Reincarnated with a Country Creation System
Chapter 86: Control Oneself

After the meeting, the Supreme Leader left the meeting room and was quickly followed by Julieanne behind. It was a long walk back to his office and as soon as he arrived there, he let Julieanne enter and then closed the door.

"I'm sure that Prince Theodore Triesenberg will be accommodated with Valorian hospitality?" The Supreme Leader asked, glancing at Julieanne.

"We have prepared a special suite for him in the eastern wing of Volkshalle," Julieanne replied and continued. "We have prepared a special suite for him in the eastern wing of Volkshalle."

The Supreme Leader, still standing near the door, let out a sigh as he moved toward his desk. His presence, usually so commanding with the mask on, seemed to shift as the weight of the long meeting settled over him.

"Good," he said, his tone softer now. "He'll be occupied for a while, at least."

Julieanne watched him closely, knowing that what came next was something rarely witnessed by anyone. As the Supreme Leader sat down at his desk, he reached up with both hands and began to remove his mask. There was a brief moment of silence as the sleek black mask, which had obscured his identity for so long, came free.

Underneath, Alexander's face was revealed, but the face was not full of satisfaction, instead it was neutral, like something was bothering his mind.

"Your Excellency, I was amazed that you could hold a conversation with Prince Theodore knowing your history with him."

Alexander doesn't need a reminder. Prince Theodore was one of the people that banished him from Triesenberg and killed his mother, the only family he had. The fact that he could remain seated in the entirety of their discussion was feat in itself

And during that discussion, he had been fighting his intrusive thoughts. He wanted to punch him right where he was seated and beat the shit out of him.

But Alexander had learned to control his rage, to wield it like a weapon when the time was right.

"You know what he did," Alexander muttered, his voice low but filled with simmering anger. "The way he stood there, acting as if none of it ever happened... I almost lost it."

Julieanne stepped forward, her eyes filled with understanding. "You didn't lose it, though. That's what matters. You kept your composure, and in the long game, that's far more powerful than any impulsive strike. Prince Theodore is blind to the threat in front of him. And that's your greatest advantage."

Alexander leaned back in his chair, his eyes closing briefly as he allowed the weight of the moment to settle. "It's difficult. Sitting across from the man who took everything from me, who laughed as I was cast out. Knowing I could destroy him right now if I wanted to."

"But that would be too easy, wouldn't it?" Julieanne said, her voice quiet but firm. "And it wouldn't be enough. Theodore's death is not your end goal. His downfall—the downfall of Triesenberg itself—is what you've been working toward all these months."

Alexander's eyes snapped open, cold and determined. "You're right. Killing him now would be a mercy. He doesn't deserve that. He deserves to see everything he's built crumble around him, just like he did to me."

Julieanne smiled faintly, satisfied with his resolve. "And you've already begun to lay the foundation for that. Triesenberg's power is built on alliances, on its ability to dominate and manipulate weaker nations. But when those alliances falter, when their control slips, the empire will fracture.

And since we have partnered with Triesenberg, the world will now know that there is a nation that exists next to the southern tip of the Black Continent.

Alexander nodded. "For now, let's discuss how we will control Theodore. His movement around the Volkshalle must be limited. I don't want him wandering into places that could give him too much information or insight into what we're really planning. Keep him in check, but make it seem as though he has the freedom he believes he deserves."

Julieanne nodded, already understanding what needed to be done. "We'll restrict his access to the areas we control, but we'll make it subtle. He'll believe that he's seeing the inner workings of Valoria, when in reality, he'll be kept far from anything truly important."

Alexander's eyes narrowed. "Good. He must never see our true strength—not until it's too late. The more he believes we are just another nation vying for power, the easier it will be to control him."

Julieanne paused for a moment, considering her next words carefully. "There's something else we need to consider, Your Excellency. Prince Theodore is a man of pride. He may not take kindly to subtle restrictions, especially if he senses that he's being played." Enjoy new stories from m-v l'e|-NovelFire.net

Alexander leaned forward, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest of his chair. "Let him feel whatever pride he wants. His arrogance is what makes him weak. He's already underestimated us, and that will be his downfall."

Julieanne nodded again, but there was a flicker of concern in her eyes. "And what of the Valorian officials? There are some who are already questioning this partnership with Triesenberg, worried that we are aligning ourselves too closely with an empire that has a history of betrayal."

"Oh, they feel that way, huh?" Alexander said, his voice cold and sharp. "I thought I was the Supreme Leader of Valoria, yet there are people in my government who doubt my decisions?"

Julieanne hesitated, her expression carefully composed as she responded. "The government officials are loyal to you and to the country, Your Excellency. It's just that they think your personal history with Triesenberg might cloud your judgment in this partnership."

Alexander's fingers tapped on the desk as he considered her words. He knew there was truth in them. Some of the officials had been murmuring for weeks, questioning why he would consider forming an alliance with a nation that had once exiled him. He could sense their unease, their whispers of concern growing louder the closer the partnership with Triesenberg became.

"They think I'm acting out of revenge," he murmured, his tone laced with bitterness. "They believe I would risk Valoria's future for the sake of personal vendettas."

"They don't fully understand the scope of your vision. They only see the surface. But you know better, and those who doubt will either come to see the truth in time or… be dealt with accordingly."

Alexander's lips curled into a thin smile, his eyes darkening. "They'll see the truth soon enough. This partnership with Triesenberg is a means to an end. Theodore thinks he's gaining an ally, but what he's really doing is tightening the noose around his own neck."

Julieanne inclined her head slightly, her eyes gleaming with quiet approval. "So, we continue as planned. Keep Theodore entertained and oblivious. In the meantime, we subtly manage the concerns within our own ranks."

"Exactly."