--- 20th of December 1896 ---
--- Imperial Crown Prince Siagu's POV ---
It has been a few days since the private dinner happened. It was a fun and exciting dinner with joy and unity. A dinner of 3 royal and imperial families, united by one goal and purpose, maintaining each nation's interest and power.
Since the dinner, a lot has happened.
Well, to begin with, the negotiation and talk about the alliance has already started. The previous content of the individual alliance plan was incorporated into the newly established alliance talk between Butuan, Siam, and Joseon.
Our nation is being represented by our Foreign Affairs Minister, Minister Li Hongyi. The Kingdom of Siam was represented by Ambassador Wichai Suriyawongse. The Kingdom of Joseon is represented by Minister Yi Gi-sang, the newly appointed minister of foreign affairs by King Gojong.
The talk about the alliance continues to be a heavy topic for our three nations. The scope of the alliance, the future of the alliance, the role of each nation involved in the alliance, and the one who will lead the alliance, are some of the topics being discussed by all nations involved. The discussion further intensified when no one wanted to be dominated by the other. But it was soon been decided that our nation, the Empire of Butuan, would be leading the alliance, citing economic and military strength.
Despite this commotion going on closed doors, the public remains oblivious to the bigger scope of the gathering of the 3 dynasties in the country. Although news and speculations about an alliance between our nations are flying all over the country. The government remains silent, even Prime Minister Aguilando refuses to talk about this one. Speculations only grow as days go by; even foreign ambassadors are keeping an eye on the possibility of an alliance between our 3 nations.
But they never heard a word of confirmation from the 3 nations.
On the 30th of November, Prince Damrong and Vajiravudh, accompanied by their entourage left the capital and made their way back to their country. The parting was short but meaningful, especially for Prince Damrong and Vajiravudh. Prince Damrong is in full smile while boarding the steamship after making a huge deal with Joseon and our country in trade not to mention the soon-to-be established alliance between our 3 nations.
But Vajiravdh outshined his uncle's happiness. Apparently, he and my cousin, Lady Kaahini, had been so close during his stay in the palace that they decided to continue their "friendship" by letter or telegraph. My aunt, Imperial Princess Haimi, is also supportive of Vajiravudh and his daughter's closeness.
She even teases that she will not object to a marriage between Kaahini and Vajiravudh if Kaahini ever decides to. Which was laughed at by our entire family and those who had heard my aunt's remark.
We all then said our farewells and continued our days after they had left.
Princess Abbhantripaja and I have been constantly communicating with each other since her departure. Although it was not as fast as those cell phones back in my previous world, I still enjoyed exchanging letters and telegraphic messages with her. We constantly talk about our mundane lives as royals.
Like training, etiquette, customs, language, and governance to name a few, it was fun actually. But I still miss talking to her in person. Personal conversation is just different from letters or telegraphic messages. But despite this, we both enjoy communicating with each other.
She even shared with me the situation in their country. She told me that the French had been aggressive towards their eastern borders for the past few days, making her father worried.
But she assures me that they are all okay and she hopes that I can also visit their country soon. To which I replied with a confirmation that I might visit her soon. She then replied with excitement and told me the things that she would be showing me when I arrived in their country. And I just sent my reply to her about my excitement about the possibility of visiting their nation.
Days after the Siamese delegates left the country, the talks about the alliance dwindled but not the resentment towards the Japanese.
In a recent article published by the Lobestar Tribune and other newspaper agencies, the Japanese Empire increased its military presence in the North and East Butuan Seas. This upsets not just the government but the people of the Empire, especially the people of Northern Luzon and Hainan Island.
People viewed this as an act of provocation for housing the Royal Family of Joseon, but instead of directing their hate towards the House of Yi, protest erupted outside the Japanese Embassy calling for justice and demanding them to retreat from the North and East Butuan Seas.
But another piece of news regarding the Japanese upsets King Gojong. Crown Prince Sunjong was officially crowned as King of Joseon last week by the Japanese General to Joseon, General Masaharu Makabe. The Japanese Government and 'King' Sunjong's government declared the provisional government established by King Gojong as fake and a threat to Joseon's sovereignty and stability.
Demanding the Aguinaldo government to arrest and send back to Joseon King Gojong and his family. Which were denied and laughed at by my papa and Prime Minister Aguinaldo.
A purge is also happening in the Kingdom of Joseon. Killing those who are known to support King Gojong and the union between Prince Yeong and my sister. This outrages not just King Gojong but other nations calling this a barbaric act and a threat to humanity.
Out of anger, King Gojong declares 'King' Sunjong and Grand Internal Prince Yi Ha-eung as traitors and terrorists. He even vowed to personally hand over their punishment when he finally returned to the Kingdom.
Prime Minister Aguinaldo even warns the Japanese and the soldiers of 'King' Sunjong about the consequences if they even touch any Butuanon nationals who are in the Kingdom. Citing the Empire of Butuan will not take this lightly and will surely bring justice towards its people.
The Japanese in response, have been increasing their military forces in in the waters surrounding the Island of Taiwan and their Pacific territories, they even increase their naval patrol and exercises in our nation's border. This further intensifies the tension between our nation and the Japanese government. Public sentiments against the Japanese government have been increasing since the assassination of Minister Ming Young-ik.
In response to this, the Butuanon Imperial Navy increased its military presence in the northern sea region and the East Butuan Sea, sending almost half of the ships of the Butuanon Imperial Navy. The biggest show of naval power of the Empire since the war against the British and the French. This resulted in the British Empire calling for peace in the region, but none followed her call.
The tension further escalated after a small standoff occurred between our nation and the Japanese near the Island of Itbayat, the further north Island of our nation. A warning shot was fired by the Japanese Imperial Navy against the Butuanon Imperial Navy, without any valid reason. This resulted in minor damage to the ship's body.
This incident overshadows our nation's current tension against the Qing Empire. Who, surprisingly, failed to negotiate with the Japanese and have since lay low, which deescalates the tension in the Hainan Island. Which was welcomed by the Aguinaldo government and the people of Hainan Island. But military presence is still there, reminding the possibility of another standoff between our two nations.
People's anger against the Japanese Empire is now reaching its boiling point. Protests erupted in the entire Northern Luzon after the news spread like wildfire, while other people also protested outside the Japanese Embassy. People in Northern Luzon are even calling the government to fight back and to show to the Japanese our nation's power.
But the government is also facing a backlash and scrutiny after it was discovered that there is a corruption ongoing in the Ministry of Social Welfare, credits to the Black Orchids. A staggering 14 million individuals were unrecorded and kept secret by the Ministry under the command of Honorary Baron Eloy Mancao.
Protest erupted in the streets of the capital outside the parliament, calling for the resignation of Baron Eloy Mancao. This prompted the government to conduct a deep investigation towards this scandal.
The investigation concluded with more issues and problems surfacing. The first one is the embezzlement of the funds that the Ministry of Social Welfare has been involved in for years since Baron Eloy Mancao took office for the last 5 years. A total of ¥80 million or $58.4 million was embezzled by Baron Eloy Mancao to fund his affluent lifestyle at the expense of the people for the past 5 years.
It was also discovered that other government officials were involved in the scandal. Government officials from the Minister down to town Mayors are involved. The tabloids are in heat in covering this scandal unfolding. People are now demanding the government to take action after it did nothing for the past few days since the investigation concluded, even my papa is not happy after hearing the news and how slowly the government reacts.
This angers my papa and decided to use his power to fire the current Minister of Social Welfare, Minister Eloy Mancao, and other government officials who are involved. My papa even strips him of his honorary noble title of baron. He then commanded the Minister of Justice Lê Văn Tùng to process the criminal cases to be filed against the people who are involved.
The post of the Minister of Social Welfare was then occupied by a new individual, appointed and endorsed by my papa. Kenji Morita, a Japanese-Butuanon descent who is a member of the conservative party and is a huge supporter of the military and the monarchy. He is also known for being a huge critique towards the USA and the French, calling them a threat to the Empire's sovereignty.
But what shocks the Parliament of Sannor and the Imperial Judicial Council the most is the sudden declaration of my papa that an election for a lower government body shall be done in leu with the vacancies of the offices.
My papa's action enrages the entire Liberal Party since the majority of those who are involved are members of their party. Some of them are members of the Conservative Party, which made Prime Minister Aguinaldo declare them ejected and barge from entering or joining the meetings of the Conservative Party. The recent scandal further plummeted the support of the Liberal Party while it also damaged the image of the dominant Conservative Party.
My papa also gave me a reply regarding the possibility of supporting the rebel group in Hawaii to reinstate the monarchy and overthrow the Dole government.
He is in full support of arming the rebel group of Hawaii against the Dole government, but in exchange, the rebels must agree that upon establishing their government they must become a protectorate of our country in exchange for our assistance and a guarantee of independence.
This is the condition put forth by my papa and Aguinaldo's cabinet members, who are willing to support the rebel groups in the shadows.
According to him, it would do us good to have a buffer Island country in the Pacific against the United States. Although my papa knows that this will not stop the US from pursuing its dreams of expanding towards the Pacific, at least, the presence of the Independent Hawaii will slow down their advances. To which I agreed.
Our nation might be the 3rd largest economy in the world and the 5th strongest military in the world. But it is still far enough to challenge the United States in the face of war. Even the mighty British Empire and the rising German Empire were afraid of offending the United States.
After receiving my papa's reply, I then sent a letter addressed to Senior Eunuch Akash Sundar. Informing him about my papa's reply.
But aside from these events that have unfolded for the past few days, what really concerns me is my little brother, Ainesh Philip.
For the past few days, he has been slowly becoming an introvert. Preferring to avoid other people except our family. What worries me is how my little brother is sometimes trembling in fear while looking into others.
My little brother started to act like this after a new eunuch and court lady was assigned to supervise him. Since then, my sweet little brother has been constantly refusing to interact with other people. I already have my hunch, but I am just keeping it silent since I don't want to jump to conclusions.
I have told this concern of mine to my mama, and she herself is also concerned with Ain's sudden personality change. She even suspected that my brother might be lonely which is why he is now timid, but I refute this by stating that the 3 of us siblings are always spending our time with each other in our leisure time.
I then told her about my hunch that something might be going on between those two new courtiers who are supervising him. To which, was suspected by my mama also. But she later on dismisses my thought and assures me that this will be investigated by the Imperial Household Guard and I should now focus on my studies.
But despite this, I am still uncomfortable waiting for the result of the investigation being conducted by the Imperial Household Guards. As such, I instructed my personal courtiers, Senior Eunuch Tạ Quang and Senior Court Lady Puteri Azura to personally investigate this happening.
My younger brother's sudden change is not normal and must have something to do with those two. And if I know something is up, I will personally take action. Even my parents won't be able to do anything. Touching me is acceptable but it is entirely different when it comes to my family.
But while waiting for the result of their private investigation, I will also do my part as a Kuya. That is why, I have invited my younger brother for a walk in the gardens of the Diliwata Estate. A walk that we both used to enjoy but can now rarely do since we are now busy with our respective classes.
As we both take our walk, I can see him keep on looking behind us where our entire entourage is and also those 2 new eunuch and court lady. A look of discomfort and unease is visible in his eyes, a look that I have never seen him use before.
"Are you okay, Ain? Is something bothering you? You can tell me if you want to." I said concernedly, breaking the silence that had ruled us for the past minutes. But no reply I can hear from him. This further increases my concern towards his well-being.
"Ain? Ain? Ain?!" I said calling him out after not replying to my call while also gently shaking him.
This finally caught his attention making him abruptly look at me while also having a tired look in his eyes.
"Ah! H-huh? Wh… What is it, Kuya?" He stutteringly replied.
"What is wrong with you, Ain? Are you tired?" I said while drawing him closer to me.
"Ouch! Uh… Uhm… I… I am alright, Kuya." He shakingly replied while looking in pain. Something isn't right here.
"Hayst…" I said after we reached a wooden bench near the Agusan River, which is also part of the estate garden. He both then take our sit before our entourage arrives behind us.
As soon as they arrived behind us, my brother started to feel more uncomfortable and was visibly shaking… not in excitement… in fear. After seeing my brother's reaction, I commanded them all to leave us alone. But my brother's new eunuch and country lady protested.
"With all due respect sir but we are tasked to watch Prince Ain. That is why, we both shall refuse to your request." My brother's new eunuch proudly said while looking at me in the eyes.
"Really?" I said in irritation while looking at him. I can literally feel my blood boil in anger after seeing this damn eunuch's grinning face and this country lady's ugly smile.
"Yes, Sir. The prince is still a child and should always be accompanied by the both of us. Court rules, Sir." The court lady said proudly, just like how the shitty eunuch says it.
Their replies boil my blood so much that I even thought of feeding them to the crocodiles. Even the faces of Radhesh and the others are in full disbelief after hearing these two's responses.
"Even your mother and your father will never allow us to leave the prince's side, sir." The eunuch said.
Which made me clench my fist in anger after he mentioned our parents.
I can ignore sometimes the disrespect towards me, but not against my family. As I was about to reply in rage, I suddenly felt my younger brother's hand touching my fist firmly. And as I take a look at him, he is looking at me in full worry while also shaking his head a little. His action made me calm a bit and I took a deep breath before I replied to said.
"I will not repeat myself, Eunuch." I sternly said while staring at the eunuch. "Leave us alone and never return without my command. Understand?" I continue in a deep childish yet intimidating voice of mine while a few guards are now pointing their Kampilan towards the both of them while glaring at them menacingly.
This made the both of them nod in haste, scared for their lives.
"Good. Now… LEAVE!" I said before they all left while dragging the two of them. Radhesh is now the one left while coldly looking at those 2 being dragged.
After they have left, my brother returns to normal but is still quite vigilant.
"They are now gone, Ain. You can now tell me what is happening to you." I said softly while combing his hair.
Although my blood is now boiling in anger towards those two, I am still containing it because my hunch is still a hunch. But if Ain hadn't stopped me by holding my hand, I might have exploded in anger and fed them to the crocodiles.
But despite my assurance, Ain refuses to talk, but instead just stares at the grass while fidgeting nonstop. My heart aches as I stare at him while he suffers like this. After Ain's birth, I promised myself that I would take care of my siblings and I would do anything just to make them happy. A promise to myself that I always kept even until now, but it looks like I have failed. I wasn't able to protect my little brother, he is now suffering, and I can't even do anything because he refuses to talk about it.
As I continue to finger-comb my brother's hair. Something caught my attention. A bruise. A fresh purplish bruise on his lower neck. This instantly made me mad and concerned towards my brother, and unknowingly I hugged him tightly.
I then heard him sob softly before hugging me back. This made my heart break really fast, seeing my brother cry like this is just too much for me.
"It's okay now Ain, Kuya is just right here." I said softly trying to calm myself while continually bombing his hair.
"*sob*… Ku… kuya. *sob*" he brokenly said while burying his head deeper on my shoulder.
"*Snif* it is alright… I am here. Kuya will never leave you." I said while keeping myself from crying.
What is worse is that the bruise on his lower neck is not the only one, a few more bruises are in his back. This had me enough, I don't care if my hunch is wrong or not but I am convinced that those two are involved in my brother's bruises.
All hell shall break loose if I am right. How dare they do this to my little brother. Neither our parents nor Head Eunuch Isagani and Head Court Lady Putri Chaya ever even raised their hand to us. And even if they disciplined us, it isn't so severe like this one.
I then take a look at Radhesh who is coldly staring at the both of us before nodding and taking his leave.
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