77 Chapter 75 Imperial Conversation Part 2

--- 8th of April 1897 ---

--- 3rd Person POV ---

"Speaking of war... It appears that the battle on the island of Taiwan has been quite successful. According to reports from our soldiers, our military has managed to secure control over almost 70% of the territory previously held by the Japanese, excluding areas controlled by the native inhabitants," remarked Imperial Prince Sharvil with a smile.

He then gestured to the courtiers, indicating for them to bring some additional snacks for both himself and the children who were still playing outside.

This surprised the ladies in the pavilion, except for the empress herself. The remarkable speed with which their soldiers conquered the lands of Taiwan was something they had not anticipated.

"Did it happen that quickly? I never imagined they would make such progress within the first week of the war," remarked Duchess Marie of Sulu, eliciting nods from the other ladies.

"Indeed. I had expected stronger resistance from the Japanese forces in Taiwan, or as they call it, Formosa," added Duchess Advika Jiānwén of Haikou, clearly astonished, as she fanned herself with her fan.

"That's to be expected, Marie. Considering the rigorous training our soldiers have undergone in recent months and the bolstering of our arsenal, the assault on Taiwan will be swift," Empress Alice remarked with a smile directed at her sister-in-law and her abagaanay.

"It's no surprise. According to the reports, the number of soldiers stationed in Tainan-ken and Taichu-ken is significantly lower. Their success can also be attributed to catching them off guard, allowing us to gain a strategic advantage in the battle. If our soldiers' surprise attack had succeeded, we could have even seized control of the entire Taihoku-ken," Imperial Prince Sharvil added proudly.

"It's understandable. Attacking the south and west of the island before targeting the capital was a more realistic approach. Their strategy is commendable, to say the least. However, since the arrival of Viscount Katsura Tarō, their progress has been hindered," Emperor Siagu XV calmly remarked, eliciting a dissatisfied scoff from Dowager Duchess Jayanti.

"Is everything all right, Mother?" Empress Alice inquired, noticing her mother's reaction upon hearing her husband mention Viscount Katsura Tarō.

"It's nothing, dear. It's just that I am acquainted with Viscount Katsura Tarō. But anyway, what are your plans regarding the natives on the island? I presume you intend to address the situation?" Dowager Duchess Jayanti stated, skillfully sidestepping the topic of Viscount Katsura Tarō, which the others seemed to ignore.

"I concur. Given the recent developments, it's imperative that we take action regarding the natives as soon as possible," Baroness Anika Elizabeth of Maligaya commented with concern, excusing herself momentarily to avoid being impolite to the emperor and his family.

"The natives? What natives? All I can see are barbarians," Emperor Siagu XV remarked before taking a sip of his tea with indifference. He continued, "It is better to rid ourselves of these barbarians early, before they become a significant problem for us."

The entire pavilion fell silent, as indifference and nonchalant attitudes towards Emperor Siagu XV's cruel words regarding the fate of the natives of the Island of Taiwan were evident on the faces of the remaining six individuals seated in a circle. Even the courtiers who overheard the emperor's words showed no shock or concern regarding the fate of the natives.

One word lingered in the minds of those who heard the emperor's remarks about the natives of the island of Taiwan: "deserve." Those gathered in the pavilion harbored no sense of guilt concerning the fate of these natives; in their view, these individuals were not part of the Butuanon people. Instead, they regarded them simply as barbarians, usurping lands that rightfully belonged to them. Death, they believed, was the appropriate punishment.

"When do you plan on addressing this, brother? The Japanese occupiers failed to eradicate these pests due to their sheer numbers and geographical advantage. Furthermore, the entire eastern part of the island remains infested with them. It's utterly revolting," remarked Imperial Princess Haimi in disgust. She shuddered at the thought that if their soldiers couldn't eliminate the entire native population, these individuals would undoubtedly spread across the island, likely making their way to the capital in search of employment opportunities.

The mere thought of these vermin touching her is far worse than beggars on the streets of Butuan laying a hand on her. For Imperial Princess Haimi, her stance towards foreigners is straightforward: if they hail from an enemy nation, they can expect poor treatment; conversely, those from friendly nations will receive the opposite.

An illustrative example is how Imperial Princess Haimi interacts with people from Joseon compared to those from the United States, a nation known for its hostility towards Butuan. Imperial Princess Haimi prefers engaging with impoverished individuals from Joseon over interacting with a US citizen.

"We plan to commence culling them once we've established full control over the island, sister," stated Imperial Prince Sharvil with a grin, outlining the strategy regarding the native population.

Satisfaction was evident on the faces of all present in the pavilion. For them, the swifter the military can eliminate the 'barbarians' on the island, the quicker the empire can assert complete dominance over the entire territory.

"But that would incur significant expenses. What about castration? It would render them unable to reproduce, proving to be not only cost-effective but still allowing us to utilize them," suggested Duchess Marie of Cebu, contemplating the financial burden the empire would face in funding the culling. For her, castration seemed a preferable alternative to culling, sparing the military's resources for other purposes.

"It will indeed be cost-effective, my love. However, such eradication tactics may bring more trouble for the empire. Have you ever wondered why only 60 ethnic tribes remain within the empire?" whispered Imperial Prince Sharvil to his wife, who responded with a nod.

"In the past, tribes were abundant in the lands, numbering from a hundred to a thousand during the reign of Rajah Aakesh I up until the reign of Rajah Arhaan V, spanning from the 1300s to 1430. The Rajahnate of Butuan is expanding its territory, and expansion inevitably invites adversaries from all sides. Initially, Rajah Aakesh I implemented a lenient policy, incorporating these other tribes into the society of the Rajahnate.

Some were castrated to limit their reproduction, while others were allowed to continue reproducing.

But uprising sparked among tribes who believed they were superior to us. They killed Rajah Aakesh I in battle, fighting against those who rebelled against the Rajahnate. His son, Rajah Arhaan I, ascended to the throne and proclaimed that tribes unwilling to submit would be wiped out and forgotten. According to our historical records, 200 ethnic groups or tribes, many of which were small in number, accepted subjugation under the Rajahnate.

However, those tribes who refused to comply were not spared. They were systematically eradicated from the annals of our nation. This eradication was not swift; it extended beyond a year, as many of them hid in the mountains. It wasn't until the reign of Rajah Arhaan V, also known as Saint Arhaan the Peace Maker, that the purging concluded with the demise of the last rebel tribe."

Imperial Prince Sharvil nonchalantly conveyed in a hushed tone, audible only to the remaining six individuals, the grim history of the past.

Duchess Marie of Cebu paused momentarily, pondering the potential ramifications of her suggestion before ultimately returning to a demeanor of indifference and understanding regarding the potential impact it might have on her nation.

The prospect of an uprising in Taiwan loomed, despite the enforced castration of its inhabitants. Should this measure be implemented, the natives would still retain the ability to wield weapons and potentially turn them against the soldiers of the empire.

However, even with Imperial Prince Sharvil sharing the empire's dark history, none of the six individuals present displayed any signs of disgust or discomfort. Their apparent apathy was not due to a lack of concern, but rather stemmed from their collective belief that such events were necessary for the advancement of their nation. They viewed these occurrences as pivotal moments that shaped the fate of their homeland, mother Butuan.

In their minds, without these events, Butuan would not have reached its current standing. There lingered the possibility that, had the tribal uprisings succeeded, Butuan might have suffered a fate akin to the fragmented states of British Malaya and the Dutch Indies.

It was believed that no more than 20 thousand individuals were killed during the tribal culling. At present, only ten individuals, all of whom were members of the Imperial Clan, are aware of these battles perpetrated by the rajahs of Butuan against the tribes in the past. No written records have been discovered or preserved regarding this culling, but records of the battles and some distorted information regarding its purpose have been found.

This lack of documentation is the reason why the war against the tribes of the Rajahnate, which began during the reign of Rajah Aakesh I and continued until the reign of Rajah Arhaan V, is still remembered by the people of the empire and even celebrated. It was a distorted event from the past that later became a cause for celebration among succeeding generations, marking Butuan's success against the tribes.

The festival, known as Pagsaulog sang Kalinaw (Celebration of Peace), commemorates the triumph of the Rajahnate of Butuan over invading barbarian tribes. This month-long celebration takes place throughout July, spanning various regions of the empire. Festivities commence with a vibrant parade featuring two distinct groups: one adorned as ancient warriors of the Rajahnate, while the other dons traditional tribal attire.

Throughout the month, a myriad of events unfolds each night, culminating in a solemn mass honoring the valor of Butuan's warriors. The festival crescendos with a reenactment of the pivotal battle ultimately portraying Butuan's victory.

"I see. It seems that prevention is indeed better than dealing with issues later on... and I presume the Prime Minister and his entire cabinet are already aware of your plan?" Duchess Marie of Cebu commented to her husband, who responded only with a meaningful smile. She soon realized that culling was indeed a preferable method when it came to securing the lands for future generations.

While it might be costly, Duchess Marie of Cebu felt a bit hesitant and even suggested castration. However, after hearing her husband's explanation, she came to understand that preventing uprisings through culling was a much better approach. It was a practice that, if implemented correctly, could ensure stability for the empire in the future.

"Prime Minister Aguinaldo is fully aware of this, and so is his entire cabinet. This suggestion originated from Aguinaldo and Ali Ahmadi bin Haji themselves. The decisions made during this conflict and the future plans for incorporating the island are predominantly controlled by Aguinaldo and his cabinet," replied Emperor Siagu XV, taking a sip of his tea.

"Good. The Imperial Family and the Clan have weathered various scandals over the past decades, often stemming from incompetent emperors. We cannot afford to risk tarnishing the monarchy and the emperor's position with such actions. The current popularity of the emperor and the imperial family should not be mistaken for enduring support from the people," commented Dowager Duchess Jayanti.

"A repopulation program must also be implemented to reduce the Chinese population's majority on the island, making them the minority. This would involve encouraging intermarriage with Butuanons," Duchess Marie of Cebu suggested.

"We've successfully implemented similar programs in regions such as Lower Champa, Hainan Island, and Sabah, resulting in the Butuanons becoming the majority. Given this success, we plan to extend these efforts to Taiwan," replied Imperial Prince Sharvil, eliciting nods of approval from the remaining six individuals.

"However, it seems that the ongoing war has actually bolstered support for the monarchy and the conservative party among the general public," observed Duchess Marie of Cebu, before taking a bite of her leche flan.

"Mmm... I read about that in the Lobestar Tribune. It seems that word has broken out regarding the Liberal Party's attempt to suggest offering a peace treaty between Butuan and Japan prior to the declaration of war. Not only does this further damage the image of the Liberal Party, but it also has led to a decrease in its supporters.

The article further states that people have begun vandalizing buildings owned by the Liberal Party. Some have been burned, while others have been damaged by stones," commented Empress Alice.

"Their popularity over the past few years has finally been exhausted. It won't be long before they have only a handful of supporters," replied Imperial Prince Sharvil.

This elicited hearty laughter from all six individuals, reveling in the misfortune currently afflicting members of the liberal party. Not only does this present a golden opportunity for the monarchy, but it also serves as a boon for the conservative party. Particularly noteworthy is the upcoming May 1897 election, slated for postponement due to the ongoing war, which further fortifies the conservative party's position.

"Anyway... it seems that the former queen of Hawai'i graced the capital with her presence yesterday," Empress Alice remarked with a grin.

"Oh? And what might be her purpose? Is she lost, perhaps still yearning for the throne? Hahaha," Dowager Duchess Jayanti quipped sarcastically, fanning herself, a sentiment shared by the others in the gathering.

"I believe she has come to converse with me," Emperor Siagu XV stated, his laughter subsiding.

"Well, it seems that she has lost much of her authority in the kingdom, as the majority of the people no longer support her rule. Even those who were once loyal to her, such as her ministers during her reign, have now switched sides to support her nephew." Empress Alice remarked, elegantly fanning herself after lowering the fan from her mouth.

"Queen Kaʻiulani... she's quite fortunate to be next in line for the throne of a nation that my grandson has his eye on. This allows her to hold the title of current queen," Dowager Duchess Jayanti commented as she shifted her gaze towards her grandson, Imperial Crown Prince Siagu of Butuan, who was playing tag with his cousins and siblings.

Dowager Duchess Jayanti's words garnered nods of acknowledgment from everyone in the circle, all of whom understood that it was due to the actions of a particular child, seized as an opportunity by his father, that the Kingdom of Hawai'i had reclaimed its place on the world stage.

Were it not for Imperial Crown Prince Siagu himself, Hawai'i would still be under the control of President Dole, as Emperor Siagu XV harbored no intentions of expanding further eastward into the Pacific.

"Lord Rohan Harish of Palawan… the boy is in a favorable position to serve as a valuable asset for our nation in reigning in Hawai'i. How fortunate for Rohan, who would have imagined he might one day marry the Queen of Hawai'i," remarked Imperial Prince Sharvil with a smile, just before savoring the last bite of his Leche Flan.

"Hawaii... The kingdom which promptly declared its subservience to the empire after gaining independence," remarked Imperial Princess Haimi with indifference.

"A shrewd move on her part, to say the least. She not only secured her nation's independence from countries seeking control of their entire island but also provided her nation with an indefinite period to bolster their forces," added Duchess Marie of Cebu, expressing admiration after contemplating Queen Kaʻiulani's actions.

"Yes... It was indeed a strategic move on her part. However, it has also positioned our country against the United States, a nation that has ascended to the top, surpassing the United Kingdom, as the leading economic power," commented Empress Alice gravely, her gaze fixed on her husband, who was peacefully sipping his tea.

"We are inevitably destined to confront the United States at some point in the future, my dear. It was a decision of 'now or never.' Proposing the Kingdom of Hawai'i as our protectorate presents a far superior strategy compared to merely allowing that small Pacific kingdom to be absorbed by the United States. Allowing the United States to expand its influence toward our eastern maritime territories would have dire consequences.

As the emperor of our nation, and representing the Aguinaldo government, I am adamantly opposed to witnessing such an outcome. Their expansion into our eastern seas would not only present a significant challenge to our control in this region but also pose a threat to the monarchy itself, given that the United States vehemently advocates for republican principles rather than monarchial institutions.

This concern is particularly heightened given the current president, who, as reported by Captain Ashwin Vikram, allegedly struck a deal with the now-deposed Sanford Dole to annex Hawai'i as a state in the United States." Emperor Siagu XV responded calmly as Senior Eunuch Isagani placed a document on his small table.

"We acknowledge that this will only be temporary, as the United States will likely find a way to further expand its influence. However, by gaining control over Hawai'i, we can impede their actions, allowing us time to prepare and safeguard our interests," Imperial Prince Sharvil affirmed with a smile.

The group delved deeper into their discussion concerning the United States and the Kingdom of Hawai'i. Dowager Duchess Jayanti and Duchess Marie perceived it as an unfavorable arrangement for the empire. Not only would the empire provide them with military security, but it would also undertake the training of their soldiers—a deal that, in both of their minds, might strain the empire's military resources.

"Butuan will not be left with the short end of the stick this time. We've already finalized the paperwork through the efforts of the young Captain Ashwin and Senior Eunuch Akash Sundar themselves. According to the report sent by Captain Ashwin, he even managed to secure a favorable deal for Butuan from Hawai'i.

Not only have we made them a protectorate kingdom under our rule, but we've also secured land rights and trade deals. Additionally, we've been granted permission to establish an institution and a temple on the island.

Furthermore, we have not only been granted free rein to establish military camps but have also significantly expanded our influence in the Pacific. This once again positions us to challenge the influence of the German Empire and the British Empire," stated Emperor Siagu XV with confidence and assurance, prompting Dowager Duchess Jayanti, Duchess Marie, and the others to nod in satisfaction.

For them, prioritizing benefits for the nation is of utmost importance, rather than investing in ventures that offer no tangible improvement to the empire's influence or daily life.

"The British Empire... Are you truly considering challenging that nation? You're aware of its vast power and influence, aren't you? Not to mention the considerable sway its ruler holds in Europe," remarked Imperial Princess Mahati, taking a sip of the leshe plan.

"We may not be in a position to challenge them at present. However, my dear sister, I can assure you it won't be long before such a vast empire crumbles into insignificance. Queen Victoria? She's consistently been under the public eye. Her isolated old age is the harbinger of her downfall."

"While she may wield influence in Europe through her connections with various monarchs, there's one thing she can't control - the public. Unlike Butuan, where the monarchy enjoys a higher perception, the British public holds a significantly lower opinion of its monarchy," Emperor Siagu XV retorted, prompting a small chuckle from the others as they recalled the gossip they'd heard about Queen Victoria.

Although Britain and Butuan have a relatively good relationship compared to how Butuan perceives the French, one cannot ignore the fact that the pain of losing territory to both nations has not been well received by the Butuanon public. Even Siam, which has been receiving investments and borrowing money from the UK, has a complicated relationship with them.

Similar to Butuan, Siam has lost territory to both the French and the British, leading to resentment and a nuanced perspective towards them. Prime Minister Emilio Aguinaldo and Prime Minister Phraya Phisitsombat have worked to improve relations between Butuan, Siam, and the UK. However, these efforts have not been sufficient to change public perception significantly.

"Speaking of foreign nations... it seems that the current French President, President Félix François Faure, is currently visiting the capital. It appears he intends to improve diplomatic relations between our nation and his," commented Imperial Princess Mahati, casting a meaningful glance at her younger brother, Emperor Siagu XV.

"The current French president? What could be his intentions?" murmured Viscountess Fatima Catherine of Tudela, her brow furrowing in thought.

For her, she couldn't comprehend why a nation they clearly disdain, in comparison to their treatment of the British, would seek to visit Sooraj and mend relations. To her and a few others inside the pavilion, such efforts would be undesirable for their nation.

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Hi, everyone.

Sorry for the delay on updates. I am really busy for the past days since I have been teaching Grade 12, 11, and 9 students. I have almost no time to spend on writing my stories. As such, I am posting these three updates as I am sure that I will not be able to post updates for the following weeks.

Sorry for this sudden announcement guys but I have to focus first on this one as I am task on handling the Research and Social Sciences of the Senior High. Hope you all understand. Thanks you.