Reincarnated with a Country Creation System
Chapter 85: Fate Sealed

"First question," the Supreme Leader began. "What is the usual protocol when your country discovers a nation so technologically backward compared to yours? Let's use the Black Continent as an example."

Theodore narrowed his eyes slightly, caught off guard by the question. "What's the point of that question?" he responded, tilting his head, trying to gauge where this conversation was heading.

The Supreme Leader leaned back in his chair, his gloved fingers tapping the table softly. "Well, I've heard that you have several colonies in the Black Continent, independent before your arrival. So, I was wondering if you used... similar words, perhaps promises of prosperity, to lure them into signing treaties they didn't fully understand."

Theodore's lips twitched in irritation, though he kept his tone calm. "Our actions in the Black Continent were no different from any other nation's endeavors. We brought stability, technology, and resources that they could never have accessed otherwise. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement."

"Mutually beneficial, you say?" the Supreme Leader mused. "I wonder if they would describe it the same way."

Theodore's patience was thinning. "You don't think they would? Then you misunderstand the situation. These treaties were drafted for the betterment of all involved. We offered them advancement, protection. Without us, they would still be isolated."

"Isolated, yes. But free," the Supreme Leader countered smoothly, his eyes glinting behind the mask. "Is that not the greatest resource of all? To govern one's own future without the hand of an outsider dictating the terms?"

"What's so bad about it? Literally every superpower is doing the same. Don't tell me Valoria is above such things," Theodore said, his tone edged with impatience. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as he awaited the Supreme Leader's response.

The Supreme Leader's eyes, still partially obscured by the mask, flickered with something close to amusement. "Ah, but you misunderstand, Prince Theodore," he said, his voice soft but cutting. "Valoria doesn't need to engage in such practices. We do not need to lure anyone into agreements they don't fully comprehend. We make sure they know exactly what they're getting into."

Theodore raised an eyebrow. "So you're claiming moral superiority over the rest of us? How convenient."

The Supreme Leader let out a small chuckle. "Not moral superiority, no. Just clarity. When we enter into agreements, it's because both sides understand what they stand to gain—and what they might lose. There is no veil of false promises or paternalistic 'guidance' as you call it. We make no illusions about what we seek."

Theodore uncrossed his arms, leaning forward slightly. "And what is it that you seek, Supreme Leader? Power? Territory? Influence? You can dress it up however you like, but in the end, it's the same game we all play."

For the first time, the Supreme Leader's tone became sharp, losing some of its casual detachment. "Valoria seeks control, Prince Theodore. But control of our destiny, not of others'. We do not conquer or colonize. We dominate in ways that are far more permanent."

Theodore frowned, sensing the shift. "You are saying that because you never had a colony. You know what they say, when you experience power over others, your perspective changes," Theodore finished, a smirk curling at the edge of his lips. He leaned back again, confident in his retort.

He continued. "Let's use an example, Kingdom of Zambesi. Do you think that they have the same morals as you? What are you going to do if they do things that are different from your way of living? Would you attempt to control them? I heard they are worse than the Matalebe Tribes…I wonder what they are doing to the Matalebe Tribes after their unsuccessful revolt."

The Supreme Leader remained still, the only movement coming from the subtle rise and fall of his chest. The silence lingered, thick and deliberate. Theodore's words hung in the air, challenging the very philosophy that Valoria had presented—a nation that claimed moral clarity and dominance without conquest.

"You seem to enjoy your hypothetical questions, Prince Theodore," the Supreme Leader finally spoke." Continue reading at m|v-l'e -NovelFire.net

"This is the game that you want to play so I'll play along," Prince Theodore said. "Now, when are we going to start talking about partnership? Are we going to continue our game?"

The Supreme Leader sighed. "Well the purpose of that question earlier is to make sure that you understand that even if we signed a partnership with you, it doesn't change anything. We just gained a status between us. It won't be you colonizing my country."

"Even if we want to colonize you, we have no interest in controlling Valoria," Theodore said, his tone sharp but controlled. "Our goal is not domination over every nation we encounter. We seek mutual benefit, as I've said. But let's not pretend that we're equals in this arrangement. Triesenberg is already an established power, and Valoria, while formidable, remains unknown to the world at large.

You're here because you know that eventually, you'll need allies."

The Supreme Leader chucked in amusement. "Very well, let's go on with the discussion. You dictate your terms and I will dictate mine."

Theodore leaned forward, feeling as though the conversation was finally moving in the right direction. "Very well. As I mentioned earlier, Triesenberg is willing to recognize Valoria as an emerging power and provide the necessary backing to help integrate you into the global stage. We can offer trade agreements, technological exchanges, and military cooperation, should you require it."

The Supreme Leader remained still, his masked face giving nothing away. "And in return?" he asked, his voice calm but demanding clarity.

"In return, we expect Valoria's support in matters of international diplomacy and economic growth. We seek your assistance in stabilizing key regions—like Zambesi and other territories where unrest may grow—and aligning with our interests when it comes to future geopolitical concerns. You would be a key ally, one that Triesenberg can rely on in moments of conflict or expansion."

The Supreme Leader tapped his fingers lightly on the table. "I see. You offer influence and trade, in exchange for my nation's allegiance to your agenda. You wish to use Valoria to further Triesenberg's reach into other territories, using my support as a tool of dominance." His tone was neutral, but the words cut sharply.

Theodore frowned. "Support, yes. But this isn't about dominance. It's about stability. Together, we could prevent unnecessary conflicts and promote a world order where both our nations thrive."

"World order," the Supreme Leader repeated, his voice soft but laced with meaning. "Is that not a more elegant form of conquest? Rather than brute force, you shape the world in your image through diplomacy and alliances. But make no mistake, Prince Theodore—Valoria does not bend to others' visions. We carve our own path."

Theodore shifted in his seat, growing frustrated. "If that's true, then what do you want from this partnership? You've spoken much about independence and control over your destiny, but you're here, speaking to me. Clearly, you see the value in what I'm offering."

The Supreme Leader was silent for a moment, before leaning forward. "What I want, Prince Theodore, is something you may not be prepared to offer."

Theodore's eyes narrowed. "And what would that be?"

"True equality," the Supreme Leader said, his voice unyielding. "If we are to form this partnership, it will not be under the assumption that Triesenberg is the dominant force. Valoria will not play second to anyone. Our terms will be our own, and we will not be puppets in someone else's game."

Theodore bit his lip, considering his next move carefully. "I can't promise equality in the way you see it. But what I can promise is respect. Triesenberg will not treat Valoria as a subordinate, but as an equal partner in our endeavors. However, you must also recognize that we are an established power, and with that comes certain expectations."

The Supreme Leader's gloved hand rested on the table as he stood, his eyes locked onto Theodore's. "Expectations or not, Valoria does not serve. We will agree to this partnership on the condition that our autonomy is never in question. Any attempt to influence our decisions will be met with immediate withdrawal."

Theodore nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of the Supreme Leader's words. "Agreed. Triesenberg will not interfere with Valoria's internal matters. But we expect the same in return—when the time comes for us to act, we will do so as equals, supporting one another."

A silence hung between them, heavy with the weight of their newfound understanding. The Supreme Leader extended his hand once more, this time more purposeful. "Then let us seal this partnership, Prince Theodore, and shape the world as we see fit."

Theodore took the offered hand, shaking it firmly. "To our future," he said, his voice carrying a tone of both resolve and uncertainty.

As their hands parted, Theodore realized that while they had reached an agreement, this was only the beginning. And Theodore doesn't know what he is getting himself into.