Survey locations for new mines for iron and other precious metals (easier with dwarves), as well as any viable lumber sources closer to the monster-infested lands. Build at least one fort to house troops in that location, with a fair-sized landing area within the walls for balloons and small airships, for if and when we are lucky enough to develop one that can haul heavy loads over rough terrain. Make me proud, engineers! Anyway, if such vital resources are found, offer incentives to the relevant guilds and clans throughout the kingdom to seek their fortune under the full protection of the Royal Army.
Agree to purchase much-needed wood (for airships, mostly) and perhaps some surplus food as a formal trade agreement with the Kingdom of Dolvic. In exchange, offer to sell them our surplus stores of high-grade metals and maybe even weapons, as well as some of our captive monsters for the purposes of study to give their military and learned class a better idea of what to expect.
For Ishval itself, organize a sweeping inspection of the capital's emergency preparation protocols—the planned courses of action for situations of plague, mass riots, enemy invasion, dragon attack, etc. Ensure that these plans still remain solid, that the local municipal authorities are capable of handling things in a crisis, and that a strong chain of command is in place to keep a tight rein on panic. If any problems are found here, we may need to look into the other cities as well.
Governing preferences: LMOE
((Sorry, Generally me, but I don't think we can offer you any direct support right now. I have to ensure that Laevetain's borders are solid before looking to other countries. I'd love to get my hands on some wood, though! Then we'll party all night long. We'll even bring friends! Maybe the few monsters we can send over can show you how it's done. Don't worry, we'll make sure your guys have plenty of nice thick rods in hand in case they get out of control. A nice old-fashioned (to the head) will calm them riiiight down.))