As soon as Eliot finished speaking, the hall instantly fell deathly silent. Even the faint breathing from before seemed to vanish.
The ministers of the Duchy of Roland looked at one another, their eyes filled with shock and unease.
They had all heard the unspoken meaning behind Eliot's words. The prerequisite for renewed protection was that they take the initiative to stand with Aldo. If the Duchy of Roland and the other oasis nations continued hesitating and refused to break away from the orcs and pledge their loyalty to Aldo, then the Watchers Legion marching east—would they be protectors or conquerors?
Grand Duke Kalim's expression instantly turned grave. He stared fixedly at Eliot, his fingers gripping the armrest of the throne until his knuckles turned white.
He naturally understood the hidden meaning behind those words. Aldo appeared to be offering them a choice, but in reality, it had already drawn the line. If they refused, what awaited the Duchy of Roland would likely not be retaliation from the orcs, but an attack from their former protectors.
The sunlight outside the hall remained scorching, but the patches of light shining through the colored-glass windows seemed especially glaring. Eliot stood in the center of the hall, his face devoid of any unnecessary expression as he quietly waited for Grand Duke Kalim's response.
Kalim bin Hassan looked into Eliot's resolute eyes, and his Adam's apple involuntarily bobbed.
He slowly swallowed, his voice carrying a slight tremor. "You can't do this... Mr. Eliot, the Duchy of Roland and the Auldo Kingdom are close friends. We once fought many enemies together and shared in each other's glory. How can you force us to choose in this manner?"
A trace of regret appeared on Eliot's face. He gently shook his head, but his tone did not