Indeed, Lynux, it was a threat.
Relinquish your claim on the Northern Lortmils, and relations will go smoother between us. I did not mention allying with you - I said that I would probably not attack you, unless you attack me. You would still be regarded as a hostile force - just one that I would be willing to ignore for a while. Of course, if you decided that you wanted to ally with me, I would be more open to your ideas, if you remove your claim on the Northern Lortmils. I do not make allies lightly, and those I ally with generally have access to my technologies.
And, the Forsaken One is right - being on slightly more friendlier terms with me would more than likely be beneficial to you. I have some very powerful allies. I do not like having an enemy at my backdoor. Remove yourself from the Northern Lortmils, and perhaps I will ignore you.
Consider this offer carefully - you will either lose the Northern Lortmils, which is not very important to your most unusual empire, or lose everything you control because of the Northern Lortmils. The choice is yours.