Tyler felt as though an invisible pressure were bearing down on him, nearly suffocating him.
Whether it was Charles today, or the movements of the Armored Knights Ross had shown him, they all pointed to one fact.
The strength under this lord of Silverleaf Domain far surpassed that of Blackstone Bastion Settlement.
Tyler felt somewhat powerless.
Charles said, "I do not like war, but there are still many things that can only be achieved through war."
"If you truly have Blackstone Bastion Settlement's interests at heart, then instead of considering how to reduce casualties, why not choose to join me directly?"
"You have seen it too. Many people are living very well under my rule."
"I do not oppress humans. On the contrary, many people here can live good lives—good lives with dignity."
"Many soldiers under my command are human. You should be able to see what kind of lives they live."
Ross also tried to persuade Tyler from the side.
After thinking for a moment, Charles called Theresa over as well. He said, "Look, your granddaughter is doing quite well here too. If you are willing to serve me, willing to let all of Blackstone Bastion Settlement become my territory, then I will teach her seriously."
"Right now, she is only a first-ring wizard. Perhaps in the future, she can become a second-ring or third-ring wizard."
Tyler was still hesitating when Charles spread out a map and said, "Your persistence is meaningless to me."
"As far as I know, Blackstone Bastion Settlement has been in your hands for several decades."
"And in all those decades, you have accomplished nothing."
"The territory has not expanded. The population has grown somewhat, but what use is that? The small basin behind you has limited space."
"A larger population is not necessarily a