Very Wrong Reincarnation: Isekai with Game Nation

Chapter 22

Humming with satisfaction, I finally get my things in order. Seeing the papers I've got, there's a lot of things going on as planned—no hostilities or fallouts. It's safe to say that Cignus is already entering a transitional government. Once the formal and official election for the next head of the province, now country, so president? Is held, I can get a nice breather.

"Governor, we've already finished incorporating most of the Mineas into our fold. There were some minor arguments, but generally, the high elves and demi-humans under our wing are pretty much willing," said my aide, Nathan.

"And those who don't like it?"

"Those are pretty much want autonomy, but suspicious to our motives. As long as we guarantee that, they're more than willing to accept our demands."

I guess that might be a reality if one said, "Hey, come to our new country, follow us!" So, they would likely be suspicious. Thus, these small arguments or reluctance are expected.

"Is Kim properly doing his job?" I asked. If I remember correctly, he's been assigned to assimilate the tribes in Mineas under the guise of his proficiency in taking care of indigenous folks. But he's an opposition leader and pretty much in cahoots with the rebels in the south. Nonetheless, he has been observed to be less xenophobic towards nonhumans from the province, so I can't casually throw people like Smith to take care of them; they might shoot them on sight rather than talk to them.

"Mr. Kim is doing a splendid job in taking care of that aspect," Nathan mused in response. "He's quite charismatic to those demi-humans, especially the elves. The concessions he accepts are still under the proposals and protocols you've established," he said to me.

That was a relief. It was good to have someone with common sense handling such delicate matters.

Next would be the proposal from Yudric, a noble from Valur. He's... "This is interesting. The guy wants to defect to us?" I read the description and request, and to be honest, I'm tempted.

"Palus Earldom wishes to be incorporated and is willing to cooperate with us," said Nathan. "I believe we should be lenient and cautious, but I don't think the request is entirely unfounded or a trap set by enemies. They should know that picking on us would be a bad idea."

"I know," I responded with a light tone. "We're already fully occupied with the plan of annexation of that peninsula as our territory. We got confirmation from our men there that the place has oil, ripe for our taking." The place, called Anubia, is a coastal city situated a bit far but not impossible to capture and control. Valur doesn't seem interested in it. The population is small too, just a few tens of thousands, not counting the western frontiers of Valur, which are basically untamed wilderness.

"Our next target would be the eventual confrontation with Valur."

"Yeah, we can't really take Anubia and some territories for free without facing their wrath."

"The buildup you requested is already in motion. Striking their capital wouldn't be an issue."

"Attacking their capital, huh," I mused. When they suggested it and explained their reasoning, I was quite surprised. But nonetheless, I'm still optimistic about not escalating the situation. If possible, making them submit through threats and bluffs would be better than striking them hard. Having them harbor a grudge or develop paranoia towards us later on would be quite troublesome to handle.

However, I'm still open to offensive and hard-handed actions if push comes to shove. If they can't understand dialogue or threats, then a slap in the face would be the right course of action, with plenty of casualties and hard destruction to make them understand the difference between our powers.