"This is the power of Fel."
Holy Light and Fel energy are opposites. Although Varian's Fel aura was very faint, Benedictus was still sensitive enough to detect the abnormality.
The Duke Bolvar looked very unwell and explained:
"It wasn't just the smell of Fel; in fact, his entire body was forged from Fel, differing from the Legion soldiers only in appearance."
"Sylvanas has really given us a tough problem!" Benedictus said with a wry smile. "I have some knowledge of the power of the Old Gods and can use their power to cover up the King's Fel power, but he is no longer suitable to sit on the throne and handle state affairs."
Duke Bolvar smiled wryly:
"The Night Watch, blessed by the Goldrinn, is about to enter Stormwind City. I am prepared to face my Destiny, but unfortunately, two King Varian have appeared."
Benedictus unsurprisingly raised his eyebrows.
"The Goldrinn hates Orcs even more than we do, and he's on our side. But the new King may not trust us. Times are changing, Bolvar. Don't take any chances. Escape Kingdom of Stormwind immediately, or you'll die a violent death and be stigmatized."
Bolvar said solemnly, "I have long been prepared. My children, relatives, and most trusted advisors have all left Kingdom of Stormwind. I only want to stand guard until the very end; I don't care about my life or reputation."
Benedictus closed his eyes and pondered for a long time:
"Sylvanas's aim is to use the two Kings to destabilize Stormwind City's politics, but she doesn't know that we are all in the know. Stormwind City cannot be allowed to fall into chaos. Let's make a deal, Bolvar."
"A deal?" Bolvar looked surprised.
"The Stormwind City Royal Guard, your elite force, will certainly not gain the new King's trust. They are innocent, and you don't want to see them die a violent death. So, make a deal with King Varian and Jaina," Benedictus said.
Bolvar frowned. "You know I'm utterly loyal to House Wrynn."
"But you should be even more loyal to your people," Benedictus shouted.
Bolvar sat blankly in his chair. "Regardless, the King has returned, and I must stop the fake King from entering Stormwind City. Please forgive me, Benedictus."
Benedictus knew that the stubborn Bolvar was difficult to persuade, so he had no choice but to give up for the time being.
"Let me see His Majesty the King," Benedictus said helplessly.
Upon seeing Archbishop Benedictus, King Varian's eyes lit up with hope. As the Archbishop of Stormwind City, he was Steadfast rock that held people together, and was even more revered than the King.
"Archbishop, it's me, Varian! I'm back!" Varian said excitedly.
Benedictus bowed respectfully first, then asked, "Your King, do you remember what happened to you?"
Varian's face turned pale, painful memories resurfacing. His King pride prevented him from revisiting that shameful past, Benedictus wouldn't let it go, asking in a questioning tone:
"You sacrificed the people of Kingdom of Stormwind to save Thrall from the clutches of Twilight's Hammer, dreaming of gaining power, but Thrall repaid kindness with enmity, tearing you to pieces and devouring you."
Varian's lips turned pale, and he trembled so much that he couldn't speak.
Benedictus, with a fierce expression, said menacingly:
"Sylvanas and Antonidas were both torn apart and eaten by Thrall. Vol'jin's people were massacred by the Orcs, yet they remained devoted to serving Thrall. Varian, if you were to regain the King, would you join forces with the Horde to fight the Scourge Army?"
Varian retorted loudly, "What are you talking about? Thrall killed me and turned me into this grotesque creature. Why would I serve him?"
Benedictus chuckled and said coldly:
"No, you will. As long as you are given enough benefits, you will be very willing to cooperate with the Horde. You have no people in your heart, only yourself. You think you are very smart, going with the flow, but you don't know that you are gradually walking towards death."
Varian roared, "Enough, Benedictus! I am still your King!"
Benedictus shook his head:
"The new King has Jaina's support and may already be on his way. He will replace you as King of Stormwind City. If you want to remain King, prove yourself and fight against him. The King is not an easy place to sit on."
"Jaina, that damned woman, she deceived me."
Varian was furious and made a scene in the house. Then, after calming down, he muttered to himself, "This can't go on. I can't just sit here and wait to die. I have to think of something."
Benedictus stepped out of the room, gazing at Bolvar's increasingly aged face, and said with amusement, "Guess who our King will seek help from?"
Bolvar was reluctant to say the name, and after a long pause, he finally said, "Thrall."
Who in Stormwind City was most heartbroken by His King's return? It must be Prince Anduin.
If King Varian does not return, then it will only take a few more years for Prince Anduin to come of age and he will be able to take over the throne of Kingdom of Stormwind from Bolvar.
Unfortunately, the King has now returned, making the succession to the King seem increasingly distant.
You must understand that Azeroth is a world of magic, where anything is possible. If King Varian were to have some extraordinary encounter that greatly extends his lifespan, Anduin a long beard, while King Varian would still be young and vigorous.
So when Varian came out to see his son, Anduin was filled with resentment, but unlike a few years ago, he knew not to reveal his thoughts, so he forced a smile.
The meeting between father and son was awkward. Anduin Varian stood idly by, unsure how to interact with his son whom he hadn't seen in a long time.
Finally, Anduin began the conversation:
"Father, if the Defias Brotherhood kidnapped you, how did you end up in the hands of the Naga? Strangely, the Naga haven't bothered with you or tried to extort money from you."
Varian scratched his head awkwardly, and could only reply, "I don't know, Anduin, I can't remember the specifics."
Anduin shook his head and continued, "Father, you must order Bolvar to investigate the truth. What connection does the Defias Brotherhood have with the Naga?"
Varian looked around to make sure no one was watching, then grabbed Anduin's shoulder, his face serious. Anduin, startled, wanted to scream for help, but Varian lowered his voice and said solemnly:
"Anduin, listen carefully. Your father has no one he can trust but you, your Aunt Jaina. She betrayed us and brought in a fake King to impersonate me. If her plot succeeds, I will no longer be the King of Stormwind City, and you will no longer be Prince."
Anduin, being just a child, was stunned and at a loss for what to do.
Varian said hurriedly:
"Listen carefully, child. If Jaina succeeds, you'll end up like those stable boys, toiling away in the stables every day, wearing tattered clothes, covered in horse manure, and eating only a small piece of black bread full of sawdust for each meal. Your pearly white teeth will soon rot away."
Anduin frightened he was about to cry, and stammered, "I have a friend I can trust. He is Medivh's son, and his name is Med'an."