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 novelhall.Côm

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."

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.

"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.