The sun had barely risen, casting a pale light through the heavy curtains in Alexander's room. The day ahead was crucial, and as he stirred from sleep, his mind quickly turned to the challenges that awaited him. Today would mark Valoria's first real step onto the world stage, and there was no room for hesitation.
He rose from the bed, moving purposefully across the cold floor. Julieanne was already waiting for him, as always, prepared and efficient. She had laid out his attire for the day—a dark, formal suit that projected authority without excess. Without a word, she helped him dress, adjusting the collar and cuffs with careful precision.
"The Emperor has arranged for breakfast to be served in the main dining hall, Your Excellency," Julieanne said, her tone businesslike. "It will be a substantial meal to prepare you for the day."
"Good," Alexander replied. "We need to be ready."
Julieanne nodded, and as she assisted him with the last adjustments, she added, "The Emperor has also gathered diplomats from his allied nations. The Ruthenia Empire, the Francois Republic, the Sardegna Empire, Britannia, and the United States of Fredonia. These are powerful countries with significant global influence. This meeting will be critical."
Alexander acknowledged her words with a simple nod. Today's success depended on making a strong impression, but he was prepared for the challenge. Once dressed, they left the room and made their way to the dining hall.
The palace was even more imposing in the morning light, with its towering marble columns and long, elegant corridors. As they entered the hall, the scent of freshly prepared food greeted them. The table was set with a variety of dishes—sausages seasoned with local spices, thick slices of dark bread paired with butter, and platters of smoked fish and cheeses.
Fresh eggs, cooked with herbs, filled the air with a rich aroma.
Alexander seated himself, and Julieanne and Captain Everglade joined him at the table. The meal was quiet, each of them focused on the tasks ahead. The Emperor had gone to great lengths to ensure Valoria's Supreme Leader was well prepared, and this breakfast was no exception.
Alexander ate methodically, his thoughts occupied by the upcoming meeting at Volkshalle. Today, he would meet with diplomats from the most powerful nations in the world—nations that could either support or challenge Valoria's rise. His goal was simple: to gain their trust and secure their cooperation. The food, though excellent, was secondary to the planning in his mind.
When the meal was finished, Alexander wiped his mouth and stood. "It's time," he said, glancing at Julieanne and Captain Everglade.
Julieanne quickly rose to follow him, checking her tablet for any final details. Captain Everglade remained alert, his eyes scanning the room before nodding to his team. Together, they exited the dining hall and made their way to the waiting convoy of vehicles outside.
The drive to Volkshalle was quiet and uneventful. As they passed through the streets of the capital, Alexander remained deep in thought, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Julieanne sat beside him, occasionally glancing at her tablet to confirm the day's schedule. Captain Everglade, seated in the front, kept his eyes on the road, ever vigilant.
When they arrived at Volkshalle, its imposing structure loomed ahead, a symbol of Triesenberg's political power. The convoy came to a halt, and Alexander, Julieanne, and Captain Everglade stepped out. The Emperor's aides were waiting for them, and they were quickly escorted inside.
The meeting room was grand, with high ceilings and an oval table at its center. Seated around the table were the diplomats from the Emperor's allied nations, each representing their country's interests. As Alexander entered, all eyes turned to him. The room was quiet, the air heavy with the weight of the moment.
The Emperor stood at the head of the table, gesturing for Alexander to take his seat at the center. Julieanne and Captain Everglade positioned themselves nearby, ready but silent.
"Supreme Leader of Valoria," the Emperor started. "As promised, I have gathered representatives from our most trusted allies. These diplomats hold significant influence in their respective countries, and today's meeting is an opportunity for you to present Valoria's intentions."
Alexander turned his masked face toward Blackwood, his expression hidden but his posture unfazed. There was a slight pause before he responded.
"I'm afraid this is something that I must keep for now," Alexander said calmly. "My appearance is not what defines Valoria's position here today. What matters are the ideas, the partnerships we seek to establish."
The room remained still, the other diplomats observing the exchange closely. Blackwood leaned back in his chair, clearly intrigued but unsatisfied. "It's difficult for many of us to engage with a leader who remains hidden, Supreme Leader. Trust, after all, starts with transparency."
Before Alexander could respond, Lord Edward Kensington of Britannia spoke.
"I must say, I agree with Ambassador Blackwood. Valoria's sudden entrance onto the world stage is already a topic of much discussion, and your decision to keep your identity hidden only adds to the mystery."
Alexander, still composed, replied, "I understand your concerns, Lord Kensington. But rest assured, Valoria is here in good faith. Our actions will define us, not appearances."
Duchess Maria of the Sardegna Empire, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up. "Mystery can be a useful tool, but in diplomacy, it often leads to suspicion. What is it that you're hiding, Supreme Leader? It's difficult to trust someone we cannot see."
The room grew tense as Alexander took in the words of the diplomats. Then his gaze flickered at the Emperor who seemed to couldn't care less about it. He sensed that the Emperor was on this, pressuring him to reveal his identity but that won't happen.
Alexander's gaze shifted subtly towards the Emperor, noting the indifferent expression on his face. It was clear now that the Emperor of Triesenberg had anticipated this line of questioning from his allies. This subtle pressure to unveil his identity was not unexpected, but Alexander knew he could not yield. Not yet.
"The matter of my appearance is a strategic decision," Alexander replied, his voice remaining calm but firm. "In Valoria, we believe that actions speak louder than appearances, and our contributions to the global stage will prove our sincerity. I ask that you judge Valoria not by what is hidden, but by what is offered."
The tension in the room lingered as the diplomats exchanged glances. Duchess Maria of the Sardegna Empire narrowed her eyes, clearly unsatisfied but intrigued. Lord Kensington maintained his composed posture, though his curiosity was evident.
The conversation had veered from diplomacy into a deeper questioning of trust and transparency, and Alexander knew he needed to steer it back to where Valoria's strengths lay.
"Your Supreme Leader asks for our trust," Grand Duke Sergei Voronsky finally spoke, his deep voice cutting through the air. "Trust is not given freely. In Ruthenia, we value strength and honor above all. A man who hides his face is a man who hides his intentions."
Alexander turned his attention to the Grand Duke. He understood that Ruthenia valued power and transparency in its dealings, but he had prepared for such objections.
"Ruthenia values strength, as does Valoria," Alexander responded. "And strength comes from action, not from revealing one's face. I stand here before you as the leader of Valoria, committed to forging alliances that will benefit all of us. I believe the substance of our discussions will outweigh any concerns about my appearance."
The Grand Duke studied him for a moment, his stern features unreadable. Then he nodded slowly, as if acknowledging Alexander's words but not yet fully convinced.
"If the supreme leader won't reveal himself then let it be," Bouchard said. "Let's get this over with."