"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Turan was overwhelmed with gratitude. For his crimes, Gale killing him would not have been too severe. The position of Lord and the noble title were not important. What he valued more was that Gale was willing to give him a chance to reform. Only by being alive could he make changes.
"Your Majesty!"
Moon Rage walked to Turan's side and knelt on one knee before Gale.
After the recent trial, Moon Rage was completely convinced by Gale.
He was a veteran at playing politics, and Gale's trial just now not only punished Turan but also rallied the Dalaran taxi soldiers.
Although the Darkmoon City taxi soldiers might have some dissatisfaction, at this stage, the two sides were allies. Metri and others had helped defend the city for over a month, so this slight dissatisfaction would not affect their gratitude towards Gale at all. In fact, they wouldn't even mention this matter to others, fearing it would tarnish Gale's image.
It could be said that after driving Azshara from the throne, Gale was the most qualified to sit on it.
Azshara's words had indeed come true; Gale had truly seized her throne.
It was precisely because Moon Rage perceived this that he chose the most beneficial course of action, pledging allegiance to Gale.
Gale smiled and said, "Albert, long time no see."
Moon Rage also smiled. Gale calling him Albert was definitely a sign of closeness.
Indeed, Gale said, "Time flies so fast; we have fought side by side for hundreds of years. Seeing you reminds me of Farodis. He didn't heed my advice, which resulted in the destruction of Nathalass. And you, you have always stood by my side, resisting the attacks of two cities. Your contributions are truly immense."
Moon Rage's heart pounded, and he quickly said humbly, "It was because Your Majesty told me to bide my time that I was able to silently accumulate strength."
"There is no need to belittle yourself." Gale looked at everyone: "Albert Yue Nu, for guarding Darkmoon City and protecting the lives of the Kaldorei within the city from harm, his contributions are immense. I propose that Albert Yue Nu be appointed Duke of Darkmoon City."
Moon Rage's breathing quickened. A Duke was definitely a first-rank noble in the Kaldorei Empire, second only to a Prince.
Moon Rage had only held Darkmoon City and did not aspire to be a Prince. Moreover, Gale might not even establish the title of Prince, so it could be said that Moon Rage was the first noble of the new dynasty.
Everyone else's breathing also quickened, especially Gale's former subordinates. Although they had also become Earls due to their merit in supporting him, an Earl was still two ranks below a Duke!
They understood Gale's actions. After all, Moon Rage was originally independent, and it was not easy for him to pledge allegiance. Gale gave Moon Rage high office and generous emoluments to win him over and set an example for others.
In the current Kaldorei Empire, there were still many Lords. Large cities like Black Rook Hold, Ereylas, Amissaran, Aredaras, and Cenarion Thicket, which were home to tens of thousands of Kaldorei, as well as the surrounding small towns with thousands of Kaldorei, all had their own Lords.
Gale's appointment of Moon Rage as Duke was to tell those Lords that he did not intend to reclaim their ruling power. Of course, if they continued to pledge allegiance to Azshara, then Vaschi the Mage would be their example.
The Darkmoon City taxi soldiers cheered. With Moon Rage becoming a Duke, their status would also rise.
Moon Rage suppressed his joy and said to Gale, "Your Majesty, let's enter the city first! There are many post-war issues that need to be resolved."
Gale nodded, reached out, and pulled Moon Rage up. "Let's walk together."
The soldiers cleared a path and removed obstacles, paving the way for Gale and Moon Rage.
As they walked into the city, Gale said, "From now on, the ruling area of Darkmoon City will be in the Saro Basin. Except for the southern mines, the South Mountain Range will belong to Gale's Tower."
Moon Rage was even more moved to hear that the mines were given to him. "Your Majesty, the mines should still be divided according to the mining company's rules."
Gale waved his hand, "No need. From now on, all profits from the mines will be used by Darkmoon City. Without the mines, Darkmoon City might only be able to rely on agriculture and forestry for its finances in the future."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Moon Rage was truly grateful. Although Darkmoon City was located in a basin with abundant natural resources, the Saro Basin actually had limited resources, only suitable for developing forestry and its associated industries. Self-sufficiency was certainly enough, but when it came to trading with other cities, it was at a disadvantage. This was because what the Saro Basin had, other places also had, and often even better.
In such circumstances, Darkmoon City's only hope for development was the mines.
Gale smiled faintly. The reason he gave the mines to Darkmoon City was partly for its development. Only if Darkmoon City developed well could it serve as an example. Buying horse bones with a thousand gold — how else could he get others to follow suit without spending a fortune?
On the other hand, he also wanted to restrict Moon Rage. The mountains south of the mines contained countless underground mineral veins; those were the real wealth. Once the Kaldorei mastered the technology to excavate deep veins, all these mines would belong to him.
Exchanging a tiny bit of current profit for a huge future profit — Gale was too skilled at this kind of deal.
Someone had already sent the news back to Darkmoon City. The Kaldorei of Darkmoon City came out of their houses, picked the flowers they had planted, and lined both sides of the main road. As soon as Gale and Moon Rage entered the city gate, they would scatter the petals in their hands onto the street as a welcoming ceremony.
Gale watched the petals fall and really wanted to ask: Where is my father, the King?
As he walked, Gale waved to the people on both sides.
It wasn't until they reached Moon Rage's office that he said, "Time is short. I will arrange the matters of Dalaran and Vashj'ir."
Everyone immediately listened respectfully.
Gale: "This is wartime, and I don't have time to take over these two cities. Albert, send someone to take over. I will have Turan write you a letter, and you can also bring Vaschi the Mage's head."
"As you command!" Moon Rage quickly said.
"After taking over, your task is to gather all Kaldorei and find a refuge. If anything changes, immediately enter the refuge."
Gale instructed, "This war, who knows what the consequences will be. You must be fully prepared."
"Understood!"
You probably don't understand!
Currently, Gale could not guarantee a safe resolution for the portal above the Well of Eternity. If it was like history, the world might still shatter. With the four pillars of creation, he could only guarantee to contain the power of the Well of Eternity's explosion. Whether Darkmoon City and Vashj'ir, two cities that historically sank to the bottom of the sea, could be saved was still uncertain. Therefore, he could only prepare for the worst.
However, there were some things he could not say too clearly.
"Albert, prepare more large ships. These three cities are all in low-lying areas and near water. Once a flood breaks out, you can directly take refuge on the ships."
Moon Rage was stunned for a moment. This—was a bit redundant, wasn't it?
But thinking about Gale's previous suggestions to him, it seemed every one of them had been very useful.
Perhaps, he really should prepare some large ships?
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