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The car ride to the Valorian consulate was short, but it gave Chuma time to consider his approach. The King's words had been clear—Zambesi would not yield to foreign pressur e. Yet, Chuma also understood the delicate position they were in.

Valoria's support was the pillar keeping their enemies at bay, and without it, the kingdom risked crumbling under the weight of both internal rebellion and external threats.

As the car arrived at the entrance to the consulate, Chuma's thoughts shifted to the meeting ahead. The Valorian ambassador, Viktor Reinhardt, was known for his sharp mind and unwavering loyalty to his homeland. Delivering Mwanga's refusal would not be easy, and Chuma knew the consequences could be severe.

He stepped out of the carriage, the cool evening air biting against his skin as he approached the heavy iron gates. The Valorian guards, standing tall and vigilant, recognized Chuma immediately and allowed him entry without question.

Chuma was escorted to the ambassador's office, his footsteps echoing faintly in the long corridors. As he approached the large wooden doors of the office, he straightened his posture and prepared himself for the task ahead.

The doors opened, and Chuma was greeted by the sight of Ambassador Reinhardt sitting behind his desk, his sharp eyes studying a document. The ambassador looked up, his expression unreadable, before motioning for Chuma to take a seat.

"Minister Chuma," Reinhardt said smoothly. "I trust you've come to discuss your king's response to our request."

Chuma sat down, his hands resting lightly on the armrests of the chair. "Indeed, Ambassador Reinhardt. I have come to deliver King Mwanga's decision."

Reinhardt leaned back slightly, folding his hands in his lap. "And what has His Majesty decided regarding the Matalebe issue?"

"King Mwanga has made it clear that Zambesi will not halt its operations against the Matalebe tribes. His Majesty sees it as his duty to defend his kingdom and its people. The rebellion has caused significant loss of life, and he believes it is only right to respond accordingly."

The ambassador's expression remained neutral, but Chuma could sense the shift in the room. Reinhardt's eyes narrowed slightly, and after a brief pause, he spoke again. "So, your king has chosen to reject Valoria's request. Does he understand the implications of this decision?"

Chuma nodded. "He is fully aware, Ambassador. His Majesty believes that Zambesi has faced greater challenges before and will continue to stand strong, with or without Valoria's support."

Reinhardt was silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on Chuma. Finally, he spoke, his voice calm but with an edge of warning. "Minister Chuma, Valoria values its alliance with Zambesi, but our support comes with certain expectations. If your king chooses to ignore our request, Valoria may have to reconsider its position.

I urge you to remind His Majesty of the importance of maintaining strong allies in times of crisis."

Chuma held his ground, his voice unwavering. "Zambesi does not take its alliances lightly, Ambassador. But we cannot sacrifice our sovereignty in the face of foreign demands. We will continue to defend our kingdom as we see fit."
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"But you are not defending your kingdom, Minister Chuma. You are slaughtering the Matalebe people. There is no armed resistance left. We have already driven them from the battlefield. What remains are civilians, innocent families caught in the crossfire."

"The Matalebe tribes initiated this rebellion. They are responsible for the deaths of countless Zambesi citizens, and we cannot ignore the threat they pose. If we allow them to regroup, they will return with more violence. His Majesty sees this as a necessary course of action."

Reinhardt's eyes narrowed. "This is not a necessary course of action—it's a campaign of extermination. Valoria does not condone such actions, and if your king refuses to recognize the distinction between defense and massacre, then we will be forced to reconsider our alliance."

The tension between them grew as Chuma weighed his response. He knew the stakes of this conversation were growing higher by the second. Valoria had positioned itself as a critical ally, but Zambesi's sovereignty could not be undermined.

"Ambassador, I understand your concerns," Chuma replied carefully, "but Zambesi will not be dictated to by foreign powers. Our history has been one of survival against overwhelming odds. We will continue to act in our best interests."

Reinhardt's eyes hardened. "And if your 'best interests' lead to further bloodshed, Zambesi may find itself without the allies it needs most. Tell your king that Valoria's patience is wearing thin. We have been more than generous in our support, but there are limits to what we can tolerate."

Chuma stood, his expression firm. "I will relay your message to His Majesty. But make no mistake, Ambassador—Zambesi will stand, with or without Valoria. We have weathered worse storms."

Reinhardt remained seated, his gaze unflinching. "You may find, Minister, that this storm is unlike any you've faced before."

"We shall see, Ambassador," he said, giving a slight nod. "I will deliver your message to the king."

Without another word, Chuma turned and made his way out of the office, escorted once again through the long corridors of the consulate. His thoughts swirled as he exited the building and stepped back into the cool evening air. The conversation had gone as he expected, but the weight of Valoria's implied threat now loomed over him like a dark cloud.

The ride back to the royal palace was quiet, the streets of the capital filled with the usual evening bustle, but the urgency of the moment pressed heavily on Chuma's mind. He knew the king would not be swayed easily, and he could already predict how Mwanga would react to Reinhardt's warning. Zambesi had never bowed to foreign demands before, and the king had no intention of starting now.

When Chuma arrived at the palace, he made his way swiftly to the grand hall, where the king was waiting. As he entered, he could see Mwanga pacing, clearly agitated. The rest of the council had gathered as well, their faces tense with concern.

"Chuma," Mwanga said sharply as soon as he saw him. "What did the ambassador say?"

Chuma took a deep breath and bowed slightly before speaking. "Your Majesty, Ambassador Reinhardt reiterated Valoria's stance. They demand we halt all operations against the Matalebe tribes immediately. He warned that if we continue, Valoria may be forced to reconsider their alliance with us."

The king's expression darkened, his fists clenching at his sides. "So they would abandon us? After everything we've endured, after all the bloodshed? They would leave us to fend for ourselves?"

"That is the implication, Your Majesty," Chuma replied. "Reinhardt made it clear that Valoria's patience is running thin. They will not condone further actions that could be perceived as an extermination of the Matalebe people."

"Well if that's what they want, then give it to them."