Reincarnated with a Country Creation System

Chapter 160: The News that Alerted the World



The news of Ruthenia's defeat at the hands of Valoria spread quickly across the globe. Newspapers in every major city ran headlines that echoed the monumental shift in power.

"Valoria Triumphs!" declared the bold print in London, Paris, Sardegna, and even across the Atlantic in Fredonia. Ruthenia's fall marked not only the collapse of a mighty empire's naval ambitions but also the undeniable rise of Valoria as a dominant force in world affairs.

Paris, Élysée Palace

President Charles Moreau sat in his office, a freshly printed newspaper in his hand. The headline, written in sharp black ink, read: "Ruthenia Surrenders Naval Dominance to Valoria."

Behind him, Minister of Defense Henri Lefebvre paced back and forth, his expression tight. "It's troubling, Mr. President. Valoria has demonstrated not only military might but also strategic brilliance. They've dismantled one of the most prominent navies in the world without ever setting foot on Ruthenian soil."

Moreau set the paper down and tapped his desk thoughtfully. "And what of Theodore? Has the Triesenberg fleet made any movements yet?"

"None so far," Lefebvre replied, pausing. "But with Ruthenia neutralized, it's only a matter of time before Valoria's rise provokes action. Theodore won't sit idly by while another empire grows unchecked."

Moreau sighed. "Ruthenia's fall is a warning, Henri. The balance of power is shifting, and if we don't prepare, we may find ourselves next in Valoria's sights. Increase our naval readiness and quietly extend diplomatic overtures to Britannia. We may need allies sooner than we think."

Rome, Imperial Palace of Sardegna

Emperor Lorenzo di Montagna swirled a glass of red wine, the firelight dancing off the crystal. Across from him, Admiral Giovanni Bartoli stood stiffly, holding a report.

"The Ruthenians are finished," Bartoli said. "Their navy is in ruins, and their Tsar has signed away any chance of a resurgence. Valoria holds all the cards now."

Lorenzo's lips curled into a small smile. "It seems Theodore's ambitions will have to wait. Valoria has outpaced him."

Bartoli frowned. "With all respect, Your Majesty, this is no time for amusement. Valoria's success will embolden them. Sardegna's position in the Mediterranean is vulnerable. If we are to remain a power in the region, we must act."

Lorenzo set his glass down and leaned forward, his tone more serious. "And we will act. Double the patrols along our southern coast. I want Sardegna's navy visible and ready. Send envoys to Britannia and Francois as well. If Valoria becomes too bold, we will need a united front to remind them where the true strength of Europe lies."

London, Prime Minister's Office

In the war room beneath the streets of London, Prime Minister Edmund Hastings stood before a map of Europe. Admiral Jonathan Windsor and his advisors flanked him, their expressions grim.

"This changes everything," Windsor said, pointing to the map. "Ruthenia's defeat leaves a vacuum in Eastern Europe. Valoria will not stop at naval dominance. It's only a matter of time before their ambitions extend further."

Hastings nodded. "And Theodore?"

"He's watching," Windsor said. "Waiting for the right moment. Ruthenia's fall may force his hand, but if we're to prevent a war on two fronts, we need to stay one step ahead."

Hastings turned to his advisors. "Prepare a statement of solidarity with Francois and Sardegna. Quietly bolster our naval defenses, but don't make it public. The last thing we need is to provoke a response. For now, we watch and wait."

Washington, D.C., Oval Office

President William Harcourt leaned back in his chair, reading the latest report from the State Department. The news of Ruthenia's defeat was written in stark terms: "Valoria's Naval Supremacy Unchallenged."
Enjoy new adventures from empire

James Harlow, the Secretary of State, stood by the window. "It's an alarming precedent, Mr. President. Valoria's navy has proven its strength, and their Supreme Leader—whoever he is—has shown remarkable strategy. If they decide to extend their reach, it could destabilize the entire region."

Harcourt rubbed his temples. "Theodore won't stand by and let Valoria gain this much power. But if a war breaks out between them, it could drag the whole continent into chaos."

"What do you suggest we do, sir?" Harlow asked.

"Strengthen our diplomatic ties with Britannia and Sardegna," Harcourt said firmly. "But keep Fredonia neutral. This isn't our fight yet, and I don't want to commit American lives unless it's absolutely necessary."

Triesenberg, Imperial Court

Prince Theodore stood in the grand war room of the Triesenberg Empire, his sharp eyes scanning the same reports that were being read in capitals across the world. Emperor Edward sat at the head of the table, his expression calm but thoughtful.

"So, Valoria has crushed Ruthenia," Theodore said, his voice carrying a hint of disdain. "It was only a matter of time. I'm sure other nations are wary for us now that the second largest fleet in the region has been crippled in the war."

"You think our neighbors are watching us more closely now?" Edward finally asked, his voice calm but probing.

"They are, Father," Theodore replied, his tone sharp. "Valoria has sent a message to the world, one that cannot be ignored. Ruthenia's fall wasn't just a defeat—it was a warning to all who underestimate them."

Edward stroked his chin thoughtfully. "The balance of power is shifting, but it isn't yet broken. We must tread carefully. A direct challenge to Valoria now would be rash."

Theodore's lips curled into a faint smile, his eyes glinting with determination. "Carefully, yes. But passivity would be a mistake. If we wait too long, Valoria's dominance will grow unchecked, and even the Triesenberg Empire will struggle to counter it."

Edward nodded slowly. "Mobilize our diplomatic channels. We must gauge the intentions of Francois and Sardegna. A united front may yet keep Valoria in check."

"Yes, Father," Theodore said, his mind already racing with strategies. "But Valoria will be watching our every move, just as we are watching theirs."

Tokyo, Imperial Palace

In the Far East, Emperor Hiroaki of Nihon sat cross-legged on a tatami mat, listening intently as his top advisor, Minister Kenji Nakamura, read the latest reports. The defeat of Ruthenia had sent ripples even across the Pacific, and Nihon's leadership recognized the significance.

"I see, a new nation has defeated a superpower. If Valoria can topple Ruthenia, it proves that even established powers are vulnerable," Hiroaki said. "It is a reminder that strategy and modernization, not size alone, dictate outcomes."

Nakamura folded the paper and bowed slightly. "Your Majesty, this victory will embolden Valoria. Their dominance in Europe could soon influence the Pacific. While their fleet remains concentrated in the Atlantic, it would be prudent for Nihon to observe their tactics and prepare."

Hiroaki's gaze hardened. "Strengthen our naval drills and increase our ship production. Ensure that our commanders study Valoria's strategies carefully. If we are ever to challenge Britannia's hold over Asia, we must first learn from Valoria's rise. Opportunity often follows upheaval."

Nakamura bowed. "It shall be done, Your Majesty."

"If Valoria can topple Ruthenia, it proves that even established powers are vulnerable," Hiroaki said. "It is a reminder that strategy and modernization, not size alone, dictate outcomes."

Nakamura folded the paper and bowed slightly. "Your Majesty, this victory will embolden Valoria. Their dominance in Europe could soon influence the Pacific. While their fleet remains concentrated in the Atlantic, it would be prudent for Nihon to observe their tactics and prepare."

Hiroaki's gaze hardened. "Strengthen our naval drills and increase our ship production. Ensure that our commanders study Valoria's strategies carefully. If we are ever to challenge Britannia's hold over Asia, we must first learn from Valoria's rise. Opportunity often follows upheaval."

Nakamura bowed. "It shall be done, Your Majesty."

President William Harcourt placed the latest intelligence report on his desk. His Secretary of State, James Harlow, stood nearby, his posture rigid.

"So, Valoria's victory has been confirmed," Harcourt said. "And the world's watching to see what happens next."

Harlow nodded. "Yes, Mr. President. Britannia and Sardegna are on edge. Theodore is likely to respond soon, though his strategy remains unclear."

Harcourt leaned back, his fingers steepled. "We need to stay out of Europe's conflicts. But at the same time, we can't ignore Valoria's growing influence. Their success against Ruthenia will embolden them."

"What course of action do you suggest, sir?" Harlow asked.

"Monitor closely. Deploy additional assets to Europe for intelligence gathering. If this escalates further, we need to know where our interests align. But for now, Fredonia will remain neutral."

Harlow nodded. "Understood, Mr. President."

***

Back in Ruthenia, the streets were filled with unrest. News of the empire's defeat had spread like wildfire, and the people were furious. Protestors marched through the streets, their banners bearing slogans like, "Down with the Tsar!" and "No more humiliation!"

Factories ground to a halt as workers refused to produce goods for a war they no longer supported. In the marketplaces, whispers of rebellion grew louder.

"They've destroyed our pride," one man said bitterly to a gathering crowd. "And what does the Tsar do? He signs away our future!"

An elderly woman shook her head. "What choice did he have? Without the navy, we're defenseless."

Children ran through the streets, their laughter a stark contrast to the despair of their parents. Even in the darkness of Ruthenia's defeat, life continued, though it was uncertain what the future held.


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