"Sister, you're still as sharp and straight to the point as ever."
Despite being mentally prepared, Ariel still seemed somewhat listless, frowning as she said, "You're right, sister. We indeed came to discuss forming an alliance."
"An expected matter, but what surprises me is that you've truly grown a lot, Ariel. This makes me quite pleased."
In Caroline's inscrutable eyes, a trace of indulgence appeared briefly before disappearing, and her expression became solemn once more.
Caroline's fair face was filled with seriousness as she continued, "My younger sister, since you've grown up, you should understand that my shoulders bear the peace of the entire Northern Territory and the lives of 50,000 soldiers on the northern border. This even directly relates to the survival of the entire Coldflame Kingdom."
"Once the ambitions of the Pars Empire erupt again, their target will no longer be just the comparatively barren Northern Territory."
