[@Song Book]
Well, I mean in close proximity :P
The Empire is also more interested in annexing the rivers to the south as they have potential use as farm fields, which is something the Empire could use more of.

Also, [@Sini], what direction does the Sun on this planet rise on? I wanted to have a nickname of my nation of "Sunset Empire", but I realize the sun rises on the east, failing to realize that was why Japan was call the Land of the Rising Sun. I would say that, but it sounds pretty cliche.