"Kressa?" Unas turned around and saw another "self" with a veiled face glaring at him angrily.
Luisa asked, puzzled, "Are you Kressa?"
She couldn't imagine how her guardian Heroic Spirit could turn into a man who hid his face and kept a low profile.
"It is I, Your Highness," Kressa bowed to her patron, "I have temporarily become like this, but I am still your protector, and that will never change."
"Hmm..." Luisa hesitated for a moment, and after Unas explained briefly, she reluctantly accepted the fact. "Then why did you object to my marriage with the Knight?"
"You don't know, Your Highness? He only has five years left to live. How could he possibly give you happiness for the rest of your life?"
"What?!" Luisa exclaimed, a look of worry immediately creeping onto her brow. She asked anxiously, "Really? Unas?"
Unas simply nodded. "It's very likely true."
"How could this happen?" Luisa rushed forward and hugged the Paladin tightly, bursting into tears, at a loss for what to do.
Unas stroked her soft hair. "But don't worry, I won't just drift along and accept this fate. I will definitely find a way to survive."
"Yes!" Luisa suddenly looked up, her tear-filled eyes shining brightly, "I believe you!"
Kressa advised, "Your Highness, it wouldn't be too late to decide on your marriage five years later..."
"No! I want to marry the Knight right now!"
"Your Highness, you need to think this through. If he dies in five years, what will you do...?"
"I've made up my mind," Luisa said firmly. Life offers only a few five-year periods, and a woman's youth is especially precious. Even if there are only five years left, it's enough.
Kressa retorted angrily, "Incomprehensible!" The rank of a saintess in the church meant she was severable from romantic love, and she could not understand the princess's feelings.
In the end, she was just an old relic from a hundred years ago, with the same status as Gail— both were high-ranking guards—and had no right to interfere in the princess's marriage.
"I'm ignoring you!" Luisa made a face at Kressa, then took the Paladin's hand. "Let's go!"
Your Highness!
Kressa tried to stop the two, but Gail blocked her way. "This wounded man is yours. Find him another Priest."
Kressa glanced at the unconscious wounded man lying on the cot, and sighed helplessly, "No need, I can heal him too."
As Unas led Luisa through the Tents, he asked, "Where are we going?"
"Go find Bishop Monina and ask her to officiate our wedding." Luisa blushed as she finished speaking.
Unas gestured to the constant stream of wounded soldiers and medics around him, "She must be very busy right now, and we're not in a hurry. Let's find a quiet place; I have something important to tell you."
"Okay, okay, let's go to my room." Luisa blushed even more after saying this.
The Cathedral staff arranged a decent room for Luisa, a volunteer Priest, in the side of the main hall. The two of them, along with Gail who had caught up, quickly arrived at the room.
"I'll guard the gate for you two," Gail said with a serious expression, completely spoiling the mood.
Luisa stormed in, ignoring her loyal captain of the guard.
Unas closed the door, stepped forward, took his fiancée's hand, and after a brief moment of tenderness, said bluntly, "I hope you can reveal your true identity."
The woman, lost in bliss, suddenly looked up. "What? Why?"
Unas thought for a moment and said, "Let me ask you a question first: why did you come to the church to volunteer?"
"I saw their notices, and I decided to come to help treat more people. Was I wrong?"
"That's right, how many people have you saved these past few days?"
"There were twenty-four, oh dear, you interrupted the twenty-fifth." Luisa then remembered the poor wounded soldier she had abandoned.
"A Priest, even with all his might, can only heal a dozen or so people in several days, while a ruler, by issuing a single correct decree, can save thousands upon thousands. Luisa, you can become a ruler who saves hundreds and thousands."
"I... I can't do it. I've never cared about national affairs, and besides, Lordaeron is already..." There is another male heir in the family. Luisa has never been raised as a ruler. She will be a qualified noblewoman, not a king who governs the country.
"Rest assured, with me here, I will do everything in my power to help and assist you. Lordaeron will be rebuilt in our hands!"
"But why can't we escape all that strife and live a happy life that belongs only to the two of us?" Luisa didn't want to get involved in any more of Lordaeron's troubles, because only in this way could she forget the pain of the past.
"Perhaps the world will be destroyed soon, so how can we talk about a happy life? I'm not exaggerating, because I know many unspeakable secrets."
The history of this world has been greatly changed by his arrival. Unas cannot predict what the future will hold, so he can only choose one path—to fight to the end.
He cupped the princess's face in his hands, looking firmly into her hesitant eyes, wanting to instill courage into her heart. "Stop running away, Luisa. Face your wounds, confront them, overcome them, and only then can you truly be happy!"
"I..." Luisa knew the Paladin was telling the truth; the sorrow and pain weighing on her heart wouldn't dissipate because of her avoidance, but she still couldn't bring herself to say yes.
Please believe me.
Looking into her helpless eyes, Unas couldn't help but lower his head...
"Mmm," the princess whimpered in surprise, but did not resist, and soon became immersed in that endless tenderness.
At midday, a large crowd had gathered Sade Marquis's Estate, almost filling the surrounding streets. Most of them were tall, with light hair and blue eyes, which were very obvious characteristics of Northerners.
Among a group of hurried passersby, someone asked curiously, "Wasn't the Sade Marquis's Estate raided just a few days ago? What happened this time?"
"You don't even know this? I'm asking you, what was the biggest news this morning?"
"The surviving princess of Lordaeron?" someone exclaimed, suddenly realizing, "Could she be living here?"
"That's right, look at those people, they're all poor bastards from Lordaeron who fled from the north. They all gathered here after hearing the news, maybe hoping to beg for a meal from their princess?"
These sarcastic remarks drew angry glares from the crowd. The passerby shrank back and slunk away, otherwise, given the fierce nature of Northerners, he would have been in for a beating.
At this moment, a troop of heavily armored City Guards rode in, dispersed the crowd of onlookers in front of the Marquis's Estate, and secured the gate.
Leading the procession was a dashing female Knight. After a brief announcement, she and several attendants were ushered into the mansion.
"Major Sophia, how have you been?" Unas greeted the guest in the courtyard.
The female Knight had no time for pleasantries, and said angrily, "You actually kept such important news from me until now! Knight Unas, I don't know if I can still trust you."
Unas chuckled and said, "This is a long story; let's go inside and discuss it in detail."
"Has His Majesty the King given a reply? When shall we enter the palace?" Unas asked impatiently as soon as he sat down.
Sophia countered, "Where is Calia?"
The three people who accompanied her also said, "Marshal Windsor sent us here; we must see Her Highness in person."
Unas noticed the female Knight's wink and suddenly realized that she wanted to verify his identity.
These attendants, judging from their attire, did not resemble officers under Sophia's command at all. They were likely from within the palace, sent to identify Calia.
This was understandable, Unas immediately ordered his men guarding the door to invite the mistress over.
A short while later, Luisa appeared, surrounded by Nightmoon, Perella, Gail, and Kressa.
She changed out of the dark robe she had worn for years during her escape and into a gown woven by Elf Tailor Shop recommended by Perella. The exquisite openwork patterns made Luisa look noble and elegant, and her slightly rosy cheeks highlighted the vitality that her marriage had brought her.
The people inside the room quickly stood up. To the astonishment of Sophia and the three appraisers, Princess Lordaeron walked straight to the Paladin and affectionately took his arm. "My dear Unas, I'm here! What do you think of the new dress?"
"Absolutely beautiful, my princess," Unas exclaimed sincerely.
Sophia pointed rudely at the Paladin and stammered, "W-what's going on with you guys?"
We are now husband and wife.
After their conversation in church yesterday, Unas and Luisa secretly got married that very night.
The only witnesses were the elderly Priest of the church, Gail, and Kressa —the deed was done, and there was no point in her objecting.
The wedding was extremely simple, but the couple was very content, just like any newlywed couple, and began their sweet married life.
After a night of counseling, Luisa finally agreed to reveal her identity. Although she was still somewhat reluctant to face it, she suddenly had a husband to rely on, and in many ways she was more willing to be a follower.
So Unas sent an open letter to the government early in the morning, requesting an audience with His Majesty the King of Stormwind in the name of the Princess of Lordaeron.
This explosive news instantly ignited the entire city. Back then, Arthas's patricide and massacre of the city was a blitzkrieg; almost none of Lordaeron's upper echelons escaped, all wiped out overnight. No one expected that the prince's sister would still be alive.
Stormwind City to many exiled Lordaeron survivors, most of whom are not doing well here. Many are longing for their homeland, so as soon as they heard news of the princess, they flocked to the city from all directions.
With the addition of local residents who came to watch the spectacle, the area in front of the Marquis's Estate, where Unas was temporarily staying, was packed with people until Sophia arrived with her guards.
The three attendants exchanged glances and nodded to each other. They were all courtiers who had been sent to the north and had met officials of the House of Menethil. They were certain that the person in front of them was Calia herself.
Sophia was still shocked by the news of the marriage she had just heard. She never dreamed that this newly acquainted comrade-in-arms was actually Menethil's son-in-law, and she was momentarily at a loss as to how to address him.
Generally, if a princess's husband is of lower status, he will be granted a title of duke or prince by the royal family to match the princess's noble status. However, since the two married in secret and Lordaeron was destroyed, there was definitely no investiture ceremony.
Continuing to call her Knight seemed disrespectful, but calling her something else was unjustified; Sophia's mind completely drifted off.
"What was His Majesty's reply?" Unas asked again.
Sophia woke up. "No reply."
Not a single word?
"No," Sophia said, her eyes also showing disappointment, with a hint of disrespect, "I think His Majesty the King is not interested in anything except news about the Little Prince and the Regent."
"Thump!" Unas slammed his fist on the table in protest, but Luisa patted his shoulder to comfort him. She was the one who should be more upset and angry— Terenas II had done Varian a debt of gratitude that was almost impossible to repay, and now that his daughter was in trouble, she was being ignored like this.
"I'll go back and report immediately," Sophia quickly added, "Wait for my message; perhaps His Majesty will have new instructions."
The princess's identity has been confirmed by the visitor, and perhaps there is a chance for things to turn around, but Unas dares not be too optimistic. Varian's weak personality makes him untrustworthy.
"No need to wait any longer, prepare the carriage, let's go to the fortress together!"
The ruler of Stormwind City lay curled up at the head of the bed, motionless, as if an invisible chain bound his entire body, making it difficult for him to breathe.
He knew perfectly well that there were so many important matters outside that required his personal attention as king, but he just couldn't bring himself to step out of his bedroom.
The desperate look in his mother's eyes when she was critically ill, the dying moments of his father after he was stabbed, and the near death of his wife when she was seriously injured by a mob—these terrifying memories kept Blink through his mind, leading him to imagine the most frightening scene—his precious son dying tragically under swords.
If it were my former self, I would have donned armor, picked up weapons, and risked everything to find my son, dead or alive. But why don't I even have the courage to leave the house now?
When did I become such a useless person?
He couldn't answer that.
Self-doubt and self-blame, mixed with sadness and fear, imposed a heavy shackle on this weak soul, forcing him to hide under the covers to escape reality and making him unable to proactively face anyone or anything.
"Knock knock!" The annoying knocking sounded again.
Varian covered his ears and shouted, "Get out! I won't see anyone!"
This time, the servant outside wasn't frightened away. A panicked voice rang out. "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! Princess Menethil has forced her way in!"
Varian sat bolt upright in shock, clutching his head in panic and frantically pulling at his hair, completely at a loss.
With a loud crash, the outer door of the Bedchamber was kicked open. Varian trembled in fright and screamed, "Stop her!"
There was no answer. After a few screams and the sound of heavy objects hitting the ground, there was a moment of silence outside the door. Varian covered his ears tightly and curled up into a ball, as if that would keep him away from the uninvited guest outside.
Unas cracked his fist and shrugged at the reproachful old marshal—he had stormed into the palace with the old marshal in charge, and the guards at each checkpoint dared not cause trouble. Only these few servants and guards outside the king's bedroom came forward to stop him, so he had no choice but to teach them a lesson with his fists.
"We would never harm the King," the old marshal reassured the fallen men, "But I think you all understand that the situation in Stormwind City no longer allows His Majesty to remain hidden here. We must see His Majesty today!"
Unas chuckled inwardly. Just half an hour ago, the marshal had firmly opposed forcing his way in, but now he was using his words to defend himself.
After arriving at the fortress with the princess and Sophia, he immediately requested that the message be sent to the palace, but still received no reply. Only one option remained for him—to force his way into the Forbidden Palace.
Only after promising not to use force did the old marshal reluctantly agree. He had originally pinned his hopes on Jaina, but Princess Menethil, who was also a friend of the king, was turned away. Jaina was likely powerless as well.
Unas noticed the old marshal's hesitation and, after much persuasion and various promises, finally managed to "trick" the marshal into boarding the ship.
"Your Majesty Varian, I am Calia Menethil Lordaeron. Don't you remember me?"
Encouraged by the Paladin, Luisa shouted loudly into the bedroom.
After a long while, no one responded.
Luisa gave an awkward, bitter smile, tears welling in her eyes. She hadn't expected that even at such close range, Varian would still ignore her. When had he become such a heartless and ungrateful person?
The old marshal stepped forward and knocked on the door. "Your Majesty, are you there?"
"It's no use, I've already told you, His Majesty will not see you," a servant lying on the ground whispered.
As he said, there was still no response from the bedroom.
Unas rushed forward and pounded on the door, the loud thumping making the whole house seem like it was experiencing an earthquake. A slightly panicked gasp came from inside.
"Don't be so rude!" the old marshal quickly stopped him.
Unas shrugged. "I just wanted to see if anyone was inside."
The old marshal called out loudly towards the doorway, "Your Majesty, please see us today no matter what, or we will not leave!"
The deep voice conveyed a firm resolve. The king inside knew he could no longer escape; his anger at his own incompetence gave him some courage, and after a moment he finally responded, "I have been unwell recently, and all affairs are in the care of Marshal Windsor."
The old marshal sighed in disappointment. He had hoped that the king would personally intervene, but he hadn't expected to receive the same answer.
"Then please, Your Majesty, personally issue the authorization decree and bestow upon me the royal Seal."
The king inside the room fell silent again. Although he was a weak man, the mindset of an emperor was firmly rooted in his heart—the loss of the control of the House of Nobles and the entrustment of the power of the country to a stranger from another family that was not close to him made Varian deeply uneasy.
On the one hand, they dare not take responsibility, and on the other hand, they are unwilling to fully relinquish power. This contradiction is clearly revealed in a flawed personality.
The Royal Seal is a very sensitive item; it could easily become a tool of coup d'état. Windsor couldn't force him, as he valued honor more than life and wouldn't allow his reputation to be tarnished.
But if we give up now, today's adventure will have been for nothing; the breakthrough still lies with the princess.
Unas winked at Luisa, who perked up, silently memorizing the lines the Paladin had taught her, and addressed him by his name with a hint of reproach. "Varian, my father took you in after your kingdom was destroyed and treated you like a son, my brother regarded you as an elder brother, and I also considered you another elder brother. Have you forgotten how much kindness the Menethil clan has shown you? You really won't even see me?!"
"I--"
I am ashamed to face you.
Calia, Calia.
The image of the beautiful and noble princess, along with the King and Prince of Lordaeron she had mentioned, flashed through Varian's mind, filling him with unbearable shame.
Stormwind City, which was destroyed by the Orcs during Second War, was only successfully rebuilt with the strong support of the Alliance, led by Lordaeron.
Among these, Terenas II defied public opinion and mobilized the entire Alliance to help Stormwind City, thus incurring Varian's debt of gratitude for the restoration of his kingdom.
"If you don't want to come out to see me," Luisa said firmly, emboldened by the Paladin's gaze, "Then I'll have no choice but to come in!"
"I'm opening the door!" Unas held up three fingers and shouted, "Three!"
The old marshal's eyes widened as he tried to step forward to stop the Paladin, but he was forcefully pushed away— Unas had already made up his mind.
"Two!"
A noise came from inside the house.
"One!"
Unas kicked out with lightning speed, snapping the lock with a crack, and kicking a large hole into the door, which looked like an art sculpture, sending both doors flying open.
The king's bedroom smelled musty. Unas quickly glanced around but didn't see Varian. Only the glass door leading to the balcony beside the bed was open.
He rushed to the balcony, but there was no one there. Looking down, he saw a figure wrapped in a sheet lying on the grass in the garden below— Varian had jumped?
Fortunately, the king's bedroom was only on the third floor. Unas quickly flew down, lifted the sheet, and saw a man inside with furrowed brows, disheveled hair, a haggard face covered in a beard, his hands clutching his broken thigh, his whole body trembling with pain, yet he dared not utter a groan.
Damn it!
Unas cursed inwardly. If word got out that what happened today, he and Luisa would be the culprits who drove the king to suicide, and they would certainly be condemned by the Stormfolk. Of course, Varian's prestige would also be greatly diminished because of such a shameful incident.
He quickly grabbed Varian by the waist, leaped up, and flew back to the third-floor balcony. The entire round trip took only a few seconds, and the old marshal who had followed him into the room had just reached the glass door.
Windsor's eyes widened. Forgetting to reprimand the reckless Paladin, he quickly turned around and instructed the guards to close the door.
Luisa stood frozen by the bed, looking terrified, and hurriedly said, "I... let me take a look first."
Unas' healing abilities, amplified by the Holy Book, surpassed those of Luisa, a novice, but treating fractures required bone-setting techniques, in which he was far inferior to Luisa.
"Should we call Priest?" The old marshal hesitated. His greatest hope was that the princess could heal the king and that the suicide attempt would never have happened. But if something went wrong and left the king with permanent damage to his leg, he would also be held responsible.
"Go and invite them; this matter can't be suppressed," Unas knew what the other was thinking. "I was seen by the people in the garden when I flew down."
The royal gardens are usually staffed with gardeners and guards, and the area beneath the king's bedroom is of utmost importance. Although it only lasted a few seconds, Varian's jump and Unas's rescue must have been witnessed.
The old marshal was immediately struck as if by terrible news, and roared, "You! How do you plan to resolve this?! Alas—"
The Paladin's trickery in forcing him to abdicate and his subsequent harassment of the king's bedroom had already branded him with the crime of treason. Now that things had come to this, the old marshal was both angry and helpless.
"Let's take it one step at a time," Unas said calmly, glancing at the king on the bed. "Anyway, at least we've seen him, haven't we?"
The old marshal sighed again. Varian's disheveled appearance pained him deeply. What had turned that once dashing king into such a dejected state?
The news spread quickly, and not only did the Cathedral send a bishop and Priest, but Oink, an old acquaintance from the Mage Academy, also came, along with the current acting head of SI:7 —a Scarface officer.
After this incident, everyone looked grim, but no one dared to hold Windsor accountable—the old marshal had just performed a great service in saving Stormwind City and now commanded the City Guard; there were almost no people in the city with a higher status than him.
The treatment ended quickly; the injury wasn't serious. After the bishop finished casting the spell, he instructed, "There shouldn't be any major problems. His Majesty only needs to rest in bed for a while to fully recover."
The servant who had been beaten down by Unas earlier now emboldened by his master's power, glared at the Paladins and said, "Did you hear what His Excellency the Bishop said? You all step back, His Majesty needs to rest!"
No one moved. Having finally seen Varian, they couldn't possibly be driven away by a mere servant.
The Scarface officer was the first to speak, pointing the finger directly at the Paladin and Windsor, "How His Majesty fell from the balcony must be investigated thoroughly!"
This was a crime of murdering the king, and the newly appointed head of the secret service, eager to establish his authority, actually wanted to kill the two men.