Chapter 327: Chapter 293 Meeting the Elf Prince_1
Yan Xing’s response plunged the room into a prolonged silence.
It was the first time he had revealed his ambition for the Wildwind Highlands to outsiders. He felt that the current Count Theodore was an ally worth courting.
The old Earl showed little change in his expression and, after a while, asked, "Do you have the strength to do so?"
"I think it’s worth a try," Yan Xing said confidently. "The Wildwind Highlands are only so big, and having the Swamp Tribe in control would be beneficial for all three tribes."
Count Theodore began to consider the implications of the Wildwind Highlands being controlled by Yan Xing.
The Wildwind Highlands were an enclave, not particularly large in area nor rich in resources. The struggle over this territory was a significant burden for all three tribes. Yet, to avoid being at a strategic disadvantage, the three tribes felt compelled to pour vast amounts of resources into the contest for the highlands.
If the Wildwind Highlands were controlled by the Swamp Tribe, all three tribes could save a large amount of resources. The acquisition of this isolated land by the Swamp Tribe would not pose any substantial threat to the three tribes.
The premise was that the Swamp Tribe truly had to maintain neutrality, which wasn’t something the three tribes would be convinced of by mere words.
War was inevitable.
"No!" Count Theodore shook his head and said to Yan Xing, "You haven’t even convinced me."
Yan Xing smiled. "Then don’t listen to what I say; watch what I do. Since you have come to Blood Crown City, Tutor, please stay for a few days. It just so happens I have some matters to discuss with Prince Erelado of the Elves, and Lady Karol is also here. Stay as an observer, Tutor. It will also give you something to report back to Marquis Anderson."
Count Theodore knew that Yan Xing would definitely not give up the Elves, and he harbored doubts about the future of the Wildwind Highlands as proposed by him. But hearing what Yan Xing would discuss with the Elves made the trip to the Thunderous Swamp worthwhile. It was also an opportunity to get a close look at this mysteriously rising power.
「The next day, all the invited participants arrived.」
Representatives from the Werewolf Tribe, led by Chief Qiao She, included over a dozen Clan Leaders. Similarly, the Lizardmen, led by the Lianzu Chieftain, brought over a dozen Clan Leaders. All of them were representatives of the Swamp Tribe friendly to the Eternal Domain.
From the Werewolf Tribes of the Eternal Domain came Duan’er, Li Zhua, and Steel Fang.
The delegates from the Elves were Prince Erelado and several Elven generals.
Lady Karol and Count Theodore, as visiting guests to Blood Crown City, attended as observers.
This meeting took place in the council hall of Blood Crown City.
With Yan Xing presiding, they discussed the multitude of issues that would arise from the Elves moving into the Thunderous Swamp.
Donna changed into the combat attire of the Eternal Domain and, along with Olaf, stood in attendance behind Yan Xing.
Elite Werewolf Warriors were responsible for the security of the meeting.
In the spacious meeting room, the round conference table looked very grand. Delegates from all sides took their seats under the guidance of alchemical automatons, while attendants distributed printed documents and bottles of pure water to quench their thirst.
For the representatives attending an Eternal Domain meeting for the first time, the entire experience was completely novel. Beneath the grand chandelier, a sense of civilization that commanded admiration was present everywhere.
The Werewolf and Lizardman Clan Leaders seemed somewhat out of their element. Nor could one see any sign of superiority from the Elves.
Lady Karol and Count Theodore exchanged a look, both their expressions a mix of surprise and confusion.
Only the heroes from the direct lineage of the Eternal Domain behaved normally.
Clan Leader Duan’er, in particular, held his head high, gazing down on these bumpkins.
Elves? Humans? Compared to our Lord, they are nothing special!
With all those who were there to show their support having arrived, Yan Xing declared the meeting open.
"First, let us warmly welcome our Elf friends to Blood Crown City!"
Werewolves and Lizardmen burst into applause. Yan Xing had informed them beforehand that as long as the Elves remained in the Thunderous Swamp for even a day, all the Swamp Tribe would benefit.
Gold, cloth, food...
And plenty of it!
Following Yan Xing, the Werewolf and Lizardman Clan Leaders finally understood what good days were and yearned even more for better days to come.
It was just a matter of allowing a group of Elves to stay within Blood Crown City. Stay, feel free to stay. Stay for as long as you want.
The werewolves and lizardmen who had benefited welcomed the "visiting" Elves with open arms.
Only Count Theodore and Lady Karol made no comment; both could not publicly reveal their stance.
Yan Xing gestured with his hand, and the applause ceased.
Then Yan Xing spoke to Prince Erelado, who sat opposite him, "Elven friends, you can rest assured of a comfortable stay in Blood Crown City. The Eternal Domain will provide you with accommodations, clothes, and food, as well as security protection.
"However, given the current situation in the Wildwind Highlands...
"The Orcs and Marquis Anderson probably don’t want the Elves staying in the Thunderous Swamp. When necessary, the Elves will also need to contribute to the security of the Thunderous Swamp."
Meeting Count Theodore here, Prince Erelado realized that the Eternal Domain was threatened by Marquis Anderson. Now, the Elves and the Swamp Tribe needed to join forces against their common enemies. Only by uniting could they face the threats from both the south and the north.
Prince Erelado expressed his position, "We thank the Eternal Domain for inviting us to spend the winter in the Thunderous Swamp. The Elves regard Lord Yan Xing as our best ally.
"While staying in the Thunderous Swamp, we will face any threats together with the Eternal Domain. The enemies of the Eternal Domain are also our enemies."
Faced with external pressure, the Elves decided to band together with the Swamp Tribe for mutual support. The Swamp Tribe had a territorial advantage, and the Elves possessed extensive experience in large-scale warfare. Both Orcs and Humans would have to think twice before trying to bite off this tough bone, lest they break their teeth.
Yan Xing made it clear to Count Theodore that accepting the Elves was a done deal and that he had the strength to respond to external threats. This gave Count Theodore a pretext for Marquis Anderson.
However, Yan Xing also threw cold water on the Elves, whom he deemed overconfident.
"Prince Erelado, there’s something I need you to be clear about. The Thunderous Swamp’s invitation for the Elves to visit is for the sake of friendship. We equally bear goodwill towards both the Orcs and Humans.
"I will not allow any power to use the Thunderous Swamp to attack my neighbors.
"If the Elves breach this principle, I will be forced to end your journey prematurely."
Just moments ago, Prince Erelado had been secretly delighted.
With his troops stationed within the Thunderous Swamp, it would be tantamount to an invincible position on the Wildwind Highlands. Using the Thunderous Swamp, he could strike in every direction. He could choose whom to attack, leaving the Humans and Orcs unable to defend and exhausted from the constant assaults. He planned to use the entire winter to launch sneak attacks on the Orcs, gradually wearing them down. By the time spring arrived, he could join forces with Snowland to launch an attack on Frostleaf City. He could also take the opportunity to drive a wedge between the Eternal Domain and the Humans, forcing the Swamp Tribe under his command. When the time came, wouldn’t it be easy to take over the entire Wildwind Highlands? With such an unprecedented achievement, the throne would be within his easy reach.
However, the condition Yan Xing proposed utterly shattered Prince Erelado’s delusions.
While the Elves were in the Thunderous Swamp, they could only defend, not attack.
Want to fight? Then leave.