Reincarnated with a Country Creation System

Alexander sat in his private office within Volkshalle, doing usual task such as looking at the reports from different departments, stamping documents, and all other things that a ruler must get done.

A knock on the door broke the stillness, and Alexander looked up as Julieanne entered, carrying an envelope marked with the Ruthenian imperial seal. She approached with her usual grace but a look of concern shadowed her face.

"Your Excellency," she said, presenting the letter with a formal bow. "This arrived from Ruthenia—delivered directly from Tsar Ivan Alexandrovich."

Alexander took the envelope, his gaze lingering on the familiar seal before he broke it open. As he unfolded the letter, Julieanne stepped back, waiting in silence, her sharp gaze observing every flicker of emotion that crossed his face as he read. The words on the page were precise, direct, and laced with the steely defiance he expected from the Ruthenian Tsar.

To the Valorian State,

Subject: Ruthenia's Response to Unprovoked Aggression

It has come to our attention through your correspondence that a Ruthenian submarine has been destroyed within your claimed waters. While you interpret this as an intentional act of intrusion, we must emphasize that Ruthenia was well within its rights to operate its fleet in international waters, as there was no violation of any recognized sovereign boundary.

The destruction of a Ruthenian vessel without warning is a direct and unwarranted attack, which cannot and will not be dismissed without consequence. Your government has demonstrated an act of unprovoked aggression, jeopardizing peace between our nations.

We demand a formal explanation for the hostile action taken by your forces, along with assurances that such an incident will not be repeated. Ruthenia remains committed to peace but will defend its military assets and personnel with unrelenting force if necessary.

We advise you to consider your actions carefully, as our patience has limits.

Respectfully,

Tsar Ivan Alexandrovich, Ruthenia

Alexander finished reading, his hand resting on the edge of the letter as he processed each loaded sentence. He let out a slow, measured breath, his expression unreadable but the faint tension in his jaw betraying his thoughts. The Tsar's tone was unmistakable: Ruthenia considered itself above reproach, a nation that would tolerate no resistance, no challenges to its presence, even when found in Valoria's own waters.

The silence stretched as he set the letter on the polished wood of his desk. Julieanne waited, sensing the storm beneath his calm demeanor.

"So," Alexander began, his voice soft but laced with the disappointment he felt. "They justify their presence so near our shores as a right. Not only do they show no remorse, but they demand an explanation from us." His fingers traced the edge of the letter, as if contemplating its weight, before he looked up at Julieanne, his gaze sharp and resolute. "Ruthenia has cast this as a challenge."

Julieanne nodded, her expression as controlled as his, yet the glint in her eyes mirrored his sentiments. "They seem to think their might alone grants them the liberty to intrude, as though our sovereignty is inconsequential to them."

"Tsar Ivan assumes that we will back down, that we'll submit to their rhetoric and their threats," Alexander continued, his voice steady but cold. "This letter is not merely a response—it is a test of our resolve. And I have no intention of allowing them the satisfaction of a concession."

Julieanne inclined her head. "Then we must respond, Your Excellency, with equal determination. A reply that reflects Valoria's resolve to defend its rights and its borders without yielding an inch."

Alexander nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Indeed, Julieanne. And more than just words; I want actions that show Valoria is not an empire to be trifled with. Let Ruthenia realize that any future incursions will not end as diplomatically."

Julieanne took note, already forming the beginnings of their response.

He studied her, nodding in approval. "Draft the response, Julieanne, and ensure it is delivered promptly. Let it be known that while Valoria seeks peace, we will never yield to intimidation or manipulation."

Julieanne took her leave, her footsteps echoing down the hall as she moved with purpose. Alexander remained in his office, the firelight casting long shadows across the room as he turned his gaze back to the letter on his desk. He could not afford to see this as a mere exchange of diplomatic formalities. Ruthenia's actions were a message—a warning—and Valoria's response had to be equally unwavering, both in word and in force.

Minutes later, the door opened again as Julieanne returned, holding the draft of their reply. She handed it to Alexander, who took it, reading each line, his eyes narrowing in focus as he absorbed the words:

[To the Ruthenian Empire,

Subject: Valoria's Response to Ruthenia's Provocation

It is with great disappointment that we acknowledge Ruthenia's justification of its incursion into our waters. Valoria's territorial boundaries are sovereign and respected by all nations that uphold the principle of international law, and this principle was disregarded by the unauthorized presence of a Ruthenian submarine near our coastline.

Valoria's defense of its waters is neither aggression nor provocation but a necessary measure to uphold our security and sovereignty. We must impress upon Ruthenia that our response to this intrusion was one of restraint. In future incidents, however, our response will be determined not by restraint but by the principle of defense and deterrence.

While Valoria remains committed to peaceful relations, we shall not hesitate to take every measure to protect our territorial integrity. We urge Ruthenia to reflect on its course of action and to carefully consider the implications of further provocations.

Respectfully,

Supreme Leader of Valoria]

Alexander's eyes lingered on the last lines, satisfaction settling over him. "This is precisely the message we need to send. Deliver it."

Julieanne nodded, sealing the document and marking it with the Valorian insignia. "It will be delivered at once, Your Excellency."

***

A week later, within the grandeur of the Winter Palace, Tsar Ivan Alexandrovich sat in his study once more, the warmth of the fire doing little to thaw the chill in his expression. Across from him, General Rostov stood with a grave demeanor, holding a newly delivered envelope. The letter bore the unmistakable seal of Valoria, a stark reminder of the tensions simmering between the two empires.

"Your Majesty," Rostov began, handing over the letter, "the Valorian response has arrived."

Ivan took the envelope, his expression hardening as he broke the seal and unfolded the parchment. Silence fell over the room as his eyes scanned the text, taking in each line with a growing sense of resolve.

To the Ruthenian Empire,

Subject: Valoria's Response to Ruthenia's Provocation

It is with great disappointment that we acknowledge Ruthenia's justification of its incursion into our waters. Valoria's territorial boundaries are sovereign and respected by all nations that uphold the principle of international law, and this principle was disregarded by the unauthorized presence of a Ruthenian submarine near our coastline.

Valoria's defense of its waters is neither aggression nor provocation but a necessary measure to uphold our security and sovereignty. We must impress upon Ruthenia that our response to this intrusion was one of restraint. In future incidents, however, our response will be determined not by restraint but by the principle of defense and deterrence.

While Valoria remains committed to peaceful relations, we shall not hesitate to take every measure to protect our territorial integrity. We urge Ruthenia to reflect on its course of action and to carefully consider the implications of further provocations.

Respectfully,

Supreme Leader of Valoria

As Ivan finished reading, he clenched the letter in his hand, his eyes dark with anger. The words were carefully chosen, but the defiance within them was unmistakable. Valoria had not only refused to back down but had issued a warning. They had made it clear that further provocations would be met with force.

"Valoria dares to threaten us," Ivan said, his voice cold. "They stand on the edge of defiance, dismissing Ruthenia's rights with the arrogance of a nation untested by time."

Rostov nodded, his jaw clenched as he took in the Tsar's words. "They underestimate our reach, Your Majesty. Valoria may believe itself powerful, but they are young, unseasoned."

"Precisely," Ivan replied, placing the letter down with finality. "If they wish to provoke us further, we shall answer with a demonstration of true might. Our empire has stood the test of centuries, and we will not allow a fledgling power to tarnish our legacy."

"Should we escalate our presence along their borders?" Rostov asked, his tone betraying the eagerness simmering beneath his composure.

"Yes," Ivan replied, his gaze steely. "I want our naval forces to approach their coastline, close enough for Valoria to feel the weight of our resolve. Send a clear message that Ruthenia is watching, and that any misstep will be met with unyielding force."

Rostov inclined his head, a glint of satisfaction crossing his face. "As you command, Your Majesty. I will mobilize our forces at once."

Ivan watched as Rostov departed, his expression unwavering. He knew the importance of strength, of showing Valoria and the world that Ruthenia would not be intimidated. If Valoria sought to test their patience, then Ruthenia would show them just how formidable an adversary they had chosen.