[22:03] Silent, for just a moment longer, before he'd allow his lips to part yet once again-- however, the absent words are replaced by a faint, somewhat vapory sigh all the while.

"Rather than addressing anything directly, let me mention what my point of view is to begin with-- your questions will be answered along the way."

A pause, then, and he'd shift about, but the features remain blank.

"For the record, since I've been accused of doing such before-- directly or indirectly; Huangzhou's aim has never been to impose one's will onto the others. Our terms towards Gehenna were never 'accept these compromises or we'll leave you to die', or anything along those lines. When Leland perished and the tribes were rebuilding themselves, with chaotic Chieftains in Mital, Kuhn, and Tonantzin, we were never particularly aggressive.

We maintained a neutral stance, and only offered a proper alliance, hoping to keep things peaceful in a long-run should they let go of chaotic arts. Being told to bugger off was the only response we got. Even then, we maintained neutrality, and when we tried to initiate a meeting yet once again; Tonantzin responded by aiming to murder me. Even after that, there was no declaration of war. It has always been a request-- an attempt to make things better, rather than aiming to impose our ideals upon another."

Another, shorter pause, before he'd glance over in the Coza's direction.

"But that aside, moving onto present. When Lady Ohtli visited me first time around-- asking for our aid; I only put forward a single terms; to restrict the demons within the settlement. To not permit them anymore. Earlier you asked why were such conditions placed at first place, well, hopefully this answers it so-

-well, you've seen quite some things, haven't you? Hasn't it always been a cycle? Wars, alliances, backstabs, and repeat. Here we have a nation in Gehenna who refuses to let go of demonic presence even in most dire times possible. Surely, they wouldn't listen when things are any calmer... and the repetition occurs yet once again. Offering demons a safe haven-- allowing them room for growth, for ascension, giving birth to yet another Ipos. And it continues; there's no permanent change. There's no change whatsoever.

Then there's the argument of looking at demons as individuals, rather than a generalized race. I'd understand if it was the case first time around-- or the second, or the third. But isn't it proven wrong time and time again? They aim for ascension-- they seek power, domination eventually. Even the 'Lord' Zaruma you all respect so much. Did he not create Gaiar and then, aim to conquer? Did he not enslave human race within his borders? None were saint-- none showed themselves on different side of spectrums. There was no Evil and Good... they all turn out the same way; apathetic, selfish, and anything along those lines. And here's Gehenna refusing to let go no matter what, allowing multiple such creatures safety within their lands, offering them so much room to grow, and seek that very power that'd allow them to take a step further.

Now, I get it, there's Eiphraem; but his case is so rare, that to me, the exception is same as a human ascending to divinity."

A brief glance is spared in the Archon's direction, before he'd continue on.

"Another example is Ipos himself. Grew up in Dawn, gained power, aimed for ascension, then aimed for domination-- and eventually turned on Dawn too, to varying degrees. But, that aside: I merely wish to not repeat the cycle over and over again. I won't call myself a saint or my decision the whitest, but... if Gehenna refuses to change now, it'd not do so later, and if history that's been repeated a thousand times is to be glanced at; it'd surely turn out rather badly in future. It'd only bring more hostility between us-- or even further, greater destruction in form of more such Archons like Ipos. Simply dealing with imminent threats doesn't fix anything... and I know Gehenna's not the only nation who'd hold onto demonic presence; but if it gets rid of them, it's a first step, if anything. I wish for a compromise-- an actual change."

Ah.

"With that being said, should Gehenna agree to our terms. We'd aid. I don't care if Dawn aids them, or it doesn't, actually-- all things considered. Though, I do admit that a lot of the people would personally refuse to fight side-by-side with those of Dawn, and I'll not be forcing them to do so-- and neither will I consider their ideology wrong. They have their reasons, and they're proper reasons, but-- as far as our forces are considered; I'd be offering whatever I can muster should they agree."
(Zeriel Heifang)
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[22:06] The kitsune tilted her head; the door was locked? Curious. She reached up, knocking loudly before she'd stand there and wait.
(Reito Shimasu)
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[22:07] "My opinions are in the same boat as my brothers, though my words tend to be much harsher. I simply believe in brutal honesty, so I apologize beforehand if I offend anyone present. With this said-"

Rikona cleared her throat, before folding her hands and setting them atop the wooden tabletop.

"Dawn practices necromancy, riftmancy, their very actions damage the lifestream which has blessed me. I will not, I can not, work alongside those who openly practice these depraved arts. Again, I've made this clear many times over."

Rikona sighed, before folding her arms. Icy irises shifted between her brother and the others, before lingering on Iosefka.

"If we were to aid Gehenna now, allowing their demons to have refuge, it would only further reinforce this behavior. We cannot allow demons like Ipos, like Tragedy, like Lugonqi and the archons which founded Gaiar Aetherius to prosper. It was in Gehenna, not Huangzhou, that they were allowed to grow, by delusional people who believed that they should be given a chance."

"If Gehenna gives up their demons, any chaos and depraved practices, then we will do everything in our power to stop their destruction. I will not work alongside necromancers, I will not work alongside the undead."

"You don't have to understand my sentiments, I'm not asking you to. It is my belief, what I believe to be the proper course of action. I will not bend or act deceitful, I shall tell you this upfront."

The Commander's gaze shifted to the two angelic beings, regarding them with a curious expression.

"If you view it to be cowardice, then so be it. I will protect my people, I will serve my Emperor, and I will do so with honor and integrity. I can't condone your actions, your behavior whatsoever. Mingling with certain undead, while condemning others. This isn't a game where we pick and choose who is more bad."

"Corruption is corruption, no matter how you dice it. Putting an end to it, ensuring a future where my children and their children don't need to worry about undead and demons- that is my wish. I will not stop until I see it through to the end, I apologize if this is an inconvenience."

She fell silent now, having said her piece on the matters at hand.
(Rikona Heifang)
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