--- 3rd Person POV ---
--- 12th of March 1906 ---
"The territory of Far Eastern Siberia are not for grabs for the members of the alliance. Under the agreement between Butuan and Russia, Far Eastern Siberia is now under the possession of our nation, Butuan Empire, in exchange for the support of Tsar Michael of Russia." Maharajkumar Sharvil stated in all seriousness and intimidation after the negotiation suddenly started to revolve around the partition of the Russian lands.
The entire conference room fell silence after the words of Maharajkumar Sharvil cuts all murmurs and discussions. Prince Imperial Yi Kang, Foreign Minister Komura Jutarō, Prince Devawongse Varoprakar, Prince Chun, and Foreign Minister Count Vladimir Nikolayevich Lamsdorf, whom are leaders of their respective nations were turned quiet.
None of them any interest in the Far Eastern Siberia, especially with Count Vladimir whom are already informed about the situation with the status of Far Eastern Siberia. As much as he hated the idea of the giving of the land, it is necessary to save the lives of his people. Thus, it was his shock when the topic of the status of Far Eastern Siberia were brought-up by the United States, whom currently chaired by negotiation and being the middle man.
President Roosevelt, the most powerful man within the country that brought up the status of the land, maintained his composure but narrowed his eyes slightly. For him, it was no good for the balance of power in the Pacific to allow a single empire to dominate such a vast and resource-rich region without resistance or at least negotiation.
Clearing his throat, Roosevelt leaned forward, his voice calm yet piercing. "Maharajkumar Sharvil, while we respect the agreement between Butuan and Russia, it would be remiss of this assembly not to question the implications of such a transfer—particularly concerning the security and trade access for the rest of us."
For others or common people, President Roosevelt's words might be for the better good of everyone and can be seen as an act of charity and care. But the people present in the conference room are not dumb nor an idiot to not see far behind the fade of the man's words.
President Roosevelt's aim is not about security and trade. It is about stopping the Butuan Empire from gaining more land in Asia, which will only further its influence and power over the region or worst the entire continent. And in hopes for Japan, Korea, Qing, Russia, Butuan, and Siam, to not see this, he decided to masked this under the guise of concert about security and trade.
"What a sly ghost he is," Prince Imperial Yi Kang murmurs to the ears of his ministers while intensely staring at President Roosevelt and the others.
Despite his age, he was asked by his father, Emperor Gojong to represent their country and also for him to hone his skills in diplomacy and the gather information. Despite one of the starting four countries on this war, Prince Imperial Yi Kang knew that their nation's contribution is far more minuscule compared to the support the Butuan Empire and the Kingdom of Siam have over the war.
Thus, Prince Imperial Yi Kang was asked to by his father to accept any rewards they will be receiving during the negotiation, as long as it will not bring any harm for their nation, which he agrees to.
Maharajkumar Sharvil, clad in his black and gold ceremonial uniform bearing the Bakunawa sigil of the Empire, did not flinch. "With all due respect, Mr. President," he said, his voice steady, "the Empire of Butuan has not overreached. We have only accepted what was offered to us in return for lives lost and arms extended in the name of peace. The Russian Tsar knows this, and Count Vladimir has confirmed it. There is no violation of international law here—only of pride."
It would be an insult to our nation's pride and my own family's honour if I don't respond with your childish antics, Maharajkumar Sharvil thought after seeing the discomfort on President Roosevelt's face. Gone are the days that it is west that decides the course of event in Asia and Maharajkumar Sharvil is here to let them know of it.
The room tensed again. Prince Devawongse of Siam adjusted his monocle and whispered something to Komura Jutarō.
"It appears that my good friend is about to explode out of impatience from this presiding white ghost." Prince Devawongse hushingly joked which made Foreign Minister Komura Jutarō giggles in response.
Prince Chun glanced between Roosevelt and Sharvil, gauging the trajectory of the discussion. As one of the losing countries on this war and negotiation, he has no say on the negotiation of the status of Far East. But despite not having a say, he cannot deny the fact that the act of President Roosevelt's intervention and meddling with the status of the land, despite just being the middle man didn't sit well on his palate.
"The man is as greedy as his face is," Prince Chun murmurs in mockery although parts of him still hurts as he realizes that after the status of Far East be settled, it would be his country next.
Meanwhile, Count Lamsdorf nodded solemnly, confirming the truth of Sharvil's words.
"Yes," Count Vladimir finally spoke, his voice weary but resolute. "The Tsardom has indeed relinquished claims to the Far East. The price was high, but war had cost us more. I would advise the parties present to respect what was signed—lest we begin a new chapter of conflict so soon after we've closed one."
That pronouncement silenced the murmurs once more.
President Roosevelt sighed, leaning back. "Very well," he said. "Let it be noted that the United States respects the agreement but reserves the right to discuss regional access in future negotiations."
Maharajkumar Sharvil gave a slight bow. "The Empire of Butuan welcomes open dialogue. We are not here to dominate, but to safeguard. And the peace that was bought must not be bartered again."
As the tension in the room slowly dissolved, the delegations turned their attention back to the primary agenda—the restoration of borders, the trade routes across the Pacific, and the fate of the smaller states caught in the shifting tides of empire.
The negotiation further continues regarding the territorial concessions, reparations, limitations of troop deployments. It took and entire morning before the conference came into a halt after the disagreement between the trading rights and other minute matters were being discussed, causing almost a verbal battle to erupt between delegates.
To ease the tension, President Roosevelt decided to adjourn the negotiation and have them be continued the 14th as tomorrow, President Roosevelt will be touring the entire delegates on the city.
But before the negotiation ended for the day, as their eight sessions, the delegates were able to reach an agreement on eight points. These included an immediate ceasefire, recognition of Butuan Empire's claims to Far Eastern Siberia, and the evacuation of Russian forces in Manchuria.
Russia also ceded its leases in southern Manchuria (containing Port Arthur and Talien) to Japan and turned over the South Manchuria Railway and its mining concessions to Japan and Korea. Russia was allowed to retain the Chinese Eastern Railway in northern Manchuria.
Left in the conference room are the groups of Maharajkumar Sharvil and President Roosevelt, both sides were seated on the opposing side of the table. It has been a minute already but none have even said a word, instead, both sides just remain staring at each other, sizing on from one another.
The silence between the two parties weighed heavier than the entire morning's negotiations. Maharajkumar Sharvil remained still, his hands folded over the table, eyes locked on the American president. On the other end, Roosevelt exhaled sharply through his nose, breaking the stillness with a deliberate shuffle of his papers.
"You are aware," Roosevelt finally spoke, "that your presence in Siberia has redrawn more than just borders. It has redrawn assumptions—of who dictates the pace of this century."
Which is of reality as the lands that Russia have wilfully given to the Butuan Empire is far vaster than the land USA got from the Tsardom. Although Far Eastern Siberia might be full of ice and snow, yet the minerals and timber it can provide is far more valuable not to mention that the land itself is worth exploitation.
Sharvil leaned slightly forward. "Then let the world be reminded that this century shall not belong solely to those who sail from across oceans. The Butuan Empire is not a guest at this table. We built it."
The sharpness of his words sliced through the space between them. There was no fury in his tone—only cold finality.
Yet, a mocking grip and confident shrug were made by Roosevelt after hearing Sharvil's words, he was even on the verge of laughter after hearing his words. This confuses the team of Maharajkumar Sharvil as they were confused as to where the man in front of him got his confidence as it is known that their country currently holds the most advance weaponries in the entire world.
They were so confident that they believe that only an idiot would view their nation, Butuan Empire, as nothing but of far lower status than they are.
"Built of what?" Roosevelt confidently replied, "Those machines and weapons? Ha! I hope you also realize that Butuan isn't the only nation that has given its support to its engineers and scientists. We are not Americans for nothing, Sharvil."
Silence descended once again to their entire room that only the clicking of the clock and watches of every individual echoed through the entire room. Even the sound of the fans and the blowing winds have also become audible showing how quiet the entire room is.
But President Roosevelt have already become disinterested with having a conversation with Maharajkumar Sharvil. Believing that Butuan might have the upper hand in military technology for now but that doesn't mean that they will not be surpass by them in few years' times.
Since the development of aeroplanes, their nation has been injecting funds to support the military in developing their own version of aeroplanes, advances their navy, and strengthening their army. And it has been paying off, as they have already tested their USS B-D class submarine, the latest addition to their arsenal.
And President Roosevelt believes that soon, with the help of their USS B-D class submarines and the soon advancement they will make with their Airforce and army, they will surpass the Butuan Empire and will be able to project their power in Asia. What Roosevelt wanted is for his nation to not be contained in this continent but will be able to expand further and soon will become the dominant power in the entire world.
Roosevelt's fingers drummed once on the lacquered wood before standing up and leaving the room. But before he could leave the room, he suddenly paused at the door.
"I hope," he said with a half-smile that barely reached his eyes, "that your Empire is prepared for the weight that comes with such declarations. Land may be won through treaties and wars, but empires are tested by time."
"Then let time test us," Sharvil replied. "We did not climb out of our archipelagos and jungles to bow again.
Roosevelt then glances and smiled at Sharvil before finally leaving the room along with his people. Now, it was Maharajkumar Sharvil and his men whom are now left in the conference room.
Foreign Minister Li and Ambassador Agung, both of them decided to stand near Maharajkumar Sharvil, allowing them to see the expression of their maharajkumar. A face full of anger and mockery towards President Roosevelt.
"Roosevelt…" Maharajkumar Sharvil muttered, "your nation might be the overlord of this continent but that does not extend beyond the pacific. Asia is not for the Americas to grab."
Foreign Minister Li cleared his throat gently, attempting to soothe the embers burning behind Maharajkumar Sharvil's gaze.
"The Americans are ambitious," Li said, his voice calm and layered with meaning. "But they still treat Asia as a theatre for their own performances, unaware that the audience now carries swords."
Sharvil smirked. "Let them believe they will soon catch up. While they chase the winds, we shall command the storms."
Sharvil finally stood from his seat, slow and deliberate. The golden insignia on his chest glimmered under the flickering gaslight of the conference room's chandelier. He paced slowly to the window, hands clasped behind his back, eyes scanning the distant haze beyond the city.
"Make no mistake," Sharvil murmured, "this is no longer the century of discovery for the West. This is the century of reckoning."
He turned back to face his advisors, his voice louder now.
"We must not only guard what we have gained—we must set the pace. If Roosevelt wishes to play the long game, then we shall outlast him, outbuild him, and outthink him."
In Sooraj, Yuvraj Siagu is currently standing outside the entrance of the Sella Palace along with his courtiers and wife, waiting for their expected guests to arrive. Wearing their formal sonsin of gold and red, Yuvraj Siagu and Yuvrani Khao both gives off the feeling of elegance and power. Today is the day, Yuvraj Siagu will be meeting the ambassadors of Britain, France, USA, Portugal, and the Netherlands to discuss the situation after the war.
Although the meeting might be too early to happen since the negotiation between the alliance, Qing, and Russia, hasn't concluded yet, but Yuvraj Siagu would do the same if he is on their place. And to save time and effort, Yuvraj Siagu decided to have it as a conference or meeting style rather than meeting them one-on-one.
Since despite not having meeting them yet, he already knows where the meeting will be revolving. Just like their policies back on his previous world, he knows that the conversation will only revolve around the idea of them grabbing anything for their own benefits. And if they can't have it, sanctions or military interventions will be made for them to get what they want.
But unlike from that of his pervious world, in this world, Yuvraj Siagu knows that those things will not be happening. Yes, the combine strength of Britain, France, USA, Portugal, and the Netherlands, might be stronger than that of the Butuan Empire or even the Pan-Oriental Alliance.
However, that doesn't mean that Yuvraj Siagu have not made any precautionary measures to counter them all. From the U-boats, artillery units, strong aeroplanes, ships, and guns, to say the least.
"Is this really necessary?" Yuvrani Khao finally spoke with disinterest after fixing the hem of Yuvraj Siagu's clothing, "We both know that this meeting is nothing and will virtually affect no one as the outcome of the negotiation in New York is the most important one."
Yuvraj Siagu giggles causing Yuvrani Khao to glare at her husband while subsequently throwing him a soft punch on his chest which further made Yuvraj Siagu giggles, "You never really take my words seriously on this matter, Siagu." Yuvrani Khao protested.
"Hahaha. That is not my intention, My Love." Yuvraj Siagu stated as he gently caresses his wife's head, "Yes, this might be a bit unnecessary since the negotiation is still ongoing but this will make it clear where we stand," Yuvraj Siagu finished, his tone shifting from playful to composed. "Let them come thinking they still wield the reins of the old world. And let them leave realizing they are now guests in a new one."
Yuvrani Khao crossed her arms, though a faint smirk betrayed her amusement. "You do love your theatrics, my lion."
Yuvraj Siagu offered his hand, and together they descended the palace steps toward the marble platform where ornate parasols fluttered in the soft morning breeze. Behind them, the courtiers stood poised, their ceremonial sashes marked with the colors of the Bakunawa crest.
A few minutes later, a palace guard came to the side of Yuvraj Siagu and Yuvrani Khao, informing them that the ambassadors from USA, Britain, France, Portugal, and the Netherlands, have already entered the gates of the Imperial City. And the next thing they know it, they can already see the entourage of the ambassadors crossing the bridge that separates the inner complex to the outer complex.
The entourage of ambassadors arrived in full regalia, the glided over the polished stone bridge with the flags of their respective nations fluttering beside the proud banners of the empire.
The lead ambassador from Britain, Lord Henry Rothwell, was the first to step forward. Tall, gray-haired, and bearing the air of practiced diplomacy, he bowed with reserved courtesy. "Your Imperial Highnesses," he began, addressing Yuvraj Siagu and Yuvrani Khao, "we thank you for this audience. We understand the burdens that lie on your shoulders after such a conflict, and we come bearing intentions of peace and cooperation."
Yuvraj Siagu nodded gently, "Ambassador Rothwell, it is always the policy of our empire to welcome its guests with open arms," smiles were plastered over his face as he scans the present ambassador on the area, "We have the entire morning to discuss such matter."
Ambassador Rothwell smiled and nodded with Yuvraj Siagu's words. Yuvraj Siagu then turn his attention to the four remaining ambassadors behind Rothwell, all are wearing their respective diplomatic smiles and demeanour.
'Vultures' he mumbles to his thoughts as he subtly scrutinizes them all, "Shall we?" Yuvraj Siagu stated as he invited the group to enter the palace and head to the audience hall located at the eastern wing of the palace.
"If you may." Ambassador Rothwell replied with a smile as he accepted the offer of Yuvraj Siagu.
Yuvrani Khao decided to leave the group as the meeting do not involve her as she holds no power over the government. The procession moved through the grand corridors of the Sella Palace, where frescoes of past victories and divine blessings lined the high-vaulted ceilings.
The floors gleamed with polished teakwood, and the scent of burning sandalwood from nearby braziers lingered in the air. Along the walls, palace guards in deep crimson and black stood motionless—silent reminders of power earned and defended.
As they approached the audience hall, the gilded doors swung open in near silence, revealing a room adorned with a ceiling painted with the celestial myth of Bakunawa swallowing the moon. The large obsidian table at the centre was shaped in a crescent—deliberately designed to reflect not equality, but dominance, with the Yuvraj's seat placed prominently at the head.
Yuvraj Siagu and Yuvrani Khao took their seats, the imperial crest emblazoned behind them, while the ambassadors and their aides settled opposite. No food was served yet—another deliberate choice. This was not hospitality. This was diplomacy stripped of pleasantries.
"Let us begin," Siagu announced, resting his hands lightly on the arms of his chair.