The lawn outside Volkshalle was lush, meticulously trimmed, and dotted with the morning's dew. Alexander took a moment to breathe in the crisp air, his eyes focused on the golf ball in front of him as he adjusted his grip.
In the tranquility of the early hours, the rhythmic swing of his club served as both a form of discipline and a rare escape from the constant demands of his role.
With a calm exhale, he swung, sending the ball soaring down the stretch of green, where it landed close to the target marker. A small, satisfied smile played at the edge of his lips.
As he prepared his next shot, the faint sound of approaching footsteps caught his attention. Julieanne moved towards him with a sense of urgency that immediately shifted his focus from the sport to the underlying matters of state.
"Your Excellency," she greeted, inclining her head with the slightest hint of a formal bow. "I apologize for the interruption, but there is an urgent report from the Minister of Defense. It concerns an incident along our coastal waters."
"What was it?" Alexander asked as he placed the golf club down, his expression hardening as he shifted fully toward Julieanne.
Julieanne held his gaze steadily. "A Ruthenian submarine breached our territorial waters," she began. "It was intercepted by Commander Rourke and his crew. After a brief but decisive engagement, the submarine was neutralized. They've recovered fragments with identifiable markings—confirming the vessel as Ruthenian."
Alexander's eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening as he absorbed the news.
"Ruthenia," he muttered, his tone laced with disdain. "What the hell are they doing near our waters? They are like thousand of miles away from our coast."
"That's what the Ministry of Defense are trying to figure out at this moment, Your Excellency," Julieanne replied and added. "They're assessing every angle, but it's clear this wasn't a mistake. Ruthenia knew exactly where they were going."
Alexander's gaze grew colder as he processed the information. "If they wanted to test us, they now have their answer. But we cannot leave it at that. This has to be addressed on multiple fronts. How prepared is our naval defense along the coast?"
Julieanne nodded. "I've already spoken with the Minister of Defense about reinforcing our patrols. We're moving additional submarines into key positions and bolstering aerial reconnaissance over the coastline. This will ensure complete coverage and an immediate response if there are any further intrusions."
"Good, I want to lodge a diplomatic protest against Ruthenia, tell them that their submarine have intruded our territorial waters without warning or justification," Alexander continued, his voice carrying an edge that brooked no argument. "Make it clear that this is a direct violation of our sovereignty, and we will not tolerate further acts of aggression."
Julieanne inclined her head in acknowledgment, already mentally drafting the diplomatic communiqué. "Understood, Your Excellency. I'll ensure that our message is clear, firm, and unmistakable."
After that, Alexander returned to his game.
Julieanne turned and made her way back inside Volkshalle.
Reaching her office, she closed the door and seated herself at her desk. She pulled out a sheet of fine, official letterhead, embossed with the insignia of the Valorian state. She took a moment to collect her thoughts, considering each word carefully, knowing this message would set the tone for Valoria's response to Ruthenia's audacity.
She began writing in her elegant, firm script:
"To the Valorian State,
Subject: Ruthenia's Response to Unprovoked Aggression
It has come to our attention through your correspondence that a Ruthenian submarine has been destroyed within your claimed waters. While you interpret this as an intentional act of intrusion, we must emphasize that Ruthenia was well within its rights to operate its fleet in international waters, as there was no violation of any recognized sovereign boundary.
The destruction of a Ruthenian vessel without warning is a direct and unwarranted attack, which cannot and will not be dismissed without consequence. Your government has demonstrated an act of unprovoked aggression, jeopardizing peace between our nations.
We demand a formal explanation for the hostile action taken by your forces, along with assurances that such an incident will not be repeated. Ruthenia remains committed to peace but will defend its military assets and personnel with unrelenting force if necessary.
We advise you to consider your actions carefully, as our patience has limits.
Respectfully,
Tsar Ivan Alexandrovich, Ruthenia"
The Tsar waited as General Rostov carefully penned the last words. Once complete, Ivan scanned the document, nodding in approval. "Ensure this reaches the Valorian government swiftly. Let them understand that Ruthenia will not tolerate these reckless provocations."
Rostov secured the letter in an official Ruthenian envelope, marked with the imperial seal.
As General Rostov sealed the letter with the Ruthenian imperial insignia, Tsar Ivan Alexandrovich leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowed in thought.
"This cannot remain a mere exchange of words, General," he said, his tone firm. "Valoria's audacity requires more than just formal reprimands."
Rostov nodded in agreement, already anticipating the Tsar's thoughts. "Shall we alert our naval assets across the world, Your Majesty? We could also move a few strategic units closer to the contested waters, a quiet show of strength without direct provocation."
"Yes," Ivan replied with a steely expression on his face.
"As you wish, Your Majesty. Do you have any orders that
"As you wish, Your Majesty. Do you have any orders that pertain to our allies?" Rostov asked carefully, his eyes meeting the Tsar's with a glint of anticipation.
Ivan's gaze drifted back to the frosted windows overlooking the vast, snow-covered grounds of the Winter Palace. "Yes," he replied slowly, as if considering each word. "Send coded messages to our closest allies. Inform them of Valoria's recent aggression against Ruthenia."
Rostov bowed, a smirk pulling at the corners of his mouth. "Valoria is just a new country yet they did something unimaginable such as forcing themselves into a position they cannot win."