--- 3rd Person POV ---
--- 19th October 1904 ---
But instead of being alarmed and starts to panic, Yuvraj Siagu instead showed a complete opposite expression. A grin of mockery was visible on Yuvraj Siagu's face, as if telling Mary of Teck that is caught off guard. Which puzzled her as two of her man have shown a real intent to kill him, yet instead of panicking and backup a bit, Yuvraj Siagu instead remains leaning while showing a big grin, which was answered shortly after as two individuals suddenly appeared behind her men.
"Dear guests, I suggest that you remain in your place or the last thing you will see is nothing but darkness." A man standing behind Mary of Teck's man stated in a cold tone while pointing what appears to be Colt Python revolver on his head, causing Mary, Princess of Wales's man came to a sudden halt while subsequently throwing a glare at the man behind him.
Mary of Teck knew the man whom have suddenly appeared from the shadows and the woman accompanying him. She has received numerous reports and information about these two, Senior Eunuch Radhesh and Senior Court Lady Mei Ying, two of the most skilled and trusted courtiers of Yuvraj Siagu.
No wonder she could not feel any sense of panic nor discomfort to the man in front of her ever since she came into this building. All this time, she thought she was in control of the situation on sneaking inside the compound with her men. But instead, she was ultimately being guided to enter, no wonder she and her men never encounters some soldiers.
"What is the meaning of this, Yuvraj Siagu?" Mary of Teck inquired with haste after seeing the revolvers being pointed at her people's heads.
Yuvraj Siagu's grin widened as he leaned back into his chair, a picture of unsettling calm amidst the tension. His eyes gleamed with calculated amusement as he addressed Mary, Princess of Wales.
"Why so alarmed, Princess?" he asked, his tone dripping with feigned innocence. "I simply thought it polite to ensure your safety while you and your... esteemed entourage graced us with your presence."
Mary's expression tightened, a flicker of frustration breaking through her composed exterior. "Safety? By pointing guns at my men? This is how Butuan treats its guests with safety?"
Yuvraj Siagu chuckled, the sound low and deliberate. "Oh, Mary, let's not play coy. Your men showed intent to kill—a most inhospitable gesture for guests in my home. Did you truly believe I wouldn't anticipate such treachery?"
Senior Eunuch Radhesh and Senior Court Lady Mei Ying, standing poised like shadows behind Mary's men, maintained their icy composure. Their weapons, while steady and unyielding, conveyed not chaos but precision—a silent warning that escape or resistance would be futile.
Mary turned her sharp gaze toward Yuvraj, her composure returning as she sought to regain control of the situation. "You knew. From the start, you knew of my arrival, my intentions."
"Of course," Yuvraj said smoothly, gesturing nonchalantly. "You see, Mary, Butuan isn't just an empire of armies and borders. It is an empire of vigilance, of foresight. I've known about your plans since the moment they were conceived. I allowed you to walk through my doors not out of naivety, but as a gesture of respect."
"Respect?" she repeated, her voice cold, the word laced with disbelief.
But before Yuvraj Siagu could even reply, he was interjected by a sudden word coming from Mary of Teck's men.
"Get off me you lowlife indi-" one of the men of Mary of Teck mutters but was instantly silence by Senior Court Lady Mei Ying by pointing the revolver on his mouth harshly.
With a threatening tone, Senior Court Lady Mei Ying coldly stated, "Finished your sentence and I will make sure that even a speck of dust will not remain from you."
Cold sweats started to gather on the man's forehead after hearing Senior Court Lady Mei Ying's words. He knew the identity of the woman before him and have learned basic information about how brutal and loyal she is to her master and her master's enemies. But he disregarded that information due to his prejudice towards woman and Senior Court Lady Mei Ying's origin, dismissing them as mere exaggeration and joke.
Yet, here is he now, being faced with an unknown revolver pointed on his mouth and one wrong move death will be his ending. With fear and shaking, he yielded and decided to not pursue further action, which made Mary of Teck sigh in relief.
"Control your men, Mary of Teck." Yuvraj Siagu spoken calmly as he made his way beside Mary, Princess of Wales, facing on an opposite, before continuing his words in a low voice, allowing only the two of them to hear everything,
"This is a warning… In this world… this timeline… You and I… are now either meant to be allies or adversaries. I will give you 2 months to decide on whether you will agree on my condition or not. If I will not be able to receive a reply coming from you after 2 months, I will take that as a challenge of dominance."
Yuvraj Siagu's steps echoed through the grand hall as he approached the exit, his demeanour exuding a mix of authority and calculated defiance. As he reached the threshold, he paused, turning back to fix Mary of Teck with a sharp, piercing gaze.
"Oh, before I forget…" His voice carried a weight that made even the air seem heavier. His tone was steady, but it carried an undercurrent of veiled threat that demanded attention. "Tell your Dutch friends in the Indies that Butuan is extending one final warning. They will control their men and cease their harassment and murder of our priests and believers."
He took a step closer, his expression darkening, the gravity of his words cutting through the room. "The temple is sacred. It is not something your people—or theirs—can meddle with without consequence. I do not wish to start a war in the name of faith, but if their actions persist, they will leave me no choice."
The hall fell into a tense silence, the weight of his words settling like a storm cloud over the assembled figures. Mary, Princess of Wales, held his gaze, her regal composure unbroken despite the sting of his warning.
Yuvraj lingered for a moment longer, his presence dominating the room, before turning on his heel and walking out. His steps were measured, deliberate, and unwavering, the faint sound of the heavy doors closing behind him marking his departure.
Senior Eunuch Radhesh and Senior Court Lady Mei Ying on the other hand tailed behind their master after throwing a menacing glare at Mary, Princess of Wales's men. Mary, Princess of Wales's men on the other hand grunts in dissatisfaction while glaring at the door of the building.
Left to their own accord, Mary of Teck decided to retreat in the shadows as her men followed shortly after clearing any traces that will point out their presence. It didn't take long before Mary of Teck left Sooraj and made her way back to London under the covers of the night of the earth.
Now aborded the ship, Mary started to contemplate on the happenings that transpire within the Imperial compound in Sooraj. Her plan to seek mutual understanding with Yuvraj Siagu have some short as her plan fails to be feasible.
As the ship cut through the waves, Mary of Teck, stood on the deck, the cool ocean breeze brushing against her face. The calmness of the sea was a stark contrast to the storm of thoughts raging within her. She had come to Sooraj with an objective—to test the waters, to gauge the young Yuvraj's intent, and perhaps find common ground. But the encounter had taken an unforeseen turn, leaving her plans in disarray and her pride bruised.
Her men stood at a distance, silent and subdued, still processing the humiliating events at the Imperial compound. The sharp words of Yuvraj Siagu echoed in her mind, each one carefully chosen to challenge her authority and her beliefs.
He had not been the naive young ruler she had expected. Instead, he had displayed a mastery of strategy, foresight, and resolve that rivalled even the most seasoned monarchs of Europe. He had turned her own plans against her, and worse, he had delivered a warning that could not be ignored.
Mary clenched the ship's railing, her knuckles whitening as the wood groaned under her grip.
"Two months," she murmured to herself, her voice barely audible over the crashing waves. "Two months to decide whether to align with his conditions or face open confrontation."
The prospect of a challenge from Butuan was not one she could take lightly. Despite Britain's dominance on the global stage, Yuvraj Siagu's audacity and the capabilities of his empire were clear. And unlike Britain's stagnating strength, Butuan is growing as the days go by.
As the moon cast its silvery light over the deck of the ship, Mary of Teck stood in quiet contemplation, her gaze fixed on the endless horizon. The echoes of Yuvraj Siagu's words reverberated in her mind, dismantling her carefully constructed resolve to maintain neutrality.
His challenge, both explicit and implicit, was undeniable. This timeline… this world… belongs to those who dare to shape it. His vision for Butuan was one of adaptation, strength, and resilience, a direct contrast to her nation's faltering hold on its colonies and influence. For Britain to remain relevant in this ever-shifting world, neutrality could no longer be an option.
Mary clenched her jaw as she turned from the railing, her steps purposeful. The future she had hoped to quietly observe and influence from the shadows was no longer an option. Instead, she would have to engage directly, leveraging her knowledge of the years to come to rebuild Britain's economic and military might.
The young Yuvraj is right, she thought with a growing sense of determination. This world's resources, its power, its influence—they are finite. To share it is to risk it slipping through our grasp. If this is a battle for dominance, then I must ensure Britain emerges as the victor.
In her cabin, Mary laid out a notebook and began to write furiously, sketching out strategies and ideas that would guide Britain toward a future of renewed strength. Though her knowledge of the intricate details of industrial and military developments was limited, she knew enough to provide a foundation for the changes her nation needed.
Yuvraj Siagu's offer lingered in her mind, tantalizing and provocative. He had hinted at a potential alliance, a cooperative division of influence that could benefit both nations. Yet she knew such an agreement would come with strings attached, likely binding Britain to a junior role in this "shared" dominion.
Could Britain afford to partner with Butuan? Or would that be the first step toward subjugation?
Mary tapped her pen against the table, deep in thought. If she accepted Yuvraj's terms, it might buy Britain time to rebuild and strengthen itself. On the other hand, rejecting the offer outright could mean immediate conflict—a war she was unsure Britain could win at this stage.
Her lips curled into a faint, determined smile.
"If you want me to choose, Yuvraj Siagu, then I will choose neither submission nor isolation. Britain will not yield, and it will not stand idly by. When I return, I will set this empire on a course to meet your challenge head-on. But before we face each other, our mutual enemy must first be dealt with, the United States must fall one way or the other."
As the first rays of dawn broke over the horizon, Mary closed her notebook and rose from her seat, her resolve solidified. She would return to London not as a passive observer of history, but as an active participant in reshaping it. If Yuvraj Siagu sought dominance, she would make sure Britain was prepared to meet him on equal footing.
But while all of these were happening, Yuvraj Siagu have finally returned to his chamber and taken a sleep, completely ecstatic that everything has finally been set. With now knowing his real rival and competitor, Yuvraj Siagu can already start with his plan in Africa.
Thus, by the next day, a ship containing Butuan's diplomatic members and few men of Yuvraj Siagu himself departed from the ports of Sooraj and heads to the Southern part of Middle East. Headed in secret by Senior Eunuch Akash Sundar and Minister Li Hongyi embarked on the journey towards the modern-day Yemen to meet with Imam Yahya ibn Mohammed, planning to strike a deal in their revolt against the Ottomans.
Since the middle east is rich in oil, Yuvraj Siagu wanted to have Butuan the reason for Yemen's independence against the Ottoman's, causing Imam Yahya ibn Mohammed to view favourably towards Butuan and its people. Oil plays a vital role in advancing Butuan's society and Yuvraj Siagu knew that the natural oil present in Butuan is not enough to maintain and support the current innovation Butuan has.
This is the reason why outsourcing it to other nation is necessary, and the only countries Yuvraj Siagu knew he can control is those at the middle east. Climate change might be an issue for using oil for the machines, but with the current technology that he has, it is still a bit difficult to make the entire empire run with renewable energy. Although small scale renewable energy has already been introduced, but in Yuvraj Siagu's foreplan, the total conversion of the energy usage of the empire into complete renewable is still at the late 20th Century.
This is why, before his wedding, he has already instructed the government to send their delegation to the middle east and start pulling some treaties to have Butuan strike a deal. Which the government followed, causing the departure of Senior Eunuch Akash Sundar and Minister Li Hongyi to the middle east.
This is the reason why Yuvraj Siagu is peacefully drinking his tea inside the Pavilion of Eternal Wisdom along with his now wife, Princess Khao, and his brother-in-law and wife. With the serene of the garden, one cannot discern that they were still inside the Imperial compound.
"So? How was the night of being married individuals?" Crown Princess Kaahini inquired with a teasing smile towards her cousin and sister-in-law.
With a shy expression on her face, Princess Khao replied, "I-it was good…"
Crown Princess Kaahini laughed softly at Princess Khao's bashful response, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, come now, Khao! You can't just leave it at that. Surely, you must have some stories to share. Or did my dear cousin Siagu turn into a monk on his wedding night?"
Yuvraj Siagu, sipping his tea calmly, raised an eyebrow at Kaahini's teasing. "Ate Kaahini, must you always be this insufferable?" he asked with mock exasperation, though the slight upward curve of his lips betrayed his amusement.
"Oh, don't act so serious, Siagu. You're no stranger to a little banter," Kaahini quipped, leaning back in her chair with an air of triumph.
Princess Khao hid her face in her hands, clearly flustered, but she couldn't help the small smile peeking through. Her brother, Crown Prince Vajiravudh, decided to come to her rescue, interjecting his own wife's words.
"Kaahini, perhaps it's best if we let them enjoy their tea in peace," he said, shaking his head at his wife's antics. "Besides, I'm sure you have enough gossip to fuel the court for weeks without harassing them."
Crown Princess Kaahini laughed heartily, clearly enjoying herself. "Ah, Vajiravudh, where's the fun in that? Newlyweds are always the best targets for teasing—it's practically tradition!"
"Tradition or not, I'd prefer if we focused on the tea and not my personal affairs," Yuvraj Siagu replied, setting his cup down with deliberate precision. His tone was light but carried a note of finality.
Princess Khao glanced at her husband gratefully, still too shy to fully engage in the playful banter. She reached for her cup, her hands steadying as she took a sip, her cheeks still tinged pink.
"Very well, I'll spare you for now," Kaahini relented with a dramatic sigh, though her eyes sparkled with mischief. "But only because Khao looks like she might turn into a statue from all the blushing."
Vajiravudh chuckled, leaning toward his sister. "Kaahini, love, you'll have plenty of opportunities to tease them at the banquet tonight with those Western delegates. Let's not overwhelm the poor couple before they've had a chance to breathe. Besides, too much emotion is not good for the baby that you are carrying right now. You are nearing your time to give birth and it would be nice to have our baby without any complications."
Crown Princess Kaahini softened at Vajiravudh's gentle words, her hand instinctively moving to her growing belly. A fond smile replaced her mischievous grin as she leaned against her husband. "You always know how to ruin my fun, don't you?" she teased lightly, though her voice was tinged with affection as she affectionately rubs her protruding belly.
Yuvraj Siagu seized the moment to redirect the conversation, his gaze shifting toward Kaahini. "He's right, you know. You should be resting more. The little one needs you at your best."
Kaahini rolled her eyes playfully but nodded. "Fine, fine. I'll be good—for now. But mark my words, Siagu, the banquet will not be as peaceful as this garden. Enjoy the calm while it lasts."
Princess Khao giggled softly at Kaahini's theatrics, her shyness gradually melting away in the warm camaraderie of the group. "I think I'll prepare myself for the banquet, then," she said, her voice light.
As they continued their tea, the tranquil atmosphere of the Pavilion of Eternal Wisdom provided a stark contrast to the political manoeuvrings set in motion by Yuvraj Siagu's instructions. Beyond the serene garden, Butuan's delegation was already en route to the Middle East, weaving threads of diplomacy that could shift the balance of power in the region.
Inside the BIB Orchid, one of the latest destroyer ships of Butuan, model after the Acorn-class destroyer in Yuvraj Siagu's original world, Senior Eunuch Akash Sundar and Minister Li Hongyi can be seen talking with each other. With their serious expression, the two have come into conclusion on their course to be made as they made contact with Imam Yahya ibn Mohammed.