"I'm fine, Arthas. You did very well. You already have the makings of a king," Terenas remarked with a sigh. Had his son become so outstanding already? Time passed so quickly. His son was so excellent.
"Lordaeron will only become better under your rule. I just did what I was supposed to do." Arthas had no intention of claiming all the credit. There was no good end for a subject whose merits outshone his lord's, even if that subject was a prince.
"The dragon legions need to resolve a new crisis, one that threatens the entire world. As part of this world, we humans must also contribute. If we can perform well enough, it would be reasonable to receive their blessing. All of this still requires effort. After we defeat the Horde, I will need to cross the sea to assist the dragon legions."
"Is it urgent?" Terenas asked. It was a good thing for his son to go out and make a name for himself. If he stayed in Lordaeron, there would always be friction. The best solution was to avoid conflict. Familial affection was not as important as royal power.
"The sooner, the better. Mother's health has always been poor. If possible, after I establish a foothold over there, I'd like to ask the night elf druids to take a look at her. Is that all right?" Arthas asked tentatively. Taking the queen away was something he had to ask the king about.
"Her? Hmph, isn't she perfectly fine?" Terenas had no kind words for Lianne. There was only hatred between them, held together only by interests and their children. Even if a king was wrong, he was still the king.
"That's just on the surface. Mother's health has never been good; she's just putting on a brave face. She has helped me a great deal, and I am very grateful to her. As her son, I can't just watch as she is tormented by illness," Arthas sighed. "Even the Holy Light can't cure her. The Holy Light is not the only healing force, after all."
"Don't lose heart, my boy. Everything will be all right. Even the great Archbishop Alonsus cannot avoid old age, sickness, and death, can he? It's best to take it in stride. Maintain your composure. It is natural for people to be born, grow old, get sick, and die. This is also a factor that stimulates humanity's potential. Comfort always leads to a lack of ambition.
Take your mother with you. She can also give you some help in Kul Tiras. Don't worry about me. I'm fine here in Lordaeron. Go and strive for your goals. The kingdom will be passed on to you in the future. Go on, take care of the aftermath. I'm tired." Terenas waved his hand and let out a long sigh. Out of sight, out of mind. He might as well let his son take his wife away.
Arthas maintained a respectful attitude as he saw Terenas off. Lordaeron's foundations were still strong. The royal mage corps was only slightly weaker than his own from the elves. In this siege, it was also due to the royal mage corps' obstruction that the attack failed. Perhaps it was also because the Orcs had no spellcasters. In any case, Lordaeron's strength was not to be underestimated.
Afterward, Arthas found the Alliance army that had come to reinforce them. It was a force from Lordaeron, led by the great lord Alfred.
"General Alfred, there is something I'd like your help with."
"Oh, it's Your Highness the Prince. Please, speak. I will certainly do my utmost." Alfred was a lord with a beard and an aristocratic air. Compared to other decadent and debauched nobles, he had always maintained a good reputation. Not all nobles were useless; just very, very few were worth anything.
"I wish to recruit Brigitte as my adjutant. I need her help. She is outstanding. Lordaeron needs her, the Alliance needs her, and I need her even more." Arthas did not hold back his praise for Brigitte. The young woman was brave and intelligent, as well as decisive and resolute, with a conviction that would not waver even in death.
"Of course. It's just that she has a marriage contract with the Valen family. They are to be married next year." Alfred had no desire to offend the prince, who was currently at the height of his power. This prince could even tame dragons and was so young. Offending him would be something only a person with crap for brains would do.
"I will resolve that. When it comes to the interests of the kingdom, everyone must make concessions." Arthas nodded and left. These nobles had too many trivial matters. Political marriages were a perfectly normal thing. Some betrothed couples wouldn't even meet before their wedding because they were so resistant to the idea, so naturally, they wouldn't see each other.
"Yes, Your Highness." Alfred respectfully watched Arthas leave, forgoing even the pleasantries. His eyes fell on the High Elf following behind him. Who would have thought she was a dragon? Alfred thought with a shiver.
"Let's go. We need to find Brigitte. There are too many tedious matters here that need someone to handle them. Calia, Illucia, Jaina, in my name, go and treat the commoners and take a count of those who are homeless. Set up tents for them to stay in temporarily. Pay attention to medical care and food; just make sure no one starves. Also, be careful." Arthas gave his instructions. He was simply too busy. Lordaeron had not fallen, but it had still suffered heavy losses. The post-war recovery was the most troublesome part, often accompanied by injuries, illnesses, and chaotic public order. There was also a need to be on guard against bandits.
"Leave it to us. You too, be careful and stay safe." Calia gently took out a handkerchief and wiped the ash from Arthas's face. She was more than happy to do things for Arthas; it was so much freer than being cooped up in the palace.
"Arthas, when will you be back?" Jaina was a little reluctant to see him go. Although Arthas was so lecherous and debauched, he was also so outstanding. She had come to accept that this was just a way for him to release stress and maintain a peaceful state of mind. As long as Arthas married her, none of it would be a problem. Once she got used to it, would she even have a say in the matter?
"I'll be back soon. The post-war restoration will take a long time. We need to select the homeless refugees; we'll need their help to build the new territory. You two will also be taking on management roles in the future, so get more practice now to adapt faster later. Whatever kind of life you like, I'll give you a position to match. You can be a priest, a mage, or even the headmaster of a school. Alright, my beauties, get to it. We'll have a proper celebratory meal in a little while." As soon as Arthas finished speaking, Emeriss snatched him up and flew away, seemingly with a hint of jealousy.