Kael'thas felt everyone's eyes were on him. Bolvar's shocked expression, Antonidas's disappointed shake of the head, and Magni's sympathetic eyes. The most painful thing was the light that mixed anger and victory in his father's eyes. Yes, his father was enjoying this moment, enjoying the moment when he made a fool of himself in public.
"At that time Silvermoon City fell, and we were in urgent need of resources to save our people Mana Addiction." Kael'thas explained with difficulty, his voice getting smaller and smaller.
"So you betrayed Silvermoon City, betrayed Sunwell?" Anasterian's voice was full of dramatic grief, "My son, I thought you at least had some wisdom."
Kael'thas was filled with grief and indignation. Was he being called stupid in public? What choice did he have at that time, and what was his father doing at that time?!
The Elf Prince felt an unprecedented anger burning in his chest, but he forced himself to lower his head. "I made a mistake, Father. I will bear full responsibility."
"Of course you will." Anasterian said coldly, and then turned to the goblin, "Get out of here, goblin. If you dare to threaten Sunstrider family with such a ridiculous document again, you will regret setting foot on Dalaran's land."
Grizik seemed to want to argue, but seeing the unkind eyes of the soldiers around him, he finally just bowed. "Our parent company Blackwing Fertilizer will continue to collect debts through appropriate channels. I wish you all a happy meeting."
After the goblin left, the conference hall fell into an awkward silence. Anasterian straightened his robe, as if the episode just now was just a trivial farce.
"As you can see, my son made a mistake in a desperate moment. But the legal ruler of Quel'Thalas is still me." He looked around at everyone, "I reiterate my proposal: give priority to recovering Silvermoon City and restore the power of Sunwell, so that we can fight against Scourge more effectively."
Antonidas cleared his throat. "Anasterian, in view of the special circumstances just now, maybe we should adjourn the meeting temporarily and discuss it another day."
Sun King's expression became stiff, but he finally nodded. "As you wish."
When everyone started to leave, Kael'thas stood there, feeling a strange numbness. He knew that his father would use this incident to further weaken his influence within the clan, and perhaps ban him from participating in important decisions. But at this moment, all of this seemed to no longer matter.
"Your Highness?" A soft voice sounded beside him. Kael'thas turned his head and saw High Elf wearing Dalaran robes-Villian Morningstar, a mage he was not familiar with.
"What's the matter?" Kael'thas asked tiredly.
Villian looked around cautiously, and then whispered, "I have something to say to you privately. About what happened today, and what many elves really think."
Kael'thas narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"
"Not all tribesmen agree with His Majesty Sun King's leadership style." Virian's voice was almost inaudible, "Especially his attitude towards you. If you are willing, I have a secluded laboratory in Violet Garden."
Kael'thas stared at this strange compatriot for a long time, then nodded slightly. "Lead the way."
They avoided the crowd and walked through several hidden corridors, finally arriving at a small building surrounded by magical plants. After Villian confirmed that no one was following him, he opened the door and asked Kael'thas to enter.
The interior furnishings are simple, but there is a portrait on the wall that surprises Kael'thas - a portrait of him when he first came to Dalaran to study. At that time, he was still full of ideals and had not yet been smoothed by politics and war.
"I am your admirer, Your Highness." Villian said bluntly, "I am also one of the many elves who think that you should be the real leader of Quel'Thalas. When Silvermoon City fell, it was you who asked for the help of Theramore and Dalaran to save a large number of people. And again. You bought a large number of Arcane Crystal from the goblins when we Mana Addiction were most critical. This led to the wonderful performance of the elf mages when Dalaran counterattacked Undead. This is not a feat that His Majesty Sun King can erase."
Kael'thas looked at him warily. "This is treason, Master." He could no longer believe anyone.
"No, Your Highness, this is loyalty." Virian said eagerly, "Look how Sun King treated you today! Humiliating you in front of all the important people in the Alliance! This is not the first time, is it?"
Kael'thas did not answer, but a certain part of his heart resonated. Yes, this is far from the first time. As long as he can remember, his father has been suppressing him, belittling his achievements, and magnifying his mistakes.
"We have more than thirty mages and rangers, all willing to serve you." Villian continued, "There are more waiting and watching. As long as you give the order--"
"No." Kael'thas interrupted him, "Now is not the time. The tribe needs to unite, not divide."
Villian seemed to want to argue, but finally lowered his head. "As you wish, Your Highness. But remember, there are people who are ready to support you when you decide you can't stand it anymore."
Kael'thas walked towards the door and paused. "Villian, this is our conversation today."
"Never happened, Your Highness." Villian said respectfully.
After leaving the secret meeting place, Kael'thas boarded the Dalaran highest Observation Deck. From here, he could look into the distance - if the weather was clear, theoretically he could even see the direction of Quel'Thalas. But today there were only thick clouds.
He recalled that when he was a child, his father took him aboard Silvermoon City's Sunspire and showed him the magnificent view of the entire kingdom. "One day, all this will be yours," Anasterian said at the time, "But only if you prove that you are worthy of it."
Over the years, Kael'thas has been working hard to prove himself - as a mage, as a leader, and as a prince. But no matter what achievements he has made, his father can always find shortcomings. But now, at the moment when the tribe needs unity the most, his father has chosen to publicly humiliate him in front of the Alliance.
"It's not the time yet." Kael'thas whispered to himself, repeating what he said to Villian. But deep inside, a voice asked: When will the time be? When your father completely deprives you of your inheritance rights? When all the tribesmen think you are an incompetent loser?
He gripped the railing tightly, feeling the cold touch of the magic metal. Maybe Villian was right. Maybe there was another way.
In the clouds in the distance, a ray of sunlight suddenly penetrated, like a sharp sword piercing the earth. Kael'thas stared at the beam of light and made a decision.
He will wait, observe, and prepare. But he will not endure his father's oppression and humiliation forever. When the time comes, he will make a choice!
"I will let everyone see who is worthy of the title Sun King." Kael'thas whispered to Void, then turned and left, the golden robe rustling in the wind like a burning flame.
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