Chapter 3: The Political Struggle

January 10, 1867 – London, England

Beneath London's gray sky, thick with clouds, Aldric Seraphis found himself entangled in a political battle that felt far from ordinary. In the dim and cramped room, the tension surrounding him seemed to seep in from the closed windows, as if the entire city shared in the gravity of the situation.

The black wooden chair behind his desk was where Aldric spent hours immersed in his work. Important documents were spread out before him, and his gaze moved from one sheet to another. Amidst the chaos, he felt the fragility of his position as Under-Secretary at the Colonial Office, threatened by the cunning strategies of Lord Percival Blackwood.

Lord Blackwood, who had long sought greater influence in the government, was now skillfully manipulating critical issues. Blackwood's proposal, aiming to seize control of a strategic region, posed the greatest threat to Aldric. Every move Aldric made had to be carefully calculated, as a single mistake could spell disaster.

The key to victory in this battle was political support. Aldric arranged meetings with various influential figures in London, striving to sway and secure the necessary alliances. Meeting rooms in social clubs and government buildings bore witness to his relentless efforts. Every word and handshake carried significant weight in this game.

That evening, in an exclusive club in the heart of the city, surrounded by the opulence of crystal chandeliers and charming wall decorations, Aldric Seraphis stood before a group of powerful individuals. The room, usually filled with the soft murmur of wine and casual conversation, was now the stage for a speech of great import. This was one of the most decisive meetings for Aldric.

Aldric stood tall in the center of the room, presenting his arguments with a calm yet weighted voice. Every word from his lips seemed to carry more than mere approval. In his view, these political elites were more than just listeners. They were partners in a complex game where each step had to be meticulously planned.

"Gentlemen," Aldric began, his voice cutting through the silence of the night, "we stand at a crossroads. Lord Blackwood's proposal is not merely a policy but a threat to the foundation of British power. Within his offer lies a lurking danger—one that could undermine everything we have built."

Sharp gazes pierced the darkness of the room, reflecting a mix of skepticism and curiosity. Lord Hawthorne, an elderly nobleman with a white beard that exuded charisma, raised his hand. "Aldric, are there any benefits we can derive from Blackwood's proposal? Is there no merit in his offer?"

Aldric looked at Lord Hawthorne with deep intensity. "Lord Hawthorne, we must remember that history teaches us many things. Let us look back at the VOC—the Dutch East India Company. At its peak, the VOC was a colossal power dominating trade in Asia. However, its power crumbled due to poor management and rampant corruption. The Dutch were forced to replace the VOC after the chaos and collapse caused by policies that prioritized short-term gains."

The room fell silent for a moment, allowing for reflection. Aldric continued, "What we see in the VOC is a warning. When we let short-term interests dominate and neglect wise management, our power will falter. Blackwood's proposal, with all its tempting offers, reflects the same policies. If we are swayed by immediate gains, we will repeat the same mistakes."

Amid the discussion, Lord Pembroke, a young politician with latent ambitions, interjected with fiery enthusiasm. "But Aldric, we must consider our own interests. How can you assure us that this decision will not harm our positions?"

Aldric sighed slowly, feeling the weight of the debate. "Lord Pembroke, the personal gains you seek could backfire. If we lose strategic control, the power and influence you hold will wane. We are talking about a future greater than our ambitions."

The room grew quiet, only filled by the whispering wind from outside against the windows. Aldric felt each second stretch, gazing at the faces now deep in thought. He knew that his decisions tonight would affect many lives.

**Flashback: Five Years Ago**

In a memory stored deep in the recesses of his mind, Aldric recalled his visit to Borneo five years prior. The dense tropical forests obscured the horizon, and the air was filled with the scent of earth and damp leaves. Amid the forest, Aldric met with local leaders, who greeted him with smiles that seemed overly cheerful.

One local leader, with an insincere tone, welcomed him. "Your Excellency Aldric, we are very grateful for your visit. May this visit bring blessings to our region."

Aldric sensed the pretense in the greeting. Behind the exaggerated smiles, he saw faces devoid of genuine emotion, not reflecting the suffering of the people evident in their eyes. Starving children, families struggling with poverty—all felt like an open wound in Aldric's heart.

He witnessed how colonial officials, who were supposed to be protectors and builders, were more interested in personal gain. As Borneo's lush forests were admired, Aldric felt a deep disappointment at the sight of people living in deprivation.

There, amid the pleasures and beauty offered by nature, Aldric found his true calling. He was determined to change how England viewed its colonies—not merely as sources of profit but as parts of a system that needed to be managed wisely for the common good.

**Back to the Present**

Back in the meeting room that night, Aldric felt a sense of near-desperation enveloping the atmosphere. Yet, with hope, he concluded his speech. "We are not only deciding for ourselves but for future generations. The future of England is in our hands, and tonight's decision will make history."

The room fell silent, filled with soft whispers gradually forming new opinions. Aldric stood in the midst, waiting patiently. Though the battle was not yet over, he felt that his steps had paved the way for a decision that would determine England's direction.

Meanwhile, walking toward a quieter corner of the club, Aldric sought to communicate with his hidden allies. One key ally was Sir William Harrington, a noble known for his pro-colonial stance. Aldric shared the latest updates and sought Harrington's support to pressure Lord Blackwood from all fronts.

"Lord Blackwood not only threatens my position," Aldric told Harrington, "but also the stability of our entire colonial system. If we don't act now, we may lose control over Borneo and other crucial territories."

Sir William Harrington, an elderly man with a firm demeanor, regarded Aldric with keen attention. "You understand the risks well, Aldric. If what you say is true, we must act swiftly. I will assist you, but ensure that this support makes a difference."

With Harrington's promise of support and that of several other key figures, Aldric felt slightly relieved, though the burden on his shoulders was far from lifted. Each day edged closer to the looming deadline, and this battle was not only about political influence but also about the fate of the Circle of Aegis mission in Borneo.

Amidst the political turmoil, Aldric also had to oversee the preparations for the Circle of Aegis team. Reports from Lady Catherine indicated that the team faced serious challenges in forging relations with local tribes and threats from the Dutch. Although he was far from the battlefield, Aldric felt the weight of responsibility to ensure the mission went according to plan.

As Aldric returned to his grand home in Mayfair that night, he stood by his bedroom window, staring out with a vacant expression. London, usually vibrant and colorful, seemed dull in the darkness. He felt a profound tension, an awareness that winning this political struggle was just the beginning of a longer and more perilous journey.

With a pounding heart and a mind filled with strategy, Aldric prepared himself for the days ahead. Behind every decision he made, there were significant stakes, not just for himself, but for the future of England and the crucial mission in Borneo.