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The towering Volkshalle stood illuminated under the soft glow of the morning sun, its grand dome casting an imposing shadow over the capital. Inside, the Supreme Leader of Valoria, Alexander, sat in his private study.

Julieanne entered quietly, carrying a leather-bound dossier. Her steps were measured, and her face betrayed a hint of satisfaction. She placed the report on Alexander's desk and stood at attention.

"The League's decision has been finalized, Your Excellency," she began.

Alexander leaned forward, his gloved hands clasped. "And?"

Julieanne opened the dossier, revealing detailed minutes from the League of Nations' deliberations in Geneva. "Ruthenia retains its status as a global power but under heavy restrictions. They are barred from offensive military expansion, and their economy will be monitored by the League for the next decade."

Alexander's masked visage turned toward her, the faintest glint from the eye slits betraying his interest. "A hollow victory for Ruthenia," he said, his voice calm yet filled with an undertone of satisfaction. "And what of the other powers? How have they responded to this... compromise?"

Julieanne nodded, flipping to another section of the report. "Francois and Britannia have increased naval patrols and fortified their alliances. Sardegna has doubled its Mediterranean fleet readiness. Triesenberg remains cautious but watchful, and Fredonia is holding to its neutral stance, for now."

"And Ruthenia?"

"They have accepted the terms," she said. "Petrov's statement to the League emphasized resilience, but the truth is clear—they're crippled. The unrest in their cities continues to grow. Their morale is shattered."

Alexander stood, his long coat brushing against the polished floor as he walked toward the massive window overlooking the capital. He clasped his hands behind his back, silent for a moment.

"The world has taken note of Valoria," he said finally. "For a year, we were the shadow on the fringes, underestimated and dismissed. Now, they scramble to fortify their borders, to anticipate our moves. They fear us."

Julieanne stepped closer. "Your Excellency, the League's decision acknowledges what we already knew. Valoria is now a force that cannot be ignored. The old powers must reckon with our strength."

Alexander turned back to her, his voice sharpening slightly. "Acknowledgment is not enough. Recognition must be followed by respect. And respect is built on consistency. What we have achieved against Ruthenia is only the beginning. The world must see that Valoria is not a fleeting force but a permanent power."

Julieanne nodded. "The people share your vision. The victory celebrations across Valoria continue to grow. Factories are reporting record productivity, and recruitment for the military is surging. Your leadership has united the nation."

Alexander walked back to his desk, his movements deliberate. He tapped the dossier lightly. "And what of dissent? Have there been any signs of internal unrest?"

"None worth noting," Julieanne replied. "Our intelligence network has been thorough in monitoring potential agitators. Any attempts to undermine your authority have been neutralized swiftly."

"Good," Alexander said, his tone icy. "Unity is our greatest strength. Without it, we are vulnerable to the same decay that has weakened the likes of Ruthenia."

A knock at the door interrupted the conversation. Anton Falk, Valoria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, entered, bowing slightly. "Your Excellency, I bring updates from our embassies abroad."

"Speak," Alexander commanded.

Falk approached, carrying a separate report. "The Ruthenians have sent a formal message acknowledging their acceptance of the League's terms. They have also requested to reopen limited trade routes with Valoria to stabilize their economy."

Alexander let out a low chuckle. "So, they come to us for mercy? Typical. What do you recommend, Minister Falk?"

Falk adjusted his glasses. "Denying them entirely could provoke desperation, but granting too much could embolden them. I propose we allow minimal trade—enough to keep their economy from total collapse but insufficient to enable significant recovery. It keeps them dependent and under our influence."

"An astute suggestion," Alexander said, nodding. "Proceed as you see fit. Ruthenia must understand that their survival now hinges on Valoria's goodwill."

Falk bowed again and exited the room, leaving Alexander and Julieanne alone once more.

"Now, the Triesenberg Empire has surely taken notice of us, there's no mistaking it. This war proved that if we can take on Ruthenia, we can take on the Triesenberg Empire. They were always the target. Their arrogance, their posturing... It was only a matter of time before they were forced to reckon with us."

Julieanne nodded. "And now they have no choice but to acknowledge Valoria as their equal—or their superior. Ruthenia's defeat has sent ripples across the alliances. Triesenberg's hesitation shows they're unsure of how to respond without exposing themselves."

"Precisely," Alexander said, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the desk. "Theodore of Triesenberg knows what's coming. He's shrewd, but he's also overconfident. That will be his undoing."

A knock at the door interrupted their conversation. The Chief of Military Intelligence, General Otto Reinhardt, entered briskly. He carried a dossier stamped with Valoria's insignia and placed it on the desk before bowing slightly.

"Your Excellency," Reinhardt began, "a full assessment of Triesenberg's recent military activities. As expected, they are bolstering their naval forces and increasing diplomatic engagements with Francois and Britannia."

Alexander opened the folder, his eyes scanning the reports quickly. "Their fleet movements suggest defensive positioning," he remarked. "No aggressive deployments yet. They're waiting to see if we overextend."

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"Correct," Reinhardt confirmed. "However, there have been rumors of joint military drills with Sardegna. If true, they may be testing the waters for a potential coalition."

Alexander's gloved hand paused over the report. "A coalition," he said softly, the word carrying both intrigue and disdain. "Theodore thinks he can hedge his bets with alliances. Let him try. It only proves he sees us as a threat worth uniting against."

Julieanne stepped closer. "If a coalition forms, it could delay our plans for Triesenberg. Their combined strength—if managed effectively—could challenge us in ways Ruthenia never could."

Alexander leaned back in his chair, his mask glinting faintly in the light. "That depends entirely on their cohesion. Theodore will struggle to align his allies' interests with his own. Sardegna cares for its Mediterranean dominance, Francois for its colonies, and Britannia for its global empire. Their priorities diverge. We will exploit that."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Reinhardt nodded. "Shall we begin countermeasures to sow discord among their ranks?"

"Immediately," Alexander replied. "Use our intelligence networks to amplify their mistrust. Leaks, rumors, subtle provocations—ensure they suspect one another of betrayal before they can even plan their first move."

"As you command," Reinhardt said, bowing before leaving the room.

Julieanne waited until the door closed before speaking again. "The timing is critical, Your Excellency. If we act too boldly now, we risk uniting them out of fear. But if we wait too long, they may overcome their differences."

Alexander rose from his chair, his tall frame imposing as he walked to the grand window overlooking Volkshalle Square. The streets below were alive with citizens, their morale at an all-time high after Valoria's victory over Ruthenia.

"Timing has always been Valoria's strength," he said, his voice steady. "We struck Ruthenia at the perfect moment—when they underestimated us and overestimated their own power. With Triesenberg, we will be patient. We will show them the cost of their arrogance, one calculated step at a time."

Julieanne joined him at the window, her expression thoughtful. "And the people?" she asked. "Their faith in your leadership is unwavering, but prolonged conflict—especially against multiple powers—could strain even their loyalty."

Alexander turned to her, his masked gaze unwavering. "The people's loyalty is rooted in Valoria's strength. As long as we continue to win, they will follow. They see us not as conquerors, but as liberators of Valoria's destiny. That vision must remain unbroken."

A knock came at the door again, and this time Falk reentered, his expression unusually animated.

"Your Excellency, we've received correspondence from the Triesenberg envoy," Falk announced.

Alexander tilted his head slightly, intrigued. "And what do they have to say?"

Falk handed over the letter, and Alexander opened it with deliberate care. As he read, a faint chuckle escaped his lips.

"They propose a diplomatic summit," Alexander said, setting the letter down. "An effort to 'maintain stability in Europe' and 'prevent unnecessary escalations.'"

Julieanne smirked. "An obvious ploy to gauge our intentions while buying themselves time to prepare."

"Indeed," Alexander replied, his tone almost amused. "But we will not dismiss it outright. Accept their invitation, but on our terms. Let them come to us. Let Theodore stand in Volkshalle and see firsthand what he's up against."

"And if he refuses?" Falk asked.

"Then he reveals his hand," Alexander said simply. "Either way, we gain the advantage."

Falk nodded and left the room, leaving Alexander and Julieanne alone once more.

"The world watches, Julieanne," Alexander said after a moment of silence. "Every decision we make now shapes the future. Ruthenia's defeat was the opening move, but the game has only begun. Valoria must be prepared for every possibility."

"And it will be, Your Excellency," Julieanne said firmly. "Your vision has brought us this far, and it will carry us through whatever lies ahead."