"Humans are really greedy" he mutters to himself.
Aeryon knows all of this and because of that he knows that dominating strength does not mean everything.
Reputation is also a strength.
Aeryon did not want to cultivate a reputation of benevolence and righteousness.
This might work in Yan empire
But that kind of method is different from the culture of the Great Steppe.
Turning the other cheek is not view as strength. But it is a weakness. And the Steppe pounce on the weak. That is how it always has been and Aeryon could not change such culture in a day, in a month, in a season.
But trustworthiness means something to the people of the Steppe.
That is the reason why Aeryon had said to his uncle, it is fine if Utgard break the alliance. Then Aeryon would have legitimate reason to attack and destroy the Utgard.
But their tribe must not be the one that breaks this alliance.