@BraveHeart3Hero Yeah but MC ain’t smart enough. Also, better to have an ally who needs you for something than an ally who doesn’t. Fear, loyalty and benefits are the three things that hold an alliance together. The former two are wonky, but you can trust in the third as long as you know what they need and can prepare for them in case they turn on you. Compared to the empire which has just been attacking without reason, even temporarily gaining the help of another nation and someone who can navigate the political scene far better would be a great aid.