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The expansion of a nation always causes tension among its neighboring countries, even if there are no tangible sanctions, it still makes the neighboring states wary.
This state of vigilance and preparedness persists until either a war breaks out between the parties, or the expanding nation halts its expansionist steps and goes to great lengths to rebuild its international reputation.
Of course, rebuilding an international reputation is a very lengthy process, which can only be achieved by honest and methodical persistence, one step at a time.
The Bai Kingdom refused the alliance request from the Poplar Kingdom, which was expected to some extent, but Poplar XI didn't expect the rejection to be so straightforward.
"The influence of the Shireck side, and possibly the participation of other powers too." He quickly realized that not everyone wanted to see the Poplar Kingdom grow too powerful alone.
