Chapter 122

--- 3rd Person POV ---

--- 19th October 1904 ---

Mary of Teck's gaze remained sharp, though her eyes now bore the weight of a deeper understanding. Her expression was a mix of disbelief and reluctant admiration. "You truly believe that sacrifice on this scale—blood, death, suffering—is worth the future you seek? That your nation's survival, no matter the cost, is the answer?"

"This is not a concern that you must dive in, Mary of Teck." Yuvraj Siagu stated seriously, completely diverging from his smiling attitude awhile back.

Firm with her stand and composure, Mary of Teck replied, "It does concern me to every inch, I must say. Britain is me and I am Britain… What you are doing is not just changing the course of this world's original timeline but have also damages my nation's dominance."

"For centuries…" Yuvraj Siagu started with a serious tone, "your nation has dominated the world. Subjugating every tribe and nation into this world. You all have leave no stone unturned with your conquest for power and dominance."

Mary's composure remained, though the weight of his words pressed upon her. "You speak as though Britain's achievements have been without merit. Our empire brought progress, industry, and enlightenment to places that were trapped in stagnation."

"That is indeed correct. I acknowledge that." Yuvraj Siagu agreed, "To be honest, I don't even care for people from those lands that are far from us. There well-being is not of my concern as its theirs to begin with."

Yuvraj Siagu paused for a moment before walking on a table where golden cups were placed and continued with a serious tone, "But your nation have done already enough to hinder us in running this part of the world for far too long. Not just have you trespassed our respective sovereignty but have even decide on your own the course of this part of the globe."

Mary's gaze hardened as she listened to Yuvraj Siagu's words, but she did not interrupt. She had faced countless challenges to her rule, but this was different—there was a quiet intensity to his accusations, a conviction that was not easily dismissed.

"Your words are laced with anger, Yuvraj," Mary replied coolly, "but history is not so simple. Britain did not impose its will for personal gain alone. The world we built was not one of conquest for the sake of conquest, but of stability, progress, and civilization. We brought the light of industry, trade, and culture to the farthest reaches of the globe."

Yuvraj turned, his eyes unwavering as he met her gaze. "Stability for whom? Progress for whom? Civilization for whom?! Hahaha!"

He walked slowly toward her, his voice growing firmer with every word. "The stability you claim has always been built on the backs of the oppressed. The progress you boast of has come at the expense of millions who never had a say in their fate, who were stripped of their resources, their rights, their very dignity. And the culture you spread was one that valued dominance over diversity, conformity over freedom."

"But isn't this what Butuan have also been doing as it continue to expand towards mainland Asia?" Mary countered coldly, "The world might not have been informed with how your nation oppressed its conquered people, but I do. The natives of Taiwan have also been a victim on this policy of your country, isn't it?"

Silence lingers the entire room as Mary takes a pause and confidently throws a scrutinizing stare at Siagu himself. The world might have been misinformed about how Butuan treated its conquered subjects but she knew for a fact that those people were suffering under the oppression of the Butuanon government. She might have accepted scrutiny from others but not to those whom have committed the same atrocities as her nation did.

Yuvraj Siagu's expression remained unyielding, his eyes locking with Mary's as her words echoed through the room. He knew the weight of her accusations, but he was not intimidated. Instead, his voice took on a measured, almost contemplative tone as he spoke.

"Your words hold some truth, Mary," he said slowly. "Butuan has indeed expanded, as all empires do. And yes, we have imposed our language, our culture, and our way of life to them. Yet, we treated them all with respect and provided them with the same needs and wants that your nation wasn't able to provide towards its subjects…

Have you seen our differences? Hmp. Look at your domains in India and Africa it is completely in a laughable state compared to our domains in Champa and Sabah, despite how long you have been controlling them. Unlike your subjects, my people are enjoying the same rights and privileges that ordinary Butuanons are also enjoying."

Mary of Teck's eyes flickered with a mixture of frustration and realization. Yuvraj Siagu's words were sharp, and they landed with a weight that she could not easily dismiss. Her hands clenched at her sides, but her voice remained calm, albeit tinged with a note of defensiveness.

"Do not lecture me on imposition towards conquered territories, Mary." Yuvraj Siagu stated threateningly, "Butuan is not like Britain."

Mary of Teck's jaw tightened as Yuvraj Siagu's words struck with unrelenting force. She took a deep breath, her composure slipping only slightly under his unwavering gaze. "I will not deny the flaws in Britain's methods. But do not claim moral superiority so easily. The world is built on conquest, on power, on the ability to impose one's will. Butuan is no exception."

Yuvraj Siagu tilted his head slightly, his expression calm but piercing. "True. Power shapes history. But there is a difference between domination for exploitation and expansion with inclusion. You say the world is built on conquest—perhaps. But our worlds diverge in how we treat those who fall under our banners. The Butuan Empire does not leave its people to starve or its lands to decay while reaping the profits. Can your empire truly say the same? Potato famine I believe."

Mary's composure faltered for a fraction of a second before she steadied herself. "And yet, your ideals, noble as they may seem, are no guarantee against the collapse that all empires face. Sovereignty, as you describe it, is not absolute in a world where power shapes borders and fates. Britain has shouldered the burden of guiding regions that would have otherwise fallen into chaos."

Yuvraj Siagu turned, holding one of the golden cups delicately as he studied its intricate design. His eyes, sharp and calculating, met hers again. "Guidance is a word often used to soften the harsh truth of domination and genocide, Mary. For centuries, Britain has imposed its will not out of benevolence but out of ambition. And while I respect the achievements of your empire, I will not excuse its overreach into our affairs."

"What do you mean?" Mary of Teck replied in confusion.

"Butuan will not stand by anymore…" Yuvraj Siagu then decided to face Mary of Teck in full seriousness and dominance, unafraid of the person standing before him. With a strong voice and an intimidating look, Yuvraj Siagu replied, "Britain and her allies will no longer be allowed to continue dominating this world and this timeline."

"Is this your declaration of war against us?" Mary of Teck seriously uttered while glaring at the young Yuvraj Siagu.

"War? Hahaha! Not for now," Yuvraj Siagu laughingly replied, "I might not be afraid to challenge your nation for now, but I know that it will only bring no good for the both of us and would instead open for the United States sudden rise to power as both of our nation will surely crumble to nothingness. And I am not keen into making that happen."

Mary of Teck remains silent as she understood Yuvraj Siagu's words. With them being engage in a war that one dominated the sky while the others the sea, it would be years before a solid conclusion can be crafted. Exhausting their respective resources and manpower, weakening their respective nation and allow its enemies to rise into power as a power vacuum will be left as Britain and Butuan retreated in recuperation.

And she knew that it would be the United States who will take the first step and swiftly take the territories that Britain and Butuan have in the pacific and Asia. Which Mary cannot allow as she have seen along with the vision about the war of the rise of the United States into a superpower, undermining Britain's authority over the continent of Africa and Europe.

As Mary of Teck contemplates on Yuvraj Siagu's words, he himself cannot help it but smiles secretly as the process of making Mary his ally against the American's is slowly taking its place. Unlike him who have seen the world being dominated by the Americans after the first and second world war, Mary of Teck have only been blessed to received knowledge about the wars, possibly on either God wanted to have Mary hinders him on his plan or assist him in preventing the United States into gaining the status of world superpower.

Especially after realizing that with him now revealing the aeroplanes to the world and those new guns, it won't be long before the United States could even create their own version or a better one of what he revealed to the world. This is alarming to Yuvraj Siagu especially after the USA produces the USS Holland, a submarine by the United States.

Although laughable compared to the U-boats produced by Butuan and are currently housed in Palau and Guam. The idea of the United States knowing the U-boats existence will surely encourage USA into producing a better version of the U-boats to counter its capabilities. This will not just damage Yuvraj Siagu's plan but will also create a short distance in terms of military technological advancement between them and the United States, which Yuvraj Siagu doesn't want to happen.

Either way, one thing is certain and that is before he even decides to confront head on the British in the future, United States must be contain or neutralize. And only few nations have the power to put the United States on its feet before the conclusion of first world war even came, and one of those nation was, of course, Britain. Despite its internal challenges and the growing pressure from within its colonies, Britain still wielded immense power—especially in terms of its navy, which, for now, outclassed most in the world. Butuan, though rapidly advancing, needed to tread carefully.

Yuvraj Siagu's thoughts raced as he considered the balance of power. If he were to push Britain into a corner, the subsequent war could only play into the hands of the United States. They might not yet have the military muscle to rival Butuan, but their industrial capacity, combined with their rapid technological advancements, meant that the longer this arms race stretched, the more dangerous the U.S. could become.

His mind returned to Mary of Teck, who was still standing there, her eyes locked onto him with a mixture of suspicion and calculation. She had yet to make a move, but Yuvraj Siagu could feel the tension in the air—she was deciding whether she could trust him, or if she should prepare for what would inevitably come.

"I see," Mary of Teck finally spoke, breaking the silence. Her voice was measured, her usual poise fully restored. "Then what do you have in mind?"

Yuvraj Siagu grins. "Before the advent of the first world war, as you and I have no plans on either stopping the death of the Archduke. United States must be brought to its knees by Britain and Butuan."

Mary of Teck's eyes narrowed, her diplomatic mask slipping just enough to reveal a flicker of unease. She studied Yuvraj Siagu, weighing his words with the precision of someone accustomed to power plays and political intrigue.

"You suggest an alliance, then?" Mary asked, her voice carefully neutral. "Butuan and Britain, united to curtail the rise of the United States? A bold proposition, especially coming from one who claims to disdain Britain and its domination."

Yuvraj Siagu chuckled, setting the golden cup down with deliberate care. "Not an alliance, Princess. A convergence of interests. You and I both know the future has no place for complacency. Britain's colonies are restless, its grip on power loosening. Meanwhile, the United States will continue to rise to power and will surpass Britain after the first world war, as what you have received.

Facing the United States after the first world war is just laughable as Britain and her allies will be nothing but weak countries, unable to wage another war for a couple of years. If the United States is left alone, it will dominate the Pacific and beyond."

Mary nodded slowly; her expression unreadable. "And what does Butuan gain from this 'convergence,' Yuvraj? You claim to build a new world, yet here you are, proposing strategies that maintain the status quo."

Yuvraj's expression hardened, his gaze piercing. "Do not mistake my pragmatism for complacency. Butuan does not seek to maintain the status quo; we seek to reshape it. The United States is not a rival to be ignored—it is a threat to both of us. Their ideology, their ambition, their capacity for war… all will eclipse even Britain's power if we do nothing."

"And your solution?" Mary pressed, her tone sharpening.

"A two-front strategy," Yuvraj replied confidently. "Butuan will pressure the United States in the Pacific—economically, diplomatically, and militarily. We will ensure they are too preoccupied to expand their influence unchecked. Britain, with its unparalleled navy, will contain them in the Atlantic. Together, we buy time. Time for our empires to consolidate its advancements, and after much putting pressure on the United States and demoralizing it, causing it to surrender."

Mary crossed her arms, her brow furrowing. "You speak as though Britain is merely a tool in your grand design, Yuvraj. Why should I trust that this is not just another step in Butuan's path to supremacy?"

"Because," Yuvraj replied, stepping closer, his voice low and charged with meaning, "this is not about supremacy. It is about survival. The United States is the anomaly that neither of us can afford to underestimate. You've seen glimpses of their future power, haven't you? Their dominance in Europe during the wars to come, their control over the Pacific, their technological leaps. If you do nothing, Britain will be a footnote in history—a relic of a bygone age."

Mary's jaw tightened, the truth of his words sinking in. She had seen it—the rise of the United States, the shift in power that left Britain scrambling to maintain relevance. And yet, she hesitated.

"What should I get then after this convergence achieve its goals? If I am not mistaken, United States is just the stepping stone to your dream." she asked, her tone steely.

Yuvraj Siagu smiled faintly, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Perhaps, but what I offer is an agreement between Britain and Butuan after the partition of the United States."

"An agreement?" Mary interestingly replied, "Go on."

"After the fall of the United States, Butuan will not touch and interfere on any affairs to be made by the British Empire in Europe, Nort America, and Northern Africa," Yuvraj Siagu paused and stared seriously at Mary of Teck before dropping the words without hesitation, "In return, Britain must not interfere with Butuan's actions in Asia and parts of the world being mentioned. Britain must also withdraw in Asia as part of this agreement, along with this, Butuan will offer its support in Britain maintaining its control over its colonies or even expanding it."

Mary of Teck's expression turned icy, her sharp gaze locking onto Yuvraj Siagu. "You propose a division of the world, Yuvraj—a partition that carves out spheres of influence as if the lives of millions were mere pieces on a chessboard."

Yuvraj remained unflinching, his tone steady but firm. "It is the reality of power, Mary. Empires are not built on sentiment. They are forged through strength and maintained by agreements such as this. I offer Britain security in its traditional domains and the preservation of its legacy."

Mary tilted her head, her calculating mind dissecting his words. "And Asia? You expect Britain to simply hand over its influence—India, Malaya, Hong Kong—to Butuan?"

"Not hand over," Yuvraj Siagu corrected, his voice measured. "But shall be taken without others suspecting anything regarding this agreement."

"What do you mean?" Mary of Teck inquired.

"That is something I cannot disclose to an enemy," Yuvraj Siagu teasingly replied, "but be assure that Butuan will take these countries out from your grasp and when that time comes, I will send you a signal."

Mary of Teck's expression grew colder, her sharp mind racing to dissect the implications of Yuvraj Siagu's words. The audacity of his proposal—a calculated partitioning of influence across the globe—was staggering, yet she could not deny the merit in his foresight. Still, the notion of willingly ceding British influence in Asia to Butuan was a bitter pill to swallow.

"You assume I would accept such a lopsided agreement," Mary said, her tone biting. "Britain does not retreat from its dominions, Yuvraj. The sun does not set on the British Empire—not now, not ever."

Yuvraj smirked, unperturbed by her defiance. "A bold statement, Princess, but one rooted in a past that no longer exists. The world is changing, and so must Britain if it wishes to endure. I do not ask for submission—I offer cooperation. A chance to shape this new world together, instead of being left behind."

Mary took a step closer, her regal presence undiminished. "You speak as if this is inevitable, as if I have no choice but to agree. But tell me, Yuvraj, what assurance do I have that Butuan will not use this agreement to overreach, to extend its influence far beyond Asia?"

Yuvraj's gaze remained steady, his voice calm yet resolute. "Because even I understand the limits of power, Mary. Butuan's focus is Asia—its history, its culture, its people. Our ambition lies in reclaiming what was taken from us, in shaping a future where we are no longer subjugated by foreign powers. Britain's domains in Europe, North America, and North of Africa hold no interest for us."

Mary considered his words, her mind turning over the possibilities. The vision of a world where Britain and Butuan coexisted as equals—each respecting the other's sphere of influence—was appealing in its simplicity. Yet she could not ignore the risks, nor the undercurrent of Yuvraj's unyielding ambition.

"And if I refuse?" Mary asked, her voice low but firm.

Yuvraj's smirk returned, his eyes gleaming with quiet confidence. "Then history will take its course, and the United States will rise unchallenged. Britain will falter under the weight of rebellion and war, and Butuan will find its own path—one that may not align with your empire's survival."

The silence between them was heavy, charged with the gravity of the decision before her. Mary of Teck knew the stakes, knew that the balance of power in the world hung precariously on the edge of their conversation.

Unlike in Butuan where her counterpart, Yuvraj Siagu, can exert an influence and power to such degree that it almost undermines the government's authority. In her home country, it is a completely different situation. The last time a monarch did exert such power, he ended up losing his head, and Mary doesn't want that to happen.

Thus, as much as she wanted to retaliate and defended herself in making a huge effort in averting her nation's future decline. She has seen everything crumbles before her eyes, from the reign of Queen Victoria to the information after the two world wars, she has witnessed her country loses its control and influence. A nightmare that she cannot allow to happen.

As much as she wanted to change everything, all she can make with her meager power and control is a secret spy system that extends its presence to the Americas. This spy system is what made her aware of the presence and anomalies of Yuvraj Siagu, causing her to finally undercovers the peculiar seed of all.

"If I were to consider this... agreement," she began cautiously, "it would require more than vague promises. Britain must see tangible proof of Butuan's commitment—military, economic, and diplomatic. Only then would I entertain the notion of ceding influence in Asia."

Yuvraj nodded, a spark of triumph in his eyes. "Fair enough, Princess. You will have your proof in the coming years."

"Good," Mary noddingly agreed, "I must say that I am impress on how you have said all of this, so much so that prior to arriving in this country, I am seeing you but nothing but a child. Yet, you prove me wrong, and it appears to be that you are far more capable than a child."

"I will take that as a complement," Yuvraj Siagu pleasantly replied.

"But," Mary of Teck haltingly continues, "I cannot agree on us handing our colonies in Asia. It will not just cause me a huge loss but the prospect of a revolution due to unsatisfied civilians will surely cost the standing of the monarchy… I cannot risk the chances of having to lost these lands in this part of the world, especially if my family's standing is at risk on this matter.

You can have other nations in the world as Britain does not care for them, but with these colonies, you are inadvertently killing the empire, basically overthrowing the monarchy."

The situation suddenly turns sour as the two weren't able to agree on what to do with the British Empire's colonies in Asia. Both have not interest on backing down nor compromising something in return of its dream and plans, both have risk to place as both risk the possibility of a revolution. Even the ever-confident Yuvraj Siagu knew that revolution will occur the moment people loss its trust to the monarchy, even the military's loyalty will falter if that happens.

"And that is not my concern at all," Yuvraj Siagu smiles confidently, "Britain must not interfere with Butuan's business in Asia starting from now. Asia is under Butuan's sphere of control and influence…"

"Are you out of your mind?" Mary of Teck countered, cutting Yuvraj Siagu off.

"I am not yet finished, Princess of Wales," Yuvraj Siagu stated seriously while glaring at Mary intensely, causing the woman to be in silence, before repeating his words a while ago,

"Britain must not meddle with the affairs of Butuan in Asia. In return, Butuan will also not going to interfere with Britain's affairs in Europe and North and Central Africa and some areas in the Americas, those lands can be yours if you want."

It was as if a huge balloon exploded in Mary's ears that all she can hear after Yuvraj Siagu's words were a deafening beep sound, causing her to daze in shock at the man before her.

The shock that Mary of Teck felt was unmistakable. Her composed demeanour faltered momentarily as she processed Yuvraj Siagu's audacious declaration. To propose a division of influence so starkly, with such confidence, was beyond what she had anticipated.

"You cannot be serious," she finally managed, her voice barely above a whisper but tinged with disbelief.

Yuvraj's piercing gaze remained steady, his posture exuding a quiet dominance. "I am entirely serious, Princess," he replied, his tone measured yet firm.

"The age of imperialism as your nation knows it is coming to an end, and I am planning on preventing it from happening. This world is not suitable to replicate the same scenario in my timeline. If you will be willing to cooperate with me on this matter, I will guarantee that Butuan will not interfere with your nation's business and will keep a blind eye on every atrocity committed by your nation."

Mary's lips pressed into a thin line, her thoughts racing. His words were not just an assertion of Butuan's power but also a challenge to Britain's imperial ethos—a challenge she knew could not be ignored. The offer might be tempting and she is inclined on accepting due to the conditions being laid, but she knew that the people in Westminster will not agree with her choice.

But if she wanted to avoid facing against Butuan under Yuvraj Siagu's rule, accepting the deal would be the best choice she could have. As much as she wanted to deny Butuan's strength militarily, reality speaks that Butuan already surpasses Britain in dominating the skies and slowly the sea and land. As the saying goes, choose lesser evil than to greater evil.

"And if Britain refuses?" she asked cautiously, regaining her composure.

Yuvraj leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a lower, almost menacing register. "Then Britain will face the full weight of a united Asia under Butuan's leadership. I have no intention of waging a war of attrition, Mary. I am not from this world while you are gifted of information about the future, you and I are basically siblings on this matter, but if your nation will further interfere with Butuan's affairs and its allies, that damn island of yours will be the farthest you can reach."

Mary's mind churned with possibilities. She was well aware of the growing discontent within Britain's colonies and the mounting pressures on its global empire. Yet to concede Asia to Butuan outright would be unthinkable—it would signify not just a retreat but a monumental shift in the world's balance of power.

"You are asking for the impossible," Mary said finally, her voice regaining its royal authority. "Britain cannot simply withdraw from Asia without consequences. The power vacuum alone—"

"—would be filled by Butuan," Yuvraj interjected smoothly. "We have already laid the groundwork for stability across the region. Unlike Britain, we understand Asia's intricacies because we are of this land. Your empire's continued interference is the destabilizing force, not our ascent."

Mary stared at him, her mind torn between indignation and reluctant admiration for his boldness. She could not deny the truth in some of his words—Britain's grip on its colonies was slipping, and the old ways of empire-building were becoming increasingly untenable.

After a long pause, Mary spoke, her voice steady but heavy with resignation. "You speak with the certainty of someone who believes his cause to be just. Perhaps it is. But do not underestimate the resolve of Britain, Yuvraj. We have weathered storms far greater than you."

Yuvraj offered a small, knowing smile. "And perhaps this storm is one you cannot weather, Mary. The choice is yours—resistance or coexistence. Either way, Butuan's path forward is clear."

The tension in the room was palpable as their gazes locked, two forces of will clashing in silence. Mary knew she had to tread carefully, as the man before her someone whom she cannot afford to face as of the moment. Yes, she is confident with her nation's strength and capacity to counter the countries like Germany and France in war. But Butuan is different, the world might have known and see Butuan's aeroplanes but she is also not gullible to believe that those aeroplanes were the only military weaponries made by Butuan.

With the mind and influence of the man before her over the government, Mary speculated that Yuvraj Siagu might have already manages to secretly produced weaponries and equipment that emerges during the outbreak of World War 1. A great example of these were those aeroplanes and guns currently being used by the Imperial Butuanon Military.

But Mary is also certain that this advantage Butuan has over her and her country will not last long as Britain has also been developing their own respective weaponries, pushed by Butuan to develop their military. And besides, the moment she takes the throne as the consort of her husband, she will be able to increase her influence over the government.

"Then, we will see in the coming years then on how Butuan will be able to face Britain." Mary of Teck replied after minutes of silence and contemplation, coming into conclusion that Britain cannot afford to lose its influence over Asia as India and few others cannot be abandoned.

Facing Butuan might be difficult but Mary believes that Britain will be able to face Butuan in the near future. With Britain's current advancement in secret and haste to counter Butuan's growing strength and influence, the British government were pushed to innovate and invent things. She even heard that governments in France and Germany have also started their respective projects to counter Butuan, which gives Mary the impression that Britain will not be alone in facing Butuan.

But instead of being intimidated and anger by Mary of Teck's words, Yuvraj Siagu instead could not help it but mockingly laugh at Mary herself, causing the woman in front of him to show a confused look. Amused by how naïve and confident the woman in front of him is, Yuvraj Siagu instead decided to end tonight's conversation as everything is not beneficial for him anymore.

He is not desperate to reach a concluding deal with Mary of Teck in dividing the world into two influences. Nor is he wanting to start a war if ever they reached a stalemate, but what Yuvraj Siagu is hoping for is for Mary to decide on the matters of dealing with the United States. But a reply will not be necessary for the moment.

Thus, wanting to end the conversation, Yuvraj Siagu came closer to Mary of Teck and mockingly lean closer to her face, causing her to back down a bit in shock. But before Yuvraj Siagu could even say a word, two individuals in all black clothing, with faces being covered by a masked revealed themselves from the shadows producing a killing intent directed towards Yuvraj Siagu himself.