"That's right…"
Ethan nodded slowly, his tone calm and steady. "There's an old saying—'How can one sleep soundly beneath another's bed?' For the Greenwave Empire, the coastal lands of the Sacred Continent—where the Holy Griffon Empire once stood—were essentially their vulnerable rear flank. If war ever broke out and they lost control of that rear, they'd be in serious danger."
"That's why, back then, they stationed heavy forces along the border with the Holy Griffon Empire. They were terrified of a breach from behind."
He paused, his eyes glinting as he turned to Astharel with a faint smile. "So, Your Majesty… tell me. Why don't they do that anymore?"
Astharel's face went pale. He lowered his voice and muttered, "Because the Eight Duchies are too weak…"
"Exactly."
