Chapter 118: 118

Morning of January 14, 1940

In the grandiose halls of Malacañang Palace, the morning light filtered through the intricate curtains as King Alfonso convened with his ministers on February 24, 1940. The atmosphere in the room was a blend of purpose and gravitas, as the fate of the newly integrated territories and the Kingdom of the Philippines lay in the hands of these key figures.

Around the ornate table sat Prime Minister Sergio, Minister of Finance Emmanuel, Minister of Health Fernando, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos, Minister of War and Defense Diego, Chairman of the Parliament Antonio Salazar, Minister of Internal Affairs Andrés, Minister of Industry Javier, Minister of Education Melchora, Minister of Agriculture and Fishery Julio, and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Lorenzo dela Cruz. Director Armand, the head of the Royal Intelligence Agency (RIA), completed the assembly.