Chapter 1981: Laying the Cards on the Table

If these words were not spoken to Xia Duo, but to another human, even a high-ranking official from a major southern human nation, they might have felt flattered.

There is no other reason; the image of the Elf race has been pushed too high. Beyond their inherent civilization and strength, even their natural lifespan far exceeds that of humans.

Under such circumstances, even Spellcasters might feel inferior when facing Elves; this has simply become a curse carved into the bones of humanity!

But Xia Duo has long been accustomed to viewing people as equals. This is not just about not looking down, but more importantly, not looking up. In his view, the longevity of Elves compared to humans is merely a physical difference; so-called civilization and so-called strength are also just differences in development.

Given time, he is confident in creating a human civilization far superior to Elf civilization.

Therefore, when facing Kelusi's sincere yet awkward and earnest plea, Xia Duo's first reaction was not whether to agree, but—it must be hard for him to make such rich expressions!

Xia Duo has experienced multiple Projection Planes and has seen and interacted with no small number of Elves, but he has never seen such rich expressions on the face of any Elf as he does on Kelusi before him.

For this alone, this trip to Siluwende can be considered worthwhile.

"General Kelusi, the current situation is extremely unfavorable for Siluwende. As for how much effect my support alone in the Northland Alliance can have, I presume you should be able to judge."

"Indeed, I also know that given the current situation, no matter how outsiders voice their support, it is difficult to change Yierlan's determination to invade Siluwende, unless there is deeper intervention."

"Then why did General Kelusi come to see me?" Xia Duo went straight to the point.

He could certainly see that Kelusi's intention was by no means just to ask him to voice support for Siluwende at the Northland Alliance. Such a matter could be handled by finding anyone; why go to the trouble of doing it personally, welcoming him and pleading his case? This completely exceeds what a leader of a faction should do.

Xia Duo does not believe the other party already knows he has decided to preserve Siluwende. Although this thought is confirmed, it is only for the present. If the situation changes beyond his expectations, he can completely adjust or even change this thought based on the actual circumstances.

Where did Kelusi get the confidence to place his bets on him? At such a critical moment, shouldn't he be going everywhere to mobilize every force that can be mobilized?

Abandoning proper business to see him, Xia Duo even suspects the other party is a Demon Descendant.

"Observer Xia Duo, I once heard that you suggested to the Evereska Council of Elders the establishment of a Small Nations Alliance to resist the pressure of major powers. This suggestion was well executed, but the result was a tragic blow with the death of Elder Ankalita. We have obtained definitive intelligence that the death of Elder Ankalita was planned and executed by Demon Descendants. It is ridiculous that this intelligence actually came from our enemy—Yierlan!"

Speaking of this, Kelusi once again gave an awkward salute to Xia Duo, "And now, Demon Descendants have not only become an excuse for Yierlan to attack and even invade us, but in reality, they have also become the greatest threat to the people of Siluwende."

"Here, I would like to implore Observer Xia Duo to find a way out for the people of Siluwende, so that they can stay away from war and the threat of Demon Descendants. As for Siluwende, if history demands that it must perish, then let it perish!"

By the end, perhaps because Kelusi truly recognized the situation and pinned his hopes on Xia Duo, his tone became exceptionally sincere, though that touch of awkwardness still made Xia Duo feel like he was watching a play.

Moreover, the fundamental reason he pointed out a path for Evereska was that Netheril needed such a "Third World" alliance to emerge to share the increasingly intensified pressure from Keman, Yierlan, and even Yierfalan.

Of course, the direct reason was simple: Xia Duo needed to do business with Evereska. Whether it was cashing in Arcane Crystals or purchasing advanced Elf military equipment, Evereska was a good choice.

But what does Siluwende have?

It can indeed hold back Yierlan, but it would lead to the spread and even overflow of "Great Elf Imperialism" ideology. Now that even Keman has nominally abandoned this path, why let this ideology be "carried forward" in Siluwende?

For Elves, this is internal friction, but for humans, it is not good news either.

Regarding Kelusi's request, Xia Duo was internally resistant, but sometimes, some things cannot be left undone just because one is internally resistant.

Of course, there are techniques to doing things, as well as degrees.

After thinking for a moment, Xia Duo put forward his own conditions, "I have just arrived in Siluwende, and this is my first time here. I do not understand the reality here, so how can I plot a way out for Siluwende?"

"That is very simple. I wonder what Observer Xia Duo would like to know?"

"As you just said, the people are innocent. Then I want to know what the true attitude of the people of Siluwende is toward Yierlan now. After all, the news that has been circulating the most during this period is that various places in southern Siluwende are 'surrendering' one after another!"

These words were somewhat of a slap in the face to Kelusi. Although he spoke of the people, the thoughts in his heart were not only known to Xia Duo, but Kelusi himself knew that Xia Duo knew.

Both sides knew it well, but if it were pointed out, the scene would be somewhat ugly.

Sure enough, when Kelusi heard Xia Duo say this, a trace of anger immediately appeared on his face, but then he turned that trace of anger into indignation—indignation toward Yierlan:

"Observer Xia Duo, I admit that Siluwende was 'supervised' by Yierlan in the past, and all aspects were greatly influenced by Yierlan, but I must say—"

"The so-called successive surrenders in the south are nothing more than a false image fabricated unilaterally by Yierlan to prove the justice of their invasion. The actual situation is—"

"Yierlan had long ago planted secret hands in various places in the south, waiting only for the right moment to strike. But this was only in the south. Moving slightly north, Yierlan's influence gradually decreased, and the so-called 'surrender' never happened again!"

"Just now, Observer Xia Duo asked me about the attitude of the people of Siluwende toward Yierlan. Then I can tell you with great responsibility that the people of Siluwende who are still resisting today are the best answer!"

Although these words were mixed with emotion, Xia Duo had to admit that this was likely the truth. If Yierlan's influence in Siluwende were truly strong enough to make various places surrender one after another, then how much difference could there be between the north and the south?

If the south can surrender one after another, why can't the north?

Moreover, Xia Duo does not believe that Yierlan did nothing in between and relied entirely on the Siluwende Elves to surrender consciously. Thinking about it, it is unlikely. If there were such great attraction, what were they doing in previous years!

"One should indeed respect the will of the people!"

Xia Duo said a platitude, but in reality, he was asking Kelusi for more facts. This was very practical. Regardless of the reason you came to see me to seek a way out, it is only natural for me to ask you for the facts as a reference.