[CENTER][img]https://i.postimg.cc/L5GsZ5sv/a195ca2580892c2f64767511da4ce176.png [/img][/center] Given Nellara's previous reactions, one would expect her to be angry or make a bitter expression as General Kvarr told her about the harsh truth that would follow a possible conflict between Mythadia and the Ascension, but surprisingly enough, instead of reacting like that, Nellara let out a treacherous smirk as she looked directly towards the General. [color=d3c28b]"If the situation was different, I would have agreed with you, General. Fortunately, this war is one neither one of our nations can afford for two very important reasons..."[/color] Nellara said with a treacherous smirk as she raised her hand, showing two fingers as she spoke. [color=d3c28b]"The Mythadians might be religious fanatics, but the ones ruling them aren't idiots. They know that a war with the Ascension, even though the probability of victory is high, won't leave them unscathed..."[/color] Nellara began explaining. [color=d3c28b]"Peace in Kanth-Aremek, especially between the powerful nations, is only maintained due to the delicate power balance that currently brought wars and conflicts to a halt. A war against the Ascension would leave Mythadia weakened and the other nations wouldn't ignore that opportunity."[/color] Nellara continued. [color=d3c28b]"Especially since Mythadia already has a history with their warmongering ways. The reasons other nations might have to take that opportunity would be too many to ignore. To eliminate a possible threat now that they are weakened, to deal a decisive strike to the weakened Mythadia and take the spoils of both wars to themselves, without too much losses..."[/color] Nellara continued, lowering the first finger. [color=d3c28b]"The second reason are the presence of the humans. Even if they end up maintaining a neutral position should a war start, it is clear that they will refuse trade with a warmongering nation, considering how cautious about their own knowledge they are. In the chance they will pick up on arms to stop said conflict, even though they aren't technically part of it, it is also certain that they will support the defending side."[/color] Nellara said, lowering the second finger. [color=d3c28b]"Thanks to those, as long as we maintain a defensive posture, we can afford to defend our pride, our borders and our territory from Mythadia without fearing a war. If, despite this, we still lower our heads and let Mythadia invade our borders with an army, disrespect our territorial authority like this, there is little to no guarantee they won't keep breaking the treaties, going further and further into our territory, knowing we fear them and won't react."[/color] Nellara said, with a serious expression. [color=d3c28b]"Each one of these reasons might a risky gamble by themselves, but due to the complex situation Kanth-Aremek finds itself in, both with the delicate power balance and with the arrival of the humans, those are gambles we can afford to take with little to no fear, General... And if we win theme, we won't have to lower our head neither to the Mythadians or any other nation ever again."[/color] Nellara finished with a determined expression.