--- 3rd POV ---
--- 15th of April 1906 ---
"My dear nephew," Sharvil said. "It will be my honour to restore stability to this land, and ensure Hawai'i remains under the grasp of the Empire."
His words were measured, but his eyes gleamed with ambition. Since the acceptance of Hawai'i as the protectorate of Butuan Empire, Sharvil have already set his eyes to the kingdom, aiming to control the kingdom under his older brother's name. And with his appointment as the Datu-Labaw and Ikaduhang Maharaja along with the demotion of Hawaii into an Imperial Dominion is something Sharvil hopes for.
Everyone in the room knew this was not just duty—it was ascendancy. The sudden appointment of Maharajkumar Sharvil as the Ikaduhang Maharaja of the Empire's to Hawai'i marked a shift in power, a visible tightening of the Bakunawa's coils across the sea. The Kingdom of Hawai'i is now demoted to a dominion, a status that signals its nearing to becoming a full fledge province.
Yuvraj Siagu gave no praise. He merely nodded, as though this outcome had been inevitable. But deep inside, Siagu is already smiling. The incorporation of Hawai'i as a province of Butuan has always been his goal. A plan that would take effect few years after the first world war.
But the sudden realization of Kaʻiulani have hasten everything from Siagu's plan of the incorporation of Hawai'i. However, it does not have any great effect over the future of the land. The news of Kaʻiulani's pregnancy have even open the doors for Siagu's plan to use the kid to claim legitimacy of rulership over Hawai'i in the future. And everything shall unfold in the future to come.
"See to it, then," he said. "The people may be grieving, but their grief must not ferment into rebellion. I do not want to inherit an empire that is plague by rebellion because of some people who cannot accept incorporation. The child will be raised in here, under the protection of the Temple of Aylashan and the family. The bloodline must be safeguarded—without compromise."
At the mention of the Temple, the atmosphere shifted again. Aylashanism, the state faith blending Catholicism, Judaism, and Buddhism, carried immense influence, and the Temple's blessing of the child would seal their future as part of the imperial mythos.
Cleghorn finally spoke, his voice low but firm. "And the deposed Queen? Kaʻiulani? Will she be permitted to write to the child when the child grew?"
A flicker of consideration crossed Yuvraj Siagu's face, but it vanished like mist.
"She may write," he said. "Whether those letters are delivered… depends on her obedience. She must know her place before she can even be given a chance to do things like this."
There was no further room for negotiation, this is the thought of the people present on the chamber. Everything has already been decided before Yuvraj Siagu even stepped his foot in the island.
"We have just ended the war with the Chinese and Russians, and our soldiers are still tired from fighting the war. Not to mention the toll it has towards their mental stability. We cannot afford entering another war this early, how miniscule and laughable it might be," He turned without flourish, his black and gold robes trailing behind him like a shadow of judgment. "Start sorting out tomorrow. Make the changes subtle."
With that, Yuvraj Siagu strode toward the exit. Guards fell into step beside him. Maharajkumar Sharvil followed closely, already issuing instructions to his courtiers and guards who had been waiting outside the doors.
Kaʻiulani was gone. Rohan was broken. And a new order had been stamped into the soil of Hawai'i.
Istana Kailani — Midnight
The carriage wheels had long since gone silent, swallowed by the dense mist that curled around the gated estate nestled in the cliffs of northern Oʻahu. The Istana Kailani, once a secluded summer retreat for Butuanon dignitaries constructed just years ago, now loomed as a silken prison. It was a simple Istana, far too simple from the palace she once called home in the capital.
(A/N: Istana is the Butuanon word for Palace.)
Kaʻiulani sat in her appointed chamber, not moving. Her fingers lay slack over the curve of her belly, where a single heartbeat pulsed in defiance of the empire that had just devoured her world. it was sickening, she felt after realizing everything have crumble without even having the rooster do its thing.
The soft click of the door opening stirred her. A palace nun, dressed in robes bearing the emblem of Aylashanism, entered with reverent steps. She was a woman in her 40s, wearing the simple black and white garment of a standard Aylashan nun.
But what really stand out the most is the thick-veil that covers the nun's entire face, except for her mouth. Along with this is the embroidery of the Aylashan cross shielding the Imperial Crown of Butuan Empire, completely showing the connection between the monarchy and the temple.
The thick veil also signals the position the nun has over the temple's hierarchy.
"Lady Kaʻiulani," she said gently with smile on her face. The mere utterance of how the nun addresses Kaʻiulani signals that everything has already been decided. She was no longer the ruler of Hawai'i, instead she was reduced to a mere noble lady.
"The entire istana are being prepared. The Temple of Aylashan has requested your audience for prayers tomorrow." The nun continues while standing a meter away from Kaʻiulani.
It might be unsettling for others to have a conversation with someone who is blindfolded, but on recent months, Kaʻiulani have grown accustom to this.
Few months ago, after the conclusion of the Council of Palawan to tackle the growing adoption of veiling and blindfolding of the three highest positions of nuns and priests within the temple, it was decided that all nuns and priest from the position of Vicar General to Archbishop and Sub-Prioress to Abbess shall start shunning the material world and cover their eyesight to further prevent them from sinning.
Thus, resulting in what Kaʻiulani is seeing right now. In normal circumstances, she would be in full smile while accepting or responding to the words of Sub-Prioress Rajika. But with what transpired the entire day, Kaʻiulani have no energy to spare on this matter. Hence, she remains in complete silence while staring at Sub-Prioress Rajika.
Sub-Prioress Rajika on the other hand, unable to receive any reply from the deposed queen of Hawai'i felt a surge of anger for her disrespect. She might have risen through the ranks of Sub-Prioress but she is far from patient and caring towards those who have ill intention towards the monarchy and the empire's stability.
She understands that the empire and the temple are completely separated but she also knew that without the empire and the monarchy, the temple will crumble. Thus, without a hint of hesitation, Sub-Prioress Rajika step closer to Kaʻiulani and slap her hard to her checks.
Despite the heavy veil covering her eyesight, Sub-Prioress Rajika have already grown accustomed to darkness after wearing it for the past 15 years. Thus, without missing any second a loud slap echoed through the entire chamber as Sub-Prioress Rajika delivered a slap towards Kaʻiulani.
With anger and disgust on her voice, Sub-Prioress Rajika stated, "How dare a lowly-deposed person like you not respond to me. You have lost your power and status yet you remain stubborn and proud. No wonder you have fallen from the grace of the Lord."
Kaʻiulani's head snapped to the side, a searing sting blooming across her cheek. The blow echoed louder in her heart than in the chamber, not because of its force—but because of what it symbolized. Her fall from sovereignty was not just political. It was spiritual. The Temple, once a sanctum of peace, had now become an instrument of control. Of humiliation.
Receiving once again nothing but silence, Sub-Prioress Rajika decided that she have enough with what Kaʻiulani is showing and decided to turn her back on her. While muttering to herself a prayer of forgiveness and asking for patience. Leaving the seated Kaʻiulani alone on her cold-gloomy chamber.
Outside the chamber of Kaʻiulani, Rajika turned to face the two guards assigned to guard the chamber, "Tomorrow morning, escort Lady Kaʻiulani to temple near the cliff for her morning confession with a priest."
The guards nodded in unison, their expressions blank, emotionless—the sort of detachment that comes not from apathy, but from discipline. Rajika's veil fluttered faintly as she turned and strode down the corridor, her footsteps muffled by the thick carpet that lined the Istana's sacred wing.
Jade Compound – Honolulu Hawai'i, Butuan Empire
The following day, people of the Kingdom of Hawaii woke up without realizing the changes that happened with just couple of hours last night, changes that decided their future as residence of Hawai'i. Few people have seen the arrival of soldiers and few higher officials of the Butuan Empire last night, yet most of them concluded that this was just part of the routine made by the people in Sooraj to maintain order in the island.
Nothing might have changed in the outside as people continues to make their daily living while enjoying the comfort of protection provided by the soldiers of the Butuan Empire. People who have work headed to their respective destination, using the public transports or using their bicycle, all heading to make a living.
Unbeknownst to them, changes have been happening within the walls of the island's government. Overnight, Queen Kaʻiulani and Prince Consort Rohan have been removed from power and is now only ruler in name while both are currently under house arrests. Officials have also been changed, those who are loyal to Queen Kaʻiulani were arrested in secret under the charges of treason and corruption, all are crimes punishable by death.
Yet, the news of Yuvraj Siagu's arrival in Hawai'i and him being accommodate within the walls of the Jade Compound have spread like wildfire in the ears of the people in Hawai'i. From migrant Butuanons to the locals, all have flooded the gates of the Jade Compound, wanting to see at least a glimpse of the appearance of Yuvraj Siagu, the future maharaja of the Butuan Empire.
People brought with them flowers, fruits, and garments, all wanted to offer them as tribute of the Yuvraj. Some have even brought with them their children, hoping to receive a blessing from the future monarch himself. While others are only there to witness the presence of their future monarch.
Tabloid reporters and news casters have also been present outside the Jade Compound, wanting to report the commotion that has been going on. Despite the advancement of television and photographs, most of the people present still were unable to meet Yuvraj Siagu. Thus, the moment they have heard that Yuvraj Siagu currently residing within the confine of the Jade Compound, they flooded the area hoping to see at least his silhouette.
And they were not mistaken as they were indeed able to see the silhouette of Yuvraj Siagu passing through the windows of the palace. It might have been brief but it was enough to cause an uproar of praises towards Yuvraj Siagu himself.
"It appears that the people have been waiting to take a glance at you, nephew." Maharajkumar Sharvil commented while taking notice of the commotion his nephew has caused.
Instead of answering, Yuvraj Siagu just took a glance at the window, taking a look at the hundreds of people gathered outside the gates of the compound. Seeing this, a smile broke from Yuvraj Siagu's face knowing that his popularity among the common people have once again risen.
"How was the transition going?" Siagu inquired after removing his glances at the people outside.
Maharajkumar Sharvil answered calmly, "everything is currently progressing smoothly. Although in the outside Hawai'i remains under the deposed queen's reign but in the shadows… it is already under our direct control. Assets that involve Kaʻiulani and Rohan were also seized and is currently under the control of the Ministry of the Imperial Palace."
Yuvraj Siagu listened without interrupting, his gaze drifting back to the window as if weighing the scene outside against the quiet, calculated upheaval within.
"Good," he finally said. "But we should remain vigilant. A swift coup leaves cracks if you don't fill them properly."
Sharvil inclined his head. "Of course. We've already arrested those ministers loyal to Kaʻiulani and those who have connections to her last night and were replaced by those of our people."
The subtle venom in his voice didn't escape Siagu. "Purge quietly," Siagu warned. "The people must not be prematurely informed on our overtake. The bitch needed to be destroyed slowly in the eyes of his people. Scandals and issues must be released subtlety to make her unable to gather support."
Sharvil's eyes gleamed at the instruction. "And the Royal Guard?"
"They now serve you as the Datu-Labaw," Siagu replied. "But keep them on the streets. Their uniforms are worth more than their rifles—they are a walking reminder of our reach."
A palace aide entered, bowing deeply before speaking. "Your Imperial Highnesses, a telegraph from Saint Petersburgh has arrived this morning."
The aide's words shifted the air in the room.
Yuvraj Siagu turned, his measured expression betraying no curiosity, yet the faint stillness in his posture hinted that the contents of this message were already being weighed in his mind.
"Bring it here," he ordered.
The aide stepped forward, offering the sealed parchment with both hands. The seal bore the insignia of the Butuan Empire's embassy in Saint Petersburg—gold wax pressed with the Bakunawa coiled around a crown. Siagu broke it cleanly, unfolding the thin sheets inside. While subsequently signalling the palace aide to leave them both alone for privacy.
Sharvil watched him in silence, his hands clasped behind his back, though his mind ticked at the thought—why would the Russian capital be sending something urgent enough to telegraph? The war had ended, treaties signed, spheres of influence settled. Officially, at least.
Siagu read the first lines slowly. His gaze sharpened.
"It seems," he began, his voice even, "our friends in the north have been… busy."
Sharvil's brow furrowed. "Busy in what manner?"
Siagu handed the sheet to him. "A swift reform is currently undergoing within the borders of the Russian Empire. Tsar Mikhael and Dowager Empress Maria would want to ask for our support financially and militarily."
"On what purpose? You already sent a total of 2 thousand soldiers in Russia to assist the coup against the useless Nicholas. Are those not enough to combat the remnants of those who are loyal to that idiot? Not to mention that this might reveal to the world out connection with the Russian monarchy." Sharvil dissatisfactory commented.
"Europe will burn years from now, uncle." Yuvraj Siagu speaks as if dropping a grenade that causes Sharvil to be momentarily paused.
Sharvil blinked; his sharp features momentarily frozen. "Burn?"
"Yes," Siagu replied, his tone still measured but carrying the weight of inevitability. "The Germans grow restless. The Austrians cling to an empire too fractured to hold. France sharpens its teeth for revenge. The British are overextended—India is cracking at the seams, and their navy cannot be everywhere at once. The Russians… they know this. Or to be specific, I told Maria and Mikhael about this. That is why they are moving now. They want to rebuild their strength before the next war comes."
"The battle of cousins." Sharvil muttered in daze unable to comprehend the possibility of blood relatives fighting against each other aiming the same goal of dominance. But Sharvil knew that he doesn't have the right to criticize those people as if he is on their shoes, he might do the same just to rise above the others.
Their family have faced similar situations before, during the reign of Rani Mahati I and Maharaja Charan I. Both reigns have triggered events that causes almost the destruction of the entire family. During the reign of Rani Mahati I alone have destroyed a total of 10 cadet families and 23 noble families, erasing their entire lineage in the face of the earth.
Siagu nodded in Sharvil's words, "Indeed, and before it could happen… Tsar Mikhael would want our further support."
Sharvil's eyes narrowed. "And what do you want in return?"
"The same thing I always want," Siagu said, walking to the window again, looking out at the sea as if he could already see the outlines of continents shifting. "In the eyes of the outside word, Russia remains our defeated enemy, but we both know that it is far from that." Siagu's voice lowered, not out of secrecy, but out of precision.
Sharvil took a slow step forward, folding the telegraph neatly in his hands. "You plan to use their war to fuel our rise."
A faint smile touched Siagu's lips. "Wars are storms, Uncle. You do not stop them, you sail them. And if the opportunity arises that the wind favours us… the upcoming war might not just be within the confines of Europe."
Sharvil stood silently for a moment, absorbing his nephew's words. The distant roar of the sea below the Jade Compound seemed louder now, like the breath of some great beast waiting for its chance to strike.
Days went by in the island like nothing is happening behind the curtains of the Jade Compound. The general populace still remains oblivious on what is happening within their moulting government. But the sentencing and arrest of those ministers loyal and connected to the deposed Kaʻiulani sends an unprecedented reaction from the public.
Whispers condemning those arrested ministers echoed to every street of Hawai'i. The once cities and communities filled with praise towards the now deposed and arrested ministers were now changed with people protesting and throwing dirty glares towards their residences. It was as if the public forgets the good thing those ministers have brought towards their betterment.
Tokyo — Imperial Palace
At the other side of the ocean. At the island known as the Land of the Rising Sun, Imperial Crown Prince Yoshihito returned to Tokyo alongside the Japanese delegation from the treaty signing in Honolulu. Now seated before his father, Emperor Meiji, he meticulously reported the events that had transpired—from the minor details to the most consequential agreements.
Emperor Meiji listened attentively; his expression calm but revealing flashes of approval as Yoshihito described the lands acquired by Japan after the war. These new territories not only expanded Japan's control but also opened opportunities for industrial growth and strengthened their strategic position in Asia.
When Yoshihito recounted Butuan's dream of uniting Asia under one banner, Emperor Meiji remained composed, his demeanour displaying neither shock nor defiance. It was evident that he had long been aware of Butuan's ambitions. But how can he not see the dreams of Butuan in the first place? He himself dreams on uniting the entire continent under one leadership and banner.
"It is good," Emperor Meiji finally said, his voice steady and deliberate. "You were wise to align our nation with Butuan's vision of uniting this continent. Maharajkumar Sharvil is correct—this land can no longer endure the interference of Western powers. A united Asia is not just a dream; it is a necessity if we are to protect our sovereignty and ensure our future prosperity.
And your move into offering the marriage between Hirohito and Anaya further secure our place into the good side of Butuan. This might upset the members of our family but it is nothing compared to securing the connection to the Imperial House of Shaja."
Crown Prince Yoshihito nodded, the weight of his father's words settling over him. He had anticipated resistance to the idea of uniting Japan's future with Butuan's through such a personal bond, yet Emperor Meiji's strategic mindset prevailed.
"The coming years will not be as peaceful as I anticipated," Emperor Meiji murmurs as he stares into nothingness, diving deeper into the thought on what the future lies for his nation and the entire continent.
"What do you mean, Chichiue?" Yoshihito inquired while staring intently towards his father. Concern grew bigger on his heart as the thought of his nation entering another war in the following years could not have settled better within his innards.
His nation has just ended the war it started with against the Qing and the Russian Empire, and with the lives loss they incurred during the war along greatly impacted the total population of their nation. Not to mention the addition of new lands they have acquired after the war that needed rehabilitation will consume much of their national budget for the next years to come.
Their newly acquired lands from the Russian Empire and Qing Dynasty alone will greatly need funds to rebuild and improve. And even for a fact that despite the riches the Butuan Empire has, the lands that it acquired from the Russian Empire and Qing Dynasty will greatly be needing an ample number of finances.
This will hinder their entire alliance into facing another war on the same calibre or much worst than the recently concluded war with the Russians and Qing.
Emperor Meiiji, with his years of experienced in leading the fight to overthrow the Tokugawa Shogunate and restoring the emperor's absolute rule, could not help it but see their region entering another war in the coming years. And the signs of it is already showing before his son and ministers can even noticed it.
Emperor Meiji's gaze turned toward the painted screen behind Yoshihito, where waves of ink depicted the stormy seas of the Pacific. His voice carried a quiet, almost weary certainty.
"The tides are shifting, Yoshihito. The West is restless. Their empires are bloated, stretched thin by colonies and debts, yet still they hunger. The Germans sharpen their steel; the British tighten their noose across the seas; the French burn with humiliation. And across the Atlantic, the Americans dream of oceans as walls, but I tell you, they are not content. They will not remain idle."
The emperor's words fell like stones into still water, rippling across Yoshihito's thoughts. He had seen the Americans' appetite firsthand during the treaty sessions—how they watched Butuan's diplomats with wary envy, how their voices faltered whenever Hawai'i was mentioned.
"Butuan…" Emperor Meiji continued, his tone heavy but deliberate, "has seen the storm as well. Their crown prince, that young Yuvraj Siagu, he might be young, but he is no fool. He speaks as though he has lived lifetimes before. He sees the path laid out, clearer than even his elders. That is why we must tread carefully. Butuan is not just a rival or an ally, it may become both, depending on the winds of fate and the path we might take."
Crown Prince Yoshihito straightened, his jaw tightening. "Do you mean to say, Chichiue, that one day we may have to fight them?"
A silence stretched between father and son. Finally, Emperor Meiji exhaled slowly, his hand tightening on the armrest of his chair.
"Not yet. Not while Asia is still divided and weak. For now, our paths converge. Their wealth and influence, our industry and discipline, together we may form a shield against the West. But shields can become swords. Remember that."
Yoshihito bowed his head, absorbing the gravity of his father's foresight. He could not shake the image of the young Butuan crown prince, his calm eyes, his measured words, his unnerving foresight of wars not yet begun.
The chamber doors slid open. A minister entered, bowing low before the throne.
"Your Majesties, telegrams from London and Washington have arrived. Both inquire about our alignment with the Butuan Empire after the conclusion of the treaty in Portsmouth."
Emperor Meiji gave a faint, knowing smile. "And so, it begins. The West already smells the iron in our hands."
It has not been unknown to his ministers and close confidant that Britain have been establishing good relations with Japan for the past years. Despite them already being an ally with the Butuanons after their defeat, Britain have been courting them in silent.
Some noble children were also sent to study in London along with other noble children from Korea and Siam over the years. While others are sent to USA to further their studies in sciences and education. This is to show both countries that they are not taking sides, they wanted to get the benefits of sailing on three rivers.
But everything has its own ending and must come to an end. Today, Emperor Meiji must make his decision and obviously, he already have an answer to the inquiry made by the people in London and Washington. The West have already been given enough years to do things in accordance to their own bidding, unobstructed by others.
Now, it is time to end their reign, and Emperor Meiji hopes that on what side he will cast his bet, a good thing will come for him and his people.
He rose from his seat, his figure framed by the glow of lantern light, casting long shadows across the tatami. "Yoshihito, prepare yourself. We have bound ourselves to the Bakunawa's coils. One day, it may lift us into the heavens or drag us into the depths."
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AN: Hello, everyone! How are you'll people? It has been months since my last update if I'm not mistaken. I was so busy guys because I am now working as a Instructor in a State University and we have just finishes our midterms so I am pack and has no time to spare.
Thank you for your continual support everyone! I will try my best to post an update every month, hopefully I can make it. Hehehe See you next update guys!