Two days later, Priya entered the king's cabin.
"Your Majesty," she said.
"Yes, Priya, speak," Rahul replied, seated on his throne.
"Your Majesty, the representatives from the Russian arms company will be arriving for the military deal we have been preparing for a long time," Priya informed him.
"Very well," Rahul nodded. "We will purchase the military equipment according to the budget approved in the council. Ensure that the Ministry of Defense is fully prepared."
Priya continued, "They are scheduled to arrive by tomorrow evening. Today there is a function, and tomorrow evening the deal will be finalized.
"You may instruct the Ministry of Defense to handle everything and provide the confirmation directly to me."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Priya replied. "I will coordinate with them and make sure it is done under your authority."
In the evening, Rahul attended a formal function where he met with the Russian arms representatives. The discussions were cordial, and preliminary terms were exchanged. Priya was present to oversee the proceedings and ensure everything ran smoothly. After the function, Rahul returned to his private chambers, leaving the detailed negotiations in the hands of the Ministry of Defense.
He knew that over the next month, the Ministry would work closely with the Russian company, reviewing all technical specifications and pricing. Once the Ministry completed its evaluation, the final terms would be brought to Rahul for approval, ensuring that the deal was fully aligned with the kingdom's strategic and financial interests.
A month later, Rahul convened a meeting in the royal conference hall with the Ministry of Defense, Priya, and key advisors to review the Russian arms deal. The large oak table was filled with documents, weapon specifications, and budget sheets.
Rahul began, "Priya, present the details of the proposed purchase. Keep it within our 1.5 billion USD budget."
Priya stepped forward confidently, "Your Majesty, here's a rationalized allocation for the 1.5 billion USD budget:
Tanks: 50 T-90 tanks at 20 million USD each = 1 billion USD
Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs): 100 IFVs at 2 million USD each = 200 million USD
Fighter Jets: 10 Su-35 jets at 30 million USD each = 300 million USD
This covers our primary heavy equipment. For helicopters and initial ammunition, the company has agreed to provide training and partial supplies included within the above cost to ensure we stay within budget."
Rahul nodded, "Good. Priya, confirm with them that there will be no hidden charges, and delivery schedules must align with our training programs. I want everything operational within six months."
Priya continued, "Your Majesty, tanks and IFVs will arrive first, followed by the fighter jets. Maintenance teams and instructors will accompany all shipments to ensure our personnel are trained immediately. We also requested integrated communication systems compatible with our current command network."
Rahul leaned forward, "Training is mandatory. Make sure our personnel can operate independently. Also, document the payment schedule—50% upfront and the remainder over six months. Any delays or quality issues are unacceptable."
Priya replied, "Understood, Your Majesty. I will draft the formal contract for your approval tomorrow. This allocation maximizes operational capability while keeping within the 1.5 billion USD ceiling."
Rahul concluded, "Excellent. This deal will modernize our military without overburdening the treasury. Priya, oversee all correspondence and confirm the shipments. I want real-time updates on both training and delivery."
Rahul paced once across the chamber, then turned to the Defence Minister.
"Have you spoken to the arms company about the instalment and onsite production?" he asked.
The Defence Minister replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. My SD has spoken with them, but they refuse to go below $500 million for helping stabilize and setting up the company here. They also demand access to some of our resources as part of the deal."
Rahul's face hardened. "These assholes—parasites. We cannot depend on them entirely. Find another option. Do not let them blackmail us with demands for our resources."
He fixed the minister with a hard look. "Visit China and India as alternatives. Do not go to America for this—those people only see profit, not partnership. Make the China and India channels your priority."
The Defence Minister inclined his head. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Rahul gave a final instruction. "Keep the budget $500 million, but negotiate far better terms: full installation completed within the first year, guaranteed outcomes, training and maintenance included, and clear assurances on delivery and quality. No resource handovers. Understood?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," the Defence Minister replied.
Rahul nodded once. "Do it. Bring me concrete proposals. I want options — and I want them clean."
Rahul sat upright and gave a string of sharp, decisive orders.
"Priya, summon the Ministry of External Affairs. Tell them to open contact channels in multiple countries — embassies, trade offices, technical missions. Start courting investment, but be clear: no single company or state can gain disproportionate control here. I will not allow a deep‑state situation in Athenia."
Priya bowed and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. I will instruct them immediately."
Rahul continued, eyes cold with resolve, "Frame offers that attract small‑to‑medium investments: infrastructure projects, joint ventures, training programs. Emphasize transparency, staggered capital inflows, and strict audit controls by the NLAO and the Anti‑Corruption Bureau. Make sure every deal has exit clauses and independent oversight."
"When you contact them," he added, "prioritize China and India for defense‑industrial cooperation as we discussed. Europe and neutral consortia for civil infrastructure and education. Avoid handing critical sectors to single foreign entities. Understood?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Priya answered.
Rahul turned to the Defence Minister. "How is the training of mining personnel going? I want daily updates."
The Defence Minister looked to Priya. "Your Majesty, the Ministry of Mining is running the training programs with the consortium's technicians. We need a full progress report."
"Then get that report," Rahul said. "Priya, instruct the Ministry of Mining to send a complete training status by tomorrow — number of recruits trained, machines mastered, maintenance capability, and a timeline for full local operation."
Priya nodded, making notes. "I will request the report and have it on your desk first thing."
Rahul stood, making one last command. "Also draft a detailed plan and exceptional budget for the Army and Air Force modernization — procurement timelines, training schedules, maintenance, and integration of the new systems. I want budgets that protect our sovereignty, ensure operational readiness, and minimize foreign dependency. Priya, have the draft ready for review within five days."
"All orders will be carried out, Your Majesty," Priya confirmed.
The ministers bowed and dispersed to execute the directives. Rahul watched them go, satisfied that each strand — diplomacy, investment control, mining training, and defense budgeting — was being pulled taut and placed under his strict oversight.
Rahul's voice was steady, iron under velvet. He turned to the Defence Minister and Priya with the gravity of a man laying the last stones of a fortress.
"When the equipment arrives," he said, "I want a pre‑deployment training cadre ready — a light, highly capable batch who can master the systems before the full deliveries land. The moment the tanks, IFVs, and aircraft touch our soil, those teams must be able to operate and maintain them. Put them through rhythm drills, systems familiarization, and rapid repair cycles. Within weeks they should be able to form light rapid units for deployment and training."
He fixed the Defence Minister with a cold look. "Your job is to improve the army — capability and loyalty. I will not tolerate a coup or any shade of mutiny. If anyone thinks of betraying this kingdom, they will find that loyalty here is not negotiable."
The Defence Minister bowed. "Your Majesty, understood. The training squads will be ready, and loyalty protocols are being reinforced. Our people have seen your reforms — they trust the crown. There's little chance of organized resistance."
Rahul's mouth tightened into a small, satisfied curve. "Good. Ensure vetting, rotation, and incentive structures are applied. Reward merit, remove dangerous loyalties, and bind officers to the state — not to cliques."
He turned to Priya. "Draft letters — formal diplomatic notes — to the Prime Minister of India, the President of China, the Russian leadership, Australia, the EU Council, and key Gulf states. Tell them: Atlantica is open for investment and diplomatic ties. Invite them to establish embassies if they wish, and offer reciprocal representation. Make it official, professional, and firm. Emphasize transparency, protection of investment, and that embassies will be treated with full respect."
Priya moved immediately to her tablet, fingers already mapping the headers. "Yes, Your Majesty. I will prepare the letters with the protocol office and have them ready for your signature."
Rahul nodded once, voice low but absolute. "Embassies are our lifeline to the world. Open them — but keep control. No single power must ever dominate. Understood?"
"All understood, Your Majesty," Priya answered crisply, already composing the drafts.
Rahul watched them go, the shape of his plan folding into action: trained hands, loyal soldiers, and a diplomatic net that would secure both investment and sovereignty.