The Peerless Kobold - Chapter 158
In this situation, with the exception of some members of the aristocracy, it would be too risky to get involved with the Republic who had a more liberated approach. Getting involved with the Republic would not only make the situation chaotic but it would also give these foreigners the opportunity to overrun the Ancient Forest by taking advantage of the gaps in their barriers.
“If that’s the case, then we can’t have those republican troops stationed at Elwind City loitering around, can we? After all, they might be there as insurance against the city’s barrier, but…”
Just as Eliza said while playing with her curly hair, even if the Republic could get the elves to accept the conditions they presented, if the barriers were restored after the event, then interference from the outside would be blocked. Therefore, their intention of taking the city of Elwind as a hostage was obvious.
“We should also refuse their request to treat the World Tree Memoria (Memory). After all, if we give in to their demands and their show of power, then they will only look down on us. ”
Aristia meditated upon Prime Minister Theodore’s suggestion for a while.
“Listy, is it possible to connect the World Tree Aion to Memoria through the earth’s ley lines despite the distance?”
“It was originally connected to Affectio. However, even though we chose the land it was planted on, it seems the connection has been severed and the location has become the nation’s capital now, so I’m afraid we cannot take care of it from here.”
A World Tree has the ability to grow fast, so by the time it was handed over to the Philland Republic, it had already grown sufficiently to provide the Humans with leaves for elixirs and branches for making magical tools. Fearing interference from the Ancient Forest, it was believed that the Republic probably severed its connection through the earth’s ley lines to make it independent from the other trees.
And even now, the chances of them allowing the Elves to connect to the tree were nil without any kind of guarantee.
“…And what is the status of the barrier surrounding Elwind City?”
“I’m afraid it still hasn’t been restored to its original state, Your Majesty.”
Prime Minister Theodore’s face clouded over at Listy’s explanation.
“According to the additional reports from Elwind City, we have confirmed that at least 2,000 soldiers from the Republic are camped near the barriers and their actual fighting force, excluding the Transportation Units, are at approximately 1,600 personnel.”
“What about the status of our soldiers stationed there?”
“The only ones who could respond are about 260 soldiers from the Royal Capital. If we enlisted the help of the Obsidian Elves and gave them equipment, then we could gather around a thousand people, but…”
Even though Aristia didn’t want to think that the presence of a foreign enemy would cause further in-fighting between the clans, the Prime Minister’s unexpressed intentions were what worried her the most.
“… Depending on the situation, they could also be targeting the Royal Capital, so please make preparations. Also, please instruct the cities of Elreic and Eldart to send over reinforcements as soon as possible.”
“So in terms of military force, I think we’re on equal footing, Your Majesty. However, I’m sure the Republic won’t stand idly either.”
As Eliza put it, the deadline for responding to the conditions presented by the messenger of the Republic was set so the Elves could not make any unnecessary moves to provide any decent assistance to the city of Elwind.
(Of course, I understand where you’re coming from, but we’re stuck on both sides…)
Aristia released a heavy sigh at Eliza’s suggestion.
“… This is just a bit of wishful thinking, but may I suggest something?”
“Yes, you may.”
“The terms set by the special envoy of the Republic may seem one-sided, but they do show some consideration for us.”
“What do you mean?”
“I do not know what is going on with the Humans, but they do not seem to have any intention of making things worse… At the very least, I think they need our assistance with the World Tree in their possession.”
After collecting her thoughts for a while, Eliza continues,
“Let us allow them to stay in the city of Elwind and continue negotiations. At the very least, it would give us some time to restore the barriers and we could also prepare our troops so that they cannot break through.”
“Besides, it will be harder for them to act out if they are politely invited,” she added.
And like this, a messenger was dispatched to the city of Elwind to inform the other party. The 2nd Division of the Republican Army then took up a position on the outskirts of the city, and Eliza was assigned to take charge of the negotiations.
