"They've already shown their sincerity through their actions. If you're still worried, you can observe them over a longer period to see if there's any change," Deren earnestly persuaded. "Punishment is fine too; you can devise a plan. Should you use whips, or remove dragon scales? Or should they kneel down and kowtow in apology to be considered satisfactory?"
Upon hearing of this humiliating punishment, the Black Dragon siblings looked at Deren in shock; it was completely beyond what he had planned.
But Deren's hands, clasped behind his back, signaled to Oni not to rush. Oni, in turn, gently shook her head at her brother, indicating that Deren should handle the negotiations. She trusted her darling; she wouldn't allow outsiders to humiliate her like this.
As expected, upon hearing the conditions proposed by Deren, Windsore looked at the two dragons in disbelief. Seeing that they did not object, he re-examined Deren, pondering why this ordinary man had such a great influence over the Black Dragon siblings. He then asked sternly, "Who are you, and why are you here representing those two Black Dragon?"
Deren continued, "My name is Deren, Agricultural Advisor to Her Highness Onyxia."
"Just an advisor? A human advisor to the Black Dragon? Why would they listen to you?" Windsore was somewhat incredulous.
"Oh, I'm also a Stormwind City resident. A few years ago, I wandered from Westfall to Stormwind City. When I was starving, Princess Onyxia sheltered me. Later, she made me her advisor. We went to Kalimdor to develop agriculture and formed Alliance with Jaina's Theramore. The Blackwing Fertilizer sold by the goblins of the Eastern Kingdoms is our product," Deren explained patiently.
"Look, the Black Dragon has completely abandoned its scheming ways and switched to producing Fertilizer, promoting the development of Azeroth's economy and benefiting millions of people." Deren gestured to Jaina, who immediately corroborated Deren words.
Windsore was truly speechless. It seemed the fate he had foreseen—dying from the Black Dragon's breath—had changed. The Black Dragon was now obediently following the orders of a human man. What had he done?
Deren said as seriously as possible, "Marshal, this is their stance. Several high-ranking figures have vouched for them. Is that acceptable?"
"In fact," Jaina added softly, "My teacher Antonidas from Dalaran is also here and can vouch for the Black Dragon siblings." She then took out a crystal and informed the old mage who was conducting the experiment above.
"What could possibly require interrupting my experiment, Jaina?" Antonidas, now transformed into a handsome middle-aged man, teleported into the reception room. Seeing Aegwynn there, along with others, he first greeted her obsequiously, "Senior Sister—"
"Professor Antonidas, we need your voucher for these two Black Dragon. Professor Aegwynn has already promised to ensure they won't do anything wrong," Jaina quickly explained.
"That's a small matter. My senior sister has agreed, so I can agree too. I've known that female Black Dragon for quite a while now, and she hasn't done anything wrong," Antonidas said casually. "How about I call Krasus down to be a guarantor as well?"
"That's wonderful, thank you so much, teacher!" Jaina quickly expressed her gratitude. The two Black Dragon also looked at him gratefully.
A short while later, the Red Dragon mage arrived at the reception hall, followed by Kalecgos. After hearing Jaina's words, and with Aegwynn's intervention, Krasus felt no pressure and vouched for the two Black Dragon. Only Kalecgos stared intently at Nefarian.
Windsore was completely dumbfounded. For the sake of two Black Dragon, a former Guardian Aegwynn, and two Kirin Tor Archmage, so many important figures were vouching for them. He really didn't know what to do with them.
"Tell Llane's son that, as compensation for the wrongdoings of these two Black Dragon, I'll allow him to go to Karazhan and choose something he likes as reparations," Aegwynn finally decided. The apology was sincere, with a written guarantee. The compensation was substantial, and a bunch of powerful figures were there to vouch for them. You'll be able to read between the lines! "Also, you can tell your king to spare these two Black Dragon, making Theramore happy and winning our friendship in the process."
Given this attitude, Marshal Windsor, a shrewd and experienced man, knew that he couldn't defeat the two Black Dragon siblings today. He had no choice but to bid farewell to the assembled leaders, indicating that he would consult his king before replying.
The crowd dispersed.
The next day, a reply from Stormwind City arrived via magic. Deren and the others gathered again at the Mage Tower, this time with a much more relaxed atmosphere. Windsore opened the letter, sealed with Lion wax, quickly glanced at it, and then looked up:
"His Majesty agrees to this special arrangement, but on two conditions: first, the Black Dragon cannot enter Stormwind City territory without permission; second, compensation must be paid to the families of the victims."
Onyxia pouted, while Nefarian muttered under his breath, "As if we really want to go to Stormwind City."
"Deal," Deren said before Aegwynn could pressure Nefarian again. "In fact, they prefer to stay in Theramore for now. The compensation will be paid immediately." This sum was negligible compared to Deren's profits from Fertilizer and other businesses.
Windsore nodded, then suddenly said to Onyxia, "There's one more thing. VanCleef, the leader of the Defias Brotherhood, has a daughter who's still active around Stormwind City. You should try to see her, if permitted."
Onyxia's body visibly stiffened. "The stonemason's daughter? Why?"
"Because you killed her father." Windsore's voice carried a rare hint of weariness. "Some wounds cannot be healed by gold coins."
Deren noticed a strange glint in Onyxia's eyes—an expression he had never seen before on this proud Black Dragon's face, almost one of guilt?
"I'll think about it," she finally whispered.
"Furthermore," Windsore stated solemnly, "I will remain here as Stormwind City's trade representative in Theramore."
This proposal stunned everyone. Jaina's eyes lit up. " Theramore has always wanted to establish a closer trade relationship with Stormwind City." After all, the charade that Jaina and Varian staged back then benefited both sides. Varian not only didn't betray her, but also doubled his support for Jaina in establishing Theramore. Although the two were separated by the Endless Sea, their friendship remained.
Windsore stroked the hilt of his sword, his gaze sweeping back and forth between the Black Dragon siblings. Deren could see the old marshal's inner struggle—the clash between his deep-seated wariness of the Black Dragon and the absurd reality before him. He had to stay here and keep a close watch on the two Black Dragon.
Windsore bowed to Jaina: "Madam, please arrange for my office to be ideally situated overlooking the port and the mage quarter."
Deren understood the old marshal's unspoken message—to monitor the activity areas of both Black Dragon simultaneously. Jaina, understanding perfectly, replied, "It's ready, on the third floor of the Trade District."
When everyone had left, Deren took Onyxia back home.
Chromie, who had been waiting at home to watch the show, tugged at Deren's sleeve. "History has changed. In the original Timeline, they should have fought to the death. Onyxia killed the old marshal with a single Dragonfire."
Deren, his face contorted with bitterness, finally managed a smile. He had finally managed to pay off part of the debts his Black Dragon had incurred, but he didn't know if he could now reconcile the relationship between the two sides.
Upon hearing this, Onyxia exclaimed in disbelief, "Me? Spit that old man to death?"
Deren nodded. "Thank goodness, nothing happened! Otherwise, it would have been a dark chapter in our history, like a dragon's head hanging on the city gate."
Black Dragon quickly patted his chest, turned around and hugged Deren, whispering in his ear, "Thank you, darling! All the nightmares are over."
"Okay, okay. It's alright now, the debt is paid off, and I feel much better. Just avoid that old man from now on, and don't give him a chance to lash out," Deren said softly.
"Yeah, I run away as soon as I see him. You're the best, Deren!" Black Dragon clung to her man, refusing to let go. Their lips met without them even realizing it.
"Alright, alright! It's nothing. I'm going to lie down for a bit, I'm so tired!" The Bronze Dragon couldn't stand the public display of affection. He waved his hand and went back to the sofa to lie down.
Third update! Please vote and subscribe! Are you all satisfied with the old marshal's ending?