been done through nobles and people with status in society. This tradition, dating back centuries, was seen as a way to strengthen alliances, consolidate power, and ensure the stability of the realm. Marriages among nobles were carefully orchestrated affairs, often involving negotiations, dowries, and elaborate ceremonies that symbolized the union not only of two individuals but of entire families and their domains.

There is no found records to suggest that commoners were chosen as first or second wives. However, it is worth noting that concubines were often of commoner descent. The male descendants of these commoner concubines were then granted a status similar to that of a prince, formally recognizing them as noble members of the family.

The Imperial Household of Shaja is a private institution deeply rooted in the traditions and practices of our ancestors. While we allow the tabloids to cover our official duties and disclose the family's finances, we only allow them to know some issues about our family. Beyond that, the public remains oblivious to what is really happening in the monarchy. Members of the family, including the total members of the cadet houses, are kept private for safety purposes. Records held by the Commission for Nobility Records (CNR) regarding every noble house and family in the empire are kept private in the commission's office.

The idea of a member marrying a commoner is frowned upon and is considered taboo. This is why my husband paired my little girl with Prince Yeong, just to secure her status as an Imperial Princess.

While I was contemplating the intricacies of marriage within the imperial household, Ate Advika suddenly uttered something that drew my attention.

"Mmm… have any of you heard anything about that scoundrel Eloy Mancao?" Ate inquired with curiosity.

"I have not. It seems that the man went silent after being apprehended by the police, along with his fellow accomplice," Lady Fatima responded nonchalantly.

"And he should be. This man literally embezzled money from the government to sustain his extravagant lifestyle at the expense of others. He's repulsive to behold. He epitomizes a person unworthy of life due to his greed and foolishness," Lady Anika declared with disgust, a sentiment that all three of us shared.

Lady Anika had every right to be furious with the deposed minister. Her current domain, the township of Maligaya, was mired in poverty, with 70% of its residents living in destitution. The funds from social welfare could have alleviated some of their suffering, but Eloy Mancao's actions had prevented them from receiving adequate government assistance.

The condition of their town was truly pitiable. Despite donations and assistance from the current baron, Baron Rajendra Dayangdang, it remained insufficient to fully aid the people. House Dayangdang was not among the wealthy noble houses and did not descend from the Imperial House of Shaja. They had earned their noble status through loyalty and contributions during the war against the Dai Viet and Qing.

They were granted dominion over a piece of land that eventually became the township of Maligaya on the island of Palawan. It had once thrived due to its coastline and rich forests but had fallen into despair due to corruption within the barony itself. Even after the nation transitioned into a semi-constitutional monarchy, an elected mayor continued to embezzle public funds, further contributing to the poverty in the township.

Since the establishment of the elected government system in 1883, a mere 13 years ago, the previous mayor of Maligaya had been in office for 9 years, embezzling money from both the people and the government. He was one of the individuals arrested alongside Eloy Mancao for their financial misdeeds.

His arrest left the mayor's position vacant, automatically promoting his vice mayor, Rohan Singh, to acting mayor while elections were being prepared.

Despite lacking formal power, Baron Rajendra Dayangdang remained compassionate and supportive of the people of Maligaya. He conducted initiatives to alleviate their suffering and established the Dayangdang Christian Foundation to aid the impoverished. Additionally, he founded the House of Hope Orphanage to provide shelter for abandoned infants.

Lady Fatima inquired, "How is your husband handling the situation, Lady Anika? And your daughter?"

"It's been quite challenging for both my husband and daughter," Lady Anika replied with a sigh.

"Even before we became a couple and he inherited his father's tainted title, he had shown great compassion for the people of Maligaya. Since becoming baron, he has done everything within his limited power to assist them."

Ate Advika asked, "What about your own house, Lady Anika? I'm certain House Balagtas has the means to support your husband's efforts."

"They did indeed help establish the foundation and orphanage, but they also face their own difficulties," Lady Anika explained. "The municipality of Balagtas is grappling with poverty due to mismanagement by the previous mayor. What was once a poverty rate of 15-16% has now soared to 50-55% of the population. Elected officials seem incapable of managing public finances."

Before the empire transitioned into a semi-constitutional monarchy, poverty rates in cities, municipalities, towns, and barangays were relatively low. While some nobles were corrupt and caused hardship for some, overall, the lives of the people were more stable.

"We can't change the current situation. We've relinquished our authority over the people and entrusted our duties as rulers to them. Although some of us may resent this shift, it has also yielded benefits," Ate Advika calmly responded before continuing. "These corrupt officials are isolated cases, and most of the current government officials work tirelessly for the empire and its people. They've demonstrated dedication to lead the empire toward a brighter future, thanks to the trust bestowed upon them by the people."

"I couldn't agree more. My husband, who ascended to the throne of our nation, inherited a realm in decline. Yet, he has skillfully stabilized it by appointing and elevating individuals of merit," I affirmed.

"While it's disheartening for us to relinquish our governance, we must acknowledge that certain individuals within our nation possess the essential qualities to lead, qualities that some of us nobles may lack," I continued. "While we may harbor resentment toward corrupt officials tainted by greed, we must also remember that there are individuals willing to lead the country, and we can do our part by helping the people through charitable works and foundations that remind them of our commitment to their well-being."

A smile appears on the faces of my Abagaanays after I finish my statement. A satisfied smile and nod are visible on my Ate's face as she looks at me.

A few minutes later, our conversation suddenly returns to Eloy Mancao when I recall what happened to the man.

"Anyway, back to this Eloy Mancao. I heard that he, along with his accomplice, is currently detained in the maximum-security prison in the capital, awaiting the conclusion of the investigation and their trial by the Imperial Judicial Council. I believe this will be further delayed due to the Christmas and New Year's holidays," I calmly explain.

"I just hope that the Imperial Judicial Council will deliver a proper verdict to show other officials that, like us nobles, they are also subject to the constitution and the law of the emperor," Lady Anika remarks.

"I can't comprehend the audacity of this man and his accomplice for embezzling ¥80 million or $58.4 million. That amount of money in just 5 years is staggering. Think about how many people could have been fed with that money. Tsss," Ate Advika expresses with disgust.

"The man wanted to stand on equal footing with us nobles. Hahaha! His aspiration is laughable to think he could achieve it. Even if he stole the entire government's treasury, he still wouldn't attain the same status as us nobles," Lady Fatima laughs, with a hint of mockery in her voice.

That's true from the start. Being a noble isn't just about wealth; it includes lineage and contribution. Noble titles can't be bought or claimed by the public according to the law of noble titles. Even the non-hereditary titles, which hold little value compared to hereditary ones, are still frown upon by the hereditary title holder.

Additionally, old noble houses always look down upon newer ones. Eloy Mancao's ambition to stand alongside nobles is nothing more than a delusion.

"I agree. History and lineage play a crucial role in our standing. Anyone aspiring to be a noble must possess these qualities beforehand," Lady Anika adds, expressing her disdain.

After a few minutes of discussion, my children return to us, carrying a plethora of flowers, some with butterflies still resting on them. Their courtiers follow, looking exhausted, with some holding Jade Vine flowers.

A smile crosses my face upon seeing their condition. It appears that allowing them to play in this butterfly enclosure, just the three of them, was a good decision. Their bond should grow strong enough to withstand any problems or disputes.

"Mama, look! Kuya Siagu gave me this beautiful flower!" Little Mai-mai exclaims, proudly displaying a Waling-Waling flower, also known as the Queen of Butuan flowers in the empire due to its beauty.

"She really loves that flower, so I asked the gardener if we could have it, and he agreed," my eldest, Siagu, confirms with a nod.

A smile appears on my face upon hearing my eldest daughter's words. I stand and approach Mai-mai.

"Do you know the name of this flower, Little Mai-mai?" I ask while gently touching the flower she holds.

"Mmm," she replies shyly, innocence evident in her gaze. Her innocence brings smiles and giggles from everyone due to her cuteness.

"Hehehe. That flower is called Waling-Waling (Euanthe sanderiana), sometimes referred to as Sander's Vanda after it was noted by Henry Frederick Conrad Sander. This orchid is also considered the 'Queen of Butuan flowers' and is revered as a Diwata (Muse) by the indigenous Bagobo people of the empire. It can only be found in our country, so be careful with it and cherish that flower, okay?" I say with a smile.

"Yes, mama! Hehehe! I already love this flower! Look, Aunt Advika, Aunt Fatima, and Aunt Anika! I have a beautiful flower, just like me! Hehehehe," she excitedly shares, showing it off to my Abagaanays and her aunts.

"Mama, do you happen to know a man named Sander?" my eldest inquires.

"Oh, yes, I do. He's quite a brilliant man. He even gifted me the fifth volume of his book called 'Reichenbachia: Orchids Illustrated and Described,' written in Butuanon language. He told me the volume was a dedicated gift for me, which I gladly accepted. Your father was a bit jealous of him because of that. Hehehe," I reply, reminiscing about those days.

When I was still new as the Empress of Butuan, he suddenly arrived in the capital and requested a private meeting with me. He was quite handsome, but I wasn't interested in his appearance. He asked for sponsorship for his journey across the empire to document and illustrate the various orchids found here.

I was enthusiastic about the idea of documenting all the orchids in the empire, so I readily agreed, providing him with ¥10 thousand to support his travels.

A few months later, he returned with a complete list of the empire's orchids, dedicating the work to me. I happily accepted it, and just like that, I received one of the first copies of the fifth volume of his book as a token of his appreciation and sincerity.

The amusing part is that the book made my husband a bit jealous. He embarked on a journey across the empire to document the native bird species, leaving the governance of the country to me for several months. Men.

A few months after his return, he published a book titled 'Feathers and Whispers: Illustrated Chronicles of the Megalaimidae,' which became widely popular in the empire. The best part is that my name is written on the first page as the formal dedicatee of the book.

"Can I borrow that book from you, Mama?" he asks, bringing me back to the present.

"Oh, sure. It's currently in the library at the Palace of Sella. The librarian should know where to find it," I reply with a smile. I then turn my attention to my youngest, who is now holding a white flower with a magnificent appearance.

"What do you have there, little Ainesh? It looks beautiful and quite large," I say as I wipe his dirty face.

"I found this just before we left the enclosure, Mama. It was all alone in that part, so I decided to take it with me. I was afraid to leave it behind, so I picked it with Kuya's help," he says with a smile, displaying the flower to my delight.

"He won't even leave the flower in that area. He always said that the flower might get lonely because it is separated from the other sampaguita. Here, put that in this pot to keep it clean." My eldest interjected as he offered a flowerpot to little Ainesh.

"You have a beautiful flower, Little Ainesh. Did you know that this flower is used in religious occasions in our country? The flower is as important as you are, Little Ainesh. Hehehe," I said with a smile as I playfully nudged my youngest's nose, making him laugh and hug me tightly.

"You are also important to me, Mama! Hehehe! I love you!" Little Ainesh said with a smile, kissing me on the cheeks. Shortly after, my two other children joined in, kissing me on the cheeks.

I am blessed and happy. I have my children and husband with me, people who willingly serve our family, people who are always there to protect and secure our happiness, and people who are willing to support us in times of trouble.

And especially, I am blessed with children who are understanding and loving, children who never question or dismiss our education, and children who are always there when one of them needs them the most.

I just hope that someday, somehow, they will remain like this despite having their respective families. Because at the end of the day, they will only have each other to lean on in times of trouble, especially when my husband and I are gone.

The time when my eldest, Siagu Alexie, became the emperor of this nation. The day when my only girl, Mahati Alice, married the son of King Gojong of Joseon. The day when my youngest, Ainesh Philip, became the man he wanted to be.

The future of this nation, the future of the family, the future of the monarchy, and the future of this entire region will rest on their shoulders as beacons of this monarchical society.