Building a Conglomerate in Another World-Chapter 160: The Gran Colombia Reaction

In the heart of Bogotá, the capital of the Gran Colombia Republic, the Grand Council convened in an ornately decorated chamber. The high ceilings and intricate wood carvings were meant to project power and authority, but today, the room was filled with unease. The news that Amerathia had entered Panama and backed its independence had reached the capital. The atmosphere was tense as council members whispered among themselves, their voices echoing off the polished walls.

At the head of the room sat President Mariano Velásquez, an aging but sharp-eyed man known for his calculated demeanor. His gray hair was slicked back, and his fingers drummed on the armrest of his chair as he listened to his ministers and generals debate the issue.

"This is an act of aggression!" bellowed General Rodrigo Ibarra, his voice booming across the chamber. The burly man stood, slamming his fist on the table. "Amerathia has no right to meddle in our territory. They are violating our sovereignty, and we must respond with force." Experience new tales on novelbuddy

Velásquez raised a hand to silence the murmurs that followed. "And what do you suggest, General? That we march our troops into Panama and risk open war with Amerathia? Do you realize what that would cost us?"

Ibarra scowled but remained standing. "If we do nothing, we show weakness. The Panamanians will believe they can secede without consequence, and other regions might follow. Amerathia’s presence is an insult we cannot ignore."

Minister of Finance Diego Herrera, a meticulous man with a thin mustache and a composed demeanor, adjusted his papers before speaking. "General, with all due respect, our treasury is already stretched thin. The rebellion in the southern provinces drained our resources, and our military is still recovering. A direct conflict with Amerathia would bankrupt us."

Ibarra glared at Herrera. "So your solution is to let them walk all over us?"

Herrera’s tone remained calm. "My solution is to avoid unnecessary risks. A war is not just a matter of pride—it’s about logistics, manpower, and funding. If we engage Amerathia now, we will lose."

Velásquez leaned forward, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Enough. Bickering won’t solve this. We need to consider our options carefully."

Foreign Minister Felipe Ortega, a slender man with a calm demeanor, cleared his throat and spoke next. "Mr. President, I believe diplomacy should be our first course of action. We need to understand Amerathia’s intentions before making any hasty decisions. Perhaps we can negotiate a solution that preserves our sovereignty without resorting to violence."

Ibarra scoffed. "Diplomacy? Do you honestly think Amerathia will listen to us? They’ve already made their move. Their troops are in Panama, their supplies are flowing in, and they’re emboldening the rebels. Words won’t stop them."

Herrera nodded in agreement with Ortega. "But we must be strategic. A war would cripple us, General. If diplomacy buys us time to strengthen our position, then it’s worth pursuing."

The council fell silent as Velásquez considered their arguments. The weight of the decision was clear on his face. Finally, he spoke.

"Amerathia’s actions cannot go unanswered," Velásquez began, his voice steady but firm. "However, we must acknowledge our limitations. A full-scale war is not an option—not now. We will take a two-pronged approach."

He turned to Ortega. "Prepare a formal protest to the Amerathian government. Demand an explanation for their actions and insist they withdraw their forces from Panama. Make it clear that their interference is unacceptable."

Ortega nodded. "Understood, Mr. President. I’ll draft the statement immediately."

Velásquez then faced Ibarra. "General, you will reinforce our garrisons near the Panamanian border. I want a show of strength, but no provocations. Let them know we are watching, but do not give them an excuse to escalate."

Ibarra’s expression hardened, but he nodded. "As you wish, Mr. President. I’ll see to it."

The president paused, his gaze sweeping across the room. "Finally, we need to consider the long-term implications. Amerathia is not just here for Panama; they’re here to challenge us. This canal project is a direct threat to our control of the region. We must find a way to counter their influence, both economically and politically."

Herrera leaned forward. "Mr. President, if I may, we could strengthen our alliances with other nations. If we can rally support from other powers who feel threatened by Amerathia’s expansion, we may be able to isolate them diplomatically."

Velásquez nodded thoughtfully. "A good idea, Minister. Begin reaching out to our allies and explore potential partnerships. We’ll need all the support we can get."

As the meeting adjourned, Velásquez retreated to his private office, accompanied by Ortega and Ibarra. The room was quieter, the heavy curtains drawn to block out the afternoon sun. Velásquez poured himself a glass of dark rum and gestured for the others to sit.

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"This situation is more complex than it appears," Velásquez said, his tone lower but no less intense. "Amerathia’s involvement in Panama is not just about a canal. They’re testing us—seeing how far they can push before we push back."

Ortega nodded. "It’s a calculated move. They know we’re vulnerable right now. But if we handle this carefully, we can turn it to our advantage."

"And what if diplomacy fails?" Ibarra asked bluntly. "What if they refuse to withdraw?"

Velásquez sipped his rum, his expression unreadable. "Then we prepare for the worst. But we won’t fight on their terms. If it comes to war, it will be on our soil, under our conditions. Until then, we gather our strength."

The president’s words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of uncertainty. Gran Colombia was at a crossroads, its leaders forced to navigate a treacherous path between diplomacy and conflict. The Panama Canal project had become more than an engineering feat; it was now a symbol of power, ambition, and the struggle for control over the future of the region.

For Velásquez, one thing was clear: this was only the beginning of a much larger battle, and it is a battle that the Gran Colombia Republic won’t back out.