Chapter 988: Volume 32: Dark Clouds Sweep Over - 6: War without Declaration
If the three forces standing in front of the review stand were the foundation upon which Komer swept across all of Nicosia, then the half-elf crossbowmen and mortal light infantry quietly standing at the flanks of the review stand were the solid reliance that allowed Nicosia to stand firm on the Continent.
They lacked the arrogance of the beastmen and barbarians, as well as the knights’ restraint and pride; what they possessed was a resilience that lay within their calm and steadfast nature. They were the best defense troops, unafraid whether facing frenzied beast warriors or fierce human cavalry. To them, defending their homeland with life and blood served as the ultimate self-affirmation.
With such an army standing behind oneself, one would never need to worry about betrayal from within; they offer an absolute assurance of peace of mind.
Komer unconsciously licked his lips, immediately realizing that this was a sign of his nervousness. It was understandable to feel nervous and excited at such times, but Komer did not allow himself to show his emotions during formal occasions.
What a ruler always needed was only calmness and rationality.
"Knights, warriors, and respected friends, I’m sure you all are well aware of why we are standing here today. It’s simple, the aggressors have torn off their hypocritical masks, blatantly abandoning all laws that bound human morals and reason, and have brazenly invaded our Nicosian territory. I hereby declare my stance; I cannot tolerate such an occurrence."
"If it were the beastmen from the Northern Wasteland, perhaps I could bear it, since those creatures have never been bathed in the light of civilization. However, these fellows are just like us, long settled on this land within the Blue Continent, where the shine of our human civilization had reached far and wide. Yet, they have brazenly subverted these principles we’ve always adhered to and followed, unabashedly revealing their greedy nature. They think us Nicosians can only suffer in silence, can only weep and endure with resignation, but now I tell them they are wrong! They will pay for everything they have done!"
"Nicosia is a member of the Northern Alliance just the same, only those fellows have already excluded us from the Alliance. Since that is the case, Nicosia no longer sees any reason to observe the agreements and treaties previously reached. I formally announce that Nicosia is no longer a member of the Northern Alliance, and furthermore, Nicosia is officially at war with the Northern Alliance! We will defend the dignity of our territory and the unyielding resolve of the Nicosian people with my blood!"