章 27: Chapter 27 Black Orchids

~~~ Imperial Prince Sharvil of Cebu ~~~

~~~ Few minutes before they arrive at the Imperial Garden ~~~

"Are you sure Sharvil that the Crown Prince won't mind that I have accompanied you today?" Luna said worriedly while walking beside me and Minister Ali Ahmadi bin Haji, the current Minister of Defense under the Aguinaldo Administration.

"Hahaha! You don't have to be worried like that, Luna." I laughingly replied while patting his back "My Nephew is not that unreasonable to be mad just because I bring a friend of mine to today's meeting."

"Yes, Sir Luna. The Crown Prince is not that unreasonable. Despite his young age and small stature, he acts and thinks like an adult, worthy to reason with." Minister Ali Ahmadi said noddingly "Even the Emperor himself trusted the Crown Prince on being able to manage his own affairs despite his age."

"Yes! Although my nephew is really particular in following orders and protocols, he sometimes breaks it for fun or understandable reasons." I seconded

We are currently walking in the hallway of the Palace of Sella going to the Imperial Garden. My Nephew has called me and Minister Ali Ahmadi for a meeting today and I happened to be with Luna, that I why I decided to bring him. My nephew has been busy for the past few days making it more difficult for the both of us to talk privately, and this meeting will be one of my opportunities to talk to him.

Since the introduction of aeroplanes in the military a few months ago, I have been quite busy monitoring the entire progress of the construction of those aeroplanes. Despite seeing the blueprints of those aeroplanes already, seeing them materialize slowly is just amazing to witness.

Although air travel is not that uncommon but those zeppelins are hard to man and have limited potential for warfare. While aeroplanes are controllable by a pilot and have a huge potential in warfare, which can help our country dominate the sky. And just a few days ago, we successfully made huge progress in our development, we manage to finally make the engine for the aeroplanes! This made all of the engineers and personnel who are involved in the making excited and motivated more to continue.

Seeing the engine finally taking its shape, I then started to wonder what other weapons we can make that can help us in defeating our enemies. And like a miracle, a message from the Imperial Palace arrived. My nephew requested a meeting along with the Minister of Defense.

The content of the message excites me once again since I am expecting this meeting to be something huge, nonetheless. You see, ever since his prediction regarding the uprising in the Sabah Region, his great control over the tabloids, his introduction of those aeroplanes, and just recently, his contribution to preventing the cholera outbreak in the town of Rio Tuba, those events alone have made me realize that anything that involves my dear nephew will have a huge impact, not just for our country but for the entire world.

"I just hope so." Luna said while timidly nodding a huge contrast to his strict and disciple personality when he is on duty. I just smile towards him while Minister Ali Ahmadi continues to have a conversation with him.

"Hahaha! You just needed to hope that the Crown Prince is not upset or mad today. Or else, you will be thrown out in the meeting directly, especially if Radhesh is there to accompany him." Minister Ali Ahmadi laughingly said while trying to scare Luna.

"Huh? What is there to be concerned about that simple eunuch?" Luna confusedly inquired. Looks like he has met Radhesh already. "Isn't he just like any other eunuch who's working here in the Imperial Complex?"

"Oh? So, you already met him huh?" I inquired

"Yes. He looks timid and strict, yet still the same as any other eunuch here in the Imperial Complex. Fragile and only knows how to do miscellaneous chores for their master." Luna nonchalantly replied

"Hahaha! I cannot believe you actually think he is like that. Hahaha! You are wrong when you categorize Radhesh like any other eunuch here in the Imperial Complex, Luna." I said while looking at him "Radhesh is unlike any other eunuch here in the complex, he is different. Radhesh is chosen by my brother right after my nephew's birth. By that time, Radhesh is just like any other eunuch here, castrated and bound to serve the crown."

"But by the time my nephew reaches the age of 5, Radhesh started to change. He unknowingly improved in many ways astronomically! He even masters some martial arts and sword fighting. Even the Imperial guards are no match to Radhesh in terms of martial arts and sword fighting." I said as Minister Ali Ahmadi nods and Luna looked at me a bit surprised.

"Seriously? Why is he not in the Imperial Guards then? The emperor can have him transfer there in no time." Luna inquired

"Well… my brother tried but he failed." I plainly said "Radhesh became so loyal to my nephew that he threatens to commit suicide if my brother transfers him to another position. So, afraid of losing a fine subject, my brother gives in and allowed Radhesh to continue serving my nephew."

"Really? How did the crown prince manage to coax such a man into his side?" Minister Ali Ahmadi said. Looks like he also is oblivious about this part of Radhesh's loyalty to my nephew.

"That is the mystery. No one knows how did my nephew do it. Even if you asked Radhesh or any other loyal subjects of my nephew? They all do the same thing; they will only stare at you and then leave. He is so loyal to my nephew that he will disregard his own life in exchange for my nephew's wellbeing." I confess while a concerned expression appeared on Luna's face.

"Okay! That's it! What is this shittiness? Why are you acting like this, Luna?" I irritatingly said. I just can't stand it a full-grown 30 years old Major General is acting like this just because he is meeting my nephew for the second time. "You are just 4 years younger than me Luna, but you are already acting like in your 20s in being nervous. You are so brave on the battlefield but scared of my nephew?"

"Ah! Hehehehe. I am just a little nervous, Sharvil." He awkwardly replied while scratching his head to which I and Minister Ali Ahmadi shakes our heads in frustration because of his silliness.

While the 3 of us are walking and talking with each other, a female voice suddenly calls me from behind which causes the 3 of us to stop walking, and when I take a look, I saw the Dowager Viscountess Melchora and the current head of the Mineral Enterprises, Andrés Bonifacio. The two of them are walking towards us while conversing with each other.

Their closeness really tells how they are acquainted with each other. Head of the two most powerful companies in the empire. The Golden Lotus Armory and the Mineral Enterprises, what are they doing here by the way?

"Oh? What a coincidence. What brought the two of here in the Imperial complex, Dowager Viscountess Melchora and Sir Andrés Bonifacio?" I said while smiling as I accepted the curtsy and bow coming from the two of them while Luna and Ahmadi greeted the two of them.

"A coincidence indeed, Sir." Andrés Bonifacio said while smiling "We are about to meet the Imperial Crown Prince, Sir."

"My nephew? Why?" I inquired. Why are they going to meet my nephew?

"That… We don't know, Sir." Dowager Viscountess Melchora said

"Did you happen to also receive a message coming from the Imperial Crown Prince himself a few days ago?" Minister Ali Ahmadi said curiously

"Mm-hmm… We both received the message on the same day." Andrés Bonifacio noddingly said.

Looks like my nephew has a plan to include these two individuals in today's gathering. But what remains in question is the purpose of today's gathering at the Imperial Garden. What is it this time that he wants that it requires the presence of the heads of the two biggest companies in the country?

"R-" but before Luna could say anything, an entourage of teenage eunuchs and court ladies suddenly appeared from the other end of the hallway, making all of us pause and just look at them while standing before us.

"We greet His Imperial Highness, Prince Shravil of Cebu, Dowager Viscountess Melchora of Looc, Minister of Defense Ali Ahmadi bin Haji, Major General Antonio Luna, and Sir Andrés Bonifacio." The head eunuch of the group who looked like in his 16s or 17s said after he and his entire group bows their head in front of us.

"If you may, kindly follow us towards the garden. His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Siagu is already there waiting for your arrival." The head court lady of the group who is in her 18 or 17 said as they all take their walk towards the other exit of the Palace, to which we all followed them.

"Woah… are the Imperial eunuchs and court ladies really need to be this formal?" Bonifacio curiously inquired. Looks like this is his first time seeing the eunuchs and court ladies in the imperial palace.

"Yes. It has been the tradition of the Imperial eunuchs and court ladies to be this formal while in service to the imperial family." Dowager Melchora said towards Bonifacio "But reforms are made towards this institution for the past years am I right, Sir?"

"Mm-hmm… A lot has changed actually in this institution." I noddingly replied while looking at the rows of courtiers walking in front of us "Especially in choosing the court ladies that will work in the palace and the way each courtier functions."

"What do you mean?" Luna curiously asked

"Well, traditionally, court ladies are positions exclusive to the daughters of the nobles for them to train and expand their influence using their position as servers of the imperial household but that changes a few years ago. Now, court ladies' positions are now opened for all women who wanted to serve the imperial household." I paused before continuing "But they all still will start working and training at a young age to ensure that by the time they reach the right age to be a high-ranking court lady, they will have the appropriate skills to accomplish their tasks. But ladies-in-waiting are positions still reserved for noble ladies."

"I see." Luna said as he nods his head along with the others.

"But why do I feel that there is something off on these courtiers in front of us? Aside from the fact that they are still young." Minister Ali Ahmadi said while staring at the eunuch in front of him. "Aha! They are all giving the same aura as those household guards that are in training!"

"Really?" Bonifacio said while trying to seek an answer towards me. He's really curious, even Luna is intrigued about this.

"Well, yeah. I thought this was a piece of common knowledge already, but it looks like I am wrong." I said "These courtiers are pretty much like Radhesh, back when he was still in training."

"Radhesh? You mean Radhesh Huang?" Dowager Melchora inquired "The Radhesh Huang that is so loyal to the Crown Prince that he is even willing to kill himself just to stay by his side?" she continues. This further shocks Bonifacio after hearing that information about Radhesh.

"Mm-hmm… These courtiers are like him." I said while pointing to all of the courtiers in front of us "Personally picked by my nephew from orphanages a few years ago. He nurtures them and trains them with Radhesh to be able to defend themselves. Their age is just numbers in terms of their mastery of martial arts and firearms. Besides, they are just junior eunuchs and court ladies"

"Junior? So, they have seniors as well?" Bonifacio clarifyingly inquires

"Of course, they have. All junior courtiers are strictly supervised by their seniors in their training and duties. This has been the practice since the adoption of the courtier system in the country." I answered

"So, where are their seniors?" Luna inquires

"At the side of the Imperial Crown Prince." Minister Ali Ahmadi said towards Luna "Those 4 eunuchs and court ladies never leave the side of the Imperial Crown Prince, the same as how Radhesh never leave his side."

"Hmmm… Those 4 individuals." Dowager Melchora said with a hint of disdain as she walks beside me "I have heard a lot about them, especially their backgrounds. Never thought that they are still here in the complex, serving the Imperial Crown Prince."

A hit of disdain is visible in her voice, which I cannot criticize since I used to feel disdainful towards them. Eunuch Akash Sundar, Eunuch Tạ Quang, Court Lady Puteri Azura, and Court Lady Mei Ying.

But everything changes when I started to know more about those 4. Those 4 eunuchs and court ladies have stayed by my nephew's side ever since he rescued them from the slums of Sooraj.

Ever since then, they have remained loyal to him and were able to adapt to the custom and protocols of the palace. Most people know them as senior eunuchs and court ladies that serve my nephew and are proficient in martial arts and firearms, but only a few of us knows them very well.

Those 4 senior eunuchs and court ladies along with Radhesh were called 'Black Orchid" by the people. Created by my nephew a few years ago, they have served him in doing his bidding since then.

Why they are called 'Black Orchids'? Well, simple, they have exposed a handful of corrupt government and military officials for the past years. They even manage to remove spies that were sent to the Imperial complex as workers. Over the years, they have worked in the dark, purging people that are deemed by my nephew as enemies.

News after news about their actions in exposing those individuals appears on every front page of newspapers in the entire nation. Some of those individuals were found dead, some were missing, and if they were lucky, they will only end up in prisons. But one common thing they do is leave a black orchid on every place they visited, and since then, people have started calling them Black Orchids.

But despite being known as Black Orchid. No one, outside of a handful of individuals knows about their real identity. And if these people beside me will know the real identity of that seniors, they will surely be scared to even make a move.

"Does the Imperial Crown Prince act like that, Minister?" Bonifacio inquires. Bringing me back to listen to their conversation.

"Mm-Hmmm… His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Siagu acts and talks like an adult. That is why the emperor allows him to do this on his own. Besides, if he needed some help, Radhesh and his 4 senior courtiers are on his side to help him." Minister Ali Ahmadi said while nodding towards Bonifacio

"But isn't he still a child?" Bonifacio reasons "He is still 10 years old, yet he is allowed to hold power in the palace?"

"This is normal, Bonifacio." I interjected seeing that no one can answer his questions "Unlike any other children nor noble houses. Our family allows the heir to hold power inside the palace. This is to train them in both governance and self-discipline. One of the examples of this is when he became the regent when my brother went to Joseon for a diplomatic visit. For almost a month, my nephew held power in the imperial palace, yet he did not show any incompetence or greed. This is the result of the training that every heir in our house must shoulder." I explain making him and the other nods understanding my explanation.

The conversation among the 5 of us continues until we arrived a few meters away from my nephew. He is currently sitting on a chair inside the main pavilion while sipping his tea while Radhesh is preparing some tea for all of us. Behind him are those senior eunuchs and court ladies, standing a meter away from him. But they are missing one member, Senior Eunuch Akash Sundar.

Senior Eunuch Akash Sundar is one of the loyal courtiers of my nephew, second to Radhesh. And if he is not here, my nephew must have made him do something. Looks like something huge is about to happen once again.

"Oh? Ah! Nephew! Hahahaha" I shouted while smiling towards him. Can't help it. I never saw him for a long time and I have a lot of things to say towards him. "This is indeed a fine day to relax in the imperial garden, isn't it? Hahaha"

"Indeed, Uncle." He replied before standing up to welcome all of us.

"Welcome, my honourable guests." He smilingly said while gesturing us to take a sit "Shall we all take our sit?"

"Your Imperial Highness." The 4 of them greeted him while bowing their heads and curtsying to him

"Oh? You have brought someone, Uncle." He said while smiling towards Luna "Major General Antonio Luna."

"Hahaha! Yes! I brought him since I wanted him to properly know you." I interjected after seeing the face of Luna asking for help. "You won't mind that I have brought him right, Nephew?"

"Of course not. Good thing I have prepared an extra chair for you. Please, let us all take our sit." He said and we all take our sit while his court ladies started serving us some food and some green tea. My nephew's really into tea, despite how high the sun is this morning.

-------------------

Author's note:

Sorry everyone, but I will be downgrading the numbers of chapters I will be posting from 3-4 chapters a week to just a mere 1-2 chapter/s a week.

This is because I am already having my OJT and spending 8 hours in my work place an d another 3-4 hours working on my other requirements. Sorry for this everyone. But I will make sure to update weekly and give you all an update regarding my story.

Hope you all can understand. Thank you and God Save the Emperor!