The cabinet members began making their calculation on how much budget they'd need to contribute for the development of Valoria. Alexander watched them writing notes on the papers as if listing down everything they needed. One by one, they finished their calculations and prepared to present their budget proposals.
"Let's start with you, Sarah," Alexander said, turning to the Minister of Treasury.
Sarah Adams stood up, holding her notes. "Your Excellency, after careful consideration, I propose a budget of 1 trillion treasury funds for the initial setup of our financial systems. This includes the establishment of a central bank, financial regulations, and economic policies to ensure stability and growth."
Alexander nodded, appreciating the thoroughness. "Thank you, Sarah. Next, Madelyn, your budget for the health sector?"
Madelyn Young, the Minister of Health, stood up. "Your Excellency, to ensure the well-being of our citizens, I propose a budget of 500 billion treasury funds. This will cover the construction of hospitals, clinics, medical research facilities, and the procurement of medical supplies and equipment."
"Thank you, Madelyn. Rebecca, your turn."
Rebecca Morgan, the Minister of Agriculture, stood up. "Your Excellency, to establish a sustainable food supply, I propose a budget of 800 billion treasury funds. This will be used for building farms, creating irrigation systems, and setting up food storage and distribution networks."
"Excellent. David, what about commerce?"
David Anderson, the Minister of Commerce, stood up. "Your Excellency, to promote trade and industry, I propose a budget of 1 trillion treasury funds. This will include the development of industrial zones, trade hubs, and the establishment of business regulations and incentives."
"Thank you, David. Sophia, your budget for labor?"
Sophia Clark, the Minister of Labor, stood up. "Your Excellency, to develop our workforce and ensure fair labor practices, I propose a budget of 300 billion treasury funds. This will cover job training programs, labor rights enforcement, and employment services."
"Thank you, Sophia. Daniel, do you need anything beyond what we've already discussed for public works and infrastructure?"
Daniel Lewis, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, shook his head. "No additional budget is needed, Your Excellency. The 7 trillion treasury funds allocated will cover all necessary projects."
"Good. Olivia, your budget for energy?"
Olivia Roberts, the Minister of Energy, stood up. "Your Excellency, to ensure a reliable energy supply, I propose a budget of 400 billion treasury funds. This will be used for building coal-fired power plants, renewable energy sources, and establishing an electrical grid across Valoria."
"Thank you, Olivia. Emily, for foreign affairs?"
Emily Harris, the Minister of State, stood up. "Since the priorities of Valoria are focused on developing itself, there wasn't much need for foreign affairs. So I only ask a budget of 100 billion funds which we will use to build embassies for foreign countries, and embassies to different
countries."
Alexander nodded. "Understood, Emily. Thank you. William, your budget for defense?"
William Thompson, the Minister of Defense, stood up. "Your Excellency, to ensure our national security and establish a formidable defense force, I propose a budget of 2 trillion treasury funds. This will cover the construction of military bases, acquisition of equipment, and training programs for our personnel."
"Thank you, William. John, your budget for interior affairs?"
The cabinet members nodded resolutely.
Alexander rose to his feet, his gaze sweeping over them once more. "That would be all. I will dismiss the meeting for now. Please proceed with your tasks and keep me updated regularly."
The cabinet members stood up, bowed, and exited the room one by one, leaving Alexander alone with Julieanne and Sebastian. He turned to Julieanne.
"Why are you not joining them?"
"Your Excellency, I'm your Chief of Staff. That means I have to stay close to you at all times as you might need me," Julieanne said.
"I don't require any assistance from you as of now," Alexander replied.
"But you might have one sooner or later, it's best to be prepared for any immediate needs you might have," Julieanne explained calmly.
Alexander nodded. "Alright, Julieanne. Stay close. Sebastian, you may leave."
Sebastian bowed and exited the room, leaving Alexander and Julieanne alone.
Alexander occasionally stole a glance at Julieanne. He must admit, she was pretty beautiful and he had never been this close to a kind of woman like her.
Not long after, Julieanne noticed him glancing at her and asked.
"Is there anything you need, Your Excellency?" Julieanne asked respectfully.
"Drop the Your Excellency part, call me by name, Alexander."
Julieanne nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. "Of course, Alexander. Is there anything you need?"
She immediately went along with his suggestion that fast?
"Anyways, Alexander," Julieanne said, it sounded formal but had a casual tinge in her voice. "What do you plan in the future? About this world?"
"About this world?"
Alexander tilted his head to the side. He didn't expect he'd receive a deep question from Julieanne. Well what did this world do to him? He was born a bastard, and was treated unfairly by his peers. But still lucky because he had a loving and caring mother by his side until the Empire took that away from him.
He wanted to get back at the Empire of Triesenberg for all the suffering and injustice they had inflicted upon him and his mother. Now, with the power granted by the Country Creation System, he finally had the means to exact his revenge.
"Julieanne," he began. "My primary goal is to establish Valoria as a powerful and prosperous nation. But beyond that, I seek justice for my mother and retribution against those who wronged us. The Empire of Triesenberg will pay for their treachery. I will build Valoria into a force strong enough to challenge and ultimately overthrow them."
Julieanne's eyes widened slightly, but she remained composed. "I understand, Alexander. Your determination and resolve are clear. As your Chief of Staff, I will support you in every way possible to achieve these goals...that I vowed and promise you."