Chapter 1952: That’s… Really Great
Andre’s speech gave him the aura of a diplomat from a big country. One could almost forget that he was the king of the Roth Empire, one of the most powerful men in this world.
He justified war using the need for land in a very intricate way, and this need did not stem from his inner desire, but from the people of the Roth Empire. It was an urgent need for the survival of humans.
Survival was the basis for all races.
And just like what Andre said, the humans were a weak race, and they were given the most barren territory.
After a century, the Roth Empire was no longer that weak country from before. As a large empire that had grown in capabilities, they were asking to expand their lands at the peace talks reasonably.
The target of his challenge was the giant dragons, and that was because they had the most fertile land on the Norland Continent, but it was a piece of land wasted by the giant dragons.
Mag looked at Andre and frowned. This wily old fox was a slippery one.
Josh and Sean were nothing compared to him.
Auster’s brows were tightly knit. He was hesitant to speak. What rights do you have to take it out on us, orcs, just because you are no match for the giant dragons?
Helena studied Andre, as though she was trying to assess the validity of what he said.
The negotiations were stuck because of what Andre said.
The giant dragons would never give up their territories easily, even if it was a piece of land that they had no use for.
Of course, the most important reason was that the Roth Empire, after receiving a barren land, was able to develop to this state within a short span of a century. If they were given a piece of fertile land, would the Roth Empire be riding on top of the giant dragons after a century? This was a question worth dwelling on.
Right now, there were only two choices. Either the giant dragons give up half of their land to the Roth Empire to make Andre sign the peace treaty to extend it for another century, or they refuse to give up their territory, and cause a war to break out between the Roth Empire and the orcs and elves so that the humans could snatch the land that they required.
The most difficult question was thrown to the giant dragons.
“I agree with Andre with regard to the territory. Humans were weak back then, and when the territories were drawn based on capabilities, they got the most barren piece of land. The treaty that was agreed upon to be signed every century was so that it could be altered along with the changes. For example, within this century, the Roth Empire has become a strong country.
“Since it was reasonable to draw the territories based on capabilities, now that a century has passed, and the peace treaty has expired, it is time to redraw the territories based on capabilities again. This can prevent another racial war. There is no problem with that, either.
“The land starting from Chaos City all the way down south to the Boundless Sea Realm is the Norland Continent’s biggest piece of land with the most resources. It is also the most fertile piece of land. However, after the giant dragons had received the land, they did nothing to it.
“Judging from the current capabilities of the Roth Empire, I think it is only reasonable to request that the giant dragons transfer a piece of this land to the Roth Empire,” Mag said suddenly.
“Huh?”
The various representatives looked at Mag in shock.
Who would think that Alex, with his deep feud with Andre, be it due to that assassination on that rainy night or him chopping off Josh’s ear and Sean’s arm, would actually step up right now to agree with Andre’s suggestion?
Louis and Douglas exchanged glances, trying to find a reason from each other for Alex’s sudden change.
Even Andre was looking at Mag in shock.
“However…” Mag turned to look at Andre as he continued, “The Peace Alliance is not just an alliance on paper. For the sake of world peace, we have already signed the treaty to protect the allies. If the Roth Empire attacks any of the allies, the Peace Alliance will attack the Roth Empire.”
He knew very clearly that what Andre wanted was not just that half of the land. There were indeed people from the Roth Empire who were still struggling to survive, and were even unable to earn a livelihood because of the insufficient land.
Andre seemed to have understood what Mag was thinking, and his face sank gradually.
“I will never agree to this! The giant dragons will never be threatened!” Isaiah shouted.
“This matter concerns the benefits of the whole giant dragon race. Even us, the top 10 of the giant dragons, aren’t able to make a decision so easily. Allow us to take some time to dwell on it,” Douglas said equally coldly.
“This matter will also determine whether the Roth Empire will sign the peace treaty. Since you want to discuss it another time, we can continue this conversation after you are done with your discussion.” Andre was not backing down, either.
The talks had once again ended up with no solution. Michael stood up, and said, “In that case, let’s take a break, and continue the talks after an hour!”
Mag did not think the break would come so quickly on the first day of the peace talks.
Everyone left the hall, while the 10 representatives of the giant dragon tribes went to a smaller room.
“Why did you suddenly change your stance and side with Andre?” Irina asked Mag curiously after they left the meeting room.
“I’m not standing on his side. I’m standing on the side of reason.” Mag shook his head. “The Roth Empire has created a miracle on a piece of barren land, but that does not mean that they should stay in that barren piece of land forever. I don’t like the attitude of the other races taking things for granted as well.
“Andre wants the world to bow before him. He wants a reasonable excuse to start a war. That piece of land is what the Roth Empire deserves, and it is also what I want to use to stump Andre.”
Irina nodded thoughtfully. Mag had thought things through deeper than she had.
“Master, do you think that fellow would really attack us, orcs? Should we get prepared first?” Connie asked Rex softly and nervously.
“I’ve already made arrangements,” Rex said very calmly without any change in expression.
“Master, you’re impressive indeed. But, are we able to hold out?” Connie was expectant.
“No,” Rex said straightforwardly.
“Errrr…”
“Neither can the Wind Forest.”
“That’s… really great.”
***
On the other side, the giant dragon representatives were also in the midst of an argument.
“If half of that land could make Andre work with us to deal with the devil, I find it worthwhile,” Louis said seriously.
“I think so too. That piece of land is just like a chicken wing to us, dragon tribes, that we find bland in taste but a pity to throw away. None of the dragon tribes would use that land as our territory,” Douglas agreed with a nod.
“In that case, won’t we, the dragon tribes, be a laughing stock to the other races now for giving in to the Roth Empire’s threats and giving them our land?” Isaiah shouted loudly..