Lord Reginald's words hung in the air, met with a brief silence that felt deliberate, as if the masked ruler was considering each element of the statement with care.
"Questions," the ruler mused softly, leaning back slightly in his chair. "In time, Lord Reginald, answers come to those who ask the right ones. But answers are not always given freely. Valoria's rise, as you call it, was not sudden—it was inevitable. We are not bound by the limitations of old alliances or outdated maps. We grow because we must.
We act because we can."
Reginald held the ruler's gaze, despite the mask obscuring any real sense of emotion. He sensed the challenge behind those words, a subtle declaration of independence that carried with it an implicit warning.
"You speak of inevitability, but I wonder," Reginald said, his voice calm but firm. "In this world, nothing is truly inevitable. There are choices, consequences, and balances of power. Triesenberg seeks cooperation, but we do not turn a blind eye to ambition."
The ruler's response was swift. "Ambition is not something to be feared, Lord Reginald. It is the fuel that drives nations to greatness. Valoria has no intention of hiding that ambition. We seek to build a future where we determine our own path, unchallenged and unrestrained."
Reginald's mind raced, parsing the layered statements before him. "And what of those who stand in the way of that future?" he asked, carefully probing for any sign of Valoria's deeper intentions. "What happens to those who refuse to yield?"
For the first time in their exchange, the masked ruler's tone sharpened. "Those who resist are left behind. Progress waits for no one."
The finality of those words was impossible to ignore. Reginald straightened in his seat, knowing the conversation was edging into dangerous territory. "I see. And yet, you must understand, Your Excellency, that nations such as Triesenberg will not simply stand aside while others seek unchecked dominion. We believe in the value of shared prosperity, of alliances that benefit all parties involved."
The ruler remained still for a moment, as though contemplating Reginald's words. "Shared prosperity is a noble idea, but it is not always the most practical. Some must lead, and others must follow. You and I both know that true power is not shared equally—it is earned."
Reginald couldn't suppress a quiet sigh. The conversation was circling a point he knew was inevitable—the undeniable fact that Valoria viewed itself as a rising empire, one that would not tolerate equals, let alone competitors.
"Perhaps there is room for both views to coexist," Reginald offered diplomatically. "Triesenberg is prepared to offer trade, expertise, and strategic partnerships. Our history shows we are a nation of peace, but we do not shy away from defending our interests when necessary."
"Peace," the ruler said with a hint of amusement, though his voice remained composed. "A delicate thing, easily broken. But you misunderstand Valoria's intentions. We are not warmongers. What we seek is stability on our terms. A future shaped by our vision, where peace is the reward for those willing to align with us."
Reginald absorbed the statement, knowing full well that Valoria's vision of peace would not align with Triesenberg's idea of cooperation. He chose his next words carefully. "And what assurances can you give, Your Excellency, that this stability will not come at the expense of other nations' sovereignty?"
The fire in the hearth crackled quietly, its warmth filling the room, but Reginald barely noticed. Sitting at his desk, he pulled a fresh sheet of parchment from the drawer and dipped his pen into the ink. Then he began to write.
[To His Royal Highness, Prince Theodore of Triesenberg,
I trust this letter finds you in good health. It is with the utmost importance that I write to inform you of the outcome of my meeting with the ruler of Valoria. What I had anticipated as a formal diplomatic exchange quickly revealed itself to be something far more profound and, dare I say, concerning.
Valoria is not the nation we once believed it to be. Its rise was no accident or sudden occurrence. Their leader made it abundantly clear that Valoria has been shaping its future for many years, quietly expanding its influence while the rest of the world was distracted by other matters. They view themselves not as equals on the world stage, but as future rulers of it.
During my conversation with their Supreme Leader, it became evident that Valoria has no intention of sharing power or forming partnerships of true equality. Their ambition is boundless, and their vision is one of total dominion. Any relationship they seek with Triesenberg would be one where we must follow their lead, and their vision of peace is one that would benefit them first and foremost.
I pressed him on the matter of sovereignty—specifically, how they would treat other nations in pursuit of their goals. His response, though cloaked in diplomacy, was unmistakably firm: Valoria will ensure stability on its own terms, and those who resist will be left behind.
This is not a nation looking for mutual benefit. They are carving their path forward, and we are left to decide whether we stand with them or against them.
I wish I could offer more optimistic news, but I feel it is my duty to caution you, Your Royal Highness. Valoria is not simply an emerging power—it is an empire in the making, one that sees Triesenberg as either an asset to be used or an obstacle to be overcome.
As for next steps, I believe it is imperative that we prepare for the possibility that Valoria may try to assert its influence over our nation in ways that go beyond mere diplomacy. We must strengthen our alliances, bolster our defenses, and remain vigilant to their moves on the world stage.
They are ambitious, yes, but we must be equally strategic if we are to maintain our sovereignty and protect our interests.
I will be at your service to discuss these matters in person as soon as you deem it necessary. In the meantime, I urge caution in any future dealings with Valoria. Their vision of the future does not leave room for competitors or equals, and I fear their ambitions will not be easily tempered.
Your loyal servant,
Lord Reginald Huxley]
Reginald signed the letter with a flourish and folded it carefully before sealing it with his crest.