--- 3rd POV ---
--- 12th of April 1906 ---
All who have remained inside were members of each nations Imperial and Royal family, wanting to have a serious conversation on one important matter, the dream of Butuan for the future. Maharajkumar Sharvil, Prince Imperial Yi Kang, Prince Devawongse Varoprakar, and Crown Prince Yoshihito.
Each had played a crucial role in the negotiations, each representing the interests of their respective nations within the broader context of the Pan-Oriental Alliance. The air was thick with unspoken words, as they all understood the magnitude of what had just transpired.
Imperial Crown Prince Yoshihito, who had arrived only the day before, stood quietly at the edge of the group, still acclimating to the monumental changes that had unfolded. Although their nation might have claimed few lands compared to the sudden land explosion of the Butuan Empire, he along with his nation still dreams of becoming the dominant force in the continent.
"What is your plan next, Sharvil?" Prince Devawongse broke the silence and voices his thoughts, "the Qing Dynasty now basically nothing but a shell of its previous glory. The Russians have lost its foothold in East Asia, and surely, they will not emerge from their own lands as they are still sorting out their own issues. Not to mention that basing on the words I heard from the delegates from the Russian Empire, the current Tsar is more friendly towards Butuan than the past…"
Prince Devawoungse paused yet the words he uttered already carries the weight and reality of the political structure not just within the alliance but all free nations in the region and the continent. Butuan Empire, the nation that once was just a humble empire is now a massive nation and already has a population and economy that rivals that of Europe's Great nations.
Not to mention that the current Tsar of Russia is now brewing favour towards the monarchy of Butuan. With the power of the Butuan Empire and the vast area controlled by Russia, arguably a power house in Europe, Butuan Empire's status as a leader in Asia is now solidified. And Prince Devawongse along with the others knew about this. Even Imperial Crown Prince Yoshihito knew about this.
But non within the room voice out their protest. Although disagreement within the alliance is common, specifically with the dispute in borders and fishing rights, this is not enough to cause any major setback within the structure and function of the alliance. The question of leadership isn't even a discussion as in papers, all nations are equal, but unanimously, it is the Butuan Empire that leads the alliance.
"You have willingly given the entirety of Manchuria to Korea and Japan and even given us the entire province of Kwangsi and other provinces, giving us another wide border with the French Indochina government… Your conditions might have been sweet and delicious in the eyes of others but not in mine and the people in this room. What, is it that you are after?"
The room fell silent, the weight of Prince Devawongse's words hanging in the air like a storm cloud. Maharajkumar Sharvil, who had been gazing out of the window at the seaside, turned slowly to face his allies. His expression was calm, but there was a glint of calculation in his eyes.
"Is Butuan doing this to challenge Britain?" Prince Imperial Yi Kang stated calmly guessing the silence and expression shown by Sharvil.
The room remained hushed as Prince Imperial Yi Kang's voice broke through the tension. His words were pointed, yet measured, as he addressed the question that had lingered in the minds of all those present. Despite his young age, Prince Imperial Yi Kang holds a significant influence within the Korean Empire's politics and military.
Having been trained by General Luna and studies for two years in Butuan, Prince Imperial Yi Kang instantly became one of the most influential men in the empire. Not to mention that General Luna remains to be stationed in Korea and is currently one of the most important foreign advisers of Emperor Gojong.
Maharajkumar Sharvil turned fully to face his allies, his hands clasped behind his back. The calm expression on his face remained unchanged, but the subtle tension in his posture suggested that this moment had been anticipated. He took a breath, letting the silence stretch for a moment longer before responding.
"The world is changing; old empires and overlords must be replaced with the new one. These has been the pattern that each generation of each civilization follows since ancient times," Sharvil meaningfully replied, not fully answering the inquiry of Yi Kang.
Already understanding the message of Maharajkumar Sharvil's words, Prince Imperial Yi Kang, Prince Devawongse, Imperial Crown Prince Yoshihito, and the others remains in silence gaging the appetite the Butuan Empire have. It was not a secret to the upper echelon of the members of the Pan-Oriental Alliance of how much Butuan Empire dreams on uniting Asia under one banner.
From the moment Butuan emerges from its silence during the reinstatement of Emperor Gojong to the throne, the upper echelon of Siam and Japan already knows that their regions will not be enough to sooth the huge appetite Butuan has. And it was proven now after the conclusion of the war against the Russians and the Qing.
The amount of land Butuan controls might be insignificant to the eyes of others but in the eyes of Prince Devawongse, Prince Imperial Yi Kang, and Imperial Crown Prince Yoshihito, it signals Butuan's hunger to devour other nation.
The air grew heavy with unspoken tension, as the realization settled among the leaders in the room: Butuan was no longer a quiet force in Asia, content to remain behind the curtains of diplomacy. Instead, it had revealed itself as an ambitious empire with grand aspirations—a potential hegemon in a rapidly changing world.
Prince Devawongse, always a tactician, narrowed his eyes. "What is it that Butuan wanted from the rest of us then?"
Startled by Prince Devawongse's words, Imperial Crown Prince Yoshihito blurted, "Is Siam just going to let Butuan became the overlord of the entire continent? Are you lot not interested on opposing it?"
The room grew even tenser as Imperial Crown Prince Yoshihito's words hung in the air. Yoshihito's words are not without merit or out from the truth as out from all the members of the alliance, excluding Japan, only Siam has the power almost comparable to Butuan. If any nation within the alliance has the capacity to challenge Butuan's authority, it is Siam and Imperial Crown Prince Yoshihito knew about this.
Thus, he tried to instigate Prince Devawongse to voice his objection and team with him in suppressing Butuan's goal in becoming the undisputed leader in Asia. His boldness, though expected given the circumstances, sent ripples of unease through the gathering. Silence embraces the room that even the bold and proud Prince Imperial Yi Kang decided to remain in silence.
Understanding the reaction shown by Imperial Crown Prince Yoshihito as out from the members of the alliance, it is Japan who have much stronger military capabilities compared to Siam and especially Korea. With the Japanese economy boosting its military capabilities with its factories and development facilities.
It is no secret that Japan seeks to became the dominant force in the region, much like Butuan. But between the two, it is clear that Butuan holds the right to became the dominant force in the region or the continent. Not just Butuan is economically superior but they also hold strength in diplomacy and military strength.
Maharajkumar Sharvil's calm demeanour did not falter, but the sharp glint in his eyes hinted at his readiness for the challenge.
Maharajkumar Sharvil have even heard that Japan is planning to establish military factories in its newly acquired territories, further boosting its military prowess. And despite being part of the alliance, Japan is still the unruly child that Butuan needed to pay attention to in Sharvil's opinion.
Prince Devawongse, ever the diplomat, raised a hand to steady the room. "Butuan has been an ally of Siam even before the Europeans arrived in Asia. Seen its capabilities and potential in managing its colonies and people. If there is one country in this room that has the capabilities in uniting the entire continent under one banner, that would be Butuan,"
Prince Devawongse paused and smile towards Maharajkumar Sharvil before looking at Prince Imperial Yi Kang and Imperial Crown Prince Yoshihito, who both are still in their early stage of adulthood, unlike himself that have been nearing the age of 60. Regretting that he might not be able to witness the years the years that the youth in front of him leads their respective nation.
"Such a pity that I might not be able to see those glorious days," he murmurs before increasing his voice's volume, "What Siam would just want is to be allowed to expand its boarders in Asia, not to be prevented by Sooraj into expanding our borders."
A reassuring smile exited Maharajkumar Sharvil's face as he nodded in Prince Devawongse's words.
"You have my words, Your Highness, Butuan does not want to prevent you all from expanding your borders as this is within the rights you have as an independent nation. As long as these lands are maintained and stable to allow growth and development comparable to your main domain.
Instead, what Butuan wanted is to be recognize and be supported as the dominant force in this continent. Gone are the days that this continent is divided and under foreign rule."
Prince Devawongse smiled and nodded in recognition, accepting the condition laid by Maharajkumar Sharvil. It is not that Siam is not interested in dominating the region but Prince Devawongse knew that Siam stands no chance against the Butuanons both economically and militarily. Death would be the result if Siam would even dare to challenge Butuan's dominance in the area.
A situation that Prince Devawongse and King Chulalongkorn would not want to see to happen on their beloved nation. Besides, having Butuan as the dominant force in the entire continent is not a bad thing as it will mostly be incurring the blunt forces of western powers while Siam and others will just have to watch and pick what spoils they needed.
Instead, recognizing Butuan's dominance in exchange of being allowed to expand their territory is something on a sweeter scale than nothing. There is nothing harmful on being rational and realistic than be an idiot and challenge a dragon while being a carp.
These same sentiments also made Prince Imperial Yi Kang hesitant to oppose Butuan's goal of uniting the entire continent under one banner. It wasn't just that Korea lacked the military strength to conquer and maintain territories; the nation was still in the midst of developing, introducing new technologies, and reforming its society to align with the rapid advancements seen in Butuan.
Additionally, with General Luna still stationed in Korea to oversee the Butuan Empire's overseas forces, any misstep could easily lead to the loss of Korea's independence. Aligning with Butuan was far more advantageous than standing against it. Moreover, the promise of unrestricted expansion into territories not yet under Butuan's control was an offer Prince Imperial Yi Kang could not overlook. Korea's current standing, bolstered by Butuan's favour, was far more secure compared to the uncertain fate of Hawaiʻi.
Thus, with a calm and collected voice, Prince Imperial Yi Kang declared, "Korea has no objection to Butuan leading and uniting the entire continent under one banner. We only ask that the privileges granted to Siam also be extended to Korea in exchange for our recognition."
Maharajkumar Sharvil nodded in assurance, his expression calm but resolute. However, this agreement left Imperial Crown Prince Yoshihito in a dilemma. He had not anticipated being forced to clarify Japan's stance on Butuan's dominance so directly. Even if Japan did not fully support Butuan's ambitions, Yoshihito knew they lacked the strength to challenge it—especially if Butuan's allies joined forces.
Japan had not only suffered significant losses in soldiers during the recent war but also in its fleet of aeroplanes and battleships. Though the war had been a strategic success, the staggering losses were a harsh reminder of their limitations. Rebuilding the military and rehabilitating newly acquired territories would strain Japan's budget even further, setting back efforts to strengthen its forces.
After a long silence and deep contemplation, Imperial Crown Prince Yoshihito understood that his decision needed to balance the immediate survival and future stability of his nation.
With a resigned sigh, he finally spoke, "Japan will support Butuan's vision of uniting the entire continent under its banner. Along with our recognition, we request that the same privileges afforded to Siam and Korea also be granted to Japan."
A smile of success and ambition spread across Maharajkumar Sharvil's face, a clear testament to the achievement of securing the alliance members' support for Butuan's dominance and its grand vision of uniting the entire continent under one banner. It was a dream that had been steadily materializing, and the momentum of its realization filled Sharvil with anticipation for what lay ahead for himself and his nation.
The gathering ended with each delegate from Siam, Korea, and Japan, leaving Hawai'i shortly after. Their stay on the island is only meant for a short while as the gather were just meant to fully understand the stand and alignment of each member of the alliance. It was also used by Maharajkumar Sharvil to give the Japanese a taste of reality.
Prince Consort Rohan and Queen Kaʻiulani stares at the seated Mahrajkumar Sharvil whom is smiling triumphantly. It has been hours since the conclusion of the meeting and since then, Prince Consort Rohan and Queen Ka'iulani have seen the faces of those royalties from Siam, Korea, and Japan, leaving the room with complicated and calm expression.
"The gathering must have been satisfactory basing on how you are reacting right now, Your Imperial Highness." Prince Consort Rohan voice while staring at the back of Maharajkumar Sharvil whom is staring outside through the window.
Wearing his usual sonmin in blue, Maharajkumar Sharvil still produces the aura of power and elegance despite his age. Despite losing his position as the next in line to the throne prior to the birth of his elder brother's children, Mahrajkumar Sharvil gracefully accepted the reality and decided to peacefully obey the rules of the palace and family.
For Rohan and the few whom are greedy for power, a rebellion or a silent coup would have been the case as long as they can seize power and rule the mighty nation in Asia. Yet, it was their understanding of power and the reality of how impossible it is for them to seize power in Sooraj made Rohan and the others to remain in check.
After the dissolution of private armies of every noble family and be it centralize in 1600s, all local nobles have become weak and virtually powerless over the Imperial family. Overtime, the interest of seizing power and ruling a vast empire became unpopular among nobles, even to this day, as no one would want to rule an empire that is only loyal to one branch of the family.
Even the lands that once are under the control of the local nobles prefer the leadership established by the imperial family. Besides, non would want to be eradicated from the annals of history of the empire and be known as traitors by future generation.
"Rohan…" Maharajkumar Sharvil called with satisfaction, "Is it that obvious?" a sly and calculated grin appears on Maharajkumar Sharvil's face.
Prince Consort Rohan smiled, stepping closer beside the Maharajkumar. "Only to those who understand the weight of silence after a victory," he said, his voice light, but laced with deeper meaning. "Though I must admit… I had not expected Japan to yield so easily."
Sharvil's gaze remained fixed on the horizon beyond the window, the blue waves of Hawaiʻi's shores gently crashing against the sand—so calm and serene, yet beneath them lay immense, ceaseless force.
"Yield?" Sharvil mused aloud. "They did not yield, Rohan. They calculated. Like any seasoned strategist. They understood that to oppose now would only hasten their isolation. So, they've chosen the wiser path—to bide their time and hope for our faltering."
Rohan tilted his head slightly, intrigued. "And will we falter?"
Sharvil finally turned, his gaze piercing. "Not under my watch. Not under my brother's reign. And certainly not in this century."
Queen Kaʻiulani, seated quietly on the edge of the balcony with a cup of jasmine tea in her hand, watched the two men conversing below with keen interest. She had long accepted Butuan's presence in Hawaiʻi—not as occupiers, but as wardens of peace and order. Under their guidance, her islands had flourished. And as much as she bore the burden of lost sovereignty, she understood that the alternative would have been far crueler under other flags.
The horror of her nation becoming a state of the United States still haunted Queen Kaʻiulani to this day. The memory of her family being overthrown and cast out of power during that dark time was something she never wished to see repeated. She had seen and heard how the Americans treated indigenous peoples across the continent and beyond. The likelihood that she and her people would have suffered the same fate had they fallen into American hands was all too real.
Besides, being under the umbrella of the Butuan Empire had brought undeniable benefits to her people. Basic commodities and services flourished on the islands, businesses boomed as Butuanon investors poured wealth into the archipelago, and the standard of living rose steadily. Hawaiʻi had, in many ways, entered a golden age.
But there was something Kaʻiulani could no longer ignore—the quiet, steady influx of Butuanons over the years. Slowly, they had begun to dominate the islands' population. She had heard from her ministers that the Butuanon population now made up nearly 50% of the islands' total populace.
A strange tightness gripped her chest as an unsettling realization began to form.
Her mind wandered back to the arrangement she had accepted years ago—the condition that her husband, Prince Consort Rohan, would not pass his family name to their children. It had seemed like a political compromise at the time, a simple gesture to maintain peace. But now, it was as if the fog had lifted.
The influx of Butuanon settlers.The growing imperial interest in the islands.The surge of Butuanon-owned businesses.The slow, almost imperceptible transformation of her kingdom's identity.
It all made sense now.
A face of horror crept across Queen Kaʻiulani's features as the truth crystallized.
It had never been just about protection. It was about assimilation. Quiet, patient, and irreversible.
And the man she trusted most—her husband—stood there laughing innocently, as if he held no secrets, as if he wasn't the very architect of the future that would soon swallow her kingdom whole.
The sting of betrayal tore through her heart.
"Since when?" she asked suddenly, her voice trembling, pain written clearly across her face.
Prince Consort Rohan and Maharajkumar Sharvil halted their conversation, their expressions tightening as they turned to her.