--- 3rd Person POV ---
The delegation arrived in Honolulu on the 26th of February 1906 and stayed in New Castle, New Hampshire, at the Hotel Wentworth, where the armistice was signed. They were ferried across the Piscataqua River every day to the naval base in Kittery, Maine, where the negotiations were held.
Initiated and brokered by President Roosevelt after Butuan Ambassador to the USA, Agung Tumaga conveyed the words of Foreign Minister Li Hongyi that Butuan is now ready for negotiation by the end of December 1905. But it wasn't until the month of January 1906 that the Russians voice their willingness in participating the negotiation after Tsar Nicholas II was deposed from the throne.
And it took until the end of February 1906 that the Qing Dynasty opened its doors for negotiation. Roosevelt chose Portsmouth, New Hampshire, as the site for the negotiations.
"Surely, this man and his country can be trusted in initiating this treaty, right?" Maharajkumar Sharvil blurted while looking outside the window of his room within the hotel.
Silence descended on the entire room after Maharajkumar Sharvil spoke. Inside the elegant room, is his personal courtier, Ambassador Agung, and Foreign Minister Li. All are watching Maharajkumar Sharvil's actions and words.
Ambassador Agung would want to said something regarding President Roosevelt but after being silenced by Foreign Minister Li, he backed down. Understanding that it was not him whom the Maharajkumar wanted to answer. Before turning to the man standing attentively near the door, wearing a uniform of every senior eunuch.
The man is none other than the personal Senior Eunuch of the Maharajkumar. And according to what Ambassador Agung's knowledge, the man has been serving the Maharajkumar for the past 20 years, the second Senior Eunuch assigned to the Maharajkumar after the retirement of the previous Senior Eunuch.
Ambassador Agung also heard that it was this Senior Eunuch that causes single handedly saved the mahrajkumar from an attempted assassination 5 years ago while travelling to Hawaii. Restraining 3 assassins who wanted to end the life of Maharajkumar Sharvil and will cause a uproar within the empire.
"He can be trusted in handling this matter, Your Imperial Highness." Senior Eunuch Vinesh Arora replied respectfully while staring at his master's back.
Senior Eunuch Vinesh Arora is one of the two courtiers given by the Office of the Personnel (OTP) to all members of the Imperial House until 5th generation. Senior Eunuch Vinesh has been serving Maharajkumar Sharvil for the past 20 years. He is the replacement of the previous Senior Eunuch whom serves under Maharajkumar Sharvil.
And much like most of the courtiers under the Imperial family, Vinesh's only job and top priority is of service of his master. From assisting on his daily task, managing, his schedules, and also an additional protection for his master. Trained with basic Butuanon martial arts, a courtier cannot enter the rank of Senior Eunuch or Senior Court Lady without knowing any proper defences to protect their masters.
Maharajkumar Sharvil then glances at his courtier and to Foreign Minister Li and Ambassador Agung. Before taking a deep sigh and proceeding to seat on the couch opposite to Foreign Minister Li and Ambassador Agung while Senior Eunuch Vinesh remains standing near the door, securing the entire room.
"My nephew has already given me the instructions and I know that you both know about this already." Maharajkumar Sharvil calmly stated before signalling Senior Eunuch Vinesh to serve them some tea, "During the war, we have exhausted a couple of our manpower, money, and exposed the newly invented bomber planes to the world."
He paused while intently staring at Ambassador Agung and Foreign Minister Li intensely. The sunny sunrays and warmth it provided to the people outside greatly contrasted to the heavy atmosphere Maharajkumar Sharvil gives.
"Which means," he continued slowly, "we are now once again vulnerable in the eyes of the Western World. Not to mention that Japan might once again show its defiance and think of overshadowing the empire in becoming the dominant force in the continent."
Ambassador Agung shifted uneasily in his seat. The clinking of porcelain cups and the gentle pour of tea by Senior Eunuch Vinesh was the only sound filling the silence. The diplomat dared not meet the eyes of the Maharajkumar.
Foreign Minister Li, ever composed, set his teacup down after a careful sip. "I have already spoken with the Japanese Prime Minister days before we enter the war…" a screwed smile appeared on his face while staring at his teacup, "The man cannot contain his excitement to see his nation conquer some lands, thinking that they can outsmart us."
Maharajkumar Sharvil scuffs in amazement as what his nephew have said is indeed true. Despite being under the alliance already and benefiting from it, Japan still aims to dominate the entire continent, wanting to be a powerhouse. But Butuan is not easy to overthrow on this dream.
Asia will fall under Butuan's control, Maharajkumar Sharvil thought. Controlling Asia and bringing it under the empire's control is not just his older brother's dream but by all government officials and Imperial family members' dream.
"The Japanese issue can be fixe and will be fixed during the negotiation." Maharajkumar Sharvil confidently replied, "They might want to become a dominant force in the area but this timeline is not theirs to play with. Our nation has endured so much humiliation in the past and suffering against the western world… it is not yet the Japanese's time to control the continent."
Ambassador Vinesh and Foreign Minister Li nodded in agreement. The three individuals continue to discuss matters regarding the upcoming negotiation. The discussion consumed the entire day of the three individuals and before they all know it; darkness has already descended upon the outside of Maharajkumar Sharvil's room in hotel Wentworth.
Now, left to his own room and staring outside the window, seeing the calm sea and the bright moonlight, it was calmness that a person could feel. And this is what Maharajkumar Sharvil is feeling while staring outside the window. As a working member of the Imperial family and the younger brother of the Maharaja, it is his duty to serve and do his tasked as the crown commands.
He was so busy that he barely has time to spend with his family for the past months. The recent war along took most of his time, overseeing the Airforce and the aeroplanes released and manufactured. The clacking of machines and the piles of paper works are what he constantly sees or hear but here in Wentworth, it is the calmness of the sea that he sees and hear, although much pristine than the waters in the empire.
But Maharajkumar Sharvil's peace was disturbed as someone knocked his doors. Confusion arouses on his eyes as it is already 9 in the evening, and per palace protocols, no members of the Imperial family shall be disturbed on this hour, except for emergencies.
"Who is it?" He inquired still staring at the outside of the window.
A low voice responded from behind the wooden door, careful and respectful, "Your Imperial Highness, it is I—Vice Admiral Kaito Asano of the Imperial Japanese Navy. I come bearing a message of utmost urgency from Tokyo."
Maharajkumar Sharvil turned slightly, his brow furrowed in curiosity and caution. A Japanese admiral, here? At this hour?
Senior Eunuch Vinesh, already alert and standing a pace behind, moved to open the door with a measured pace, only after receiving a silent nod from his master. The door creaked open to reveal Vice Admiral Asano, a lean, sharp-eyed man in full dress uniform, carrying a sealed envelope embossed with the golden chrysanthemum of the Japanese Empire.
"I humbly beg your forgiveness for the late hour, Maharajkumar," Asano said as he bowed deeply. "But my government believes this message cannot wait."
Sharvil gestured for the admiral to enter. "Speak then," he said, moving to the writing table, where a lamp illuminated the table with gentle brightness.
Vice Admiral Asano stepped forward and placed the envelope on the desk with both hands, still bowed slightly. "The Prime Minister wishes to reopen certain clauses of the preliminary draft treaty. Particularly, the provisions regarding territorial demarcation in Manchuria and naval basing rights in the Sea of Okhotsk."
Sharvil narrowed his eyes, his fingers pausing just as they touched the seal. "They had already agreed to these terms," he said sharply.
"Yes, Your Imperial Highness," Asano replied, carefully choosing his words, "but recent intelligence and pressure from internal factions have made the original terms… less tenable to certain parties in Tokyo. The Prime Minister believes a minor revision would benefit both nations and avoid unrest."
Silence stretched in the room once more. Vinesh Arora stood unmoving, his expression unreadable, but his hand now rested subtly on the hilt of his concealed blade.
Sharvil slowly opened the envelope and scanned the document within. The requests were indeed significant—too significant for something meant to be "minor." His jaw clenched.
"Is this how Japan shows gratitude to its allies?" he muttered, setting the paper down.
Vice Admiral Asano didn't answer. He simply remained bowed, as was custom. Afraid on further offending the man before him. He might be a Vice Admiral but his power and influence were far inferior compared to the man in front of him.
Sharvil looked up and studied the admiral. "Tell your Prime Minister that I shall consider this—only because the Empire of Butuan values peace, even with those who scheme behind curtains. But let him be warned: if Japan continues to test our patience, the sky over the Pacific may once again burn with fire. And this time, there will be no armistice."
Asano straightened and gave a crisp bow. "I shall convey your words with the respect they deserve, Maharajkumar. Good night."
As Vice Admiral Asano's about to leave, Maharajkumar Sharvil speaks with much authority, "Halt."
Vice Admiral Asano paused and bullets of sweats exited his pores as his heart pounded with fear. He might be a Vice Admiral but he lacks the resolve to be one. It was due to his connection within the military that he was promoted to his ranks, even his age, despite much older than Maharajkumar Sharvil, he still remains fearful of him. He is a coward to start with.
Silence descended for a few seconds within the room before Maharajkumar Sharvil continues his words, "Tell the Prime Minister… I will be visiting him after this."
Vice Admiral Asano nodded without delay and hasten himself in leaving the room as the pressure he felt is already suffocating. And with Maharajkumar Sharvil's words alone, it is obvious for Vice Admiral Asano that he is not pleased with the words he delivered.
Once the door closed, Sharvil leaned back and stared again out the window. The sea no longer seemed calm—it now reflected the faint tremors of storms forming beyond the horizon.
"Send word to my nephew," he said at last, his voice low and cold. "We may need to rewrite the treaty before it's even signed."
Senior Eunuch Vinesh bowed and silently disappeared into the next room to carry out the command, leaving Sharvil to his thoughts—and the moonlight that now seemed just a little dimmer.
9th of March 1906, Sooraj, Yuvraj Siagu can be seen walking within the gardens of the Imperial City, escorted by his guards and tailed by his courtiers. A face full of ease were plastered on his face while wearing his casual sonmin, elegant yet simple. But despite his calm and carefree appearance, he is already celebrating from the inside.
Days ago, he received a telegraph from his uncle regarding the demands made by the Japanese Empire over the negotiation to be made in Wentworth. It might be worrisome for others and a bit infuriating, but for Siagu, all still falls according to his plan. Thus, he is instead enjoying his stroll on the city gardens.
He just finished his readings of the reports made by the government about their spendings, plans, and developments. Researches on further improving the military weapons, from aeroplanes, military vehicles, ships, and submarines, were also reported back to Siagu.
As the current adhipālaka, as his father's still recuperating, Siagu now holds the burden of doing all of his father's office duties. Duties that soon will be his to shoulder. But out from all reports he received it was the paused on holographic communication by the Lobestar Tribune and the suggestions to be made for the newly acquired territory have caught his attention.
According to the Lobestar Tribune's Vice-Chair, Okmar Faher, due to technological constrains that they have decided to halt the research and instead divert the budget into developing more television to be distributed to all major and 2nd rate cities within the empire. They have also allocated some of the budgets to further research and improve telecommunication technology.
Which Yuvraj Siagu fully understand as the holographic technology is still far from the technological advancement of this era. Even with his knowledge of the future, it is still impossible to bring it to reality.
The rediverting of budget to further the development of communication technology of the Lobestar Tribune made Yuvraj Siagu pleased. He was pleased as the fruit of his efforts are now slowly ripening.
The reason why, despite knowing that holographic technology is impossible to bring to light in this era he still allowed Mr. Faher to continue researching for it is not because he wanted the Lobestar Tribune to fall. He wanted his people to decide and stand on their own feet.
He doesn't need a mindless man, following his orders and bidding. What he wanted are people who can think on their own and decide on their own. And the military, along with the Lobestar Tribune have already reached a satisfactory level in Yuvraj Siagu's eyes.
Another thing that catches his attention while scanning the reports are the success of the Butuanon Imperial Airforce, the Butuanon Imperial Navy, and its contracted manufacturer to bring the Bulalakaw-Class. The first and largest aircraft carrier ship after almost a decade of development.
It is expected that the ship will be ready by the year 1910. According to the report, the ship will be capable to carry a total 58–64 military planes consisting of 30 Garuda Mk. I Strike Fighters (primary combat force), 12 Alimukon Scout-A Recon Planes, 8 Rajahblade Dive Bombers, 6 Bulalakaw Torpedo Bombers, 6 Trainer or auxiliary craft.
With a length of 262 meters, a speed of 28 knots (approx. 52 km/h), and 9,000 nautical miles at cruising speed. The Bulalakaw-Class ships will be a behemoth of its own on the sea, adding to the dominant power the U-boats have already provided.
The Military also never lag behind as the continual developments of tanks, artillery units, and combat vehicles were still on-going. With the huge budget the military got every year, it would be enough for each branch of the military to produce and procure a handful numbers of arsenals.
The worry for raw materials and the damages it can cause to the industry have also been solved and planned already since 1900s. A five-year plan of boosting the industries were made causing an increase of production of 10% in all industries in 1905, bringing the economy into a huge boom.
And a 10-year plan will also be commencing by the end of the year, hoping to see another increase of production and income to all industries within the empire. The worry for the upcoming war weren't in the minds of Yuvraj Siagu as he is confident that war might slow the empire's economy but will not cripple it to ignite rebellion.
Speaking of rebellion, Yuvraj Siagu were suddenly interrupted by Senior Court Lady Puteri Azura whom brings him the letter of his old friend, Empress Dowager Maria, regarding their situation in Saint Petersburg.
According to the letter, the situation within the capital and its surrounding areas have already subsided, while the news of the defeat against the Pan-Oriental Alliance have greatly impacted the reputation of the Imperial Family. Which Yuvraj Siagu already saw as it would be impossible for the Romanovs to escape being blamed for the defeat.
The letter further mentioned and thanked Yuvraj Siagu for his contribution and the support he provided through manpower and guns to fight against her son's forces. She also reiterated that the possession and disposal of the entire Far Eastern Siberia shall be given to the Yuvraj Siagu's whips, which give smiles to his face.
"It appears that the rise of Lenin will be coming a bit sooner." Yuvraj Siagu mumbles to himself while continually reading the letter for a short while before giving it again to Senior Court Lady Azura.
As the gentle blow of the winds touches Yuvraj Siagu's face, words exited his mouth while giving the letter to his courtier, "Send a reply to the Empress Dowager. Tell her that I shall also keep another end of the stick and will be taking control of the land. A further support shall be sent to her and her family to further consolidate power… And let her know that an uprising is coming for her family to face before this decade came into an end, leave that as a warning." Yuvraj Siagu said, his voice calm but later turned into seriousness.
Senior Court Lady Azura bowed her head deeply before stepping back with graceful composure, carefully cradling the delicate parchment sealed with the crimson crest of Saint Petersburg.
Siagu resumed his walk, now toward the lotus pavilion by the eastern ponds. His guards adjusted their pace, while a pair of junior courtiers exchanged quick notes behind him, documenting every action, every word. The sun, now peeking higher through the towering banyan trees, cast a golden sheen over his sonmin robe.
He paused briefly before sitting at the stone bench beneath a flowering langka tree, his thoughts drifting toward the larger picture. The defeat of the Russian Imperial Army in the East had already signalled a resounding voice towards Western powers. What was once a buffer zone and a contested frontier was now slowly becoming Butuanon soil.
Though officially undeclared, the whispers in the Parliament and among foreign ambassadors already acknowledged Butuan's informal annexation. He knew this would not sit well with the Western powers.
Already, Britain's eyes on Tibet and Persia had grown sharper, and the Americans had begun reinforcing their position in the Pacific, a clear gesture of caution. Even the French in Indochina had increased the frequency of their naval patrols near Cam Ranh Bay. All this happened after the surrender of the Russian Empire and the coup against Tsar Nicholas II.
But Yuvraj Siagu isn't afraid. Instead, he is excited and is even prepared for the worst. The current reaction made by Britain, France, and the Americans are to be considered a prelude to what's to come. Soon, he is expecting sanctions and diplomatic protests to pile on his table while being the adhipālaka.
Yet, smiles of mockery exited Yuvraj Siagu's face while imagining the futile reaction Western nations would have over his empire. His eyes glinted with a spark—amusement, defiance, and a quiet arrogance born from knowledge others lacked.
Unconsciously, his hand reached toward a vine curling around a tree beside the bench. There, crawling innocently, was a vibrant green beetle. He plucked it carefully between his thumb and forefinger, lifting it to eye level.
He stared at it intently.
In his mind, the beetle morphed into the image of an empire—tiny, armored, posturing as mighty, but ultimately unaware of its insignificance before something far more ancient and prepared.
"Britain, France, America..." he whispered to the insect. "Your foundations lie in arrogance, your glory built on borrowed time. But the world turns... and it no longer turns in your favor."
The beetle twitched, its legs wriggling helplessly in the air. Siagu smirked—not with cruelty, but calculation.
"I don't need to crush you," he said, lowering his voice with a dark and crooked smile appearing on his face. "You'll trap yourselves soon enough."
Then, with a rare gentleness, he placed the beetle back on a leaf, letting it crawl away undisturbed.
The message was clear—to himself, and to the watching courtiers who dared not speak but observed everything: the Empire of Butuan would not play by the rules of Europe. It would set its own.
Just then, a sharp footstep echoed behind him.
It was the Prime Minister, Prime Minister Aguinaldo, carrying a scroll tied with a violet ribbon—reserved only for communications from embassies abroad.
Prime Minister Aguinaldo bowed deeply, then spoke.
"Your Imperial Highness, a joint statement from the British, French, and American ambassadors has just arrived. They request an audience next week. Strongly worded, and... not particularly diplomatic."