In the light of the bright chandelier, the docunts spread out on the black obsidian table, where the most influential people of the Empire were gathered, glittered.
Alberto sat at the head of the table. His sharp gaze swept the entire room, all the whispers of the ministers were instantly silenced.
"Let the discussion begin," Alberto said. "The Empire is now at a crossroads. We have defeated the Latvian Kingdom, but the weight of victory threatens to crush us if we do not act wisely. Speak directly, do not waste ti—the future of the Empire depends on the decisions we make today."
Defense Minister Thomas was the first to rise. "Your Majesty," he began, "the Latvian campaign has expanded our territories significantly. With Jimland and Amazonia already under Latvia's control, they have now fallen into our hands as well. However, maintaining control over these regions will require at least 120,000 troops. I propose a three-step plan: redeploynt of 30% of our frontline forces to these territories, the establishnt of regional command centres to oversee governance and security, and the recruitnt of local militias to reduce our reliance on imperial forces."
{Hmm this is a good suggestion. However I could have summoned more soldiers through the system. But it would have cost a lot of SC. By recruiting local people into the army I can accumulate a lot of SC. Also various asures can be taken to ensure their loyalty like the British.}
Alberto's eyes narrowed as he leaned forward, his fingers steepled in front of him. "And what of the Latvian rebels? Do not assu that all of Caspian's followers have been eradicated. A wounded animal is often the most dangerous."
Thomas nodded, acknowledging Alberto's concern. "The rebels are scattered and disorganized, Your Majesty, but they could regroup if we do not establish firm control. Prince Eric has been instruntal in pacifying the local population. He has their trust, and his cooperation has been invaluable."
Alberto's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Ah, yes, Prince Eric. The man who has declared himself the ruler of Latvia. He seems to believe we will simply hand him the crown."
Elizabeth interjected smoothly. "Your Majesty, we could use him as a puppet ruler. Installing him as a figurehead would allow us to maintain control while minimizing resistance from the Latvian people. It would also free up our resources for other pressing matters."
Alberto considered this for a mont before nodding. "A pragmatic solution. Very well, we will proceed with this plan. But ensure that Eric understands his position. He rules at our pleasure, and his authority extends only as far as we allow."
Finance Minister Robert Thompson cleared his throat and stood next. His face was pale, and his voice carried a hint of urgency. "Your Majesty, the war has drained our treasury significantly. The campaign cost us 12.3 billion gold coins, which accounts for 40.2% of our reserves. To recover, I propose the imdiate exploitation of Latvia's mineral resources, the modernization of agriculture in Jimland and Amazonia, and the introduction of a periodic tax system in the occupied territories."
Alberto's expression darkened at the ntion of taxes. "Taxes? You propose we burden the very people we have just conquered?"
Thompson hesitated but stood his ground. "Your Majesty, if we do not take decisive action, our economy will collapse. The occupied territories have imnse potential, but we must invest in their developnt to unlock it. The tax system would be gradual and designed to minimize unrest. Without it, we risk losing everything we have gained."
Alberto's eyes bore into Thompson's, but after a tense silence, he relented. "Very well. Implent your plan. But know this—if the treasury is not replenished within five years, you will find yourself in a prison cell."
Thompson swallowed hard and nodded. "Understood, Your Majesty."
Foreign Minister Jas, rose next. His tone was calm and asured, but his words carried a sense of urgency. "Your Majesty, Britannia has formally requested to beco our vassal state. However, their internal instability poses a significant risk. Their economy has collapsed, and widespread protests are erupting across the country. If we accept their submission, we must be prepared to stabilize them."
Alberto's eyes glead with a predatory light. "Britannia lies at our feet, begging for rcy. How poetic. But tell , Jas, what do they offer us besides their desperation?"
"Strategic access to the North Sea, vast reserves of timber and coal, and fertile farmland," Jas replied. "However, stabilizing Britannia will require an investnt of approximately 3.5 billion gold coins."
Elizabeth said. "Your Majesty, Britannia's vassalization must co with strict conditions. They must disband their military, adopt our currency, and grant us control over their ports. This will ensure their dependence on us while preventing any future rebellion."
Alberto nodded slowly, his fingers drumming on the table. "The Queen of Britannia has lost the will to rule. She hands her kingdom to us on a silver platter, and I will accept it—on my terms. Jas, draft the treaty. Ensure it is ironclad."
The Foreign Minister bowed slightly. "It will be done, Your Majesty."
Jas spoke again "Also, Your Majesty, there is another matter. The royal family of Jimland, who fled to the Aurelia Republic during the war, are now demanding the return of their country. They claim legitimacy and are seeking international support."
Alberto's expression turned cold. "Those cowards abandoned their people in their ti of need and now dare to demand their country back? The audacity is staggering."
Elizabeth interjected. "Your Majesty, we could use this to our advantage. By negotiating with the Jimland royals, we can strip them of their remaining rights and legitimize our control over the region. The people of Jimland are unlikely to accept us as rulers, but if we present ourselves as the lesser evil compared to their forr monarchs, we may be able to quell resistance."
Alberto considered this for a mont before nodding. "Very well. Set a date for negotiations. But ensure that the terms are favourable to us. I will not tolerate any concessions."
With the major issues addressed, Alberto rose to his feet, his presence commanding the room's attention. "The following orders are hereby issued: First, Britannia's surrender shall be accepted on the terms outlined by the Foreign and Justice Ministries. Second, an Economic Recovery Task Force shall be ford under the leadership of Finance Minister Thompson. Third, the Imperial Consolidation Office, under the Ho Office, shall administer the occupied territories. I expect these orders to be carried out with precision and efficiency."
The assembled officials rose as one, their voices echoing in unison. "For the Empire!"
Alberto's gaze swept the room one final ti. "Do not fail . The Empire's future depends on your actions today. Dismissed."
The ministers and advisors filed out of the room. The Bernard Empire had achieved a great victory, but the challenges ahead were daunting.
Elizabeth lingered behind, her eyes eting Alberto's. "Your Majesty, if I may—Prince Eric's loyalty is not guaranteed. We must keep a close watch on him."
Alberto's lips curled into a cold smile. "Eric is a pawn, nothing more. If he steps out of line, he will be dealt with. The Empire tolerates no threats, internal or external. I am the Emperor, and I do everything to ensure it"
Elizabeth nodded, her expression unreadable. "As you say, Your Majesty."
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