The room settled after Bouchard's remark, and the Emperor took control of the meeting again. He gestured to the Grand Duke, who sat to Alexander's right.
"Let us begin," the Emperor said. "Grand Duke Sergei Voronsky, representing the Ruthenia Empire, you may speak first."
Sergei adjusted in his seat, his broad shoulders shifting as he leaned forward slightly. His voice, deep and authoritative, filled the room.
"The Ruthenia Empire is vast, stretching across the east. We are rich in natural resources—oil, coal, iron. Our military is one of the strongest in the world, with advanced technologies in weaponry and defense systems. Our alliance offers access to these resources and the strength of our military should Valoria ever require it."