Reincarnated with a Country Creation System Chapter 187 The Demand of Valoria

Alexander sat at his desk, his fingers steepled as he reviewed the latest updates on the situation in Ruthenia. The air in the chamber was heavy with tension as Julieanne entered briskly, holding a folder in her hand. She paused a mont before speaking, her voice steady but with a sense of urgency.

"Your Excellency, I have troubling news. Johannes Krieg has been captured by the Ruthenian authorities."

Alexander's masked face turned toward her, his posture stiffening. "Captured? When?"

"Two nights ago, in St. Petersburg," Julieanne replied. "He was detained by the Tsar's state police while attempting to relocate with the revolutionaries. They suspect him of espionage."

Alexander leaned forward, his tone sharper now. "Johannes is one of our best operatives. He carries sensitive information—details that cannot fall into the hands of the Ruthenians. If they extract even a fraction of what he knows, it could compromise our entire strategy."

Julieanne nodded. "That is precisely why I brought this to you imdiately. We must act swiftly. The longer he remains in their custody, the greater the risk."

Alexander was silent for a mont, his gloved fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk. Then he spoke, his voice calm but decisive. "Contact the Ruthenian embassy. Summon their ambassador to Volkshalle. I want this matter addressed directly."

Julieanne hesitated. "Do you intend to demand his release outright, Your Excellency? The Ruthenians may view such a move as an admission of his affiliation with Valoria."

Alexander shook his head slightly. "We will not show our hand so openly. Officially, Johannes is a Valorian journalist, wrongfully detained while reporting on the revolution. That is the position we will take, and the ambassador will be made to understand the consequences of any mistreatnt."

Julieanne made a quick note in her notebook. "I will arrange the eting imdiately. The ambassador can be brought here by this evening."

"Good," Alexander said. "And ensure that our intelligence team is monitoring the situation closely. I want updates on Johannes's condition and any movents within the Ruthenian state police."

Later That Evening – Volkshalle.

The Ruthenian ambassador, a stout man with a carefully maintained mustache and an air of practiced diplomacy, sat across from Alexander. Despite the warmth of the room, he seed uncomfortable, his hands fidgeting slightly as he adjusted his coat.

Alexander's voice was steady as he began. "Ambassador Morozov, I have summoned you here to discuss a matter of grave importance. It has co to my attention that one of our citizens, Johannes Krieg, has been detained in St. Petersburg. He is a journalist, conducting legitimate work, and his arrest is deeply concerning to Valoria."

The ambassador's expression tightened. "Your Excellency, Mr. Krieg was apprehended under suspicion of collaborating with revolutionary forces. The Tsar's governnt has every right to investigate such matters within Ruthenia's borders."

Alexander's tone grew firr. "The Tsar's governnt has the right to enforce its laws, but it does not have the right to detain foreign nationals without cause. Johannes Krieg is not a revolutionary. He is a journalist, accredited by Valoria's press, and his work is to report the truth. His detention is not only a violation of his rights but a direct affront to Valoria."

Morozov shifted in his seat, clearly weighing his response. "Your Excellency, I understand your concerns. However, the situation in Ruthenia is volatile. The state police are under imnse pressure to maintain order. If Mr. Krieg is innocent, he will be released in due ti."

Alexander leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a cold, deliberate tone.

"Ambassador, Valoria is not a nation that waits patiently for 'due ti.' Johannes Krieg must be released imdiately, and he must be unhard. Failure to do so will force Valoria to reconsider its diplomatic stance toward Ruthenia."

The ambassador stiffened, his diplomatic facade cracking slightly. "Are you threatening Ruthenia, Your Excellency?"

"It is not a threat," Alexander replied smoothly. "It is a statent of fact. The detention of a Valorian citizen under false pretenses is unacceptable. Valoria values its relationships with other nations, but it will not tolerate actions that undermine its sovereignty or the safety of its people."

Morozov hesitated, then gave a slow nod. "I will relay your concerns to the Tsar's governnt. However, I must warn you that Ruthenia's state police operate independently. Their decisions are not easily overturned."

Alexander's mask tilted slightly, giving the impression of a sharp, penetrating gaze. "Ambassador, I suggest you make it clear to your superiors that the continued detention of Johannes Krieg will have serious consequences. Valoria is watching Ruthenia closely, and our patience is not limitless."

Morozov rose to his feet, bowing slightly. "I will convey your ssage, Your Excellency. I trust that this matter can be resolved amicably."

As the ambassador was escorted out, Julieanne stepped into the room. "Do you think he will act, Your Excellency?"

Alexander stood, his voice asured. "He will convey the ssage, but whether the Tsar's governnt listens is another matter. Prepare for alternative asures. If Johannes cannot be freed diplomatically, we may need to resort to other ans."

Julieanne nodded, already making notes. "I'll ensure our teams are ready."

Alexander turned back to his desk, his gaze fixed on the map of Ruthenia. "Johannes Krieg is a valuable asset. Losing him is not an option. Whatever it takes, we will bring him back."

***

Ambassador Morozov returned to the Ruthenian Embassy in the quiet hours of the evening. The heavy iron gates clanged shut behind his carriage as he stepped into the warmly lit foyer. The embassy staff greeted him with reserved nods, sensing the tension in his deanor. Without pause, Morozov retreated to his private office, where he dictated an urgent ssage to be sent via secure channels to the Winter Palace.

The ambassador's fingers trembled slightly as he composed the telegram. The conversation with the masked leader had left him shaken. Valoria's Supre Leader had been polite but unyielding, his veiled threats lingering in Morozov's mind. He knew the Tsar would not react kindly to the situation, but he also understood the delicate balance of power Ruthenia now faced. They were defeated in war by the Valorians, and a war could spark again if they made one wrong move.