Chapter 125

--- 3rd Person POV ---

The debate raged on, with each side accusing the other of betrayal—one to the principles of democracy, the other to the empire's honour and independence. But while the parliament of Sanoor continues to debate on this matter, the people of the empire continue to grow distrustful towards the government's action of withdrawal, plummeting the support of the public towards Prime Minister Aguinaldo to almost laughable state.

Even the allies of the prime minister did not leave unscratched from the backlash becoming them being hated by the people and the military. Even Vice-Admiral Alexander of Siargao and other high ranking military officials of the empire voices his dissatisfaction to the action made by the prime minister, calling it cowardly and weak.

While this is raging within the empire, Emperor Gojong, Emperor Meiji, and King Chulalongkorn, all condemned Prime Minister Aguinaldo's action, calling it a betrayal to the nation and the Imperial family of Butuan. This did not sit well for the prime minister as these further damages his image and legitimacy as the Butuanons representatives.

A growing number of Butuanons from Sabah started to call for Prime Minister Aguinaldo's resignation, calling him a shame of the empire and a coward. The call started from Sabah then to spread to other locations in Butuan, slowly, people have called for the prime minister's resignation.

What is worst is that due to radio and television broadcasting, propaganda that slanders the prime minister and his allies dominated the press. Making it hard for Prime Minister Aguinaldo and his allies to counter the slanders, further making their image bad in the eyes of every Butuanons.

Yet, while the ministers of Butuan continues to scramble on maintaining their respective images and gathering public support. Maharaja Siagu XV and his wife, along with Maharajkumari Anaya and Maharajkumar Kiran and Ainesh, were in the city of Kafagway, in retreat in the family's summer palace, savoring their vacation after the wedding of Yuvraj Siagu.

Just days after the wedding of their son, Maharaja Siagu XV and Maharani Alice travelled to their summer palace to relax and enjoy their vacation. This is also to have Maharaja Siagu's recuperation and preparation for his operation for the next months to come as his condition continues to worsen due to cancer.

Maharajkumari Mahati on the other hand already left Sooraj, along with her fiancé and the Korean Empire's delegates, and headed back to Hanseong. This is to continue her studies and training in the Korean court. And due to the current instability in the peninsula, once again, they were escorted by 4 battleships of the Butuan Empire.

In Sooraj on the other hand, Yuvraj Siagu and his wife, Yuvrani Abbhantripaja graces the ball organized by German diplomats in Sooraj, in celebration of their union, two days after their wedding. Attended by the family of Yuvraj Siagu and Yuvrani Abbhantripaja, local nobles, foreign dignitaries, and ministers. Themed in accordance with Western parties, the ball became a field for diplomats and foreign delegates to strengthen their relationships with other nations.

Empress Dowager Maria and Grand Duchess Elizabeth manages to meet with Yuvraj Siagu, days after his wedding and the party organized by German diplomats. Along with them, Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich were also present. With Empress Dowager Maria and Grand Duchess Elizabeth wanted to convince Yuvraj Siagu to support their cause in deposing Empress Dowager Maria's own son to the throne, in favor to her surviving son; Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich.

Which was originally dismissed by Yuvraj Siagu himself as he was firm in stopping his support with the Romanovs after Empress Dowager Maria failed to convinced her son into stopping its war with the Japanese, which Empress Dowager Maria and Grand Duchess Elizabeth failed to deny. Grand Duke Michael, despite already being informed by his mother on who Yuvraj Siagu is still find it confusing and bothering how his own mother and aunt-in-law would do so much just to seek the support of Yuvraj Siagu himself.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Grand Duke Michael blatantly inquired on this matter, as his pride of being the son of the previous Tsar and the brother of the current Tsar of Russia, could not allow seeing his own mother and aunt-in-law almost begging to their knees just to receive a support from Yuvraj Siagu. Shocked by the sudden inquiry of her own son, Empress Dowager Maria reprimanded her own son in haste.

"Michael Alexandrovich!" Empress Dowager Maria's voice cut sharply through the air, her tone a blend of maternal reproach and regal authority. The suddenness of her reprimand silenced the murmurs that had begun among the attendants nearby.

The Grand Duke stiffened but held his ground, his expression a mix of defiance and confusion. "Mother, forgive me, but I fail to see why we should lower ourselves to this extent," he said, his voice steady but brimming with restrained frustration. "We are Romanovs! What power could this young prince possibly wield that makes him deserving of such deference from you and Aunt Elizabeth? We, ourselves, has the capabilities on ousting my own brother. Foreigners like him do not have any say to this matter, Mother."

Grand Duchess Elizabeth's gaze shifted to Yuvraj Siagu, who watched the exchange with calm detachment, a faint smile playing on his lips. The young imperial prince leaned slightly forward, his hands clasped behind his back, seemingly unbothered by the Grand Duke's outburst.

Maria's expression softened only slightly, her reprimand giving way to a tone of careful explanation. "Michael, this is not about lowering ourselves," she began. "It is about securing the future of our family and our nation. Do you not see? The world has changed. Power no longer lies solely in titles or bloodlines but in alliances, influence, and the ability to shape the tides of history. Yuvraj Siagu commands such power."

Grand Duke Michael's brow furrowed in disbelief. "He is a boy," he countered, gesturing toward the young prince. "A mere boy compared to the centuries of Romanov legacy. What could he possibly offer that we cannot obtain on our own?"

Before Empress Dowager Maria could respond, Yuvraj Siagu stepped forward, his measured steps echoing in the hall. His demeanour remained unshaken, and his voice, though soft, carried an undeniable authority.

"Your Imperial Highness," he began, his voice calm but laced with a venomous edge, inclining his head ever so slightly. "You speak of legacy and power as if they are eternal, as if they cannot be shattered or overshadowed. But tell me, Grand Duke Michael, do you even comprehend how insignificant your so-called legacy appears when measured against mine?

By the time my family united this region under its banner in 988 AD, your ancestors were still toiling in obscurity, mere commoners beneath the notice of my bloodline. The day your house emerged from mediocrity, my lineage had already ascended to the heavens, gazing down at lesser houses scrambling to find their place.

Do not presume to lecture me about legacy, Michael. The House of Shaja does not merely dwell within the Butuan Empire; it is the Butuan Empire. We are its heart, its soul, its very foundation. Your nation may endure without your family's presence—indeed, it might even flourish. But this empire? This empire would wither, collapse into ruin, without a Shaja upon the throne.

We are what gives this empire its strength, its greatness, its immortality. Without us, Butuan is nothing more than a shadow of itself. So, tread carefully, Your Imperial Highness, for in my family's veins flows the lifeblood of an empire. With us, your words of legacy and power are but whispers in the wind."

The hall fell into a profound silence as Yuvraj Siagu's words echoed, their weight hanging heavily in the air. The Grand Duke, visibly stunned, seemed momentarily at a loss for a retort. His face was a complex blend of indignation, astonishment, and a grudging recognition of the young prince's unwavering confidence.

Empress Dowager Maria's lips tightened, but she remained silent, her expression a mixture of maternal protectiveness and admiration for the young prince's audacity. Grand Duchess Elizabeth, on the other hand, allowed herself a faint smile, one of approval rather than amusement. She had anticipated Yuvraj Siagu's brilliance, but seeing it displayed so effortlessly was a spectacle she had not expected.

Recovering his composure, Grand Duke Michael drew himself up, his voice sharp but less assured. "You speak with conviction, Your Highness, and I cannot deny the legacy of your family or the might of your empire. But words alone do not guarantee loyalty or action. You say your family is the lifeblood of an empire—then why should it concern itself with the affairs of another?"

"And who say's I am concerning myself with your family's decrepit affairs?" Yuvraj Siagu blatantly answered, causing Grand Duke Michael to be momentarily stunned while a shock and concerned expression were visible on Empress Dowager Maria and Grand Duchess Elizabeth's faces as fear started to creeps on their body, not wanting their meeting with Yuvraj Siagu to be wasted.

"I was originally wanting to help your family few years ago due to wanting a monarch seat on the Russian throne and be our allies in countering the growing German and British threat." Yuvraj Siagu continues with indifference as he reveals his intention for helping years ago, "But this changes due to someone's incompetence on simply following an advice," he paused and throws an intimidating stare at Empress Dowager Maria, "Not to mention on how idiotic your brother has been for the past months, Grand Duke Michael. Waging war against the Japanese and foolishly involving the Qing Dynasty on this war, further dragging the Korean Empire on this mess."

The room fell into an uneasy silence as Yuvraj Siagu's piercing words settled over the Romanovs. Grand Duke Michael clenched his fists, his pride visibly wounded, but he held his tongue. The sharp criticism of his brother, coupled with the prince's unflinching tone, had left him momentarily speechless.

Empress Dowager Maria's face grew pale, her tightly clasped hands betraying her inner turmoil. She had known that approaching Yuvraj Siagu carried risks, but his blunt dismissal and outright condemnation were far harsher than she had anticipated. Grand Duchess Elizabeth, usually composed, struggled to hide her alarm, her gaze darting between the young prince and her sister-in-law.

"Your Highness," Empress Dowager Maria finally managed, her voice trembling slightly but still laced with a regal air. "I understand your frustration and your justified grievances. My son's decisions have indeed brought us to this dire juncture, but I beseech you to reconsider. Your influence could reshape the course of history—not just for our family but for the stability of Europe itself."

Yuvraj Siagu leaned back slightly, his expression softening into one of detached contemplation. "The stability of Europe, you say?" he repeated, almost amused. "What has your family done to ensure such stability? Instead of addressing internal decay or strengthening your position diplomatically, your son has plunged your empire into unnecessary conflicts, risking its very survival. And now you come to me, hoping I will clean up the mess? Tell me, why should I waste my empire's resources on such a futile endeavour?"

Michael, his pride now fully shattered, interjected despite his mother's warning glance. "Because you claim to understand power, Your Highness. If you truly believe in shaping the tides of history, then you would know that aiding us would secure your empire's influence over Russia—a partnership that could redefine the balance of power in Europe and Asia alike."

Yuvraj Siagu turned his gaze to Michael, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. "An interesting argument," he said, his tone measured. "But alliances require mutual benefit, Grand Duke. What can a fractured and faltering Romanov family offer the Butuan Empire in return for my support? Empty promises of gratitude? I think not."

Grand Duchess Elizabeth, sensing the gravity of the moment, stepped forward. "Your Highness, we do not come with empty promises," she said firmly. "Should you choose to aid us, we would ensure not only a lasting alliance but also exclusive trade rights, shared access to Siberian resources, and joint efforts to counteract the German and British influences that you so rightly perceive as threats."

Yuvraj Siagu studied her intently for a moment, the weight of his consideration visible in his calculating expression. "Interesting," he murmured, his tone neutral. "But how do I know your family has the strength to deliver on these promises? Your Tsar has brought your empire to its knees. What assurance do I have that his replacement would not do the same?"

Despite his composed demeanour shown outside, Yuvraj Siagu is internally celebrating after hearing the offers being laid down in front of him. Although countering the Germans and British might not be useful in Yuvraj Siagu's opinion as Korean, Japan, and Siam alone can help him already counter such enemies. But another ally under his banner is better than another set of enemies.

But the resources and the trade with Russia is not enough to quell the greed of Yuvraj Siagu. Russia is a massive empire and trading with them will only benefit short term for the Butuan Empire and its strong allies. Although a Romanov on the throne is better compared to a Communist lead nation, what Empress Dowager Maria's offering on the table is not yet enough.

Yuvraj Siagu's lips curled into a faint, calculated smile as he allowed the silence to stretch, letting the Romanovs simmer in the uncertainty of his response. His piercing gaze shifted between Empress Dowager Maria, Grand Duchess Elizabeth, and Grand Duke Michael, as though weighing their worth against the monumental stakes.

With every strum of the kolitong from the musical courtiers present and the gentle blows of the wind entering the Maharaja's office, this put further pressure on Empress Dowager Maria, Grand Duchess Elizabeth, and Grand Duke Michael.

"Exclusive trade rights and shared access to Siberia's vast resources," he mused, his tone contemplative. "A tempting offer, yet insufficient. Resources can be mined, alliances forged, and enemies countered without the risk of entanglement in your family's perpetual drama. If I am to place the weight of my empire behind your cause, I will require more than vague assurances."

Grand Duke Michael stiffened; his frustration barely concealed. "And what, pray tell, would you require, Your Highness? Do not presume that we are without limits to what we can offer."

Yuvraj's smile deepened, almost predatory. "Ah, but limits are the very reason your family stands on the brink of ruin, Grand Duke Michael. If you wish to rise from the ashes, you must think beyond what you deem possible." He paused; his tone sharp as a blade. "Here is what I require."

He began to pace slowly, his every step echoing in the grand hall, his words deliberate. "First, a formal and binding treaty ensuring Butuan's permanent trade dominance over Siberian exports, with no tariffs and priority access to all strategic materials—minerals, timber, fur, and oil. Second, any territories in Eastern Siberia under Russian control, such as Sakhalin and its surrounding islands, after this war concluded must be ceded to the Butuan Empire, Korean Empire, and the Empire of Japan.

Third, the Romanov regime must publicly and unconditionally recognize Butuan's sovereignty over contested areas in Southeast Asia and the Eastern Siberia. And lastly, after you, Grand Duke Michael became a monarch, you must be replaced by the newly born Tsarevich Alexei instead of your children, this is the demand that I wanted you all to consider."

Empress Dowager Maria paled visibly, the enormity of the demands striking her like a blow. Even Grand Duchess Elizabeth, known for her composure, faltered. Michael, on the other hand, bristled, his temper boiling over.

"You seek to strip Russia of its sovereignty and dignity!" he snapped. "These demands are absurd, Your Highness! You are not aiding us; you are colonizing us!"

Yuvraj Siagu stopped abruptly, his piercing eyes locking with Michael's. His voice turned icy; his earlier detachment replaced with steely resolve.

"Do not mistake negotiation for conquest, Grand Duke. What I seek is fair recompense for the risk I undertake. Your family's position is precarious, your empire fractured, and your enemies numerous. I am offering you a chance—an opportunity—to reclaim your throne and preserve your legacy. Without my support, you have nothing."

Grand Duchess Elizabeth placed a calming hand on Michael's arm, her voice firm but conciliatory. "Your Highness, we understand the gravity of your terms. Perhaps there is room for negotiation? The territories in East Asia, for instance—perhaps an agreement for shared governance rather than outright cession?"

But instead of receiving any response from Yuvraj Siagu himself, Grand Duchess Elizabeth instead receive nothing but a cold stare. Even Empress Dowager Maria could not help it but take a grunting sigh as she tries to calm herself after hearing the conditions set by Yuvraj Siagu.

As much as she wanted to think that the demands of Yuvraj Siagu is for the benefits of the Imperial family. Empress Dowager Maria could not help it but still concluded that it is an unreasonable demand and will be a huge blow towards Russia's sovereignty. Although the Easter Siberia is a sparsely populated part of Russia, it is still a huge chunk of Russia's territory and resources.

Seceding Eastern Siberia will be damaging to the Russian economy and its presence in the region. But Empress Dowager Maria have to make a choice, retaining Eastern Siberia and subsequently face the eradication of her entire family. Or accept the humiliating demands of Yuvraj Siagu in exchange, saving the Russian monarchy and her family in power.

But does she even have the luxury of abandoning her goal of securing Yuvraj Siagu's support? As weeks and months pass that her idiotic son is on the throne, the people suffer and hated her family. Seceding the Eastern part of Siberia might damage her family's reputation, but that damage is superficial compared to the fact that her family might loss the throne due to her son's idiotic actions.

Thus, as much as it pains Empress Dowager Maria, she must make a choice and face it like a proper lady of the house. As much as she wanted to seek an alternative, nothing really comes up to her.

Empress Dowager Maria, her regal composure cracking slightly, spoke with a trembling voice. "Your Highness, these are immense demands. Far more than we could have anticipated. But..." She hesitated, clearly struggling with the weight of the situation. "If this is what you require to aid us financially during and after the rebellion, then we will have no choice but to consider it. For the sake of our family, we would be willing to negotiate."

Grand Duchess Elizabeth's gaze remained sharp, though there was a flicker of concern in her eyes. She knew her family's position was precarious, but the stakes had never been so high. Yuvraj Siagu had made it clear that his support could not be earned through half-hearted concessions. His empire, powerful as it was, could not afford the risk of aligning with a family as fractured as the Romanovs.

Yuvraj Siagu stopped pacing, his eyes locking onto each Romanov in turn, his expression calculating. "You must understand, Your Imperial Majesties, that my empire does not engage in trivial alliances. I do not need the Romanovs to remain on the Russian throne to ensure Butuan's future. But if you want my assistance, you must be willing to offer more than promises.

I am not interested in empty gestures—I seek tangible gains. Siberia's resources will fuel the might of my empire for generations. Territory in the Far East will provide strategic advantages in the coming decades. And a shift in leadership will ensure that I have a reliable partner, rather than inheriting yet another unstable regime."

Grand Duke Michael took a step forward, his frustration evident. "And if we refuse? What then, Your Highness? Will you simply leave us to our fate?"

Yuvraj Siagu met his gaze, unflinching. "Refuse, and your family will be swept aside, a relic of a bygone era. The winds of history do not wait for the weak. Russia will continue its spiral into chaos, and the Romanovs will be remembered as another dynasty that could not adapt to the changing world. A dynasty full of people clinging to their delusion."

The silence that followed was heavy with the weight of those words. No one dared speak for a long moment, the tension palpable. But with his carefree demeanour and aloof personality, Yuvraj Siagu decided to leave the room and headed towards the throne room of the palace, which also signals Empress Dowager Maria, Grand Duchess Elizabeth, and Grand Duke Michael to tail behind him.