Ryan listened to Camille, a faint smile still lingering on his lips.
He did not mind the barbs in her words. She had always relied on her strength to speak bluntly, and he liked dealing with honest people.
"The stagnant waters between Piltover and Zaun should flow eventually. Only then can a stable and solid competitive relationship form," Ryan said.
"Now is not an era for developing weapons. Military competition will only advance weaponry and equipment; it offers no benefit whatsoever to ordinary people's lives." Camille did not agree with Ryan's view.
"Lady Camille, what gave you the illusion that our weapons are powerful enough? You have seen the strength of certain people in Ionia, yet the enemies the Empire will face in the future will surpass them by a hundredfold."
Ryan picked up the teacup on the table and took a calm sip.
"A hundred times stronger than Ionia?"
A trace of recollection flashed through Camille's eyes. It was not a pleasant memory from Ionia. She turned her head, mockery on her face.
"Against such formidable enemies, I do not believe weak Piltover is qualified to consider them hypothetical foes."
"Piltover and Zaun possess the most advanced ideas in Runeterra, but this pursuit of progress is gradually becoming nothing more than empty formality. We need to do something to preserve it," Ryan said.
"That much, I do agree with. But Your Excellency, is your so-called method an arms race?"
Camille crossed her legs and raised a brow, her Hextech-blue eyes fixed unwaveringly on Ryan.
"Only threats can bring technological leaps. They will stop at nothing just to become a little stronger than their opponents. The Empire faces such competitive pressure at all times. Piltover can do the same." Ryan smiled as he spoke words that would decide the futures