Standing upon his personal balcony, mighty Walhart examined the beauty of his capital which expanded out on all sides from his mighty palace. Spring time was finally upon his lovely empire. With the recent world happenings, he made sure to take this time to relax and properly plan out how his country would react to the events which expired around them. It seems Valm had to do nothing in response to Bennipolis. Their broad claims to all lands of the new world brought the ire of not only the commerce league, but many other nations at large. Their standing among the international community plummeted. No longer would he worry about those fleas biting at his side like the nuisances they were. He had received word that Terheridon had even launched an invasion upon the fools for their bold claims. It seemed the weapons that transferred hands into their poorly armed military were of great use. Still, not all was well. Kamalo, the outdated nation to Valm's south had publicly declared their disapproval of the situation and seemed to be urging the continent to turn on Terheridon. It put Valm in an odd spot. With so much of their boarders shared with Valm, trading with them was very lucrative. If Terheridonian gold was to make it to a large portion of the land it would have to cross through his borders and withstand his taxes. If, Kamalo were to mobilize their forces against Terheridon and win, it would gravely hurt the beautiful trade that expired between her and Valm.

At the same time, Walhart doubted that any other nations would be as bold as to invade Terheridon considering who their target was. Bennipolis had rightly pissed off the commerce league, the group whom Valm belonged and as a result, held the strongest combined military strength in the world. So, any nations among Valm's associates would be unlikely to wage war against the wealthy, if not backwards aggressors. Bennipolis was pitiful in terms of her military numbers, but Kamalo was a threat. Her forces nearly rivaled Valm's in sheer number, but paled in comparison when it came to training and modern weaponry. He knew not much about Terheridon's own military, but a joint attack between both Bennipolis and Kalmalo could spell disaster for them. Valm would a chance at gaining more wealth, and Kalmalo and Bennipolis would lined their pockets with the spoils. Still, Valm couldn't publicly support Terheridon. They brought war upon a continent which had seen peace for long. It would also lower Valm in the eyes of the Commerce League, at least in the eyes of Arbasses, the most valued of them all. Perhaps some diplomacy and a nice infusion of coin would change their tones, should Valm need to mediate the conflict with her armed forces. 

But the worries at home couldn't have come at a worse time. Not only were the seas rife with pirates these days, something he had a solid hunch was not completely the vault of recent colonization attempts alone, but winter storms had delayed Valm from responding to Arbasses' request for finacial aide. That would surely set them back in their fleet building attempts. Even once it was done and over with and the colonies Valm intended to form were said and done, making war with anyone now, especially the naval powers of Kalmalo and Bennipolis would make life difficult for the colonies and the freshly appointed sailors of Valm's navy unpleasant to say the least. Perhaps, instead of letting himself be brought into war as others of his lineage maybe have done, Walhart would stand back. Build up his lands once more, get the economy roaring and ready to fund the new world expeditions while his neighbors made bold claims and squabbled. He inhaled the fresh air of the spring once more before returning to his chambers and sitting upon his desk. He grabbed some parchment and a quill, scribing away in his bedroom whilst the gentle snores of his wife and the calming breeze of the outside world filled the room.

[hider=The Councilate of Arbasses][i]'It is true that our nations fall on hard times as a result of the bickering that surrounds the new world. Valm is happy to assist her allies in the Councilate in any way necessary. In light of our intentions to expand to the new world, your suggestion to provide Valm with ships via your docks is very interesting. After speaking with my council, we have agreed upon the number of vessels to be constructed and shall pay your listed price in full. 10 Brigs, 8 Sloops, 4 Schooners and 3 Frigates should be constructed as soon as possible. Expect payment to arrive within the coming days of this letter, along with the men who shall captain these vessels and the colonists whom shall sail with them. In addition, Valm shall send the earlier requested 1,000,000,000 to assist in the importation of these newly discovered resources. 

Unfortunately, good business is not the only reason I write this letter to you. As you know, war has fallen upon Bennipolis. No doubt a result of their insulting behavior in the passed year. Kamalo requests the international community come down upon Terheridon with its full might. I must disagree. Bennipolis had the gull to threaten the world at large with war. Now that they've received it, they beg their more powerful allies to rally support for their cause? No. I say that the Commerce League have no part in condemning either side. It is the business of Bennipolis and Bennipolis alone. Valm has no intentions of intervention in the conflict and I assume the Councilate agrees in such.

- Emperor Walhart III of the Imperium'[/i][/hider]

One letter down. With the councilate addressed and Valm's opinions sent to the league, it was time to take steps in interactions with other nations. It was fairly common knowledge that Marcus, Walhart's eldest son and heir to Valm's throne was of age to marry. He had been for some time now. Walhart was personally proud of his boy. He was of strong body and sharp wit. A tad aggressive, but a shrewd man who was a worthy heir to the Valmese throne. But the boy had yet to take up a bride, preferring to focus on a strong military career before he settled down for more noble duties, as Walhart himself and Walhart's father had. He blamed the lad not. It still didn't make the constant requests and offers of his councilmen's daugthers any less irritating. Walhart had nothing to gain from his son laying with Valmese women but grandchildren. As much as he looked forward to those, marriage with another kingdom was far more lucrative. Frankly, he had intended to work out a deal with Terheridon. Their wealth would make them very useful allies. True, their nation had an odd system of rotating dynasties, but they were set for another 99 years, more than enough for Valm to get what it needed from them. Other governments had adopted their 'senates' and 'ruling councils'. It made political marriages useless. Still, a few kingdom remained. Aznavor to the high north, while not sharing a border with Valm, was an option. If he recalled, they possessed daughters of age. Marrying one of their daughters off to the heir of a wealthy and powerful empire would do well for them. Valm would gain more allies in the world, gain more support in their colonial endeavors. It was a win win. 

So he drafted another letter to be sent out.

[hider=Kingdom of Aznavor]
[i]'Greetings. I'm certain you are aware of the violent events falling upon our homelands as of late. Harsh words turning to bloody conflicts and neighbors turning on neighbors over menial things. In times likes these, it is of the utmost importance that nations band together in alliances and keep themselves safe. Valm would personally like to extend its hand to Aznavor in these troubled times, to build an alliance together to brave the world as it takes a turn for the worse. Building ties now could mean a world of difference should the conflicts of the southern lands begin to engulf more and more of the continent. No foul feelings shall be had if you refuse, but I must request you consider joining forces with the Imperium. May luck shine upon you in the coming times.

Walhart III, Emperor of the Imperium of Valm'[/i][/hider]

The emperor sighed softly as he finished his letter, sliding it to be taken to his aides and sent off with the others later. Just a few more orders of business to attend to and he would be done. With the economy still injured from the market crash, it was important to invest in industry and growth now. Help revitalize the system so that Valm could expand its coffers once more. Henry De Stonee's successes were also to be spread throughout the empire's fields. Then there was the business of the newly received troops to attend to...

[i]"Isn't it a bit early to be attending to those affairs, my dear?..."[/i] Purred the empress from the large bed she shared with her husband. [i]"It's not often we get this kind of time to ourselves. Perhaps you can forsake your writing for just a few hours? I have a few issues in dire need of your attention.~"[/i]

How could a husband refuse such a request? The emperor stood from his study and stretched slightly. Yes... perhaps attending to more 'internal' affairs would do him some good. Valm could wait for just another day...

TL;DR;

Valm declares it shall not interfere in the war efforts. As such, it accepts Terheridon's bribe without shame. 
Striking a deal with the Councilate, Valm spends 2.5 billion to construct its first naval fleet. General Val Heimstell is appointed Grand Admiral of the newly formed force and leaves for Arbasses with his officers and men to crew the newly commissioned vessels. 
Valm also invests another 1 billion in Arbasses' import plans.
To revitalize and strengthen the economy of Valm, it spends 5 billion on internal improvements of its industry and commerce sectors.
Henry de Stonee's inventions are spread throughout the country side to help boost the agricultural production. He is credited for his invention and receives a personal award from the Emperor for his contributions to Valm's peoples. 
Valm's military begins drilling the newly recruited Conscription forces in the hopes of turning them into a more formidable force. 
Valm requests an alliance with Aznavor.