"So, this Perturabo is now an enemy you find difficult to defeat?"
"And for this reason, you come to me requesting aid, hoping my world-renowned Winged Hussars will assist you against this arms dealer named Perturabo?"
Wadisvav III, the current King of Lehlia, sat upon his throne, listening intently to the envoys dispatched by the Kislevite princes. After the envoys finished their plea, he spoke his questions slowly.
The royal hall was filled with Lehlian nobles. The news of the Kislevites begging for assistance had spread throughout Lehlia, piquing the interest of the nobility, who were eager to see what their old rivals desired.
"Yes, respected Sire. This Perturabo is a monster. He possesses some unknown wisdom to train his army, turning simple peasants into terrifying warriors who have bathed our forces in blood."
"We truly cannot withstand him. Therefore, we have brought these precious treasures to plead for your help!"
Facing Wadisvav III's inquiry, the Kislevite envoy gritted his teeth and began to recount Perturabo's actions, describing him as something inhuman, a freak of nature.
"If so, why should I stick my neck out for you? If this Perturabo is as formidable as you say, would it not also be a difficult struggle for my legions? Even if we win, I would have to endure heavy casualties, while you would simultaneously rid yourselves of both Perturabo and me—your two greatest rivals."
"Why should I agree to such a favorable deal for you? Why should I take such a massive risk for your benefit? Why shouldn't I simply reach an accommodation with Perturabo?"
The King of Lehlia did not respond immediately. After a period of reflection, he pointed directly to the root of the matter.
As the King spoke, the surrounding Lehlian nobles nodded in approval. There was no harm in remaining wary of the Kislevites, who had been rivals since the founding of their nations. Some nobles even began to whisper praises of the King's wisdom.
Wadisvav was correct. As the direct cause of the ancient Kislevite Empire's destruction, Lehlia was never viewed kindly by the Kislevite states. Previous Lehlian kings had tried to exert greater influence over Kislev, but they had failed.
Every time the Winged Hussars won a victory on the plains, the Kislevite princes would retreat to their capitals deep within the forests, leaving the cavalry-heavy Lehlian forces unable to pursue.
Furthermore, the Kislevite princes were not so foolish as to let Lehlia dominate. Whenever Lehlia grew too powerful, these princes would use their bloodlines and social networks to unite against what they saw as a Leviathan. This was precisely why Kislev had remained fragmented for nearly a thousand years.
Now, these same princes were requesting Lehlia to use its elite Winged Hussars to help them defeat a rising warlord.
To Wadisvav, this was highly unusual. It led him to believe the Kislevite princes harbored ill intentions, likely hoping that Lehlia and Perturabo would exhaust each other in a mutually destructive conflict.
Hearing Wadisvav's words, the Kislevite envoy's expression became solemn. Wadisvav was right; the animosity between Kislev and Lehlia ran deep, and a sudden request for aid was indeed suspicious.
"My lords naturally understand such obvious logic, respected King. Therefore, we have brought these."
After a moment of silence, the Kislevite envoy showed a look of great pain and signaled to his attendants. The attendants opened the treasure chests behind the envoy, revealing contents that stunned Wadisvav III and the Lehlian nobles.
The chests were filled with rare gold and silver jewelry, along with high-quality furs of bear and deer. There were even idols made of pure gold. This appeared to be the "guarantee" provided by the Kislevite princes.
"Respected King, this is the reward Kislev offers. All the Kislevite princes are willing to swear fealty to you, and these treasures are the 'proof' of our submission!"
The envoy spoke with agony. For proud Kislevite nobles, swearing fealty to Lehlia—whom they viewed as old rivals and "barbarians"—was a desperate measure that caused them immense suffering.
"In that case... this matter can be discussed further. Everyone present, please give your opinions!"
Seeing the "sincerity" of the Kislevites, even the calm Wadisvav began to reconsider the request. He turned to his nobles for advice, as they were the backbone of the military, and their consent was necessary for such a major state affair.
The Lehlian nobles, moved by the sight of the gold and silver, were already whispering among themselves. The King's request for their input was the opportunity they needed to realize their ambitions.
"Your Majesty, why not?! To have these Kislevites kneel before us is a delight in itself, and they have offered such lavish gifts. There is no reason to refuse. Besides, defeating this Perturabo would bring great glory!"
One noble stood up and answered loudly. Other nobles followed suit, urging the King to go to war against Perturabo to aid the Kislevites.
"Very well. I declare that from this moment, Lehlia will be the ally of the Kislevites. We shall fight alongside them until this warlord named Perturabo is defeated!"
Seeing the unanimous support of his nobles, Wadisvav nodded and made his proclamation.