Chapter 2163: Never Seek Hegemony

Prince Baside's words sparked deep thought among the group of Elves, and even Xia Duo realized that the situation in the Underdark could be interpreted in such a way.

However, if that were the case, the Surface Elves' attempt to completely eradicate the Drow would likely be very difficult to achieve.

Come to think of it, the fact that the Drow War ended so abruptly two years ago probably involved these considerations, which is why they did not pursue them to the end and stopped after merely banishing them to the deeper underground.

And at this moment, at Hengchun Square of the Floating City.

With Prince Baside's explanation, the several Elf Envoys pondered for a while and then reluctantly nodded in agreement, but military force is a very conspicuous existence; it is not the case that just because you do not use it, others will not worry.

It was Tailun again, who once more questioned Xia Duo: "Then, will Lord Xia Duo use such cruel means in the Northland in the future?"

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This question was critical, and several Envoys from Cormanthor, Yierlan, and others also cast their concerned gazes toward Xia Duo.

Regarding this, Xia Duo had long prepared a draft: "First of all, I will not say I absolutely will not use them, even if I said so you would not believe it. What I can say is—only when facing the most direct threat to survival would I possibly use such means."

"What is the most direct threat to survival?" Tailun asked again.

"That is a good question!"

Xia Duo saw that Tailun's attitude had already shifted, seemingly taking the initiative to help him out of the situation, so he further explained: "The most direct threat to survival is, quite simply, a direct attack on me and those around me, and further, direct acts of war against my Territory."

At present, Xia Duo held the advantage, so he certainly could not throw out all his trump cards at once; his bottom line was that as long as the other party used War Spells, he would retaliate in kind or even double.

However, when he mentioned that even the Territory counted, the Cormanthor Envoy Suweilisi could not help but interject: "If even the Territory counts, then wouldn't that mean every single resident is also counted?"

"Of course the residents must be counted!"

Xia Duo rolled his eyes at the other party, then said to the Envoys: "As a Lord, shouldn't one bear the responsibility of protection? Or does the Elf Kingdom have special traditions that are completely different from human kingdoms?"

"No, Yierlan does not," Xierdalanna was the first to jump out and refute, "The Crown King and the Elders are elected by the people, so naturally they must shoulder the responsibility toward the people."

"The Patriarch of a clan must also consider the clan in everything!" Prince Baside also expressed his agreement.

Subsequently, Mage Tailun of Yilfalan and Elder Laruian of Evereska also expressed similar views, namely that the status of those in power originates from below and they must be responsible to those below.

This made Suweilisi somewhat embarrassed; it had not been long since the Crown King of Ilseil changed his governing approach, so there was basically no talk of much change. After all, top-down reforms always need to take care of the interests of all parties, and after much tug-of-war, time was just consumed that way.

It can be said that Cormanthor is still the country with the most severe class solidification in the Northland.

Conversely, in a place like Netheril, although it seems that Lords and Spellcasters are in absolute dominant positions, this is merely a class difference, not solidification. The lower classes of Netheril have more or less the opportunity to come into contact with Magic, and geniuses are almost inevitably able to get ahead.

But in the Elf World, it is almost impossible. Even if those at the bottom have talent and try their best to enter the Magic Academy, what they learn is likely just the work of a Magic Craftsman; even if they want to be a dog, they might not have the opportunity.

However, Xia Duo had no intention of embarrassing Cormanthor on this issue; he merely expressed his own views on his Territory and residents.

*Cough*—

"Everyone, regarding the use of War Spells, I actually already have a relatively preliminary plan. I plan to propose it at the Northland Alliance Assembly in a while, let the representatives of various countries discuss it, and thereby form a resolution, guaranteed by the order of the Northland Alliance."

He paused, giving the several Envoys a moment to react, and then continued: "But since you have already come today, I can give you a statement first—

"Whether now or in the future, no matter to what extent the Daxia Territory and the Tower of Time that I lead develop, we will never seek hegemony, never expand, never seek spheres of influence, and never engage in an arms race.

"I will unswervingly continue to be a builder of peace, a contributor to development, and a maintainer of international order for the Northland and even the entire Main Plane."

Xia Duo's words were resonant and forceful; the several Envoys could not help but be moved. If their identities were swapped and they were in the situation Xia Duo was in, they believed they would not be able to say such things; even if they were pretending, they would not be willing to.

"Lord Xia Duo, you are the most special person I have ever met! When you have time, come to the Underdark and I will treat you to wine. I have collected a lot of fine wine; you might not care for the surface ones, but you have definitely never tasted the radiation wine of the Underdark, and I even have fine wine that my clansmen who love to travel brought back from an Other Plane. I guarantee it will let you drink to your heart's content!"

Wine can be said to be one of the most important things that run through a Dwarf's life. Being able to get a Dwarf to share the fine wine he has collected is definitely considered the highest expression of sincerity from the other party.

Xia Duo nodded, saying he definitely would. At this moment, the corner of his eye caught Niya silently watching him from the edge of the square; this fellow ultimately did not come over to cause trouble.

However, being stared at by Niya like this, he had no interest in continuing the conversation. While those few Elf Envoys were still pondering, he decisively interrupted their thoughts, preparing to see the guests out:

"The consciousness hidden danger caused by the attack from Zhamu Dasi is still there, so I will not continue to keep you company. If you are interested in the Floating City, you can tell my friend Boli; he will take you to visit some non-core areas. I hope you can understand."

"If Lord Xia Duo feels unwell, then go and rest. We will not trouble this Mage Boli; my country is still waiting for me to go back and report the results of this trip!"

The several Elf Envoys were all insistent on leaving, but the Dwarf Prince stayed behind and said: "I have a premonition that with Lord Xia Duo, the Northland might embark on a path never before imagined. If Lord Xia Duo needs help, please do not hesitate to speak. I cannot guarantee that the Dan Zuo side will definitely be able to resolve the hidden danger in your body, but the Red Copper Clan I belong to will definitely do our best."

"Thank you for Prince Baside's kind intentions, but regarding the hidden danger in my consciousness, I already have a rough idea. I should be able to resolve it soon. I imagine we will be able to meet again in Evereska before long. Please excuse me for now."

After speaking with Prince Baside, Xia Duo looked at Saville again, "Then I will trouble you here."

"Go ahead, I will see the several Elf Envoys off first, and then come to accompany Prince Baside to visit the Floating City."

Saville certainly understood Xia Duo's intentions; to put it bluntly, it was that he did not trust such high-level Mages, and it was best to keep them under his nose.

As for the Dwarf, there was no need to worry too much. The Dwarf Magic System is too different from the Netheril Magic System and the Elven Magic System; even if the entire Floating City were dismantled and placed in front of a Dwarf Mage, the other party might not necessarily be able to understand it.