--- 3rd Person POV ---
--- 20th of May 1907 ---
Yet it appears that the goddess of luck has once again smiled at Yuvraj Siagu as he now successfully cornered Prime Minister Aguinaldo into nothing but a shivering sheep. It is an exciting moment for Yuvraj Siagu to witness; it was as if he was avenging his ancestors from his past life by humiliating Aguinaldo in front of him.
Prime Minister Aguinaldo swallowed hard; his mouth was dry as he struggled to formulate a response. "Your Imperial Highness," he began hesitantly, his voice cracking under the weight of his anxiety, "I admit... mistakes were made. But I never intended to bring harm to the empire. My choices were... misjudgements, driven by a desire to secure progress. But those were nothing but necessary."
Yuvraj Siagu leaned back slightly, his expression a mix of disappointment and resolve. "Misjudgements, perhaps," he replied, his tone sharp, "but ones that have eroded the very fabric of trust and loyalty that binds this empire together. As adhipālaka, it is not just my duty but my obligation to act decisively when the interests of the crown and its people are threatened."
Yuvraj Siagu's words hung heavily in the air, each syllable driving deeper into Aguinaldo's growing despair. On the other hand, Prime Minister Aguinaldo sat motionless, his face pale and glistening with sweat, as he realized there would be no redemption in this audience.
Yuvraj Siagu's voice softened, but his authority remained unyielding. "Prime Minister, the empire has weathered storms far greater than this. It will survive your departure as well. You have two choices: to leave your post with dignity, preserving what remains of your reputation, or to face the consequences of your actions through formal inquiry and possible prosecution."
The ultimatum hit Aguinaldo like a thunderclap, and he flinched visibly. His hands trembled slightly as he wiped his brow with a handkerchief. "Your Imperial Highness," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper, "The people still need me. Not to mention that the government is still scrambling to maintain orders in Gantong and the Far North regions after months of it being acquired from the Qing and the Russians. We are also in a dire situation as the threat of the French and the Dutch has risen over the past months.
My resignation and departure will not just bring instability but also undermine our standing as the region's leading power. Butuan does not need a departing prime minister at the moment, but instead, what it needs is for you, Your Imperial Highness, to support my leadership as this nation's prime minister. It is a united empire that they need, a united front to face these situations."
Yuvraj Siagu's expression did not waver, his gaze locked onto Aguinaldo with the piercing clarity of one accustomed to reading between words. Prime Minister Aguinaldo's plea might have been crafted to sound noble, but it reeked of desperation. Siagu allowed a moment of silence to stretch, his face impassive, giving Aguinaldo time to reflect on his own words.
When Yuvraj Siagu finally spoke, his tone was calm but carried a sharp edge. "Prime Minister, you misunderstood the nature of leadership. Leadership is not clinging to power in the name of stability; it is knowing when your presence hinders the very stability you claim to protect."
"You speak of threats—of British, the French, and the Dutch. Yet these threats existed long before you took the helm as this nation's prime minister, and they will persist long after," He rose from his chair, his stature commanding yet composed.
"Let me remind you of this, as you might have forgotten because of your ambition and greediness for power. You are not in your position today because of your popularity or cleverness. You are not elected as the prime minister by the people but instead appointed by the maharaja, who represents the institution you wanted to abolish.
You are but a single piece on the grand chessboard of the Constitution, placed to keep the illusion of order alive for the masses. It is not your hand that steers this nation's destiny, but the unyielding weight of the crown. The pillars of parliament may falter, the scales of justice may tip, and the sanctity of the temple may shatter, but the crown remains unbroken, eternal in its reign."
Aguinaldo's lips pressed into a thin line, his earlier confidence crumbling further. He opened his mouth as if to protest, but Yuvraj Siagu raised a hand, silencing him with a gesture.
"The time for arguments has passed, Prime Minister," Yuvraj Siagu said, his voice a balance of authority and finality. "The crown has given you every opportunity to prove your loyalty and leadership, yet you have squandered them in the pursuit of personal ambition and divisive policies. An action that should warrant death."
He stepped closer to Aguinaldo, his piercing gaze leaving no room for evasion. "Your departure is not a threat to the stability of this empire—it is the beginning of its restoration. The institutions you claim to safeguard will endure, but they cannot do so under the shadow of your continued presence. You must understand that your role in this government has become untenable. Every second you remain, you risk further fracturing what has taken years to build."
Prime Minister Aguinaldo's hands gripped the edge of his chair tightly, his knuckles whitening. He seemed on the verge of a rebuttal, but the weight of Siagu's words left him bereft of any meaningful defence. The young adhipālaka continued with unwavering resolve.
"Your resignation will be framed as a voluntary act of patriotism, sparing both yourself and the empire from the turmoil of public disgrace. Do this, and history may remember you as a flawed leader who stepped aside for the greater good rather than as one who was forcibly removed."
Yuvraj Siagu's tone softened ever so slightly, a calculated gesture of magnanimity. "This is your last opportunity to demonstrate that you still possess some measure of dignity and respect for the empire you claim to serve. Make your decision wisely, Prime Minister."
Yuvraj Siagu then proceeded back to his table and picked up a bell and rang it without even consulting with Aguinaldo, once again rubbing the reality that he will remain inferior and below Yuvraj Siagu's status and power. It is then Senior Eunuch Radhesh who enters the room after hearing the bell ring.
"Escort Prime Minister Aguinaldo out of this office. Our conversation for today already ended." Yuvraj Siagu commanded without facing Senior Eunuch Radhesh and Prime Minister Aguinaldo.
A short noise was then heard by Yuvraj Siagu before hearing the farewell voice of Prime Minister Aguinaldo, evident in his voice is nothing but regret and disappointment. The once prideful and domineering Aguinaldo in the parliament was now gone and was replaced by nothing but a frail individual.
Left alone in his office, Yuvraj Siagu stared intently at the retreating figure of Prime Minister Aguinaldo through the tall windows. His gaze lingered as the soon-to-be former Prime Minister, once a towering figure in the parliament, now walked out of the palace grounds a diminished man. Yuvraj Siagu allowed himself a moment of introspection. The decision he had made, though necessary, was something that he would want to avoid, as he just involved the crown's authority in the matter of governance.
As the silhouette of the departing Prime Minister faded at the bridge that connects the inner court to the outer court, Yuvraj Siagu turned back to his desk, where a stack of reports awaited his attention. The echoes of his earlier confrontation still reverberated in his mind, but he pushed them aside. There was no room for hesitation; the empire demanded leadership, and Yuvraj Siagu would not falter.
Aguinaldo has been given plenty of chances to change and to align himself once again in the interest of the crown and the Imperial family, but again and again, Aguinaldo fails to do so. Damaging his name and brought with him a hefty number of ministers involved in scandals and corruption.
Senior Eunuch Radhesh re-entered the office, his expression composed yet subtly reflective of the gravity of the morning's events. "Your Imperial Highness, the parliament has been informed of the Prime Minister's imminent resignation. The ministers will be convening in the parliament building for an emergency session."
"Good," Yuvraj Siagu replied, his voice steady. "Ensure the transition is seamless. I want the interim government to operate with clarity and purpose. Minister Mabini, as the deputy prime minister, must understand the weight of his temporary stewardship."
Radhesh bowed deeply. "As you command, Your Imperial Highness."
Before leaving, seeing a bit of discomfort on Yuvraj Siagu's face, Senior Eunuch Radhesh hesitated, his eyes briefly meeting the adhipālaka's. "If I may, Your Imperial Highness, your decisiveness today has reinforced the crown's strength. The empire will remember this as a moment of unwavering leadership."
Senior Eunuch Radhesh knew what his master had been thinking. As the person who has been watching Yuvraj Siagu grow from a child to a fine man, he knew everything. And seeing the reaction of his master, Senior Eunuch Radhesh fully understood that his master was feeling discomfort with his action.
For years, his master has been adamant on involving the crown in government matters, in fear of tarnishing the crown's reputation and position. A worry that always baffles Senior Eunuch Radhesh and other courtiers working under Yuvraj Siagu's umbrella, as the crown and the imperial family were loved and cared for by the public.
Yuvraj Siagu gave a small nod, acknowledging Senior Eunuch Radhesh's words without letting them inflate his sense of accomplishment. "Thank you, Radhesh."
Hearing Yuvraj Siagu's reply, Senior Eunuch Radhesh then left the room and proceeded to do his remaining task of the day while staying outside the Maharaja's office at the Palace of Sella. Yuvraj Siagu on the other hand, continues to read all of the documents on his table, from the energy reports, budget of the military, support for the continual expedition in Antarctica, funds to be distributed to those living in Far North, Gunung, and Bangkit, and lastly the continual funds to be poured in Taiwan and the crises in Sabah among others.
Although the empire has continuously been releasing money to support its daily functions, it has also been receiving an ample amount of income from trade, taxes, and other things, becoming the and largest economy in the world. And currently, as what Yuvraj Siagu is reading, last year, 1906, the empire managed to have an income of $25 billion or ¥16.67 billion.
"Still not enough," Yuvraj Siagu muttered to himself while thoroughly reading the reports in his hands, "We might have overtaken Britain and the Qing Dynasty, but we are still weaker economically compared to the United States. Although we have industrialized faster and stronger, our population really hampers everything.
Not to mention that a few of the newly acquired population in Far North, Gunung, and Bangkit, are mostly uneducated, making them unable to join the professional workforce but might be useful in factory and manual labour."
The reports regarding the school's corruption then appeared in Yuvraj Siagu's hand. Currently, with thousands of schools registered within the empire, all were still under the tutelage of the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Culture. A broad ministry that is overwhelmed with its responsibilities. Yuvraj Siagu has already flagged this issue and has advised Aguinaldo on separating sports and culture from education.
But his suggestion was not heard nor make it into the parliament. Regarding the corruption within different schools and officials, Head Eunuch Saanvi was instructed by Yuvraj Siagu to file a case report against them at the Imperial Judicial Council, which was now rolling and being reviewed. Maintaining the government is hard, in Yuvraj Siagu's opinion, especially getting rid of corruption.
"The issue within the empire's educational sector must be solved within two years," Yuvraj Siagu mumbles while intensely reading the report of budget mismanagement within the schools and educational sectors. "The Butuan Imperial Education Consortium (BIEC) will be commencing its annual meeting next week; the crown must send its representative to address the consortium."
Yuvraj Siagu ponders for a minute on who to send to represent the crown, as most of the main members of his family are busy. With his parents still in Kafagway along with his siblings and relatives in retreat, their attendance at the consortium's meeting is uncertain. His uncles and cousins in their adult years are also busy with their duties within the military or attending charity events.
After pondering for minutes, Yuvraj Siagu suddenly remembers that his distant cousin, Lieutenant Colonel Keshav of Dabao, would be available to represent the crown at the upcoming consortium. Which also suits him, as Yuvraj Siagu knew how much his cousin loves education and has been one of the most contributing patrons of a few institutions in the empire. He then took a note of scheduling a meeting with his cousin two days from now, formally informing him of his task to be done.
Now settling the topic with the coming Consortium, Yuvraj Siagu continues to read the papers in his hand, and another document catches his attention. It is the upcoming Golden Crescent Games this coming 1908 and will be hosted in Sooraj.
The Golden Crescent Games, also known as GCG, is an own version of the Olympics exclusive to the members of the Pan-Oriental Alliance. It was originally brought by Yuvraj Siagu upon taking the helm of adhipālaka after seeing the lack of international sports events attended by Butuan and its allies. Seeing the potential of his people being wasted and also with the goal of strengthening Butuan's relationship with its allies, Yuvraj Siagu sends his intent on establishing a sporting event between Butuan and its allies.
The process of bringing the Golden Crescent Games to life has been a complex one, requiring careful consideration of various factors, particularly the selection of sports and the budget needed to fund the event. It took several years of planning and coordination before a comprehensive report could be prepared. Next year, on the 1st of May 1908, the inaugural Golden Crescent Games will take place in Sooraj, with participants from Siam, Korea, and Japan.
Yuvraj Siagu is currently reviewing details about the upcoming games. The report reveals that a total sum of ¥1 million (approximately $1.5 million) has been allocated for the event. Athletes will compete in 14 different sports, namely: track and field, sumo, taekkyeon, Muay Thai, Kali, archery, boat racing, polo, Equestrian Events, and fencing, among others. With an expected turnout of between 700 and 800 athletes participating.
The report will also highlight the creation of the Pan-Oriental Sports Federation, which will be responsible for organizing and overseeing future editions of the Golden Crescent Games. The chairmanship of the Federation will rotate between the host nations, and its funding will come from the revenues generated by each games event.
Which made Yuvraj Siagu smile in satisfaction, seeing the Golden Crescent Games finally turning into reality. Reality that he hopes for in the near future can solidify the identity of a distinct Asia, separate from the Western World.
Time flies like nothing as Yuvraj Siagu made progress with his duties for the entire day and concluded it with a dinner and a heartfelt conversation with his wife, Yuvrani Khao. Although it is only the two of them having dinner at the dining hall of the palace, both have enjoyed their meal while having a conversation about their daily activities.
Yuvrani Khao, in particular, excitedly shared her activities the entire day, revolving around touring the capital and visiting orphanages. She was also able to visit the winery within the Imperial City, seeing massive urns that contain wines stored for years. Their day ended with them returning to their respective chambers.
And by the 23rd of May 1907, Lieutenant Colonel Keshav of Dabao arrived outside the Imperial compound via digitab G2 welcomed by Senior Court Lady Mei Ying and a few courtiers.
"Your Highness Keshav, welcome." Senior Court Lady Mei Ying respectfully greeted before curtsying towards Lieutenant Colonel Keshav of Dabao.
"Hmmm," Lieutenant Colonel Keshav noddingly replied, "I presume that the Yuvraj is currently at his office?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Senior Court Lady Mei Ying replied, "This way, Your Highness, Yuvraj Siagu has been waiting for you." Before gesturing to follow her towards the Palace of Sella.
The corridors of the Palace of Sella were alive with the soft shuffle of attendants, courtiers, and eunuchs, all bustling about their duties. Lieutenant Colonel Keshav of Dabao walked with the confident stride befitting his rank and station, his posture upright and his uniform immaculate. His expression was composed, though his sharp eyes took in every detail of the palace as they moved.
Lieutenant Colonel Keshav of Dabao, also known as Vanshaj Keshav of Dabao, son of Maha Samrat Ganish Kumar of Dabao, who in return is the son of the late Maharajkumar Chandrashekhar of Dabao and is the grandson of Maharaja Yash II. Lieutenant Colonel Keshav is the cousin of Yuvraj Siagu and is one of his close relatives after his direct family.
At the age of 43, Lieutenant Colonel Keshav has been serving in the military. Previously, prior to assuming the role of the 3rd Maha Samrat of Dabao, he was serving in the navy, but is now part of the Air Force in hopes of keeping him safe, the heir of the duchy of Dabao. Married to a socialite woman within Dabao and blessed with 4 children, Lieutenant Colonel Keshav already felt fulfilled but is still eager to serve the empire, evident of this is his still being in the military.
With his gentle and refined demeanour despite being in the military, Lieutenant Colonel Keshav became known as 'The People's Lieutenant Colonel'. Making him one of the most popular members of the Imperial family, especially to those living near the airbase in San Miguel.
Despite rarely being in the capital, Lieutenant Colonel Keshav and Yuvraj Siagu are close to each other, and even their massive age gap as cousins didn't hinder their relationship from blossoming into a familial tie. Keshav even once joked about having his grandchildren marry Yuvraj Siagu's children in the future, which they both laugh at.
By the time Lieutenant Colonel Keshav arrived at the Yuvraj's office, the morning sun cast long shadows through the wide windows of the Palace of Sella. Yuvraj Siagu stood by the desk, immersed in his reading of the documents, before looking up to see Senior Court Lady Mei Ying.
"Rajkumar Keshav of Dabao is here, Your Imperial Highness." Senior Court Lady Mei Ying stated respectfully.
A sudden feeling of delight arose in Yuvraj Siagu after hearing his courtier's words, "Let him in," he stated with a smile on his face before putting down the documents in his hand.
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Economy in 1906 ($ Billion)
USA = 27.4
Butuan = 25
Germany = 15.3
UK = 14.5
British Raj = 13.5
Russia = 10
France = 8.4
Siam = 7.8
Austria-Hungary = 7.29
Italy = 6.1
Japan = 5.9
Poland = 2.8
Spain = 2.75
Canada = 2.23
Korea = 1.98
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Author'snote
Hi, everyone! Sorry for the delay in posting the next chapters. I was just so busy with paperwork and occupied due to the holiday season. But still, thank you for the continuous support, guys.