--- 3rd Person POV ---
--- 12th of March 1906 ---
Ambassador Delaney of the United States cleared his throat. "Your Imperial Highness, there is growing concern among our governments regarding the speed and extent of your empire's expansion—particularly in territories once considered within spheres of influence shared by our nations."
Ambassador Delaney has been the US Ambassador to the Butuan Empire for 5 years now. And since his appointment as the ambassador to the Butuan Empire, Delaney can only count with his two hands the number of times he made a formal meeting with the Imperial family of the Empire.
But despite the limited interaction, Ambassador Delaney is well-aware of the individuals living within the Imperial Palace. And that includes Yuvraj Siagu himself. Others might think that the man they are talking to right now is just a naïve man but he knew that Yuvraj Siagu is almost the one running the entire country in the shadows.
From the downfall of the prime minister to the decision the government is of Butuan is doing, all have touched the tongue of Yuvraj Siagu. Some would say that it is the maharaja that decided everything, but Ambassador Delaney would say another thing.
As if it is really the maharaja whom is running the country, despite adopting semi-constitutional monarchy, they will be scheduling the meeting with the maharaja first before meeting Yuvraj Siagu. The status of being the adhipalaka of the empire is nothing compared to whom is running the nation.
Thus, before even the negotiation between participating countries reaches its conclusion, they have decided to meet with Yuvraj Siagu to discuss the future of the region. Delaney believes the despite gaining lands, Butuan Empire and Yuvraj Siagu is not that dumb to decide to isolate the rest of the world from gaining access in the region.
Butuan might have the superiority in the air and might be in land but naval power and economic might is within Britain and USA's grasp. As diplomacy always favours those who compromise than those that are arrogant and airhead.
Yuvraj Siagu on the other hand, already expecting the words of these ambassadors remains in silence. A smile full of mystery were plastered on his face, making it impossible for the people present on the audience hall on what he is thinking.
But deep down, Yuvraj Siagu is laughing as everything has indeed been falling within his grasp. From the defeat of the Qing Dynasty and the Russian Empire to this very day, all have been within the scope of possibilities he is prepared to face.
To him, nothing really beats the feeling of satisfaction and thrill he always felt while watching his chess pieces falling from one place to another. Currently, the most satisfying chess piece he has is Empress Dowager Elizabeth of the Russian Empire as the woman have been under his grasp for a while now and have been dancing within his palm of influence.
Now, the same feeling of satisfaction and thrill once again creeps on his skin while seeing he arrogant stares of the ambassadors present. Lord Rothwell even has the thickness of skin to join force with the United States after knowing the reality of his alliance with Crown Princess Mary.
"You mean territories once taken, not shared," Yuvraj Siagu finally replied and spoke since the start of the discussion while staring at the ambassadors presents reminding them that it was their nations whom have disturbed the region first, "Forgive my candour, gentlemen, but it was not us whom have decided to touched the area first."
A brief silence followed, broken only by the scribbling of aides taking notes. Ambassador van Aalst of the Netherlands tried to defuse the tension. "No one here wishes to reignite conflict. What we hope to achieve is clarity. Your Empire now occupies territories of strategic interest. We would like to understand your intentions regarding trade access, naval movement, and investment rights."
Yuvraj Siagu leaned forward, clasping his hands. "Our intentions are not hidden, Ambassador. The Empire of Butuan will maintain sovereignty over its lands, protect its waters, and determine who walks through its gates. This is also the road the alliance shall be taking after the negotiation concluded in Portsmouth."
Lord Rothwell, ever the elder diplomat, remained thoughtful. "But your incursion and grabbing of lands within the Qing Dynasty will not just harm your nation's economy but will disrupt the world trade for a couple of months or years."
An uncomfortable quiet settled in the chamber. Yuvraj Siagu let the quiet hang for a moment longer, his fingers lightly tapping the lacquered table as if each tap were a metronome counting down to the next move in his unseen game.
"And whose economy," he asked softly, his tone no louder than a breath but heavy with implication, "do you refer to, Lord Rothwell? Yours—or mine?"
Lord Rothwell straightened, sensing the edge buried beneath the question. But before he could respond, Yuvraj Siagu continued, his voice now firmer.
"The Empire of Butuan does not steal its way into ports under false treaties, nor does it force unequal concessions under gunboat diplomacy. We reclaimed what was once denied us, and we did so not through deception—but through blood and strategy."
Silence once again descended on the entire group as Yuvraj Siagu's words directly pierces through the pride and prestige of all ambassadors present. Particularly with Britain and France whom have been the most nation that forces its dominance over overs. And Butuan Empire along with its allies were victims of these nations.
Even the United States nor Portugal and the Dutch weren't safe and clean from the hurtful words of Yuvraj Siagu. But what can they really do? The idea of protesting Yuvraj Siagu's words isn't ideal as all of them are guilty and have indeed touched members of the alliance.
And while the ambassadors were silent and have been caught up by Yuvraj Siagu's words. Yuvraj Siagu on the other hand were in full calmness and smiling, satisfied with the reaction he is seeing from the ambassadors. They might have all come here like a hungry vulture, wanting to take a piece of the spoils but Yuvraj Siagu wouldn't allow them to do so.
It was not these ambassadors' people's blood that were spilled on the ground of the Qing and Russian empires during the war. It was not their nations soldiers that were killed and maimed by the explosions. It was not their soldiers whom were traumatize after experiencing the horrors of the war. It was the alliances soldiers whom have experienced it all.
And it would be a great insult and a shit on their pride if Yuvraj Siagu would just allow these hungry vultures to have their feist. He is not that desperate for Western approval, unlike the leaders in his previous world, that they would have almost licked the boots of western leaders just to have their support and protection against China.
In this world, Yuvraj Siagu would make sure that his nation and his allies would not even have to begged nor needed the support of western countries to fight their own war. He will make sure that it will be the complete opposite of what he has witnessed in his previous life.
With that, the meeting further continues as the ambassadors from Britain, France, The Netherlands, and USA, have continually wanting to have a piece of rights over ports or unequal trade agreement with the alliance. Which Yuvraj Siagu outright decline.
Only the Portuguese Ambassador remain in silence as it has seen that it will be of great disadvantageous for him to put pressure on Yuvraj Siagu as his country's military might is just a minute power compared to Butuan Empire. Besides, Macau is far more important to them than a few lands they are not sure to grab.
The money that Macau brought to the Portuguese Empire is already good and losing it will only lead to a catastrophic consequence to the Portuguese economy. Thus, Ambassador Duarte Álvares de Meneses, the current ambassador sent by the King Carlos I to the Empire of Butuan, strategically remain in silence.
And by 3 in the afternoon, the meeting finally came into an end. Ambassador Delaney and the rest left the palace grounds with heavy shoulders as they have not even managed to negotiate anything for their country. Even Ambassador Rothwell, whom have known the connection between Crown Princess Mary and Yuvraj Siagu were still unable to bring anything good out from the meeting.
On the contrary, Ambassador Duarte decided to remain in the audience hall and would like to have a private conversation with Yuvraj Siagu, which Yuvraj Siagu agreed on to. This made Ambassador Rothwell and the others confused and a bit hesitant to leave but they were all escorted in haste by Yuvraj Siagu's guards and courtiers.
Now, left on their own accord, still seated on their respective chairs, the only thing Ambassador Duarte and the others can hear is the gentle gush of wind and the rustling of leaves as it dances under the direction of the wind. Ambassador Duarte remained quiet for a moment; eyes fixed on the tiled floor as if weighing his words carefully.
Yuvraj Siagu studied him in silence, intrigued by the rare moment of sincerity radiating from the Portuguese diplomat—so unlike the carefully rehearsed performances of the others. A moment of realization finally came to Yuvraj Siagu as a sly and calculated smile appeared on his face while staring at Ambassador Duarte.
'It appears that another nation might be added to our side soon,' Yuvraj Siagu thought with mischievous smile secretly plastered on his face. The addition of possible ally to their nation will be a huge help for the plan that Yuvraj Siagu envisioned for the entire world to take shape.
Currently, Butuan Empire has the greatest relation with Spain while a steady growth of good relation was developing with the Germans and the Austrians. The Russians on the other hand have fully fall under the grasp of Yuvraj Siagu after the instalment of the current Tsar. The possible addition of Portugal will not just greatly boost Yuvraj Siagu and Butuan Empire's influence over Europe but will also be a great addition to the nations that will face the Entente in the future.
And if Yuvraj Siagu is not mistaken and basing on how quite Portugal is for the past years, it is evident that the declining kingdom still will soon be engulf in a war with itself. The fall of the Portuguese monarchy in 1910 will still happen and will forever change the structure of the once mighty empire, capable of challenging the Spanish during the age of exploration.
Finally, Duarte looked up.
"Your Imperial Highness," he began, his tone low and devoid of the pomp typical of Western envoys, "I did not stay to persuade you, nor to extract anything from your court. I stayed because I believe Portugal stands at a different crossroads than our... louder cousins."
Yuvraj Siagu tilted his head slightly, acting curious and ignorant. "Go on."
Duarte exhaled slowly, removing his gloves and placing them on his lap, a sign of respect rarely seen in formal settings. "The nation I represent is no longer what it was. We have lost lands, lost people, and most tragically, lost vision. Not to mention that whispers of unrest have constantly been rocking Lisbon… for months."
He looked at Yuvraj Siagu with measured hope. "I believe there is a future where our nations work together—not as master and subject, not as rivals, but as partners. Quietly. Carefully. Without making the same mistakes the others keep repeating."
Yuvraj Siagu allowed a soft smile to form. "You speak with honesty, Ambassador. That is a rare currency these days."
Which genuinely amazes Yuvraj Siagu as it is indeed rare for western ambassadors to speak truthfully to him in regards to their nation's situation. Out from the independent countries in Europe, only 3 nations, with the exception of the Russian Empire have been speaking with a degree of honesty to him. These are the German Empire, Austro-Hungary, and the Spanish Kingdom.
Duarte bowed his head slightly. "Then allow me to be honest a bit more and be blatant. My government, under the reign of King Carlos I would like to request for your nation's support via diplomatically and militarily in squashing the brewing rebellion within the Kingdom. King Carlos I and his heir, Prince Manuel, along with those open-minded royalists, believe in Asia not as something to be subdued—but something to be respected. And while the Americas chase the illusion of supremacy, we hope to find our place in this new world... perhaps, with your Empire as a friend."
There was silence for a while, but it was not the silence of tension—it was one of mutual reflection. Even the courtiers of Yuvraj Siagu and the 4 individuals brought by Ambassador Duarte were in full silence, all were covering their shock with how things progress within the hall.
Ambassador Duarte, on the other hand, cannot believe that he has resorted in asking the help of an Asian nation to support their mighty kingdom. But Ambassador Duarte has no choice but to do this as he, along with the people in Lisbon, has no choice as the pace of how fast those who wanted to remove the king in power is growing each day, in an alarming rate.
And as a staunch royalist, Ambassador Duarte cannot accept to see his king and family being depose and be replaced by leaders whom grab the power after a revolt. He believes that Portugal needed its monarchy to preserve its tradition and its identity as a nation. The country was founded under a monarchy and not under the leadership of a president.
Yuvraj Siagu on the other hand, already knew the situation in Portugal and its future fate, cannot help it but think that he has been on the good side of fate. The number of beneficial situations coming unto him were already flooding. The change of monarch in Russia and the success on its campaign in China and Russia have been enough already.
The possible addition of Portugal on his side might further give him eyes and ears in Europe and Africa.
Yuvraj Siagu tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of his throne-like chair, his expression unreadable as he weighed the unspoken consequences of Duarte's plea.
Support for Portugal could mean more than just a diplomatically—it meant influence in the Atlantic, in the Azores, in Angola, Mozambique, and Goa. Strategic ports. Vast resources. A monarchy in debt and disarray… willing to offer loyalty for survival.
Finally, Siagu stood, slowly and with gravitas, causing all eyes in the chamber to rise to him.
He approached Duarte—not with pomp but with a quiet intensity, stopping just short of the ambassador's seat.
"You ask for assistance, Ambassador Duarte," Siagu said calmly. "But what you truly seek is a lifeline—not just for your King, but for the soul of a fading empire."
Duarte looked up, eyes meeting Siagu's without flinching. "Yes," he replied simply.
Yuvraj Siagu nodded once, then turned, walking back to the centre of the chamber, his voice firm but not without a touch of empathy.
"Butuan does not deal in empty declarations, nor do we arm one cause over another without knowing the full weight of consequence. If I am to offer support, then I must know this, Duarte—if I lift King Carlos and Prince Manuel above the tide… will they help us raise this world beyond the reach of old ambitions?"
'There it is!' Ambassador Duarte shouted inwardly after finally hearing what Yuvraj Siagu wanted in exchange for the support and strengthening of the monarchy. He is not naïve enough to believe that securing the help of Yuvraj Siagu and the entire Butuan Empire is free.
Ambassador Duarte heard how the Kingdom of Hawai'i manages to preserve its monarchy with the help of the Butuan Empire's military and navy. But in exchange, the Kingdom was admitted as a protectorate of the empire and most of its government functions now under the hands of the Butuan Empire.
But unlike the Kingdom of Hawai'i, Portugal has its leverage and in a much better shape than the Hawai'i in reality. Thus, becoming a protectorate of the Butuan Empire is almost impossible to happen. Unless Yuvraj Siagu would want to prematurely start a war with other European country for extending its grasp in Europe prematurely.
Duarte stood now, taller than before, voice steadier. "You have my word that they will. Their Majesty sees the world changing—he is not blind. And he does not fear Asia's rise. He sees in Butuan something the others do not: a partner with vision."
Yuvraj Siagu turned back, and for a moment, the young royal of the East looked far older than his years. So much so that Senior Eunuch Radhesh and the others could not help it but look proud and in awe of how much their master have grown over the years. Ambassador Duarte and his people on the other hand felt a sense of intimidation and awe while staring at the face of Yuvraj Siagu, it was as if an enigmatic and strong ruler have been facing them.
"Then here is my offer," Siagu said. "Butuan will extend diplomatic support for the monarchy, and if it becomes necessary, a limited contingent of military advisors will be dispatched—under full secrecy. In return, Portugal will enter a mutual accord with us. A private one, for now."
He approached Duarte once more, and extended his hand.
"You will open your ports to our ships. You will allow our scholars into your universities and conduct some research in your colonies in Africa. You will send your support on our country's claim over the lands under the Dutch, British, and the French in the region. And when the time comes, you will remember who stood by you when all others mocked your weakness."
Ambassador Duarte stares at Yuvraj Siagu's extended hand, waiting for him to be grab. For a moment, Ambassador Duarte hesitated. The deal he will be making as a representative of the Kingdom of Portugal will forever tie Portugal to Butuan as long as both monarchies existed.
And by extension, Butuan Empire will be able to extend its influence over the entirety of Iberian Peninsula. The Spanish Kingdom alone that controls majority of the lands in the peninsula is known to be friendly and have a good relationship with the empire decades after it was defeated by the Butuanons during the Spanish conquest in Luzon and Visayas.
The Spanish monarchy and Butuan monarchy's relations were further strengthen, as what Duarte remembers, was when marriages between members of the Shaja family were made to the Spanish monarchy. Even during the war between Spain against Cuban rebels, despite resulting to defeat, it shows how much support the Butuan Empire has over Spain.
Although being friendly and making a deal with Butuan will tie Portugal to the Butuan Empire. It is nothing compared to the benefit the kingdom will receive. Thus, after seconds of internal deliberation, Ambassador Duarte grasped Yuvraj Siagu's hand and replied, "You have my oath, Your Imperial Highness."
'Finally,' Yuvraj Siagu stated internally after seeing Ambassador Duarte accepting his offer.