"I've learned to trust the man born with power he cannot escape, whose fate rises and falls with his nation— over the one elected to lead, yet free to flee when the burden grows too heavy... At least the king would rather die on his throne than hand it to the vultures."
- Maria Andrea Pamuceno-Santiago, Former Senator of Marl Kah
A quote from "Reflections of a Former Revolutionary".
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
When we were young I usually hear my brother and prince Ignacio playing with the other children on the manor's garden, sometimes with rhymes and songs that are common across Ostadonia's myriad of languages.
"Bato bato sa langit, ang tamaan wag magalit."
While even I can understand and appreciate some of these songs, this one stuck out to me as both odd sounding and after translating it with an Ostadonian-Marl Kahn dictionary, seemed very deep and meaningful.
"Stones falling from the sky, if you get hit, don't be mad."
At first, I thought it was just a saying meant to ease the annoyance about random events of bad luck. After all, when you fall into a muddy puddle and dirtied your boots or clothes, stepped on an animal's excretion, or just any kind of misfortune, you really can't blame anyone or anything.
It was only after I grew up and asked about this saying to Marl Kahn students in the Academy that I understood its more complex and nuance meaning... Apparently, it can also be directed to people whose misdeeds or bad attitude everyone is aware of, and if criticized, should try to not act hurt or hit by these criticisms.
"...And that's all that happened before the explosion."
In the case of what just happened to me, it was apparent that this very saying is relevant beyond expectations. Whoever it was that was responsible for almost killing me the very moment my identity and purpose for being here was made known, knew very well that the presence of an outsider like me would upset the status quo that they comfortably operated in before.
"Alright, Baron Bougainvillea, you're free to go... If ever we need your testimony again or there's a development in the case, we'll call for you on the ManaCom line that you gave us."
"Thanks... Ah, by the way, how is the old man?"
"Sir Agoncillo is still at the hospital, being checked for possible injuries. No need to worry, it seems like he is unscathed and the doctor is only trying to be more careful given his age."
"I see... Well then, I'll be heading off."
After I gave my sworn affidavit of what happened before the explosion and the attempt on my life, the police cut me loose and called for a cab for me. They asked if I wanted to be brought back to Casa Valencia on a police car, but I did not want to impose so I decided against it.
"Stop here." I told the taxi driver after we arrived at the gates of Lady Leonor's mansion. I handed him a cash bill twice the fare and told him to keep the change which made him happy.
"B-Baron... You are—"
"I don't want to talk about it... Just let me in."
"Y-Yes..."
At the gate, the guard who recognized me was quite shaken with how I looked, but as I'm not in the mood to address it, I told him to just open the gate and let me walk in and into the mansion.
"Y-Young master..."
"...Good morning, I guess. Martha."
At the mansion's foyer, I saw Martha waiting for me despite the fact that it was barely sunrise. It was obvious that she has been waiting for me all night, probably after hearing about the commotion that happened back there.
"Prepare a set of clothes for me. I wish to speak with Madame Leonor."
"Yes! Understood!"
After I wiped down the grime on my body, had my injuries tended by Martha and had a change of clothes, I met with Lady Leonor at the rear terrace of the mansion overlooking the cliff where the sun is now rising.
"Good morning, Lady Alfonzo-Salonga."
"Good morning as well, Baron Fenris Bougainvillea."
Unlike our usually friendly and casual attitude, our meeting today is far from it. As I said before, even if our families owe each other and has a great relationship, we are still nobles with our own goals and agendas, as well as our own positions in the pecking order of the empire.
In the end, when things become serious, smiles and laughter are replaced with blank faces and sophistry.
"I've heard about what happened last night when you were about to head back from the emergency evening meeting in the palace... First of all, I wish to apologize about it on behalf of the royal family... as well as thank you for saving Sir Agoncillo from the car bomb."
"I receive your apology well, madame, and there's no need to thank me for saving the elderly gentleman. I owe him for looking after me and being my guide during the meeting."
After our initial polite exchange, we went straight for the purpose of meeting.
"You had all the time and resources to learn about it ahead of time. Regretting it now is inappropriate behavior for a noble, more so for a man of war."
"I don't remember war ever being fought with car bombs and assassinations. Instead of a "war" this is more like—"
"Terrorism? You're right about that."
"Then why is—"
"Welcome to Marl Kah, Baron. Where war and terrorism goes hand-in-hand. I mean no offense by saying this, nor does it bring me any joy, but if you're thinking that war here is fought with swords, cavalry or a line of musketeers like it is in your homeland, you should change that mindset before you truly enter this."
Lady Leonor's words are painful... but she is right. I went here thinking that there is a well-defined line that lets me see who and where my enemies are, but it seems like what "war" means here in Marl Kah has a truly different meaning.
"What's worse is that instead of people whom we share no other similarity other than the fact that we are human, our enemies in this war is our own kin who speaks the same language as us, eats the same food as us and are buried the same way as us."
"And the only difference is your respective belief on how things are supposed to be run?"
"That's one aspect of it... but there's a far more complicated reason."
"...Which is?"
For a moment, the lady looked away into the distant sea beyond the cliff, staring at the billowing clouds coming from the horizon. I looked as well as she asked me a question.
"Tell me, Baron. Why do you think the empire is keen on keeping Marl Kah in Ostadonia, either through diplomacy or force?"
"As far as I know, it's because it is one of the founders of the Imperial system and it exiting the empire would undermine the unity of the system, making the Ost continent vulnerable to fragmentation and colonization."
"That's one aspect of it, but there's a more pressing and tangible reason. It's because at present, Marl Kah holds the greatest extent of technological prowess in the entirety of Promethea, and if it wills, that prowess can turn this nation into a superpower that can rival not only its fellow Alliance members but likely even the two superpowers, Atlanterra and Erica."
"Are you saying that Marl Kah is willing to go against the world and fight in a war of conquest?"
"No. What I'm saying is that Marl Kah has enough potential to be that strong, that various people with various visions about where to lead this nation are tugging influence and control against each other in a bid to claim it and that potential."
Her explanation finally made it clear to me. Just as she said before, this "war" isn't exactly a war. Instead, it is more of a power struggle. One fought by people who is only loyal to the current order on the surface-level, only truly having more loyalty to their own goals.
"Marl Kah's war is against itself. I know that you may have biases given the relationship of our families and you'd side with us because of it. But if the royal family's vision will not be the best for our people, then I'm saying it right now. Resist us and side with whoever it is that will bring the best outcome for the people."
"But that would mean that you would lose your home again."
"If that is so, then let it be the price that we will pay for not serving our purpose as leaders to our people... However, if the people once again becomes tricked and buried into the consequences of their choice, then just like us, they will also pay that as the price for their gullibility."
"..."
"In the end, in times of peace, we need them more than they need us. But in times of distress, they need us more than we need them... and yet, the throne is beholden to its people and it cannot remain empty or indecisive at such times."
She stood up and was immediately approached by a pair of maids who stood behind her.
"Before I leave, Baron. I have one more question to ask you..."
"What is it?"
"Why do you think I, the first princess, married into the Alfonzo family? The same family where our great hero came from?"
I pondered about it for a moment before giving my genuine answer.
"Given that you never showed any resistance or dissatisfaction about it, I'd say you did it out of love."
"Just like before, you're only partially correct, Baron."
"Then what is it really?"
She paused for a moment, turning around so that I won't see her face as she gave her answer before leaving.
"While I do love my husband and the life we built together, there are some things that women of my caliber can see that others don't. What may seem foolhardy to most is likely a gambit that we went all-in on just to achieve."
"Who taught you this?"
"...A woman that you know and value very much."
After she left, I thought about her answer and realized who it was that she was talking about.
"I see... that makes sense given what she gave up just to be with him."
Beneath the words in our exchange, I got all that I needed to be convinced that while I did not think of this conflict in the way that I should, I now have the right mindset to approach it.
"Martha, prepare to leave with me."
"U-Understood, sir! Where are we headed?"
"Mirandilla Air base. We'll meet Renzo and the others ahead of schedule."
An hour after the end of my conversation with Lady Leonor, I borrowed a car from the mansion and drove myself and Martha to the province north of the capital named Baybay where most of the military bases in the main island of Marl Kah are located. One of these bases is Mirandilla air base where my forces are meant to land today.
"Young master..."
"Yes?"
"I know that we already had an agreement about what would happen after our short vacation is over... I agreed that once my elder brother and the rest of the forces arrives, I have to go back to the manor to continue my work."
"We did and you did say that you'll return home. Why are you bringing this up now?"
She paused for a moment as if the words are stuck in her throat. After heaving out a sigh, she finally told me what it was that is worrying her.
"I... I know that you have Renzo and the others to look out for you, but just like how Lady Leonor told you earlier, war here is not fought in a straightforward manner. They'll ambush, assassinate or sabotage you as much as they can. I know you'd be careful and your subordinates would risk limb and life for you as well, but still... please promise me that you'll come back safe and sound."
"..."
"Please... Jonathan. Promise me that you'll take care of yourself."
Whether she is asking this out of loyalty or she truly fears for my safety, I know that I cannot afford to weigh on her mind like this and make her regret ever leaving my side.
"I will, Martha... I'll do all that I can to survive. So please, pray for me and the others that we can go home safe and complete."
Once we arrived at Mirandilla Air base, we only had to wait for a while before the three airships bearing the crest of the Bougainvillea Viscounty came into view and landed at the landing pads in front of us.
"My lord! I apologize for making you wait for us."
"Well met, Renzo! You arrived just in time. Come inside the car, I wish to talk to you."
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In the prime minister's office, three men representing the three most influential political groups in Marl Kah sat in front of the office's owner.
One of them, sitting at the leftmost chair, is a man wearing a brown coat, white shirt and blue necktie. The one on the middle wore a black coat, white shirt and a red bow tie while thick, round eyeglasses sat on his nose. Meanwhile, the one sitting on the rightmost chair wore a traditional barong with a purple malong with tribal motifs that ran across his torso like a sash.
These men belong to the Makabayan (Patriotic), Malasakit (Compassion), and Marangal (Honorable) parties, each holding around the same number of parliamentary positions and thus, a majority of influence in the government.
"I invited you here today to address what happened last night to the guest of the king..." the prime minister spoke, starting off the conversation right at its topic. "I believe I already don't have to argue with your respective groups about what was discovered in the investigations. All three of you have a part in it... and let me tell you, you will not walk out of this room unscathed."
"Do you even have any proof of this, sir Makota?" asked the man with a brown shirt.
"Why yes, I do. While there was only one explosion, there are two bombs on the car. One was attached to the engine and the other at the rear trunk of the vehicle. Both are triggered by the starting of the engine and carried enough explosive load to kill whoever was inside the vehicle."
"That just states that the vehicle is rigged, not that we are somehow involved with it." The man in theBarong protested.
"If you want irrefutable proof then here it is."
The prime minister placed the needle of the running gramophone onto the spinning disk and from it played a voice that suddenly made all three of their faces to rise in realization.
["I received the assassination job from both the Makabayan and Marangal party's second-in-command. The knife stabbing was from a Malasakit party member. I swear it's the truth! I only did it for the money so I took on the job to kill that man from three clients!"]
The truth was out and they did not expect the man they entrusted with the job would triple-dip just to get as much as he can out of a single job.
Still, they did what they can to deny any kind of involvement in the attempt, even if it meant making each other to seem like they're imbeciles.
"Those are the words of a criminal. Do you believe it more than your compatriots?"
"That's right. Just because he said so doesn't mean that it is to be believed. If anything, this is likely an attempt by the minor parties to disparage us and win the public support for the upcoming midterm elections."
"I second their opinions. This is likely nothing more than an attack to our respective parties' standings. As someone who come from our Marangal party, I believe it's only proper that you see through these lies easily, Prime minister."
After they gave such replies, the elderly prime minister's expression soured slightly as the pressure that he wanted to exude and use against the three was turned towards him. He thought that their composure would be broken by the assassin's admission, but all that it did was make it seem like he believes the words of a criminal over those of his subordinates.
Still, he did not back down. Upon seeing that he would get nowhere with his current approach, he switched to his other method.
"Very well... Then, let me get your answers to this question. What do you think about the king's guest?"
"He's a nuisance."
"He should be deported and blacklisted from ever returning to Marl Kah."
"It's obvious that the king only brought him in because they owe his family for keeping them during their exile. He's obviously siding with the king to destabilize the parliamentary system. We should arrange to have him return to the feudal domains as soon as possible."
The parties' members all had the same answer. They viewed Jonathan's presence and the task given by the empire as a nuisance to be rid of. Although he didn't want it to be seen, the prime minister's opinion aligned with that of his subordinates'.
"I will talk to the king during our meeting today about it. I'll try to arrange for the Baron's return under the reasoning that the recent attempt on his life might be a sign that some "groups" do not want him to be here at all, even if it means taking his life." He spoke and looked at the three, trying to gauge their reactions.
"That would be for the best... for us and for him, that is."
"Indeed. He's an outsider. No need to be mixed up with our own internal issues."
"I'm glad that you came to the same conclusion, prime minister. I'll inform our party secretary to send our own motion for reconsideration to the king about this. That might convince him further to take your advise with greater haste."
It didn't even take a moment for the prime minister to recognize what kind of men is sitting in front of him right now.
He knew that they are not innocent of crimes. All of them, even he himself, has committed misdeeds and sins just to keep their grip to power and influence. And while he wanted to be forgiven and to forget about all of that as he tries to live a righteous life now, he knows that if he tries to expose the truth, the truth of his own misdeeds would also have to come to light.
Right now, the truth has be suppressed for the sake of stability and security, and the best way to achieve that is to throw someone as the scapegoat.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
After Jonathan and Renzo talked about what they will do as part of their mission here, Jonathan entrusted Martha to her elder brother in her airship flight back to Serafina. After calling for a cab to take the two and her luggage to the airport, Jonathan talked to the general who would oversee his forces' participation in the battles against the insurgents.
"General..."
"Baron Fenris Bougainvillea, it is a great pleasure to be with you. I've been told already by my superiors about your forces being put along with mine. I wish to have a cordial and productive deployment with you."
"The pleasure is mine, General Hernandez. Please, let's talk about what we would be doing from hereon forward."
They exchanged some information about the composition of their forces, with the Marl Kahn general being pleased with the fact that although the Bougainvillea forces lacks a land force, they have excellent aerial troops made up of Wizards and armed airships.
"I'm glad that we don't have an overlap in the composition of our forces. If you came with an infantry force, we might have a problem with the chain of command and coordination of troop movements and activities. Also, if I might say so without being impolite, there's also the difference in training, tactics and technology."
"...And what might you mean with that, general?" Gunther asked with a slight growl beneath his tone as if he took offense with what the other side was trying to say. However, Jonathan interceded and reprimanded Gunther's response.
"Stop it, Gunther. The general tread the topic properly and to some extent, he is right. There is simply too large of a disparity between how the feudal domains and a modern nation such as Marl Kah conducts war."
"Understood, my liege. I apologize for speaking out of turn."
After that, Jonathan asked the general about how he wants to approach the operation and he stated in vague details how he would do it. The reason for which is that it is bound to be changed once they are actually in the battlefield.
"I'll be following the standard approach we have used so far against the insurgents. Given that they are hiding in the islands, jungles and small villages throughout the south-western frontier, we'd likely use counter-guerilla tactics backed by naval or air bombardment. I'll send scouting parties to locate camps and watch over them, only attacking after a bombardment to ensure maximum effectiveness and efficiency."
"Understood. My Wizards would be good at flying by and locating these camps from the air as well. If that's what you need, I'll offer them to your aid."
"That would be wonderful, Baron! Would they be available to act as air support as well during attacks?"
"No need to ask, general. I'll have them watching your men's heads from the air. I do have one condition though, if you won't mind."
"Please, do tell me about it."
After a short pause, Jonathan gave his condition for lending his aid to the Marl Kahn military.
"I want to have my men given custody of our choice of the captured insurgents for the sake of interrogation. As you may already know, I am here under the behest of the Empire and the king is also keen on getting his hands on relevant information as soon as it is available." Jonathan spoke firmly, knowing that it is a heavy request to ask from the Marl Kahns.
"With all due respect, Baron. Insurgent or not, these people are still Marl Kahn citizens that we must protect at all cost. Your request to be handed your choice of these captured rebels for the sake of interrogation goes against the purpose of our force... and if I may speak frankly, a foreigner being handed a Marl Kahn and possibly facing fearsome and painful treatment is... I believe you can already guess what I am trying to say given our country's colonial history."
The general's wise and polite response earned the nods and looks of understanding of his subordinates around him. With that, Jonathan understood where the other side is coming from and rephrased his condition.
"I see. Then let me change it. I wish to have one of my men to be there during the interrogations done to the captured rebels. They will not participate and will just write down what the rebels would speak about. Would this be more palatable?"
The general went silent for a moment before nodding and reaching out his hand to Jonathan.
"That would be acceptable, Baron. I understand that it's for the sake of your mission and your report to the king, so we would accept your aid under these terms."
After that, the two sides discussed when and where they will deploy and for how long. General Hernandez's division would be placed on the island region of Sudrah, where they will replace the currently deployed division. The Bougainvillea force would follow shortly, being given oversight of one of the island region's districts which they will use as a base of operations and area of responsibility.
"Sudrah's rebel front has been mostly cleared by the previous deployments and we haven't experienced any resurgence for a while. It might end up being uneventful, so no need to be worried much, sir."
"I understand. Still, it would be good to be ready for anything."
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Later on, Jonathan and Gunther went back to Lady Leonor's mansion in Casa Valencia to take his belongings and thank the lady for letting him and Martha stay during their vacation.
"The honor is all mine, baron. If anything, it was pleasant to have new faces here every once in a while. Still, just as you said, now that you are officially "here", it would be improper to stay here under the roof of someone that you have been sent to scrutinize."
"Indeed... Still, I very much thank you for providing us your home and hospitality, Lady Leonor. I am indebted to your kindness."
"It is a pleasure, Baron. May you be victorious and safe in your endeavors, young lord."
After leaving the mansion, Gunther asked Jonathan what they'll be doing now.
"Deployment would take place three days from now. Until then, we've been allowed to stay at the barracks of Mirandilla air base. During that time, let's do some drills and prepare our tactics and equipment for the road ahead."
"Understood, sir. I'll arrange for the preparations with the rest of the force."
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At Casa Estanza, the palace of the Marl Kahn royal family, the meeting between the king and the prime minister immediately soured after the prime minister's request to have Jonathan deported from Marl Kah was met with the fury of the king.
"Do not f*** with me! Your constituents made an attempt on his life, right at the land where my home stands and your have the gall to tell me that he should be driven out just so he cannot meddle with your petty politics?!"
"With all due respect, Your Majesty! This is for the sake of the nation. That foreigner was brought here by the orders of the empire who has become hostile towards us because of our peace and prosperity. Forget about your family's debt of gratitude to his own for just once and see that—"
"This is not about my family's debt of gratitude to the Bougainvilleas, prime minister. You and I know that very well. You say that I am sheltering and letting him do as he please because the royal family owes him, but as I said, I let him into Marl Kah so that we can prove that we are the ones with the best position to take on the Imperial Edict in the next Ostadonian Summit of the Five."
"So this is just for the sake of your own ambition, then?" Reynato asked firmly, wanting to throw the king off his composure. Little did he know that the king was waiting for that exact accusation.
"If what you meant with "ambition" is to finally stabilize and posture this nation towards prosperity, then maybe you are right. Once Marl Kah becomes the reigning imperial nation of Ostadonia, it will finally have the stability that it needed all this time."
"...You are speaking of fantasies, Your Majesty. Do you truly believe that all Marl Kah needs to resolve its problems is to be given power and precedence over its peers?"
"Of course not. Power and position are just abstract concepts without those that would hold them. What I'm saying is that once Marl Kah becomes the reigning imperial nation, that would unite the people's hearts that is currently split into different beliefs. The people are the problem... but they are also the solution."
Once the king finally cleared that up, the prime minister sensed what it was that the king wanted to do... the hidden meaning beneath his words.
"Unite the people and their hearts that is currently split into different beliefs, you say... That sounds a lot like silencing the opposition that acts as a counterbalance to your power and authority, your majesty."
"...That's one way to see it. But I believe it's not necessarily true. After all, the parliament and democracy are on the people's side, isn't it?"
Hearing that, the prime minister was silenced. He can neither accept nor deny that question lest it makes him a liar... and the king very much knows that.
"You say that Baron Fenris Bougainvillea's presence here causes great distress and destabilization to our government, when he has stated properly that he is only here to aid in our problems and prove to the empire that we are far too precious to be lost."
"And that is not true! It would've been alright if it was a Marl Kahn! But to have a foreigner stick his nose in our affairs... do we not have the capability to judge our own people by ourselves?!"
"You have it the wrong way around, Makota! Do you even understand why I would rather have this "foreigner" to do this task than have it done by a fellow countryman? It's not because we lack the capability to do so. It's because we lack the capability to admit to our own mistakes and weaknesses."
The king's firm reply frustrated the prime minister. King Fernando hit the nail right on the head. With nothing more left to be said, the king motioned to his attendant to open the door for him as he leaves.
"You will regret this, Your Majesty. The people would be the ones hurt the most by this folly."
The king stopped walking towards the door for a moment before speaking and leaving the prime minister with these words.
"I don't think the people would ever march again in support of those who kept promising them change, only to promise it again when they need their votes. You turned their hopes into campaign slogans, why do you believe that you'll ever get their support again?"
After the king left, Prime minister Makota was left alone, ruminating about what just happened and how he is now stuck between the two sides of this mess.
On one side, the royal family is gaining the trust and support of the public after it became apparent that the democratic system is failing them. The king is using all kinds of methods to expose the parliament's mistakes and misdeeds, while providing the aid and attention that the public expected from their elected leaders.
On the other side, even with his power, position and influence as the prime minister, he can barely control his subordinates who are taking their own pieces of the nation in a bid to kick out their political rivals and attain supremacy in the country.
"...This will not suffice. I need to stop caring about what they want and how to protect them, and finally demand from them the kind of work that they should be doing."
These words came from his lips in a whisper. Finally, he made a firm decision towards his constituents.
"Let's just hope that whatever that Baron would discover, the parliament members are mostly out of it."