*Phanias Laodikeias Lydikes quickly moves to make room for the celt*

Yes, my Celtic friend, what you say has merit. Living on our northern border, I also mistrust the ambitions of the so-called "Kingdom of Pontos". I distrust autonomous allies of old Persia. Seems to me they have too long of memories, since it wasn't so long ago that Megas Alexandros conquered their empire. These outlying territories also haven't faced Alexandros in battle, could it be that they need to be taught by the force of Seleukid arms? Aren't these Pontos people also allied with the Arshkani and Hai? If so, we should watch them carefully, since we're already at war with one of them.

Interesting news you bring of the Spartan Alliance. My mother's people had some dealings with one of their poleis. One of her many times great grandfathers served as a ship's archer for them. From tales I've heard, they are a generally fair-minded people, and rich to boot. I've heard that they are very good on their boats, so if we could avoid fighting their fleet for now, while there are so many "Kinglets" with ambitions against us, we should try to make that happen. Why don't you propose your edict to the council, and I'll second it so it can see a vote?