Chapter 119

--- 3rd Person POV ---

--- 16th October 1904 ---

King Cholalongkorn's voice was calm but carried a weight that resonated through the dimly lit room. The wine in his hand caught the light, its rich, amber hue a reflection of the contemplative mood in the room. His gaze remained fixed on the glass, though his words were clearly directed at the others around the table. "The German Empire and Austria-Hungary are once again intent on improving their relationship with our nations. We must decide how best to respond."

Prince Yoshihito of Japan, seated on the opposite side of the room, took a slow sip of his wine, his expression unreadable. He was a man of few words, and tonight, his silence spoke volumes. His interest in the matter was scarce, as his mind likely wandered elsewhere, perhaps to the recent turmoil in Korea or to the growing tensions in the Pacific.

Prince Yi Kang, the representative of the Korean Empire, remained leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed yet his eyes sharp, keenly aware of the dynamics in the room. The topic did little to stir him; he, too, had already accepted that the world would continue to change regardless of his personal inclinations. His hand traced the rim of his wineglass absentmindedly as the others spoke.

Maharaja Siagu XV, draped in his royal attire, seemed to regard the conversation with an air of detached indifference. His eyes flickered briefly to the other faces in the room, but his mind was clearly preoccupied with other concerns. The conflict in Korea and the looming war against the Qing and Russia were far more pressing matters to him, and it showed in his slightly furrowed brow.

The silence lingered for a moment before Cholalongkorn spoke again, his voice lower now, as though sharing a secret among trusted allies. "Their intentions are clear. The Germans and Austrians seek to strengthen their influence in the Pacific. Butuan's rise, the shifting alliances in the region, the balance of power—they want a piece of it, and they believe an alliance with us would secure their position. But what do we stand to gain from this?"

Yi Kang set down his glass with a soft clink, his voice steady but with an edge of concern. "Their motives are transparent. The German Empire and Austro-Hungary are watching the rise of Butuan with keen eyes. After seeing that the alliance between our respective nations, even Butuan alone, can stand a chance against any European power, the Germans and Austrians instantly wanted to established good relationship in hopes of us helping them against the British and its allies in the new future."

King Cholalongkorn nodded slowly, his expression hard to read as he considered Prince Yi Kang's words. The room was thick with the weight of history, and the air seemed to hum with unspoken tension. "Indeed," Cholalongkorn said softly, his voice steady but carrying a hint of deliberate caution. "The Europeans are not blind to the shifting tides. They see the rise of Butuan, the growing strength of our alliances, and the potential for influence in the Pacific. But how willing are we to offer them that influence? What do we risk in doing so?"

Maharaja Siagu XV, who had been quietly contemplating the conversation, now spoke, his tone measured but firm. "Allowing them to influence us in exchange of an alliance is something that we must never entertain. We have fought to the end just to avoid being influenced by any European nation, allowing the Germans and the Austrians to do so would be like cursing our ancestors to the afterlife.

My nation's rise to power have always been part of our dream in bringing Asia under one umbrella. As long as the ambition of the German Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire does not overlap with ours, establishing any alliances or good relation with them would be a no problem."

King Cholalongkorn's eyes narrowed slightly at Maharaja Siagu's words, and a brief silence followed, the weight of the discussion settling deeper into the room. The others around the table exchanged glances, each feeling the gravity of Siagu's response. It was clear that Butuan's position was one of strength, but also of careful calculation.

Cholalongkorn set his wineglass down slowly, the amber liquid sloshing slightly as he placed it on the table with precision. His voice remained calm but now carried the sharpness of a ruler accustomed to navigating treacherous waters. "As ambitious as ever I presume."

"As always," Maharaja Siagu XV confidently stated, not minding any etiquette as he instantly gulps his glass of wine before shifting his attention to Prince Yoshihito and Prince Yi Kang, "Gone are the days of us cowering for scrums and begging for them to spare us from their influence. It is now the age where power shall be place in Asia, power that will not just rival Europe but will also surpass them."

"And those shall only be a success if you ever recover on that horrendous illness of yours," King Cholalongkorn blurted.

"Hah!" Maharaja Siagu XV scuffs proudly, "I have been monarch of this empire for years now. This illness will not be the end of me. Besides, my heir is taking his role as adhipālaka quite satisfyingly. I wouldn't mind spending years on retreat while he takes the helm."

(AN: Adhipālaka means regent in the Butuanon language.)

The room remained quiet for a moment after Siagu's confident declaration, the weight of his words settling over the gathered rulers. There was an air of unspoken respect in the room, despite the tension. Each man present had witnessed the transformation of Butuan into a formidable power, and Siagu's defiance of European dominance carried a resonance they could not ignore.

Prince Yi Kang leaned forward slightly; his sharp gaze fixed on Siagu. "Your confidence is inspiring, Maharaja," he said, his tone measured. "But even empires as mighty as yours must prepare for the unexpected. Illness is a treacherous foe, one that does not discriminate, even against rulers of your caliber."

Siagu's eyes flickered with amusement, but his voice held a serious edge. "You are not wrong, Prince Yi Kang. It is precisely why I have ensured that my son, Yuvraj Siagu, is more than capable of taking the reins when needed. The future of my empire does not rest on one man alone—it is a legacy built on resilience and foresight."

King Cholalongkorn observed the exchange with a faint smile, his expression inscrutable. "A wise sentiment, Siagu," he said, his voice soft but deliberate. "And it appears that he is doing a fine job in managing the affairs of this empire. I heard from my daughter that your son has spent quite a handful of times every day reading reports and documents, some even spending times with the ministers."

A proud expression appears on Maharaja Siagu XV's face as Cholalongkorn mentioned about his son, "Siagu's a good man and have always strive for perfection and smooth rulership. That is why I entrusted the regency to him as I know that he can also deal with making the ministers at bay."

Which is true as Maharaja Siagu XV have seen how his son has taken the matters of the Ministers in a serious level. Upon taking the helm of regency, issues about corruption and budget mismanagement have been surfacing to the public, without anyone knowing on who releases the information. But Maharaja Siagu XV knew that it was his son who have been doing the culling.

He admits that he is not as cunning and as progressive as his son is, he prefers the old ways and would like it to stay like that. But he also knew that Butuan will not achieve its dream of uniting Asia under one umbrella if it remains stagnant. That is why, after being diagnose with cancer he took that opportunity and made his heir adhipālaka, despite still being able to do his part as the monarch.

And basing on the happenings within the government and the empire, he thinks that he has made the right decision on doing so. After years of ruling the empire, he has made little to no achievements while being on the throne. But with his son at the helm, the monarchy has enjoyed power and popularity that it once experienced prior on becoming a semi-constitutional one.

Death has been looming on Maharaja Siagu XV's mind ever since being diagnose with cancer. The supposed treatments were of little to no effect on his situation. And he is feeling that his situation has continues to deteriorate, so much so that he has been feeling a devilish pain on his abdomen every night.

Which worries not just his eldest sister and younger brother but have also worries his wife, Maharani Alice, which he is thankful to. Since being diagnose with cancer, his wife has been always there to support and take care of him, an act that he genuinely appreciates. But he knew that everything will always come with an end.

He saw his eldest sone grows from being a frail and proudful little boy to fine man able to command masses and charismatic enough to attract the attention of other powerful individuals. Satisfaction is what Maharaja Siagu XV is feeling at the moment knowing that the empire will be at the hand of great leader.

Wanting to change the topic, Maharaja Siagu decided to inquire inregards with the ongoing war against the Russians and the Qing, "Any news regarding your nation's battle against the Qing and the Russians? My country has provided you both with enough military aeroplanes to fight against these nations, I expect that a substantial again would have been made already."

The room was thick with tension as Maharaja Siagu XV turned his gaze toward Prince Yoshihito and Prince Yi Kang, his words sharp and direct. His question hung in the air like an expectation, a challenge that demanded a response. The silence stretched for a moment, each of the men in the room feeling the weight of the Maharaja's words.

Prince Yoshihito of Japan, his usual quiet demeanor unshaken, took a long, slow sip from his glass. He remained silent for a moment longer than expected, his eyes distant as if measuring the right response. Finally, his voice broke the silence, calm but deliberate. "We are in the midst of a complex situation. As for the Qing and Russia, the support from Butuan has been invaluable. We have made headway, but the situation remains volatile. Our military efforts are ongoing, and we expect further developments in the near future."

Prince Yi Kang of Korea, ever watchful and pragmatic, nodded at Yoshihito's words before adding his own. His voice was steady, though tinged with the weight of responsibility. "The support provided by Butuan has been crucial. But the complexities of dealing with the Qing and Russia are not easily solved. We have made gains, but we also face setbacks. Especially in taking the regions of Manchuria and the settlement bordering Russia and my country. Not to mention that the population the Qing dynasty can mobilize are enough to overrun Korea in no time."

"One of my finest man, Luna," Maharaja Siagu XV solemnly stated, "Have you been using him well?"

The sudden inquiry caught Prince Yi Kang off-guard, it was no secret that General Luna have been staying in Korea to train local soldiers and also be part of the agreement made by Emperor Gojong and Maharaja Siagu XV in exchange of reinstating Gojong in the throne. And being the representative of Butuan to Korea, they have never thought of using General Luna during the war.

Prince Yi Kang hesitated for a moment, his calm demeanor only briefly betraying his inner thoughts. He knew the weight of Maharaja Siagu XV's question and the implications it carried. General Antonio Luna's presence in Korea had been a cornerstone of their alliance, a symbol of Butuan's steadfast commitment to Korean sovereignty and stability.

"We have utilized his expertise," Yi Kang began, his tone carefully measured, "but not to its full extent, I must admit. General Luna's discipline and strategic mind have been invaluable in training our soldiers, instilling in them a sense of pride and purpose that had been lacking. His methods are... uncompromising, yet effective."

Maharaja Siagu XV leaned forward slightly, his piercing gaze fixed on the Korean prince. "Luna is not a man who thrives in half-measures. He is a weapon of precision, forged in the fires of battle. If you have not used him fully, then you have not seen the full potential of what Butuan offers."

Prince Yi Kang absorbed the words, understanding the underlying message. It was not a rebuke but a challenge—a reminder of the stakes they faced in their delicate position between the Qing, Russia, and the broader ambitions of Korea.

King Cholalongkor, being silent for a while now finally spoke and made his own comment, "Your issue with the Qing and the Russians must be ended as soon as possible. Trade have been disrupted within our region and have also put a huge damage on our economy," he paused and took a sip of his wine before continuing, "Yoshihito, this battle was started by your nation and have dragged Korea after discovering that the Qing Dynasty is involved in the war. I and Siagu have no issue with that matter as it is within the clause of our alliance."

King Chulalongkorn set his wine glass down with a deliberate motion, the sound of its base meeting the table punctuating his next words. "However," he continued, his voice calm but edged with authority, "this war cannot be prolonged indefinitely. The balance of power in the region depends on swift resolutions, not drawn-out conflicts. If this persists, it will jeopardize not only Korea's sovereignty but also the stability we have all worked so diligently to maintain."

Yoshihito, Crown Prince of Japan, inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the weight of Chulalongkorn's words. "Your Majesty, I understand your concerns. It was never Japan's intention to destabilize the region beyond what was necessary to protect our own interests. The Qing's interference forced our hand. That said, we are prepared to negotiate an expedited strategy to bring this conflict to a favorable conclusion."

Maharaja Siagu XV nodded, his expression thoughtful but resolute. "Chulalongkorn raises a valid point. The longer this war drags on, the more vulnerable our respective nations become to external threats and internal unrest. Butuan has supported Korea and Japan with resources, training, and manpower because we believe in the principles of our alliance. However, alliances are strongest when their members act decisively."

Prince Yi Kang, feeling the pressure of the combined scrutiny, straightened in his seat. "The situation is more complex than it appears,"

"Then bomb the hell out of them all!" Maharaja Siagu XV blurted, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. He leaned forward, his eyes blazing with unrestrained intensity. "Strike at their ports, their barracks, their supply lines—leave them no room to breathe. The Qing and the Russians have tested the limits of our patience, and they must understand that there are consequences for underestimating this alliance."

The abruptness of his statement startled the room, and for a moment, an uneasy silence followed. It was Chulalongkorn who broke it, his tone measured but not without a hint of approval. "Direct. Perhaps harsh, but not without merit. A decisive show of force would cripple their morale and disrupt their operations. However, we must be certain that such actions are calculated, not reckless. Precision in violence is as critical as the act itself."

Prince Yi Kang hesitated, his brows furrowing as he considered the implications. "A full-scale bombing campaign would draw significant attention—possibly even intervention—from outside powers. The Americans, the British... they may not stand idly by while such destruction unfolds in their spheres of interest."

Yoshihito's expression turned sharp, his voice cold and deliberate. "Let them watch. The West is already embroiled in its own squabbles; they are unlikely to interfere unless their direct interests are threatened. Besides, we must remind the world that this is our region, our war, and our terms. If they cannot respect that, then they are no better than the Qing and the Russians."

Maharaja Siagu XV nodded, his fiery demeanor unyielding. "Exactly. They may bark, but we have the bite. A coordinated assault—swift, overwhelming, and relentless—will send a message that cannot be ignored. Luna has the capability to execute such a campaign. His tactics are brutal, but they are effective. Give him the tools, and he will deliver results."

Yi Kang raised a hand, his expression thoughtful. "And what of the civilian toll? Do we risk turning the populace against us, even in enemy territories? Strategic bombing must be precise. If we are seen as indiscriminate, we may win the battles but lose the narrative."

Yoshihito smirked faintly. "Collateral damage is inevitable in war, Yi Kang. But if we frame our actions as necessary to liberate Manchuria and defend regional sovereignty, the narrative can be controlled. Propaganda is as much a weapon as bombs."

"Yoshihito speaks truth," Cholalongkorn interjected, his nod deliberates. His tone darkened as he continued, "In this world, collateral deaths are always bound to happen. There is no war in history that has not claimed civilian lives. Morality has little place on the battlefield, and every future monarch and military commander must understand this harsh reality."

Maharaja Siagu XV nods in agreement with his good friend's words. This same mindset has also been passed to his eldest son during his military service and training for being the future monarch. As a monarch, one must understand that collateral deaths are always bound to happen. Although one must also strive to avoid causes much issues and taking lives wantonly.

Siagu XV further stated, "Yet a tyrant will not be welcomed even by the most loyal of subjects." With a serious and calm voice, Maharaja Siagu XV stares at the future monarch of Japan and the future sword of the Imperial House of Korea, "Heed my advice and my words. This war must end before it further brings damages to our respective economy. As it would be disastrous if this will only be brought nothing but strain to your both nations economy. Bringing this war into nothing but a mere squabble for nothing but crumbs of dusts and blood.

Do not wait until we enter this war and let me see how complaisant your nations have been due to the support we have provided."

The heavy atmosphere lingered, the gravity of Maharaja Siagu XV's words sinking into the hearts of the gathered leaders. Each of them understood the stakes: the delicate balance of power in the region, the rising influence of their own nations, and the fragile unity of their alliance. Silence prevailed, filled only by the faint sound of glasses being set down and the occasional shuffle of fabric as the men adjusted in their seats.

Their conversation continues for a couple more minutes before Maharaja Siagu XV finally decided to retreat to his own chamber as the night's already high, which the others agreed on. Having been tired with their respective activities all throughout the day, the early end of their gather provided them all with a moment to relax and enjoy the cold breeze of the night.

But as the night deepens, excitement also brews on the atmosphere in Sooraj as despite being at night, people are still continuously been pouring in the capital just to witnessed tomorrow's spectacle. Some have even decided to camp beside the road just to secure a good position to witnessed the entire event. Even tabloids and television reporters have also reserved their respective spots outside the Imperial City and outside the Temple of Sooraj, allowing them to fully cover the entire event.

And because of tomorrow's important event, 5 thousand Imperial Police along with 10 thousand Imperial Household Guards were deployed to secure security within the capital. Not to mention that all delegates and foreign royalties were housed within the Imperial City, causing its security to be much stricter and secure.

Decorations were also continuously being set-up by volunteers and palace courtiers to bring the essence of tomorrow's wedding. Flowers and banners hanging from each side of the road, bringing life of the city. Not to mention that trash was also gone as cleaners have continuously maintained the area, along with strict rules of trash being thrown anywhere.