Roland and Sif sat in the VIP seats beside the Empress, able to see the entire banquet scene clearly.
Watching little Bagash being dragged away like a dog, Sif quietly griped:
"What are these guys doing, do they really think this makes them look impressive?"
Roland smiled and said, "Perhaps. After all, the Empire has been on the decline these years. Crushing Bagash is not a great victory, but it's enough to make small nations tremble."
"This show was never meant for the big nations. The struggle between major powers is the result of a comprehensive mix of timing, geography, and unity. But for small nations, you must display overwhelming force; otherwise, it's better not to fight at all."
"I think the Empire's officials wouldn't be so abstract; it must be little Bagash adding drama to the act. You may look at him like a dog now, but once he returns, which of the surrounding small countries would dare provoke him?"
