Chapter 1345: The Lord's Deployment and Inquiry_2
"Since we wear the crown and hold the scepter, we must think more comprehensively. If we are negligent, who could protect these people who believe in us?"
Leo Ray's expression grew more solemn, and under the moonlight, he appeared even more resolute. He continued, "That's why I would rather be overly cautious ten thousand times than to allow a single oversight to lead to irreparable consequences."
"Lord, I understand what you mean."
Ariel Watson's expression also became firm. She nodded heavily and said, "Rest assured, Lord, as per our agreement, I will guard the rear for you!"
After speaking, although Ariel Watson's face still carried a trace of reluctance, she nonetheless walked out of the gates of Ice Stone City.
After escorting Ariel Watson back to the castle, Leo Ray had no time to rest. After dispatching Ice Stone City to the Outer Region to assist with the deployment of defenses, he then proceeded to Crystal Blue City, and subsequently arrived at Radiant City.
Leo Ray's purpose for coming here was to meet with Pelican Princess Faye.
According to Faye, during the Silver Moon Era before the Era of Blankness, the Flower Fairies and Dragonborn were affiliated groups of the Ancient Human Tribe, sheltered by the Silver Fire Kingdom, and they swore allegiance to the latter.
Now, as we are about to face these two former affiliated powers of the Ancient Human Tribe, Leo Ray naturally had to discuss with Faye how to approach them more securely if necessary.
After all, both factions are exceptionally powerful, especially the Dragonborn, who are backed by the Light Elf. Mishandling the situation will undoubtedly cause us a lot of trouble.
It didn't take long before Leo Ray appeared in the secret meeting room of the Light Sanctuary's Main Temple in Radiant City. Sitting in front of him were Faye, Sofia, and several other Coldflame Monarchs.
"Everyone, the situation is currently very complex, so I'll get straight to the point."
Leo Ray slightly nodded and then described the current situation in the Gleaming Rift Valley.
"Trolls, Minotaurs, Flower Fairies, and Dragonborn?"
After listening to Leo Ray's description, Faye, with her delicate face resting on her hand, said thoughtfully, "To those of us from the Silver Moon Era, these are like ants. Little did we expect them to grow so powerful today."
"The wheels of time never stop, and having gone through the unknown Era of Blankness, many things are no longer as they once were."
Leo Ray smiled helplessly and then spoke about the opponent's strength.
Like the Wood Fairies, Dwarf Elves, and Treants—our allies of third-tier strength in the Outer Region—these four also share the same level. However, after two Giant Dragon Wars, the strength of our allies has been severely compromised, making these four appear even more formidable.
As for the extent of their power, Leo Ray had asked Broy, Crisis, and others for details.
Even a single one of their factions could fight us evenly, and even a victory would be a Pyrrhic one. If we were to face two of them simultaneously, it would be disastrous.
The issue is that we do not know if these four are allied, nor do we understand why they suddenly began their military preparations nearly simultaneously.
"I see; although the opponent has not shown any hostility yet, Your Majesty's approach is very wise."
Holy Maiden Queen Sofia's star-like eyes showed a hint of agreement, as she nodded and said, "How can we allow others to snore beside our bed, especially when 'others' are currently eyeing us like a prey, with unknown intentions."
"But one thing is sure: if they are amassing troops on one side of the Giant Valley, even with conflicting interests, it's clearly to target the Giant Valley itself or our territories."
Sage King Ebner lightly stroked his chin, with frowning brows, said, "The current situation is indeed extremely tense."
"Exactly, that's my concern. Based on the information I've gathered, these four are not the kind to be trifled with, or they wouldn't have stood tall in the Outer Region until now."
Leo Ray smiled helplessly, then turned his gaze to Faye, "Which is why I seek the opinion of the Pelican Princess your Highness."
"Your Majesty, you did well not to engage with them lightly. In my lingering memories, these four are not forces that would easily bow down."
Faye tried her best to recall the past and stated thoughtfully, "During the Silver Moon Era, when the Ten Thousand Clans were at their peak, although all-encompassing wars were hardly ever seen, frictions between these forces were inevitable. Some were even destroyed—something the deities allowed to happen. The strong prevail, an eternal truth in any era."
"Regarding the four, including the Flower Fairies and Dragonborn who once submitted to the Ancient Human Tribe, I don't have significant recollections. Perhaps I've forgotten too much, or perhaps I didn't pay much attention to them since the strong typically don't care for the weak."
Faye's fair face showed a hint of helplessness, then sternly said, "But based on my memory, the Flower Fairies and Dragonborn are not without weaknesses. The former likes all kinds of heavenly treasures, while the latter prefers glittering objects."
"That aligns with the information I've gotten."
Leo Ray nodded slightly, recalling the portrayal of both groups given by Broy and Crisis.
As fairy kinds, the Flower Fairies bear a distant relation to the Wood Fairies led by Crisis, sharing similarities in both size and appearance.
However, unlike the naturally revered and simple-structured Wood Fairies, the Flower Fairies, who like to bully the weak, have advanced to a level comparable to the Human Clan in civilization. Although they call themselves city-states, sounding non-threatening, in reality, they resemble empires, enslaving many weaker species.
The relationship between the Flower Fairies and Wood Fairies is like viewing the Stone Age from the agricultural era: they disdain each other. Despite the proximity, there hasn't been any interaction for over two thousand years. Historically, the Flower Fairies have even waged wars against the Wood Fairies, often emerging victorious and benefiting from the latter.
This makes it clear that the Flower Fairies' love for heavenly treasures is likely their last point of interest in nature.
As for the Dragonborn, as the name implies, they are humanoids with Dragon Clan blood. Though similar in size to the Human Clan, they have dragon-like features, with scales on their skin, some even possessing dragon tails and horns, their appearance directly related to the amount of Dragon Clan blood they have.
Unlike the aggressive Flower Fairies, the Dragonborn combine the strengths of dragons and humanoids. Though also difficult to deal with, they act more tactfully and appropriately, possibly the reason why the Light Elf aligns with them.
Besides, the Trolls are notorious for cannibalism. Known for their brutality and evil, they are even harder to communicate with. As for the Minotaurs, known for stubbornness and dullness, and naturally violent tempers, they too are not easy to change.
Therefore, if we must engage with the opposing side, it is more appropriate to choose the Flower Fairies and Dragonborn both in terms of feelings and logic.
"Simply relying on heavenly treasures and magic gems is likely not enough to completely sway them, given my current resource constraints. Even the quantity of Tier 6 Magic Potions I have is limited despite decomposing them."
"Regarding the Dragonborn, who have some contact with the Light Half-Elf, even if I were to grit my teeth and decompose Tier 6 Weapons inlaid with gems for rare magic gems, finding a breakthrough would still be difficult. After all, these peak powers have access to rare magic gem veins, mining thousands a day, while my limited Tier 6 Weapons make it hard to compete."
After pondering for a moment, Leo Ray once again looked toward Faye, asking, "Princess your Highness, beyond the emblem of the Silver Fire Kingdom, is there anything else that could entice them?"
"Let me think... perhaps there is."
Faye pondered for a while, her starry eyes suddenly brightened.
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