Chapter 1379: Negotiated Alliance
The conversation with the fairy Gladys has come to a temporary end.
Charlotte conveyed the Dragon Emperor's message, lifting the original demand to expel the Holy Elf Empire fleet and allowing them to remain in the current area for the time being.
"As it stands now, this fleet from the Holy Elf Empire, and the message conveyed by that fleet commander..."
There shouldn't be any major problems.
After all, lying about this wouldn't do them any good.
"Once we infiltrate their universe, obtaining this information won't be difficult," Lilith analyzed beside Zhao Chen.
Charlotte said with a serious expression, "If the female elf's explanation about the military power ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) and technology of the devouring civilization was correct, then..."
Three months later, the Devouring Civilization interstellar fleet launched an invasion against us.
Unless we can develop and manufacture a true T7-class interstellar warship within three months.
Otherwise, it would be extremely difficult to win this battle.
That technological weapon called the'Soul Altar' poses a great threat.
Zhao Chen's expression was serious; he had heard all the information just now.
He was naturally aware of the importance of this matter.
Within three months, let alone manufacturing a T7-class interstellar warship, even developing one would be extremely difficult.
"In other words, cooperating with the Holy Elf Empire is our only option right now," Zhao Chen said in a deep voice.
Lilith and Charlotte exchanged a glance and both nodded.
"Now that we have made this decision."
Then we can cooperate with the Holy Elf Empire and form an alliance.
But how to cooperate, and in what way.
If the other party makes some cooperation requests, should we agree to them?
"We need to determine these things first," Zhao Chen said.
Charlotte and Lilith exchanged a glance.
"Now I am the Gladiolus female elf commander."
"I will put myself in her shoes and make possible requests," Lilith said.
Zhao Chen and Charlotte stared at Lilith.
Lilith raised her head, her face displaying an arrogant and condescending demeanor.
To be honest, their attitudes are quite similar to those of the elves.
"We will cooperate with each other."
We will help you defend against the attacks of the civilization that devours you.
However, we must first send our interstellar legion fleet into your universe.
Furthermore, it would be best if we were allowed to have our own dedicated military bases within your empire, complete with starports, stargates, and other military facilities.
Ideally, we could also be provided with an industrial factory.
These facilities will be taken over entirely by our people, and even you have no right to interfere without our permission.” Lilith made the first move.
Dispatch its own legion fleet to provide defense.
This is a request that will inevitably be made.
Otherwise, it would be difficult to imagine any other way for the Holy Elf Empire to help the Wraith Dragon Empire resist the attack of the Devouring Civilization, as mentioned earlier.
Charlotte thought for a moment and said, "It's acceptable. A certain number of their interstellar legion fleets will enter our Dragon Empire."
However, our Dragon Legion fleet also has the right to enter their Holy Elf Empire.
After all, the Devouring Civilization Legion fleet could also attack the Holy Elf Empire's universe.
Since we are allies, it's only natural that we unite to defend against a powerful enemy.
Zhao Chen nodded.
This looks like a concession.
In fact, it also increases the Dragon Empire's understanding of this Holy Elf Empire.
"We can provide military fleet bases, stargates, starports, and small to medium-sized industrial bases."
But we must send a fleet to be stationed at that base.
"Any action regarding the use of this base, or the legion's fleet stationed here, must be authorized by us," Charlotte added.
Zhao Chen nodded in satisfaction.
Charlotte spoke her mind.
If you let a wolf in, you have to keep it on a chain.
No matter how fierce a person is, if they are properly tamed, they are just a dog.
It can even help the dog that bites people.
Lilith paused, then continued, "Then we'll use the stargate..."
"Your side has the right to apply for the use of the Stargate, which leads to any part of the Dragon Empire."
But the prerequisite is that the application must be approved by our empire.
"Furthermore, all the treatment you receive within the territory of the Dragon Empire can be considered as part of the Dragon Empire's fleet, but all your actions will be accompanied by our Dragon Empire fleet," Charlotte interjected.
Lilith added, "But what if there are losses during combat or training..."
Charlotte replied, "The resources consumed in battle and training are supplied free of charge by our Dragon Empire."
At the same time, the troops dispatched by the Dragon Empire to the Holy Elf Empire also need to be replenished by the Holy Elf Empire from nearby locations due to their battlefield and resource consumption.
As for battle losses, starship losses are inevitable in war.
Since we are going to sign an alliance agreement, then any losses incurred in the war will be borne by each party respectively.
Lilith paused, and then thought for a moment.
They might be considering what harsh conditions or demands the Holy Elf Empire would impose from its perspective.
Lilith thought of something and immediately said, "In order to resist the invasion of civilizations and even the future order."
We are looking to seek technological cooperation with you.
We hope both sides will engage in frank and open exchanges of scientific and technological knowledge!
Scientific and technological exchanges.
Zhao Chen squinted; he was actually quite interested in this.
"There is no problem with scientific and technological exchanges, but all exchanges should be conducted on an equal footing."
As for how the communication will take place, it depends on the specific circumstances.
"We can discuss it later." Charlotte also chose to stall on this point.
Lilith then raised some minor issues, essentially outlining the possible demands the Holy Elf Empire might make.
They were all stated once.
Finally, the three discussed and determined what level of acceptance they could reach.
Ultimately, Charlotte was the one who conducted the final negotiations with the other party.
Here, the elf Gladys, who had been waiting for a long time, was visibly excited when she saw the video window reappear.
He looked at Charlotte nervously, waiting for her reply.
"His Majesty the Emperor has indicated that he is open to the idea of alliances and cooperation."
However, some specific details need to be finalized first.
"That's natural."
"Forming an alliance requires detailed rules and regulations!" the female elf Gladys agreed.
Subsequently, the two sides began a round of negotiations.
Gladys the elf had basically asked all the questions that Lilith had previously raised.
Charlotte then brought out her prepared lines.
Some of these criteria made the female elf Gladys on the other side hesitate.
For example, the troops stationed in the Dragon Empire are subject to the supervision of the Dragon Empire.
At the same time, the Dragon Empire will also send a legion fleet to the Holy Elf Empire to garrison it.
Especially the latter condition.
This troubled Gladys the elf for a long time.
Before this, no civilization in any interstellar universe had ever stationed troops within the territory of the Holy Elf Empire.
The proud Elven race would never allow such a thing to happen.
"I can agree to the fact that our troops are stationed here and will be subject to your supervision."
However, I cannot guarantee that your side intends to station troops within the territory of our Holy Elf Empire.
Moreover, I believe this is completely unnecessary.
"Your side should place more of its interstellar legion fleet resources on the Dragon Empire to defend against a potential invasion by the Devouring Civilization Legion fleet." The elf Gladys hoped to gain leverage on this point.
Charlotte smiled and said, "I know that the military strength of our Dragon Empire is not as great as that of the Holy Elf Empire."
However, since we are allies in a defensive and offensive alliance.
The Devouring Civilization might also launch a feint attack on the Holy Elf Empire.
Yet we, as allies, do not send our legion fleets to fight alongside them.
We couldn't do something like that.
Therefore, we must, in any case, station troops and fight alongside our allies in any potential future wars!
Charlotte's last words were spoken in a very serious tone.
It was as if that was truly what she thought.
Gladys, the female elf, wore a conflicted expression.
"Actually, you don't need to worry about this at all."
We discussed the size of a mutual troop deployment.
In fact, our Dragon Empire would never send so many legions and fleets to the Holy Elf Empire.
For example, we agreed on 500,000 ships.
Your side may send 500,000 interstellar warships to occupy the Dragon Empire.
"But conversely, we have a cap of 500,000 interstellar warships, but we might only deploy 100,000," Charlotte said casually.
"Are you worried about our sincerity?"
Even so, what are 100,000 interstellar warships compared to the mighty Holy Elf Empire?
Upon hearing this...
Gladys, the female elf, actually thought there was some truth to it.
"What is the maximum troop limit?" Gladys the elf asked tentatively.
"We can discuss this further."
"It'll be fine once we reach an agreement," Charlotte said calmly.
Gladys the elf hesitated for a moment, but did not delve into the matter further, as it was no longer a decision she could make directly; she needed to report the matter to the High Council.
"Have you finished talking?"
"That's about it," Charlotte asked.
Gladys the elf shook her head and continued, "There is one last request."
We hope that His Majesty the Emperor of your empire will travel to our Holy Elf Empire and sign an alliance pact with us.
Because of subsequent time constraints.
Running back and forth isn't convenient either.
Therefore, I trouble Your Majesty to make this trip; is there anything we need to discuss?
We can also discuss this directly in person.
As you said before, I am not qualified to meet your Emperor.
"Then arrange for qualified high elves from our Holy Elf Empire to meet with His Majesty the Emperor."
"No way." Charlotte's face darkened as she refused the request.
But before Gladys the elf could say anything...
Charlotte seemed to have encountered some problems. She said in a low voice, "Wait a moment, I have some things to take care of."
After that, the video call temporarily ended.
“I agree to go to the Holy Elf Empire,” Zhao Chen said calmly.
I object!
Now you are the emperor of our Dragon Empire.
Her identity is completely different from before.
"How can you leave the Dragon Empire and go to an interstellar civilization you've never visited before!" Charlotte refused decisively.
Lilith remained silent throughout.
Zhao Chen looked at Charlotte and said calmly, "This idea of mine is not something I came up with on a whim."
It was a decision I made after careful consideration.
This is also a decision that benefits us.
Firstly, as the female elf has already mentioned, there are indeed some benefits, and that's the case.
Moreover, this trip to the Holy Elf Empire will also allow me to investigate its secrets.
Given my position, I have access to a higher level of access.
Furthermore, what I really want is the cutting-edge technology of the Holy Elf Empire.
We've already discussed technological exchanges.
No one is more suited to do this technological exchange than me, and no one knows better than me what technology our empire needs right now.
Therefore, this trip.
"I must go to the Holy Elf Empire myself." Zhao Chen's tone was also unquestionable.
Charlotte was extremely anxious.
She looked at Lilith, seeking her help: "Lilith, say something!"
Try to persuade him.
How could we let him act so recklessly?
Lilith spoke, but what she said was not what Charlotte wanted to hear.
“Charlotte, I think this time, I agree with His Majesty’s idea.”
"Lilith!"
"Let me finish speaking first."
What His Majesty just said makes sense, and you should be aware of that as well.
Now, the threat of civilization being devoured is already looming ahead.
Even if we ally with the Holy Elf Empire, can we really rely on them?
One must be strong to forge iron.
Ultimately, we still need to have sufficient strength to deal with any potential threats.
Therefore, our own technological progress is the most important thing.
His Majesty's trip to the Holy Elf Empire was for this very reason.
His Majesty said that our technology has now reached a bottleneck.
Even though we are constantly investing in research and development, progress is still slow.
What we lack now is time.
We simply don't have that much time to waste on this.
"In that case, we have no choice but to take the risk," Lilith said seriously.
Charlotte bit her lip, clenched her fist, and finally said, "Okay."
I can agree to let him go, but I need to escort him with my elite Reverse Scale fleet!
"No, you are the Grand Marshal of the Dragon Empire."
You must stay here.
"As long as you stay here, no matter what enemy invades, we have you to protect our empire!" Zhao Chen refused directly.
Then, without waiting for Lilith to speak, he added, "Lilith is not allowed to follow me either."
I can leave the family matters and the military matters to Charlotte.
But you'll have to be responsible for everything else.