YM778.TV Chapter 128: Both Governments Received the News
With a calm exhale, he swung, sending the ball soaring down the stretch of green, where it landed close to the target marker. A small, satisfied smile played at the edge of his lips.
As he prepared his next shot, the faint sound of approaching footsteps caught his attention. Julieanne moved towards him with a sense of urgency that immediately shifted his focus from the sport to the underlying matters of state.
"Your Excellency," she greeted, inclining her head with the slightest hint of a formal bow. "I apologize for the interruption, but there is an urgent report from the Minister of Defense. It concerns an incident along our coastal waters."
"What was it?" Alexander asked as he placed the golf club down, his expression hardening as he shifted fully toward Julieanne.
Julieanne held his gaze steadily. "A Ruthenian submarine breached our territorial waters," she began. "It was intercepted by Commander Rourke and his crew. After a brief but decisive engagement, the submarine was neutralized. They\'ve recovered fragments with identifiable markings—confirming the vessel as Ruthenian."
Alexander\'s eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening as he absorbed the news.
"Ruthenia," he muttered, his tone laced with disdain. "What the hell are they doing near our waters? They are like thousand of miles away from our coast."
"That\'s what the Ministry of Defense are trying to figure out at this moment, Your Excellency," Julieanne replied and added. "They\'re assessing every angle, but it\'s clear this wasn\'t a mistake. Ruthenia knew exactly where they were going."
Alexander\'s gaze grew colder as he processed the information. "If they wanted to test us, they now have their answer. But we cannot leave it at that. This has to be addressed on multiple fronts. How prepared is our naval defense along the coast?"
Julieanne nodded. "I\'ve already spoken with the Minister of Defense about reinforcing our patrols. We\'re moving additional submarines into key positions and bolstering aerial reconnaissance over the coastline. This will ensure complete coverage and an immediate response if there are any further intrusions."
"Good, I want to lodge a diplomatic protest against Ruthenia, tell them that their submarine have intruded our territorial waters without warning or justification," Alexander continued, his voice carrying an edge that brooked no argument. "Make it clear that this is a direct violation of our sovereignty, and we will not tolerate further acts of aggression."
Julieanne inclined her head in acknowledgment, already mentally drafting the diplomatic communiqué. "Understood, Your Excellency. I\'ll ensure that our message is clear, firm, and unmistakable."
After that, Alexander returned to his game.
Julieanne turned and made her way back inside Volkshalle.
Reaching her office, she closed the door and seated herself at her desk. She pulled out a sheet of fine, official letterhead, embossed with the insignia of the Valorian state. She took a moment to collect her thoughts, considering each word carefully, knowing this message would set the tone for Valoria\'s response to Ruthenia\'s audacity.
She began writing in her elegant, firm script:
To the Government of the Ruthenian Empire,
Subject: Unauthorized Incursion into Valorian Waters
It has come to the attention of the Valorian government that a Ruthenian submarine was intercepted within our territorial waters. The presence of this vessel was an unwarranted and direct violation of Valoria\'s sovereign boundaries. Despite our extensive security measures, this submarine, clearly identified by markings specific to the Ruthenian Navy, attempted to trespass without prior communication or justifiable cause. This incursion was met with immediate defensive action, resulting in the neutralization of your vessel within our maritime zone.
The Valorian state perceives this intrusion as a breach of international maritime law and a direct challenge to the peace and security of our region. We urge the Ruthenian government to clarify its intentions regarding this unauthorized action, particularly given the vessel\'s proximity to sensitive Valorian installations. Our military forces acted with the utmost restraint, considering the threat posed by the intrusion, and we cannot guarantee the same level of restraint in future instances of unwelcome approach.
Valoria stands committed to maintaining regional stability, and we expect an official explanation and apology from the Ruthenian government. Should there be any future violations, our response will be definitive and unyielding.
Yours in Firmness and Respect.
Julieanne read through the letter, ensuring each line conveyed Valoria\'s firm stance without overt provocation. She carefully folded the document and placed it in an envelope stamped with the royal insignia.
Calling for one of her aides, she handed the sealed envelope to him. "Deliver this to the Office of Foreign Affairs immediately. Make sure they send it through official diplomatic channels at once."
"Consider it done."
***
In the Winter Palace, Tsar Ivan Alexandrovich sat in his study, enjoying a quiet cup of tea as he went through his usual reports. The room was calm until General Vasily Rostov entered, looking serious as he held out a letter marked with the Valorian state seal.
"Your Imperial Majesty," Rostov said, handing over the letter. "This just arrived from Valoria. It\'s marked urgent."
Ivan set his tea down and took the letter, breaking the seal. As he read, his expression grew darker.
"They sank one of our submarines," he said, voice steady but sharp.
Rostov\'s brow furrowed. "In our waters?"
Ivan shook his head. "No, near their coast. But the message makes it clear they consider this a violation of their territory. They\'re calling it an act of aggression and demanding an explanation."
Rostov clenched his fists. "They dared sink a Ruthenian vessel? This cannot go unanswered."
The Tsar placed the letter on his desk. "Indeed. This is a serious provocation. I want a response prepared at once. Write a reply to the Valorian government, General. Make it clear that Ruthenia does not take their actions lightly and will not stand by while they destroy our assets and claim innocence."
General Rostov nodded, immediately fetching a pen and Ruthenian letterhead from a nearby desk. The Tsar leaned over, dictating each line with care and precision, his words meant to carry the full weight of Ruthenia\'s displeasure.
"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"
The Tsar waited as General Rostov carefully penned the last words. Once complete, Ivan scanned the document, nodding in approval. "Ensure this reaches the Valorian government swiftly. Let them understand that Ruthenia will not tolerate these reckless provocations."
Rostov secured the letter in an official Ruthenian envelope, marked with the imperial seal.
As General Rostov sealed the letter with the Ruthenian imperial insignia, Tsar Ivan Alexandrovich leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowed in thought.
"This cannot remain a mere exchange of words, General," he said, his tone firm. "Valoria\'s audacity requires more than just formal reprimands."
Rostov nodded in agreement, already anticipating the Tsar\'s thoughts. "Shall we alert our naval assets across the world, Your Majesty? We could also move a few strategic units closer to the contested waters, a quiet show of strength without direct provocation."
"Yes," Ivan replied with a steely expression on his face.
"As you wish, Your Majesty. Do you have any orders that
"As you wish, Your Majesty. Do you have any orders that pertain to our allies?" Rostov asked carefully, his eyes meeting the Tsar\'s with a glint of anticipation.
Ivan\'s gaze drifted back to the frosted windows overlooking the vast, snow-covered grounds of the Winter Palace. "Yes," he replied slowly, as if considering each word. "Send coded messages to our closest allies. Inform them of Valoria\'s recent aggression against Ruthenia."
Rostov bowed, a smirk pulling at the corners of his mouth. "Valoria is just a new country yet they did something unimaginable such as forcing themselves into a position they cannot win."