章 15: CHAPTER 15 (Prince Yeong)

~~~ (October 14, 1896) Princess Abbhantripaja POV

He… He looked at me!

I can't! He looks so handsome in his military clothing. I cannot believe that I would be marrying soon this handsome young man. Father has indeed done a great job in accepting the offer by Empress Alice about our union.

"Mother… he looked at me." I said shyly towards my mother who is right beside me. Feeling my face turning red, I instantly cover my face with the nipa fan, given by the imperial staff a while back then.

"Hahaha. Silly child. Do you like him?" Mother said while giggling because of my action.

I am currently watching the parade of the Imperial Army of Butuan here in Victory Square bordering the Imperial Complex. A while ago, prior to the start of the parade, I was able to take a glance at the Imperial Crown Prince Siagu of House Shaja. And words about his stern look and amazing aura are indeed true. I never thought I would say this but he looks so handsome.

It was a few months ago that my father, King Rama V, and my mother, Royal Highness Consort Sae Rojanadis, told me about my early engagement with the Imperial Crown Prince of Butuan. I was shocked to know this actually since I am not expecting to be betrothed much earlier than my brothers. But I have no choice but to accept the betrothal since it would benefit our nation in furthering our connection with the empire.

The military parade went well, after the parade large number of dancers adorned with their ceremonial clothing enters the square and started dancing to the crowd. Overall, it was a success for the empire to parade its soldiers and to celebrate its founding anniversary.

Smiles and appreciation are shown on the faces of the people on our viewing boxes, but as I take a look at the foreign delegates' and diplomats' boxes on our left side, murmurs and whispers are taking place. Looks like they are not happy about today's occasion.

"What a bunch of unhygienic and pale-looking monsters." I murmur disdainfully while looking at them. They are the reason our nations almost collapse, they are the reasons why we have to surrender some of our territories to them in exchange for sovereignty. Our region would have been much better if they weren't here.

"Hush with your words, Khao." Mother said as she taps my hand reprimanding me regarding my words.

"Why should I be? They are indeed unhygienic. Besides, they are the one who keeps on calling us uncivilized people, barbaric, monkeys, to name a few, Mother." I said sternly. I might be a child but I am not that dumb to think that those Westerners are above us.

"I know how you feel. But there are places for you to say that and this isn't one of those places." Mother said calmly while gesturing me to look around.

I then take a look around me and saw some of the people sitting in front of me and beside me looking at me in mixed reaction. It took me a moment to realize that I have lost my composure, and the Imperial Crown Prince even heard what I have said. Out of embarrassment, I snuggle towards my mother and hide my face using the Nipa fan.

A few minutes later, the cheering intensify as the current Emperor of Butuan, Emperor Siagu XV of House Shaja, stand up and made his speech. Wearing his Imperial military uniform adorned with military honours and awards while also having a cape signifying his membership and as the head of the Supreme Order of the Eagle, the most senior order of the empire.

"Ladies and gentlemen. People of the Empire of Butuan,

Today, we stand united as we commemorate the founding anniversary of our great Empire. It is a momentous occasion that calls for reflection, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to our shared vision of progress, unity, and prosperity.

As we look back on the remarkable journey that has brought us to this day, we are reminded of the countless sacrifices made by our ancestors. Their unwavering dedication, boundless courage, and indomitable spirit have paved the way for the Empire we proudly call our own.

But this celebration is not just about honouring the past. It is also about embracing the present and embracing the future. We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in history, filled with both unprecedented challenges and unparalleled opportunities.

In this rapidly changing world, we must stand firm in our values, our traditions, and our cultural heritage. Our diversity is our strength, and it is our duty to protect and nurture it. Let us cherish the rich tapestry of our Empire, recognizing that each thread contributes to the beauty and resilience of the whole.

Yet, we must also be adaptable and forward-thinking. We must embrace innovation and progress, harnessing the power of technology and knowledge to propel us into a brighter future. We must seek harmony between tradition and modernity, honouring our roots while reaching for the stars…"

the emperor paused for a while, while people of all ages pay attention to his speech, even the people on both sides' boxes stop their chatter as the emperor speaks. While all military officers are currently standing attentively in front of our viewing boxes. A total of 14,000 military personnel out of its 300,000 active-duty personnel have joined the Empire's military parade, hearing this from the military officers who are beside me.

A shocking number of active personnel, if you asked me. The number of resources needed just to maintain those personnel is insane! But what can say? The empire's money isn't just for show; besides they have territories from different areas in the region.

And it looks like I am not alone, even the companion of the Prince of the Kingdom of Joseon thinks the same. Prince Yeong of Joseon, a child like me. I heard from my mother that he will also be marrying the only daughter of the emperor, Imperial Princess Mahati Alice of House Shaja, which will make him my brother-in-law. He is much fairer compared to me and the imperial family, but he isn't like those Western freaks, he is like us.

He then continued his speech saying "But above all, we must remember that true power lies not in dominion over others, but in our ability to inspire, uplift, and serve. We must strive to create a society that values compassion, empathy, and justice. Let us build bridges of understanding and cooperation, fostering a world where every individual, regardless of their background, can thrive and contribute to the greater good.

On this Imperial founding anniversary, let us renew our commitment to the ideals that have brought us together. Let us honour the past, seize the present, and shape the future. Together! we can build an Empire that shines as a beacon of hope, progress, and unity, not only for ourselves but for the world.

Thank you, and may the spirit of our Empire guide us always."

Finishing his speech, a resounding cheer from the crowd and the military echoes throughout the entire square while photographers capture the image of the emperor and the crowd. We all then take our stand and give a round of applause to the emperor. Not long after crowds started to shout "Long Live the Emperor! Long Live the Imperial Family! Long Live the Empire!" and this lasted for a few more minutes before we all take our leave.

~~ Imperial Prince Siagu's POV ~~

The Founding March of the Imperial Army and the presentation of our traditional dances were a success, especially after my father's speech. After the event at Victory Square, we all then went to the Imperial Garden which is hosted by us, the Imperial Family, headed by my mother and my aunt. Dignitaries, foreign nobles, and diplomats from other countries are invited to attend along with the empire's nobility and cabinet ministers.

9 long tables, carved with leaves and flowers from each side, and a lot of oriental dining chairs made out of Narra tree, are currently put in place surrounding the pavilion near the pond in the garden. Having 3 columns and 3 rows of tables in each column.

Each table is served with Butuanon cuisines, a couple of Western foods, fruits that are locally produced, and especially rice. While more extravagant 3-long tables are being placed inside the pavilion separating our family, the Princess of Siam and her mother, and the Prince of Joseon along with his people, to other attendees of the party. While some imperial eunuchs and court ladies stand on each side of the party venue, while others are actively helping the guests.

People then take their seats in their respective chairs, and we also who are inside the pavilion take out seats. Chatters and laughers filled the entire garden as people started to converse with each other while eating.

An ethereal melody was produced by court musicians using different musical instruments like, kulintang, kulibit, kutiyapi, tungali, tongatong, and gandingan. Playing a harmonious melody of the song using the traditional instruments of our people. Despite the sound of talking, the music that permeated the air of the Imperial Garden covers the majority of the talking, making the whole ordeal of the event magical and calming to savour.

As I keep listening to the ethereal music, unbeknownst to me that a platter of food was already served by the court lady assigned to serve us inside the pavilion. I then give grace and start to consume the food while savouring its flavour and listening to the music.

*nom*nom*

While I am eating a munching sound of food being consumed in delight enters my ears, and when I turn towards the other side of our table. It was my little brother and sister in their elegant sonmin attire while eating their food.

My siblings are wearing the traditional attire of our nation, a sonmin.

My sister is wearing a personalised sonmin, a golden long-sleeved blouse with a fitted bodice made of silk that features intricate green-coloured patterns. While a golden sablai (a long and wide sash-like piece of fabric), made of silk and the richly embellished golden metallic thread shows her status as an Imperial Princess. Wrapped diagonally around her torso, covering her upper body and crossing over one shoulder.

Her skirt is a long and flowing vibrant silk fabric that wrapped around her small waist and falls gracefully to her ankles. Embellished with traditional imperial motifs of an orchid pattern. Her skirt is secured by a sash made from the same fabric used in her blouse.

Complementing her attire is different jewellery ranging from her diamond earrings, a golden necklace, and a handful of bracelets. Jewellery is a symbol of power in our culture. She is also wearing a jade hairpin featuring meticulously carved with a coiling bakunawa with a blooming orchid at the head of the hairpin.

And to add more to her beauty and regality, she is wearing a pair of silk sandals embroidered with designs usually associated with nobility.

My little brother on the other hand is wearing a golden long-sleeved garment made of silk, tailored for his comfortable fit which allows ease of movement while maintaining a polished appearance. His garment features a mandarin collar embroidered intricately along the collar and the cuffs.

While his pants are wrap-around his waist which is loose-fitting and reach his ankles which provided him with comfort and flexibility. Made from golden-coloured silk fabric with patterns following the ethnic pattern of the empire's indigenous tribe. To add a touch of elegance and structure to his attire, he is also wearing a waist sash. Made from a much golden fabric, it is tied around his waist that serves as both a decorative element and his practical accessory. Woven following the silver filigree patterns that made the entire sash more regal.

He is also wearing a golden necklace and a ruby ring. While also wearing a pair of leather back shoes and white socks to complement the entire ordeal.

Noticing that the entire pavilion became quitter, my siblings stopped eating and started to look around, with their puff faces full of food while looking cute and innocent at the same time.

Seeing that they were now the centre of attention, they instantly covered their faces with both of their hands, hiding out of embarrassment. Finding their actions in pure cuteness and innocence, people inside the pavilion started laughing in delight.

As we are all laughing, A cute little Prince Yeong of Joseon suddenly get off of his chair and walks towards my sister. A grin appears on my face, knowing what the prince is about to do.

Prince Yeong then stand next to my sister's chair and got her hands. A shocked expression appeared on my sister's face seeing Prince Yeong suddenly grabbing it. It really looks like those K-dramas back in my previous world, with a Korean Prince wearing his royal blue hanbok embroidered with a golden design and a Butuan Princess wearing her golden-coloured sonmin. The scene looks good.

"What are you doing?" My sister said in Butuanon but Prince Yeong not understanding what my sister is saying continues to hold my sister's hands and pulled out a white handkerchief and started cleaning her hands without saying a word. The handkerchief is made out of silk embroidered with the sigil of House Yi, the ruling house of Joseon.

After cleaning both of my sister's hands, Prince Yeong then returns back to his chair and continues eating. Witnessing this action being done by Prince Yeong, a smile formed on my face full of satisfaction. Looks like my sister will be taken care of in the future, and it also looks like she will be marrying for love.

And it looks like I am not just the only one thinking like this because when I look around a smile of satisfaction is visible on my family and relatives' faces. Especially from my mother and father since both of them, are really worried about the engagement with Prince Yeong since the royal court of Joseon is very different from the Imperial court of Butuan.

Despite the lively encounter inside the pavilion, the party happening outside the pavilion are oblivious to this one. People are still eating and talking with each other while sipping the glass of wine they are holding.

A few minutes talking with family members, especially my cousins whom I rarely saw because they are all staying in their own ancestral homes. I really enjoy talking with them, especially with Daksh and Kaahini since the two of them are the age much closer to mine, we talked about different kinds of stuff like the sea in Siargao and their lessons with their tutors.

"The waves on the island are pretty scary, Siagu. You should have seen how big they are!" my cousin Daksh said exaggeratedly while mimicking a huge wave hitting the seashore.

Viscount Daksh Tuburan, Viscount of Siargao, the heir of the current Marquess of Siargao, Marquess Alexander Tuburan, Marquess of Siargao, Viscount of Siargao, and Baron of Dapa. Daksh is the same age as me, a tanned 10-year-old boy, he currently wearing his military uniform in black and white while a broach of the House Tuburan is being pinned on his left chess.

"Lies, Daksh." I said monotonously while sticking out my tongue to annoy him.

"Whose lying? I am not!" He said while panicking because of being caught off guard. "The waves in Siargao are indeed huge and scary! You won't be able to survive facing them!" He said strongly, wanting to convince me into believing him.

He must be thinking that I am like my siblings who are gullible. The waves on Siargao are not that scary nor those waves are huge.

"Hahaha. Don't believe him, Siagu. Although the waves on the island are scary sometimes, they aren't as huge as what my younger brother is gesturing." A giggling Kaahini said while covering her mouth with a blue Nipa fan.

Lady Kaahini Tuburan, member of House Tuburan, and the first born out of my aunt's 2 children. A 12-year-old girl who suits the word elegance and beauty. A tanned skin girl who excludes an aura of nobility while wearing a royal blue and golden-coloured sonmin, paired with her blue-coloured fan. She is indeed a beauty, no wonder the nobilities are thrilled for her to reach adulthood since she is expected to marry a member of the nobility.

"Of course, I won't believe him, Ate Kaahini. Hahaha!" I said laughingly with my cousin as we both made fun of her little brother.

It was awkward for me to call Ate Kaahini 'Ate' before since I am much older than her in my previous world. I find it even weird when I called her 'Ate' back when I was still 5 or 6 years old. But as time flies by, I have learned to adapt to calling them on their honorifics without feeling weird. How? I just accepted the fact that I am not an adult outside but a child, who needed help.

"Both of you are so mean. Hate you both! Hmp!" Daksh said acting upset. He always does this when he knew he can't we an argument with me and his sister. But instead of making up to him, we just continue to laugh seeing his upset face.

We continue our cousin bonding time even the children of my uncle, Princess Marie and Baron Sharvil join in, adding salt to Daksh's embarrassment.

"The island itself is beautiful and full of life, Siagu. You should visit the island with your family sometimes." Ate Kaahini said to me while smiling while our other cousins continue to pester Daksh.

"Really, Ate? I sure will visit there someday with my family." I replied with full of life.

"Great! The capital city might be beautiful and full of wonders, but it is good sometimes to visit the island to get away from the busy life of the capital." She noddingly said, and I agree with her. The capital might be beautiful since this is my home now and this is also the place I used to live back on earth, but despite these reasons, the capital is indeed suffocating.

"M-hm! I heard from Dad once that the imperial family has a summer villa on the island. Is it true, Ate?" I inquired

"Yes, it is true, Siagu. It is currently maintained by some imperial workers and is guarded by imperial soldiers 24/7." She said confirming my inquiries.

"Okay! I will ask my parents about that. Hahaha" I said while smiling in excitement. I mean, who would be? A vacation that the royals needed also.

But as we all continue with our own business of teasing and talking, a silhouette of Princess Abbhantripaja passes through my peripheral vision. The silhouette is currently headed towards the secondary pavilion here in the imperial garden. Wanting to confirm if what silhouette that I had just saw is her's, I then looked at their assigned table only to see her mother talking to mom about something.

Out of curiosity, I then excused myself to my cousins and my father, who is currently talking to the company of Prince Yeong. After excusing myself, I slowly and discreetly followed Princess Abbhantripaja or Princess Khao. While avoiding interacting with the delegates, representatives, and diplomats from foreign countries.

Note 1: The musical instruments mentioned above are all indigenous musical instruments found in the Philippines.

Kulintang: A set of small, horizontally-laid gongs of different sizes and pitches, played with mallets. Kulintang is primarily associated with the Maguindanao and Maranao people in Mindanao.

Gandingan: A set of four large gongs played with sticks. It is from the Maguindanao and Maranao cultures.

Kulibit: A bamboo jaw's harp.

Tongali: A bamboo zither.

Tongatong: A bamboo percussion instrument with multiple nodes.

Kudyapi or Kutiyapi: It is a two-stringed boat-shaped lute used by the indigenous groups in Mindanao.