Chapter 1492: Breaking Defenses, Returning

Of course, Xia Duo did not directly resort to verbal threats; he knew very well that even if he cursed the other party's ancestors for eighteen generations, it would be difficult to truly break their defenses.

After all, in the eyes of many Cormanthor Elves, humans are just a kind of "lower life form." Is there any need to take the barking of a lower life form to heart?

But who is Xia Duo? Come to think of it, he had once served as a Cormanthor True King. Although it was in a Projection Plane, he likely knew far more about the details of Cormanthor's birth than this Priest Lagelun before him!

To break their defenses, one must start with what the other party truly cares about!

"The long-term continuation of the Tai'kuise Clan must be premised on the long-term continuation of the people's rights; the True King's unification of the tribes must be premised on the long-term peace and unity of all people."

In front of the Acorla high-ranking officials and the two Cormanthor Envoys, Xia Duo recited this proverb using an accent and tone more characteristic of Cormanthor.

On the Acorla side, most members of the Advisory Group wore puzzled expressions, while Aisibilan looked as if he were deep in thought.

Only those two Cormanthor Envoys had their expressions change drastically; in particular, the Sword-Guard Mage could hardly be described as just having an ugly expression—it was as if he had lost a loved one.

And that Priest Lagelun, as if he had seen something extremely terrifying, pointed a slightly trembling finger at Xia Duo, stammering "You, you" for a long time without being able to utter a complete sentence.

Seeing this scene, Xia Duo felt extremely refreshed; he knew that these two Cormanthor Elves had truly had their defenses broken!

The proverb he had just spoken came from the prophecy of Coronal Osons, the last Coronal of Jielunsita, and was also the oath taken by a Cormanthor Coronal upon ascending the throne.

It is the foundation upon which the rule of a Cormanthor Coronal can exist and continue.

Having betrayed the oath, there is no doubt that they no longer possess the legitimacy to rule.

As someone who personally experienced the "Cormanthor Birth" in the Projection Plane and became a Cormanthor True King, Xia Duo can responsibly say that while there might be some secrets in the process of Cormanthor's birth, generally speaking, there wasn't much trickery involved.

Coronal Osons's prophecy is equivalent to a "founding constitution," and the oath taken by a Cormanthor Coronal upon ascending the throne is equivalent to swearing an oath to that constitution.

The "constitution" itself has no problems; it is very upright and conforms to tradition, always speaking of "unity of the people," "long-term peace," and "equality of the five races."

But what about in actual practice?

Before the Northland Alliance was established, Cormanthor had always pursued "Great Elf Imperialism," and the "equality of the five races" was nothing but empty talk.

The oppression of the Druid community within the country is the most direct evidence. Even after the Northland Alliance was established and Coronal Yilisier's governing policy changed, the current attempt to seek unification through improper means can definitely be called "unconstitutional."

Coronal Yilisier has been on the throne for nearly a thousand years; even with the longevity of the Elf race, there are likely few Elves left who lived through the period of Cormanthor's birth.

Even if there are many left, who would dare to say a word against it?

When it comes down to it, any decision made by Yilisier could not possibly have been thought up by him alone; he must have consulted with his supporters.

Or rather, it is not that the Cormanthor Coronal alone has "violated the constitution," but that the ruling class of Cormanthor is rotting together.

It is just that some things can be done, but once said aloud and brought into the light, they are no longer beautiful.

Therefore, over these years, Cormanthor's "founding constitution" has almost become a secret; it is not that no one knows, but that no one is willing to mention it.

Would they want to slap their own faces?

Priest Lagelun probably never expected that a human would actually know the content, and even say it in public, pointing directly at their own weakness—this was truly a massive breaking of defenses.

With their defenses broken and having lost their composure, Lagelun had no heart to remain here any longer; he found a random excuse and left with that Sword-Guard Mage.

……

After the Cormanthor Envoys left in a sorry state, the Coronal of Acorla said with disappointment: "We haven't even had a chance to inform Cormanthor about our new agreement!"

"Coronal, do not be disappointed. It won't be long before the Northland Alliance consultation meeting takes place. We can inform all nations then; perhaps that will make Cormanthor even more 'delighted'!"

After finishing, Aisibilan looked at Xia Duo with a smile, "I didn't expect Special Envoy Xia Duo to be so knowledgeable about Cormanthor's history. That scene just now was truly satisfying!"

"It is satisfying, but I fear that they might disregard even that final layer of face, and that would be difficult to handle!"

At least the various behaviors of Cormanthor, which is still willing to abide by and maintain order on the surface, are predictable. Once the other party discards even their final shred of face, it will truly be impossible to guard against.

Xia Duo's words also sparked concern among the members of the Coronal's Advisory Group. Instead, Coronal Kaiersaike looked quite calm and told his ministers: "We have already signed a Common Defense Agreement with Netheril, so there is no need to worry too much."

Afterward, he reminded Xia Duo: "Netheril won't be like Cormanthor, failing to keep promises and not upholding oaths, right?"

"Of course not. Before I came, the Council repeatedly emphasized that Netheril and Acorla are friendly neighbors whose fates are intertwined, and we will certainly not abandon the agreement because of slight threats from the outside."

This sentence was, of course, added by Xia Duo himself. The fresh expression of "fates intertwined" even led the advisors to elaborate and associate further.

In reality, the original words of the Council relayed by Iolum before Xia Duo came were—"As long as Acorla can hold back Cormanthor, Netheril will always support it."

It is just that Xia Duo did not want to be so blunt. Although both sides knew it clearly, some things are more effective when left unsaid.

By comparison, the phrasing of "fates intertwined" better caters to the sensitive self-esteem of the Acorla Elves and makes it easier for them to accept.

……

Next, Xia Duo stayed in Acorla for another day. He originally wanted to see what other tricks the Cormanthor Envoys might have, but he did not expect that the three Cormanthor Envoys would do nothing and return to their country directly.

Thus, Xia Duo did not stay any longer; he dispelled the Astral Projection and let his consciousness return to his main body in the Tower of Time.

Opening his eyes, Niya was sitting by the bed reading quietly. Xia Duo raised his hand, feeling a bit weak, but this slight movement was enough to alert Niya. She turned around happily and threw herself into Xia Duo's arms:

"You're finally back! I've been so worried these past few days!"

"Mm, let go of me first, I have a gift for you!"

As his wife, Niya was naturally relatively sensitive to the true strength of Xia Duo's body. Realizing that Xia Duo was a bit weak, she immediately got up, helped Xia Duo sit up against the headboard, and asked: "What gift?"

"Hehe, it's a gift from the Coronal of Acorla."

Saying this, Xia Duo took the gifts out of his Personal Space one by one and placed them by the bed.

A collection of Acorla poetry, a Purification Statue, a Fertility Statue, and two jars of Bonu Original Leaf.

The first three were standard diplomatic gifts; Xia Duo had already learned of them before he went. The two jars of Bonu Original Leaf, however, were somewhat beyond his expectations.

He guessed it might be because he had mentioned it casually while touring the capital with Prince Fusi, and it only appeared on the gift list later.

Then he would accept it without false modesty!