At the Valorian Capital, same date.
Alexander was in the Volkshalle gardens, enjoying the beautiful view of the lush flora that surrounded the grand palace.
The vibrant colors of the flowers, the gentle rustling of the leaves, and the distant chirping of birds provided a rare moment of peace in his otherwise tumultuous life.
As he walked along the cobblestone path, his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps approaching. He turned to see Emily Harris, clearly out of breath, rushing towards him.
"Your Excellency... I apologize if I present myself so abruptly," Emily Harris managed to say between breaths, her cheeks flushed from the hurried pace.
Alexander raised a hand, signaling her to catch her breath. "It's quite alright, Emily. What brings you here in such haste?"
Emily took a moment to compose herself before speaking. "There's an urgent message from Ambassador Reinhardt in Maputo. It concerns the situation in Zambesi."
Alexander's relaxed demeanor shifted slightly as he processed her words.
"Zambesi," he repeated, his voice thoughtful. "I trust this is something that requires immediate attention?"
"Yes, sir," Emily confirmed, holding out a sealed envelope. "The ambassador has requested an immediate response. He mentioned that the situation has escalated rapidly and that they are in dire need of Valorian intervention."
Alexander took the envelope from her hand. He broke the seal and quickly perused the contents. His expression became more serious with each passing moment.
"The Matalebe tribes," he murmured as he read. He remembered them, they were the tribes that were at odds with the Zambesi government.
"Sebastian," Alexander called and the butler Sebastian stepped forward with a bow.
"Thank you, Your Excellency," she said, feeling a slight warmth in the gesture despite the serious nature of their conversation.
Alexander nodded in acknowledgment, his thoughts already shifting back to the pressing matters at hand. "You've given me much to consider, Emily. For now, I'll need you to return to your duties."
"Yes, Your Excellency."
Alexander watched as Emily left the garden, the cookie in hand, before he turned on his heel and made his way back toward the grand palace.
As he approached his office, the ornate wooden doors were already slightly ajar, as if anticipating his arrival. He pushed them open to find Julieanne standing by the large desk, her posture straight, and her expression serious. Sebastian had clearly briefed her and was ready to dive into the matter at hand.
"Your Excellency," Julieanne greeted him with a slight bow as he entered. "I understand the situation in Zambesi has escalated. What are your instructions?"
Alexander closed the door behind him, the atmosphere in the room immediately becoming more focused and intense. He moved to his desk and placed the envelope from Ambassador Reinhardt on its polished surface.
"Julieanne," Alexander began, his tone direct, "the situation in Zambesi has indeed escalated. The Matalebe tribes, armed by the Empire of Triesenberg, are on the verge of overtaking the capital. Zambesi has formally requested our military intervention."
"I see. As the head of state of the nation Valoria, the decision solely rest upon your shoulders, Your Excellency," Julieanne said.
Alexander nodded, his gaze fixed on the envelope before him. "I'm fully aware of the weight of this decision. This is not just about saving Zambesi; it's about positioning Valoria on the global stage, showing the world that we are a force to be reckoned with."
Julieanne took a step closer to the desk, her expression thoughtful. "If we commit our forces to Zambesi, we must be prepared for a potential confrontation with Triesenberg. Their support of the Matalebe tribes is a clear message that they won't back down easily."
"You are right, now I have my decision. We will support our ally. Inform the Legislative Assembly to convene an emergency session immediately," Alexander instructed.
"I will notify the Assembly at once, Your Excellency."