Chapter 22: Meetings

Arriving in the main dining hall with Kristoff the two of us went to take our seats at the table.

Where Boris was already seated and waiting for us.

Since the man is a permanent resident of Castle Doom.

Because since he is basically a second father to me there is no way I'm going to let him live anywhere else.

Plus I enjoy his company, and the advice he gives me where certain matters are concerned.

He's actually one of my top advisors.

Once Kristoff and I arrived the staff began serving us our food.

All of the staff being people Boris hired.

For he was sure of their loyalty.

Even so I still had all of them sign the magical contract like Lucia did when she first agreed to work for me back when we were in US.

Because I am not that trusting.

I can't afford to be.

I know I sound slightly paranoid, but it's not paranoia if people are actually out to get you. And people are out to get me. Plus this is a Marvel Universe so it's better to be paranoid than sorry.

Breakfsst went off without a hitch.

Then once it was over I bid farewell to Kristoff and Boris.

The former heading for lessons with personal tutors. Since although Kristoff I realized immediately after we met the boy had never had any sort of formal education. Which I decided to rectify as soon as possible. Because he couldn't move on to bigger and brighter things without a proper base.

While the latter is heading to the central government HQ to help in the reconstruction and revitalizion projects for Latveria.

Which is where I am also headed.

So Boris and I journeyed there together.

Then after we arrived we went our separate ways.

Arriving at my personal office I entered it.

Where several of my advisors were waiting.

Including Zora, Lucia, and Torvalt.

Yes, Torvalt.

Despite his initial hostile attitude toward me when he first met a year ago he's since then lost it, and during the revolution became a trusted friend and ally.

Which is why after assuming the throne I named him Latveria's new minister of Education.

Since before he joined the revolution he was a teacher.

So the job fits him perfectly.

Not to mention he isn't afraid to disagree with me and voice his opinions straight to my face.

I like that quality in him.

As everyone greeted me I greeted them as I walked over to my desk and then took a seat behind it.

"Alright. Let's get started." I spoke.

"Yes sir." Lucia replied. "First off, the renovations on the factories and warehouses which will be used to produce and store the products you have designed are proceeding smoothly. Based on everything the manufacturing aspect of the venture should be up and running by the end of next month." She explained.

"Excellent." I said. "Next item."

"Of course." Lucia replied. "The second time. Both the United Nations and our neighbor Symkaria have requested to send observation teams to our country." She said.

"Tch." Torvalt clicked his tongue. "The damn United Nations. They did nothing while Vladimir and his people ravaged our homeland for years, and now that we have finally taken it back they dare interfere." He passionately spoke.

Others in the room agreeing with Torvalt.

"Everyone calm down, please. I too share your outrage at this." I said.

Getting all eyes on me.

"You do my king?" Torvalt asked.

I nodded my head. "I do. But given our nations current status antagonizing the United Nations is not something we can afford to do right now. So for now let's play nice."

But when the time comes the United Nations will be kissing Latveria and its people's asses.

"King Victor is right." Zora added. "Having a group boasting such large manpower and resources angry at us right now is unacceptable." She explained. "Especially when we do not even have a truly functional military force yet."

"On that note how is the development of the defense forces going?" I asked.

"Very well my king. The conversion of the former regime prison camps into military bases and facilities is proceeding smoothly. As well as the revamping of the war college and its curriculum. We are also getting a steady number of recruits signing up." Zora explained.

"Good." I said. "So Torvalt how is your major project coming along?" I asked.

"All well and good. But we're missing key personnel to make the project truly work." He explained.

"Oh I know. And don't worry about that. Just leave it to me." I said.

The meeting then continued and my advisors and I discussed many other things.

Including the fact we would delay the United Nations team visit and instead accept the diplomatic envoy from Symkaria first.

Since it would be very disrespectful to our long-time allies if we didn't give them the proper attention they deserved while in our country.

They don't need to be competing with no thirsty thots.

Thus my advisors made notes to set up the Symkaria visit first.

They also informed me our embassies world wide were undergoing the renovations I had requested.

Lucia also mentioned she was training new diplomats to replace the old ones.

Since all of them were loyal to Vladimir and his regime.

After three hours passed the meeting came to an end.

So I let everyone get back to their other business.

Save for Lucia, Zora, and Torvalt.

I asked them to stay behind.

Then shortly after I did Boris arrived.

Once this happened I used my technopathy and locked down my office. Activating signal jammers, white noise generators, and any other anti-survelliance device you can think of. I even activated some magical defenses.

Since you never know who could be watching or listening.

Constant vigilance!

"Victor, why did you call me here?" Boris asked.

"Yes my king, what is this?" Zora asked.

"I needed to discuss some matters with you four in private." I replied. "First off, the representative Symkaria will be sending to Latveria is Silvija Sablinova." I revealed.

"The Silver Sable!" Torvalt exclaimed.

Since Sable reputation proceeds her.

"Victor, how do you know this?" Boris asked.

"The machine I showed you all some time ago." I replied.

Since I showed Boris and the others my survelliance dome as soon as I completed it. Because I know I have their undying trust and loyalty.

Even Torvalt's.

"I knew you said it was for survelliance but to think it would even allow you to learn information such as that." Torvalt mused.

"Oh Torvalt my friend, you have no idea." I said. "On that note thanks to the machine I also learned elements of the Sokovian armed forces are in the midst of prepping an infiltration mission into Latveria. So they can gather information on us, in order to prepare for a full scale invasion." I explained.

Everyone getting looks of disgust and anger on their faces as soon as I finished speaking.

Mirroring my own emotions on the matter.

"Trust me, I am outraged too. But let that not cloud or view of the situation. For this is an opportunity." I said.

"How?" Torvalt asked.

"You're planning to annex Sokovia and make it an extension of Latveria." Zora spoke.

As if reading my mind.

"Zora my dear, you are correct." I said.

"Truly Victor, is that your plan?" Boris asked me.

"It is." I replied. "Firstly because Sokovia is planning to do the same thing to us. So it's only fair we turn the tables on them. Secondly, Sokovia reminds me a lot of Latveria. A powerful dictator oppressing his people and the rest of the world ignoring their cries. Well I won't. And I hope you all won't either."

"I will follow you Victor." Lucia said.

"As will I." Zora added.

"My boy. I trust you." Boris spoke.

"Well you're going to do this anyway so I'll come ong willingly instead of being dragged." Torvalt said..

"Thank you all." I said.

The five of us then had a quick planning session before I let them all leave my office.

Then I got to work.

Latveria itself then fell into a comfortable rhythm for over a month.

Until the day the diplomatic entourage from Symkaria arrived.

Time to meet the fabled Silver Sable.

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