--- CHAPTER 9: A Study in Elven Architecture ---
This time, the Alliance actually sent troops quickly. It was almost impressive.
Judging from the orcs' direction, the first to bear the brunt would be Gilneas, Stromgarde, and the Kingdom of Alterac. Next was the magic kingdom of Dalaran, and finally, us, Lordaeron. With it being a matter of life and death, these old foxes scrambled to send troops, terrified that the most powerful Kingdom of Lordaeron would drag its feet. After all, we are at the back. It's easy to be brave when your house is the last one on the block, but it's a lot harder when the fire is already on your neighbor's lawn.
Only one man looked completely unfazed. Admiral Daelin Proudmoore sat at the conference table, listening as if it were just another Tuesday. Kul Tiras was controlled by the four major families and had no king; Daelin led in the name of an Admiral. Isolated overseas, his kingdom had zero worries about a land-based orc invasion. He was, by far, the most leisurely man in the room. Plus, with his daughter Jaina in love with me—and he himself being surprisingly optimistic about it—he was naturally planted firmly on Lordaeron's side. Optimistic, I thought. Sure. He's about to merge his navy's power with the strongest kingdom on the continent. I'd be 'optimistic' too.
"Then it's decided," Terenas boomed, his voice filling the hall. He loved this. He was in his element. "Commander Lothar will engage the orc army in Southshore Town. Admiral Daelin, please engage the orc fleet at sea first to buy time for the large army to rush to the defense line. Commander Lothar, military matters are left to you. I will be responsible for coordinating logistics. Everyone will do their job, and we will definitely drive the barbaric orcs back to their world. Everything... is for the Alliance!"
My father became more and more passionate as he spoke. Man, he loves the sound of his own voice. The leader of the Alliance wasn't without its perks. The water here was deep, and doing things "in the name of the Alliance" was a great way to justify... well, anything. Mostly securing Lordaeron's interests.
"For the Alliance," the other kings muttered, their reluctance practically dripping off the words. But they had to accept it. Lordaeron was the strongest.
At this time, a guard came in and reported something to Terenas. My father's brow furrowed. "Everyone, my son Arthas has some information to report to us. Admiral Daelin, this may be related to you."
Showtime.
"Huh?" Daelin laughed, a gruff, hearty sound. "Does he want to propose to my Jaina? It's too early for that, isn't it?"
Whoa, hold up, old man. You're not wrong, but... read the room. He had no objection to the marriage, but he didn't seem to notice the other kings' faces darkening. Who could resist this powerful an alliance?
Soon, Arthas walked in wearing his full plate armor, his steps steady and practiced. I'd spent an hour polishing this armor. The cape was new. You had to look the part. I bowed slightly, a perfect, crisp courtesy. "Greetings, Your Majesties, my lords. Let me be brief. I have obtained intelligence that the orcs have controlled the dragons through some kind of artifact, imprisoned the dragon leaders, and thus forced the dragons to join the war. You all know better than I how powerful the dragons are. Therefore, there may be dragons to help in this battle... especially at sea."
The room went dead silent. Daelin's smirk was gone.
After that, I turned to look at my future father-in-law and continued, "The orc fleet can never be a match for the Kul Tiras Navy, but if the dragons join the battle, that may not be the case. Therefore, in order to avoid losses, we'd better make some preparations to deal with the dragons."
Daelin, who was originally all casual confidence, suddenly had a sharp look in his eyes. He re-examined his future son-in-law. "Where did you get this information?"
"I can't tell you about this. Everyone has their own secrets, Admiral." Can't exactly say 'I read the game script,' can I? Or 'My system UI pinged me,' can I? "I can only ensure that what I said is true. Even if it doesn't happen, it won't be a disadvantage to be prepared."
The admiral did not embarrass his future son-in-law too much, just stroked the pirate saber at his hip. "Does Your Highness have any suggestions?"
Oh, I do. "I have discussed with the dwarf craftsmen before about the possibility of replacing land mines with sea mines and placing them in the water. But there is no in-depth research. However, some land mines can be converted into sea mines by adding floating objects. They would detonate when a ship hits them, blowing up the cabin. The price of sea mines is very low, it is also very convenient to place, and the power is not bad. But it has... a little disadvantage."
Arthas's voice became somewhat meaningful. "That is, clearing them. There will be certain difficulties for our own ships to pass after the war. I am not proficient in naval warfare or sea navigation. Your Excellency the Admiral has to judge this method."
"Well," Daelin said, all business now. "I will seriously consider it. Your Highness, thank you for your advice. The sailors of Kul Tiras will thank you."
Admiral Daelin actually took off his hat and saluted Arthas slightly. The kid's suggestion could reduce casualties. That alone was worth the gesture.
Score one for the Reincarnated Prince.
Without staying too long, Arthas left the meeting room. This was not his home field, and he had more important things to do. After leaving the court, he walked on the road. At this time, Lordaeron was the most prosperous city for humans, where you could see merchants and hunters. You could even see a small number of goblins, which was rare in other kingdoms.
Arriving at the city gate, Arthas pondered for a moment, followed by his adjutant, the man who had been assigned to protect him since childhood. "Falric, what do you mean by happiness?"
"Protecting the safety of Your Royal Highness is my happiness."
Falric was very loyal. A diehard, if the plot held true. Oh boy, does it ever. Whether it was the massacre in Stratholme or the fight against the Scourge in Northrend, he followed without regrets. As long as the prince ordered, he would execute it unconditionally. Like Uther, he was blindly loyal to the king. No one disliked such a minister. He was the perfect tool.
"Haha, my happiness," Arthas said, "is to protect the safety of my people. To ensure everyone has food to eat, has the opportunity to receive education, and can be given a stage for them to display their talents."
Damn, that was good. I sound just like a real prince. A+ for public speaking, Arthas. Look, Falric is eating it up. Good old, loyal-to-a-fault Falric.
"Your Highness' happiness is so pure, it really opened my eyes. It's nice to meet you, Your Highness. I'm Alleria Windrunner."
The voice was like a melody, but strong. Arthas turned.
Oh. Oh, wow.
A tall female elf appeared in front of him. She was full of the heroic spirit of a Valkyrie, yet because she was born into a noble family of high-ranking elves, she carried an air of nobility and elegance even in ranger leathers.
Aside from a green cloak that fluttered in the wind, she wore... not much. Green shoulder armor and... is that regulation? It was basically a bikini-style inner armor made of hardened leather and steel plates. Holy Light, how does she... okay, focus. Eyes. Up. Face. Focus. That's not armor, that's a serving suggestion.
With her brilliant golden hair, her ivory skin looked even whiter and more tender. Her well-trained body had the most perfect, powerful curves. Her neck was as slender and white as a swan's, and her collarbone was slender and sexy. The slender waist was taut and defined, which really made the pair of majestic, milky-white... assets... in front of her chest all the more prominent. For the slender high elves, it was a giant bust. For humans, it was just... foul. Unfair. Without any corset, that slender waist showed perfect lines from long-term exercise. There was no feeling of weakness, only a powerful, masculine toughness. On her lower body, a pair of high-top riding boots with green bottoms and gold wire trim made her proud figure look even more slender and leggy. Her whole body was just... a strong exotic style and silent, potent sexiness.
I am staring. I am definitely staring. Say words, you idiot. Words.
--- END OF CHAPTER 9 ---