Kael'thas is definitely not stupid.
In some ways, he was much smarter than his siblings.
It is said that power is a deadly poison, and as the old saying goes, it is unfortunate to be born into an imperial family.
Kael'thas has every reason to claim that being born Elf Prince was the true misfortune.
His greatest envy was Prince Arthas, Arthas, being Prince, had a strong chance of inheriting his father's throne.
King Terenas is old; even if he isn't killed by Thrall, he won't live for many more years.
And look at the Elf King, he's only a little over three thousand years old.
Compared to Tyrande and Malfurion, the Elf King was just a callow, adorable young boy.
Kael'thas sadly realized that, barring unforeseen circumstances, he might not be able to remove the title of Prince even after ten thousand years.
Although it is not easy for High Elves to reproduce, and the Elf King is not Malfurion and his wife who are separated for many years, even if they only produce one child every hundred years, Kael'thas should have thirty brothers and sisters.
Unfortunately, Kael'thas's esteemed siblings either "died" in the war against the Trolls or "accidentally" fell into Mana Addiction, lost their minds, and were ruthlessly exiled. Kael'thas was the only one left alive.
It is said that the Elf Anasterian is a benevolent King, loved and supported by his people, but when faced with a threat to his throne, he will show no mercy.
What could Kael'thas do but indulge in pleasure, flirting with women and neglecting his duties? Although he inevitably received reprimands from the Elf King, who was disappointed in him, it was still better than dying unexpectedly.
Kael'thas's patience, his meticulous planning, and his strategy of concealing his abilities successfully deceived the Elf King, but unfortunately, the more astute Sylvanas saw through it all at a glance.
"Kael'thas, are you really going to be Prince for ten thousand years?" Sylvanas asked with a malicious smile.
"I don't think being dashing and romantic for ten thousand years is necessarily a bad thing, especially for those short-lived species. Just think about their fleeting beauty, and watch them gradually wither, age, and turn into a handful of dust. It's actually a kind of enlightenment about life. Oh! I've attended the funerals of many close female friends, and each time I feel like I've been reborn."
"Oh, is that so? Perhaps I misjudged you. You are more suited to be a sentimental Bards, singing for those lost beauties. It's a pity you missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; you should have become the Elf King."
Sylvanas teased him deliberately, her words carrying a hidden meaning, successfully piquing Kael'thas's interest.
Kael'thas remained silent as he took out a bottle of fine wine that he had treasured for many years.
"Would you like a drink, Ranger-General?"
In a secluded room, the two men drank face to face.
"This is a golden opportunity, Prince Kael'thas. The Elf King has stubbornly taken in the Orcs, causing widespread panic in Silvermoon City. The people are increasingly dissatisfied with the Elf King and desperately need a new king to replace him. Are you willing to miss this opportunity, Prince Kael'thas?"
Sylvanas analyzed the situation and earnestly offered Kael'thas guidance.
"But how can I counter the divine weapon Flamestrike?" Kael'thas frowned, his face filled with worry. "To be honest, I have secretly collected many divine weapons, but unfortunately, none of them can rival my father's."
"The wise will act according to circumstances." Sylvanas wisely instructed the Prince:
"The Orcs destroyed Lordaeron, and Prince Arthas hates Orcs the most. If you can stand up and kill these Orcs, he will be happy to grant your small request. You know, Arthas has an artifact called Frostmourne, which is said to possess power that even the Guardians fear, let alone a mere Flamestrike."
Sylvanas placed the vial containing the Plague in Kael'thas's hand and explained its use in detail, "You know what to do, Prince Highness."
"I'm afraid I can't do it. My father's guards are all his trusted men. I can only try." Kael'thas put away the vial and shook his head.
Sylvanas hesitated for a moment, then smiled faintly and said:
"Prince Highness, you can't hide anything from me. Many of your father's confidants have secretly pledged their allegiance to you, haven't they? I remember there's the Grand Astromancer Capernian and the Chief Technician Telonicus."
Kael'thas looked at Sylvanas in astonishment, feeling a chill run down his spine. This woman was terrifying; she seemed to know everything.
"For Quel'Thalas," Sylvanas said solemnly.
"For Quel'Thalas," Kael'thas whispered.
Their hands clasped together.
Kael'thas was not fully prepared to overthrow his father's rule and take his place.
He also had his own judgment, harboring concerns and hesitating whether or not to trust the Scourge.
Kael'thas's hesitation and absent-mindedness were quickly noticed by Jaina, who was standing beside him.
"Kael'thas, are you feeling unwell?" Jaina asked with concern.
"Jaina." Kael'thas gripped Jaina's fingers, staring into her beautiful eyes. "I'm lost and desperately need your guidance. What's your opinion of the Orcs of Silvermoon City?"
"Orcs?" Jaina narrowed her eyes quickly. She sensed the unusual tone in Kael'thas's voice. Jaina had grown up and was no longer the little girl who could be fooled by Orcs.
"Orcs are a dangerous bunch of beasts, cruel, ruthless, and treacherous. Sooner or later, they will bring disaster to Silvermoon City." Jaina took a deep breath and lowered her voice, "Don't trust them, Kael'thas. You'd better persuade the Elf King to kill them all."
Kael'thas was overjoyed; the support of his beloved woman greatly boosted his confidence.
Kael'thas didn't know Jaina well enough, and was unaware of the lingering connection between Jaina and Thrall.
He was overly confident in his own charm.
"It's wonderful that you think so too, but it's a pity that Father is too stubborn. Actually, I have a plan."
While awaiting news, Sylvanas suddenly had a bad feeling; she realized she had overlooked something.
That was the darkest day of Kael'thas's life.
The Elf King summoned Kael'thas, and as soon as he entered, he saw Thrall striding away. The Orcs grinned at the young Prince, his expression full of mockery.
He then met the Guardian Medivh, and the Plague Potion placed before his father.
Kael'thas felt dizzy and disoriented, as if the sky was about to collapse.
Where did things go wrong? That's impossible, his people are all very reliable!
Jaina walked in with an arrogant expression, not even glancing at the poor Elven Prince, and went straight to Medivh's back, gently massaging the Guardian's shoulders.
Kael'thas stumbled and nearly fell to the ground.
He understood everything.
Woman!
"I, who considered myself a ladies' man, turned out to be completely clueless about women."
The Elf King glared at Kael'thas, brandishing his arms and roaring:
"You have disappointed me greatly. You are destroying Silvermoon City, you are slaughtering your people."
Kael'thas didn't want to argue anymore; he knew he was finished. He closed his eyes, awaiting the final verdict.
Hang him, or cut him into pieces and feed him to the Spellstealer Wyrm?
The Elf King unleashed a torrent of curses, finally sealing Kael'thas's Destiny.
"I will give you a chance to redeem yourself. Take your trusted men and reclaim Sunwell Plateau from Scourge Undead. If you fail, do not return alive to see me. The Elven Prince must die with honor."
The Elf King's punishment surprised Kael'thas; it was tantamount to letting him escape.
Medivh turned displeased.
"What are you waiting for? Get out of my sight before I change my mind."
The Elf King kicked Kael'thas to the ground.