Over the Violet Citadel of the Magic City Dalaran, the fireworks of victory are still blooming. Kael'thas·Sunstrider stood in the shadow of the council hall, looking at his father - Anasterian·Sunstrider Sun King--Surrounded by a group of High Elf nobles in the center. Those flattering smiles and exaggerated compliments made Kael'thas feel a cramp in his stomach.
"My king, your magic penetrated Scourge's front!"
"Without your leadership, we would not have been able to achieve this victory!"
Anasterian nodded reservedly, his long golden hair shining with an almost divine light under the magic light. He raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet, and his voice was as crisp and majestic as an ancient silver bell. "This victory belongs to all the warriors who fought for Dalaran. But it further proves that the power of Quel'dorei has never faded!"
Cheers broke out again. Kael'thas noticed that his father deliberately emphasized "Quel'dorei" - the ancient, exclusive self-proclaimed name, instead of the more general "High Elf". This was a signal, a return to tradition.
Kael'thas's fingers unconsciously rubbed the Phoenix coat of arms on his waist. A few months ago, when Quel'Thalas was in emergency, it was he who contacted Jaina·Proudmoore for support; it was he who led High Elf against Mana Addiction day and night.
But now, his father - who had just absorbed Arcane Crystal and expelled Mana Addiction to regain his mental state - had easily picked the fruits of victory.
"Kael'thas." His father's voice brought him back to reality, "Why don't you come and celebrate with everyone?"
Kael'thas immediately put on a respectful expression, took a step forward, and fully exposed himself to the light. "Of course, father. I'm just thinking about the next strategy."
Anasterian's eyes narrowed slightly, which was a sign of his displeasure. "Strategy can wait, now is the time for us to regain the confidence of our people." He turned to everyone, "Look, my son is always so serious. This is good, but sometimes, we need to let our hearts get a moment of peace first."
The nobles laughed in understanding. Kael'thas felt a familiar sting - his father had belittled him in public again, in a way that seemed to be praising but was actually sarcastic.
"You are right, father." Kael'thas lowered his head, letting his long golden hair cover his tight face, "I still have a lot to learn from you."
Anasterian nodded with satisfaction, and then continued to accept the praises from everyone. Kael'thas retreated into the shadows and noticed that Rommath - the Archmage who had always been loyal to him - cast a sympathetic look at him. He shook his head slightly and signaled Rommath not to express anything.
The celebration lasted until late at night. When the last noble left, Kael'thas was finally able to return to his temporary residence in Violet Citadel.
Kael'thas felt himself overwhelmed by loneliness. He suddenly envied Jaina for always having a father who loved her and a home for which she could openly fight. But he only had power that was constantly being weakened and a father who would always see him as a threat.
Kael'thas stood in front of the window until dawn. Today's Alliance meeting will be a new battlefield, and he must take every step carefully.
The next day, in the rotunda of the Violet Parliament, the flags of all parties were hung under the towering dome. When Kael'thas entered with his father, he immediately felt the tense political atmosphere in the air.
"Ah, Anasterian!" Antonidas stood up from his seat. The leader of Dalaran looked full of energy. The victory of Dalaran's defense battle kept him in high spirits. "I'm glad to see that your people have won another victory under your leadership."
"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Speaker." Anasterian saluted gracefully, "But our homeland is still in the hands of Undead. Today, I hope Alliance can prioritize the recovery of Quel'Thalas."
Kael'thas noticed that several human lords exchanged glances. The representative of Ironforge - Magni·Bronzebeard touched his beard with an unreadable expression.
"We understand your urgency, Sun King." Antonidas said cautiously, "But Lordaeron also needs to be liberated. Moreover, Scourge's main force--"
"The main force has been defeated by us outside the Dalaran city!" Anasterian interrupted, his voice raised a few points, "Now is the best time to pursue the victory and recapture Sunwell! Without its power, the magical power of our High Elf will be greatly reduced."
Kael'thas frowned when he saw Duke Bolvar. As the representative of Stormwind City, he was more inclined to liberate Lordaeron first. After all, Stormwind City had received support from Rodan in the first meeting with Second War. But he was not suitable to openly oppose Sun King.
"Father," Kael'thas interjected softly, "Maybe we can listen to the Alliance's overall strategy first, and then put forward our demands."
Anasterian glanced at him coldly. "You are too naive, Kael'thas. Politics is about fighting for one's own interests at the right time." He turned to the crowd, "Quel'Thalas can provide the best The spirit Mage Corps team assists the Northern Expedition, but the condition is that Alliance must give priority to assist us in recovering Silvermoon City and Sunwell. In this way, our combat effectiveness will be doubled."
The meeting fell into an awkward silence. Kael'thas felt his cheeks heat up - his father had publicly refuted him again, and on such an important diplomatic occasion.
At this moment, the door of the conference room was suddenly pushed open. A green figure dressed so gorgeously that it was almost exaggerated strode in - it was a goblin, followed by two goblin accountants in exaggerated clothes.
Antonidas recognized him as the business representative stationed at Dalaran Rattlesnake Goblins. The guards at the door would certainly not be able to stop these guys who use money to infiltrate all aspects.
"Sorry to disturb the meeting of all the important people!" the goblin said sharply, making an exaggerated salute, "I am Grizik Ruishuan, the representative of Rivendare Financial company. I have urgent matters that need to be discussed with the royal family of High Elf!"
Antonidas frowned. "Goblin, this is not appropriate, we are holding an important military meeting--"
"It's about the ownership issue of Silvermoon City and Sunwell! We have made several appointments with the Elf King, but were rejected all times, so we had to forcefully break into this meeting." Grizik explained loudly.
He took out another roll of parchment from his arms, "While all the adults are here, please explain clearly that according to this Mortgage Agreement signed by Prince Kael'thas·Sunstrider, Venture Company now owns the ownership of these two properties!"
The conference hall instantly exploded. Kael'thas felt the blood coagulating in his veins - he had indeed signed some documents in desperate moments, mortgaging the ownership of Silvermoon City and Sunwell in exchange for Arcane Crystal assistance from the goblins.
At that time, the upper elves, including Sun King, were being severely tortured by Mana Addiction. But he never thought that Sun King would take over his power immediately after solving Mana Addiction and winning the battle of Dalaran.
"Absurd!" Anasterian's voice exploded like thunder, "My son has no right to mortgage the core property of the kingdom!"
Grizik smiled slyly, "Oh? But here is the prince's autograph and the seal of Sun King. According to Article Azeroth Trade Law--"
"That's enough!" Anasterian grabbed the parchment and turned it into ashes without even looking at it. "Goblin, how dare you spread lies at the Alliance Supreme Council! Guard!"
"Father!" Kael'thas hurriedly stepped forward, "I can explain this matter--"
"Shut up!" Anasterian turned to face his son, with cold anger burning in his eyes, "What have you done behind my back? Selling our home to these greedy green clowns?"
Kael'thas suddenly felt like he had been slapped in front of everyone. He was trembling, as if he wanted to argue with his father. This was not his fault. But--
The fifth update. Thanks to [the passing book friends] for the big reward, I will add another chapter tonight. Please vote and subscribe!