Chapter 65 Signs

--- 3rd Person POV ---

--- 1st of April 1897 ---

It has been a week since news of the Japanese attack on the Butuanon Imperial Navy reached the shores of the entire empire. In this span, the Butuan Empire has diligently prepared for the impending attack, mobilizing its naval and ground forces stationed in the eastern part of the empire.

Within this short timeframe, the once serene Eastern Butuan Sea has transformed, now teeming with ships from the Butuanon Imperial Navy. These vessels, rarely seen along the empire's coast, now saturate the sea, alerting the entire population to the imminent threat of war. This surge not only amplifies the public's fervor for war but also fuels their determination to support the military.

A constant flow of news updates regarding recent governmental and military developments inundates the streets of Butuan, further solidifying the rallying cry for war. Concurrently, anti-Japanese sentiments among the populace are on the rise since the news emerged. There have even been incidents where suspected Japanese nationals, believed to be aiding the Japanese Empire, faced attacks from certain factions.

Representatives from Siam, the UK, Russia, Spain, and even the Qing Empire, were observed entering and leaving both the Imperial Complex and the Prime Minister's office, all wearing cheerful expressions. It was speculated by the public that these ambassadors visited the Emperor and the Prime Minister to discuss the possibility of offering assistance and expressing sympathy.

Meanwhile, the embassies of the German Empire, Austro-Hungary, the French Republic, and the Netherlands issued a statement advocating for peace and stability in the region. However, this move backfired for these four nations, leading to public backlash in Butuan. They were branded as allies of the enemy, a label exacerbated by the press, further inciting public displeasure towards them.

Amidst these events, Imperial Crown Prince Siagu Alexie remained diligently occupied with his studies in recent days. He insisted that his classes should not be interrupted merely because the empire was on the brink of war, especially when his mother personally observed his lessons.

Initially, Imperial Crown Prince Siagu protested, asserting to his mother, Empress Alice, that he was already performing well, given the monitoring by Dr. Rizal, Archbishop Adam, and others. However, Empress Alice, citing her maternal concern, emphasized the importance of witnessing her eldest son's classroom performance—a sentiment echoed by Dr. Rizal as a test of his teaching methods.

Imperial Crown Prince Siagu believed that Dr. Rizal would oppose his mother's request, but he was mistaken. According to Dr. Rizal, this arrangement would also benefit him as the head of the Imperial Physicians. With Empress Alice attending classes alongside the Imperial Crown Prince, Dr. Rizal could closely monitor the situation of the Empress's pregnancy.

Although Empress Alice's pregnancy is in its early stages, just a few weeks old, Dr. Rizal highlighted that the history of complications in the Imperial Crown Prince's mother's previous pregnancies with his younger siblings makes this pregnancy more complex. Any misstep from the Empress could endanger the lineage of the emperor, the father of Imperial Crown Prince Siagu.

Considering the limited medical advancements in both technology and treatments, it's unsurprising that the fatality rate during childbirth in this century remains high, at 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births. Furthermore, determining the gender of the child is impossible at this stage. However, for the Imperial Crown Prince, knowing the gender beforehand would diminish the excitement of anticipating the baby's arrival.

Hence, despite Imperial Crown Prince Siagu's brief protest, he found himself unable to oppose his mother's insistence on monitoring his education.

Imperial Princess Mahati Alice, the younger sister of the Imperial Crown Prince, has been quite occupied in recent days. Not only has she been attending classes, but she's also been consistently traveling to the Baltso palace to meet her betrothed, Prince Yeong, who is equally thrilled to see her, being both his betrothed and friend.

In Prince Yeong's perspective, Imperial Princess Mahati is the sole person who brings him happiness and excitement, excluding even his mother and father. It's a rarity for Prince Yeong to have a friend to engage with, particularly given their current exile in Sooraj, the capital city of the Butuan Empire. Instead of companionship, he's mainly surrounded by family and servants, whom he doesn't find interesting as playmates. Additionally, Prince Yeong has grown remarkably close to Imperial Princess Mahati's family, especially her eldest brother. Their bond is so strong that Prince Yeong sees Imperial Crown Prince Siagu Alexie as someone he can rely on.

However, unbeknownst to the young prince, this closeness is part of a plan devised by the Imperial Crown Prince himself. He aims to bring together the future generations of various monarchies he deems significant, forming connections akin to how the current Queen of the British Empire earned the title of the grandmother of European monarchy.

Amidst the unsettling murmurs of impending conflict, a startling revelation washes ashore in Butuan, leaving both its locals and foreign envoys stationed within the empire stunned. The Lobestar Tribune, renowned for its timely updates, breaks a profound story: the Republic of Hawaii has collapsed, giving way to the reinstated monarchy and rechristening the nation as a Kingdom once more.

In the aftermath of the deposition of President Sanford Dole and his entire cabinet, Princess Kaʻiulani was thrust into power by rebel forces, assuming the mantle of the nation's new queen. This led to the former queen, Liliʻuokalani, being honored with the title of Queen Emerita Liliʻuokalani. However, this narrative didn't conclude there. To the bewilderment of the public, the Kingdom of Hawaii unexpectedly declared its decision to place itself under the umbrella of the Empire of Butuan, thereby entrusting the island nation's diplomatic affairs to the governance of Butuan.

Per reports disseminated by the Kingdom of Hawaii, Lord Ashwin Vikram Sharada, captain of the BEB Agusan I ship, ratified the Treaty of Kauai. This treaty effectively ceded Hawaii's diplomatic autonomy, rendering the Kingdom of Hawaii a protectorate of Imperial Butuan.

The news didn't just shake the entire Empire of Butuan; it sent shockwaves across the world, eliciting varied reactions from other countries. Upon hearing and confirming the situation, the majority of nations perceive it as a display of power and influence by the Empire of Butuan. They recognize that its influence extends far beyond the coasts of Southeast and East Asia, now reaching into the western part of the Pacific Ocean.

While some countries remain supportive or unaffected, two nations have shown notable hostility toward this development. Both the United States of America and the Empire of Japan reacted in a decidedly negative manner. Japan sees this as an escalation of the threat posed by the Empire of Butuan to its own interests. Consequently, Prince Matsukata Masayoshi, the Prime Minister of the Japanese Empire, made the decision to bolster their military presence at sea.

This decision marks a significant move following their successful sinking of the BEB Palau fleet and the loss of its entire crew, along with the people it carried from the Kingdom of Joseon. After the attack led by Captain Nagano Naoharu (永野直虎) and his fleet on the Butuanon Imperial Navy, the Japanese Imperial Military inexplicably withdrew and opted to remain on their islands, especially restricting their navy, which was only allowed to venture 100 km away from the shore.

This new military policy has caused confusion among the general public and lower-ranking naval and military personnel. The confusion stems from recent events preceding the Kingdom of Hawaii's announcement and Captain Nagano Naoharu's successful attack with his entire fleet against the Butuanon Imperial Navy. Shortly after this victory, the central government of the Japanese Empire, particularly Viscount Takashima Tomonosuke, the current Minister of War, issued a mandate requiring all vessels to remain along the coastline.

The Ministry of War's directive was prompted by concerns about potential retaliation from the Butuanon Imperial Navy. Viscount Takashima Tomonosuke is acutely aware that, in terms of naval and military strength, the Empire of Butuan holds significantly more power than their own nation. Furthermore, the Empire of Butuan boasts extensive diplomatic connections with countries across South America, Asia, and Europe, making it one of the most well-connected nations in the world. This awareness influenced Viscount Takashima Tomonosuke's decision to focus on targeting the weaker Qing Dynasty and the Kingdom of Joseon.

Viscount Takashima Tomonosuke envisioned surpassing the Empire of Butuan swiftly if everything unfolded according to his, Prince Matsukata Masayoshi's, and Emperor Meiji's plan. However, fate did not favor them this time, as he pondered upon the unfolding events of the past months.

Not only did King Gojong and his entire core family flee Hanseong, but they managed to reach Sooraj, the capital of Butuan, where they gained the support of its government, enabling King Gojong to establish his government in exile. Adding to Viscount Takashima Tomonosuke's concerns was Captain Nagano's attack on the ships of the Butuanon Imperial Navy, an assault Viscount Takashima Tomonosuke is certain Butuan will not overlook.

What truly perplexes Viscount Takashima Tomonosuke and Emperor Meiji's cabinet members is the surprising lack of information. Not even General Masaharu Makabe, Captain Nagano's superior in the Kingdom of Joseon, was aware. According to General Masaharu Makabe, as per Viscount Takashima Tomonosuke's recollection, he was completely unaware that Ambassador Nguyễn Văn Phúc and his entire team had escaped the nation.

However, when Viscount Takashima Tomonosuke questioned Captain Nagano, he claimed that a soldier from the Japanese Imperial Army instructed them to pursue and destroy the ships carrying Ambassador Nguyễn Văn Phúc and his team. Allegedly, this order came from General Masaharu Makabe. But as General Masaharu Makabe insists, this information is false.

This revelation led Viscount Takashima Tomonosuke and the entire higher echelon of the Japanese Empire's government to realize they were being manipulated. Interestingly, the manipulator seemed to want them to engage in conflict with the Empire of Butuan. Subsequent investigations focused on their naval presence near the coast, yet yielded no answers despite their efforts.

Prince Matsukata Masayoshi awaited Prime Minister Aguinaldo's demand for an explanation and compensation. Instead of receiving a telegram, Butuan's response was silence. As news arrived of Butuan Empire's expansion towards the Pacific and the bolstering of their naval presence, Prince Matsukata Masayoshi and Japan's entire government broke their silence after days of waiting. They permitted the departure of Japanese Imperial Navy ships from the coast but with restrictions, fearing a repeat of recent incidents and reprisals from the Butuan Empire.

This realization dawned upon Prince Matsukata Masayoshi and the government: Butuan was gearing up for war and had shut all diplomatic doors.

Meanwhile, the individual accountable for the Japanese Empire's predicament, Imperial Crown Prince Siagu Alexie of Butuan, is listening quietly to his tutor within the serene confines of the Imperial Garden at Sooraj's Imperial Complex. Under the strict watch of his mother, the Empress of Butuan, he absorbed the lectures of Dr. Rizal. 

The concern of the Japanese Empire and Viscount Takashima Tomonosuke pales in comparison to the wrath of United States President William McKinley. With the island nation of Hawaii now under the control of the Empire of Butuan, the American government's aspirations to expand into the Pacific were significantly impeded. The Kingdom of Hawaii not only disrupted plans with the Republic of Hawaii but also extended Butuan's influence toward the Americas.

President McKinley was seething with anger upon learning about the downfall of the republic and the expulsion of USS Boston from the small island nation of Hawaii. Initially, he dismissed it as a jest by the Hawaiian government, hoping that President Dole would regain support and be reinstated with aid from the remaining resistance groups.

However, five days after the initial success in overthrowing the republic, the announcements from the Kingdom of Hawaii shattered McKinley's hopes. He couldn't contain his frustration any longer and finally vented to his cabinet members. Even the United States Congress was in disarray upon learning of possible involvement by the Empire of Butuan in the fall of the Republic of Hawaii, as suggested by the USS Boston members and Captain Ramsay. Yet lacking solid evidence, the USA couldn't simply accuse or condemn the Butuan Empire.

President McKinley grew increasingly frustrated and annoyed. The Empire of Butuan not only secured the entire island nation of Hawaii as its protectorate but also thwarted President McKinley's personal ambition to expand the United States' power, influence, and territory into the Pacific. This aspiration aimed to position the nation on par with other global powers.

In President McKinley's perspective, incorporating the now-fallen Republic of Hawaii into the United States as another state would not just bolster the nation's economy and global standing but also enhance his own popularity. He believed that his rising popularity would similarly elevate his party's status. As a newcomer to office, he deemed public and congressional support crucial.

Consequently, President William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States of America, chose to reduce diplomatic relations with Butuan and explore alternative avenues for expanding the nation's influence in the Pacific. The Midway Islands alone didn't suffice to establish a dominant American presence in the region. Considering the strong presence of local powers like Japan and Butuan, alongside European nations, the idea of owning a single island in the Pacific seemed implausible.

Initially contemplating an alliance with Japan to counter Butuan's growing influence, President McKinley, upon receiving counsel from his cabinet, dismissed the idea. Instead, he focused on enhancing relations with Japan and offering support whenever feasible.

While events unfolded outside the borders of the Butuan Empire, Foreign Minister Li Hongyi finally returned to Sooraj a few days after the arrival of Imperial Prince Sharvil. Meanwhile, Minister Weijun remained in Peking to delve deeper into discussions with Empress Dowager Cixi regarding the specifics of their agreement. As Minister Hongyi departed from Peking, it coincided with the discreet entry of 30 military soldiers from the Butuan Imperial Military through Xuwen County, carefully disguised to evade detection by foreign powers present in the area.

Their entry through Xuwen County marked the beginning of an agreement among the empires of Russia, Butuan, and Qing—three influential entities spanning Asia and Europe. The details of this agreement, if exposed to the world, would not only destabilize Asia but also cast the ominous shadow of war over the entire globe.

Empress Cixi seized this opportunity to initiate the training of her people in preparation, particularly as the remote camp away from the capital was still undergoing preparation. The strait between Hainan Island and Xuwen County now served as the symbolic bridge connecting Butuan and the Qing Empire, circumventing the Yellow Sea (known as the East Qing Sea). Following months of heightened tensions between the Butuan Empire and Qing Empire, the Qiongzhou Strait once again buzzed with activity after a sudden announcement by the Qing Empire: they would open their borders to the people of Hainan Island, signaling a renewed diplomatic relationship between the two empires.

Overnight, people from Hainan and Xuwen County flocked to the harbors of both lands, eager to traverse between the two areas. Some came for family visits, while others sought trade and business opportunities.

On the 1st of April 1897, a sizable crowd of government officials, military officers, common soldiers, key members of the Imperial Family of Butuan, its nobility, and common people gathered outside the Imperial City. Soldiers donned their military uniforms and carried their weapons, while government officials and members of the imperial family wore formal attire. Tabloid photographers and writers were also present, keen on documenting the unfolding events. Despite the anticipation, most, especially the common people, remained uncertain about the day's true purpose, although some had hints about the nature of the gathering.

Since news broke about the Imperial Japan attack, the gates of the Imperial City have remained closed to non-residents, barring entry to the walled city. This wasn't a surprise to the public, considering that it had only been five years since the gates were opened to allow the public inside. From the inception of the Imperial City, only members of the Imperial Clan and select individuals have been permitted to reside within its walls. This strict policy aims to safeguard the safety of the Imperial Family and the emperor, who symbolizes the unity of our entire nation. And it looks like the gates will never be once again be opened to the public.

An eerie silence and a somber atmosphere envelop the area outside the Imperial City as Prime Minister Emilio Aguinaldo steps up to the podium to deliver his speech. All eyes are fixed on the Prime Minister's resolute stature and unwavering expression. Positioned on the elevated part of the podium, shielded by ten Imperial Household Soldiers, sits the current Imperial Family on their custom-made golden traditional chairs. Behind them stand their respective eunuchs and court ladies, bowing respectfully.

Despite April being known as a summer month in the empire, gray clouds and chilly winds blanket the entire capital city of Imperial Butuan, almost as if nature senses an impending event.

Amidst the fluttering national flags of Imperial Butuan, a sense of reverence fills the eyes of the gathered people surrounding the podium where the emperor stands. The flag represents the entirety of the Butuan people, a symbol of their unity and solidarity. Woven from the bravery of their warriors, this flag, now turned left to right having the red on the left side, once again signifies the onset of war.

"People of Butuan! Sons and daughters of the Sun and Sea!

A wound bleeds upon our waters, a stain upon our honor. The treacherous blades of the Japanese Empire have dared to draw first blood, carving their malice into the hulls of our ships, sullying the sacred waves with the cries of our fallen brothers.

For generations, we have held fast to the path of peace, our hands extended in friendship across the seas. We offered trade, knowledge, and shared the bounty of our islands. But in return, we were met with steel and fire, with a hunger for conquest that masks as duty.

No longer will we stand idly by, our magnanimity mistaken for weakness! The time for diplomacy has passed, washed away in the crimson tide of betrayal. Let our drums thunder across the archipelago, let our gongs echo from Hainan, Luzon, Visayas, Sabah, to Mindanao!" Prime Minister Aguinaldo shouted with deep emotions while being echoed by the speakers, allowing the entire crowd to clearly hear the emperor's speech.

Slowly, the people became engrossed in the emperor's speech. Some were moved to tears as they listened to the prime minister's words. The press diligently captured every detail uttered by the prime minister. Soldiers, nobles, and government officials were stirred with a mix of anger and courage upon hearing the speech. Some trembled slightly, not out of fear for war but due to their excitement and sense of nationalism.

On the raised podium, Emperor Siagu VIX and Empress Alice observed their people and the speaking prime minister, each wearing different emotions. Emperor Siagu VIX appeared content and resolute, envisioning the battles that would secure his nation's dominance. Empress Alice, however, wore a worried expression, concerned that the war might once again claim lives.

Amidst these visible emotions, an individual on the upper podium remained stoic, yet within his mind, he was already celebrating. The Imperial Crown Prince of Butuan, the future emperor and monarch, concealed his emotions but internally rejoiced at the realization that everything was unfolding according to his plan.

But before Prime Minister Aguinaldo could even continue his speech, a loud thunderous sound echoes through the entire area, adding to the tense atmosphere of the area.

"I, Emilio Aguinaldo, Prime Minister of Butuan, by the mandate of the emperor and the will of the people, declare war upon the Emperor of Japan!

We fight not for land or riches, but for the very breath of our sovereignty. We fight for the right to chart our own destiny, to sing our own songs, to dance upon the waves under the watchful gaze of our ancestors.

Let our blades and guns be guided by the will of Lapu-Lapu and Rajah Sajah, their courage coursing through our veins. Let our cannons roar like the Bakunawa from legend, their fury unleashed upon the invaders.

Remember the fallen, their sacrifice a torch lighting our path. Remember the children, their laughter the promise of a future we must secure. Remember the very soul of Butuan, woven into the tapestry of our lives, a legacy we will defend with every fiber of our being!

To arms, warriors of Butuan! To arms, defenders of freedom! Together, we shall weather this storm, and from the ashes of war, a new dawn will rise!

Kasahay (Mabuhay - Hooray)! Kasahay sang Butuan!

Victory or oblivion!

So, it is decreed! So, it shall be!"

Prime Minister Aguinaldo shouted passionately amidst the echoes of cheers and praises for the Imperial Family, the blend of voices resonating in the air. The soldiers, brimming with pride and honor, added their voices to the chorus, unwilling to be outdone. Flashes of camera lights cut through the grey surroundings, illuminating the dimness caused by the overcast sky.

The high-ranking military and government officials, accompanied by the nobles, occupied the seats that were now filled with applause, leaving only the elevated podium of the Imperial Family in silence. What was once a space tinged with curiosity and confusion had transformed into a cacophony of pride and nationalism, evolving into resounding acclaim for the monarchy and the Imperial Family.

Before long, all people began to prostrate themselves towards the Imperial Family of Butuan. It all began with a fervent soldier, a devout Christian who believed fervently that the Imperial Family descended from God. His act of prostration sparked a chain reaction, with soldiers and then the public following suit, until even nobles, government officials, and military personnel joined in.

The scene was striking: everyone present at the event bowing before the Imperial Family, chanting, "Glory and prosperity for the Imperial Family! For the Empire!" It almost resembled the transformation of the once-semi-constitutional empire back into a total monarchy. Amidst this, a child still in their 10th year, adorned in red and gold, wore a proud smile while facing the prostrating crowds, as the sky echoed its final roar before the sun's rays finally illuminated the scene.

In the heart of the ancient Terranism enclave atop Mt. Ilong-ilong, amid the veils of celebration and the imminent drums of war echoing through the capital, an old lady draped in grey robes held court. Her visage, a tapestry of life's tales etched in wrinkles and cascading white hair, bespoke of wisdom earned through the eons. Adorned in a kaleidoscope of beads and donning a serpent-carved necklace, she stood as the Ritlaya, the high priestess of Terranism.

Seated by the altar of offering, she fervently whispered invocations, her eyes alight with an ancient knowing. With a sudden turn, her gaze pierced beyond the city walls. "The Bakunawa's thunderous roar once more extends its reach," she murmured cryptically. "The fates have woven their tapestry, the victor now declared," she added, before veiling herself once again in sacred devotion, chanting the age-old hymn of tribute.

Meanwhile, in the heart of the capital at the revered Temple of Sooraj, a venerable figure cloaked in resplendent robes of crimson and gold knelt in prayer within a confined chamber, an oasis of opulence within the temple's grandeur. Despite its intimate size, opulence adorned every inch—an opulent tapestry of gold-adorned candlesticks, silken carpets, and treasured relics of Aylashanism adorned the walls.

Engrossed in fervent supplication, bathed in the soft glow of flickering flames, was none other than Archbishop Adam, the esteemed leader of Sooraj. His prayers beseeched guidance and safeguarding for Butuan's soldiers, forewarned of the impending conflict by Prime Minister Aguinaldo himself.

As Archbishop Adam implored the divine, a thunderous roar reverberated across the capital, causing a subtle tremor that upset a vase, splattering water upon his table bearing a meticulously drawn map of Southeast and East Asia. A peculiar anomaly caught his eye—a crimson hue, not water, now drenched the territories of Japan and Joseon, an unsettling revelation that seized the archbishop's attention.

"The impending conflict shall be a tempest of bloodshed, graver than our warriors have known. Yet, Butuan shall weather this storm," he murmured in reverent realization, his touch tracing the blood-like stain upon the map, a divine omen in his eyes. "The heavens have bestowed their grace upon His children once more. May the Lord guide and bless us through this strife," he intoned, a serene smile gracing his lips as he contemplated the foreboding prophecy unveiled before him.

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