Stormwind City Under Dark Clouds (2)

Seeing the hall fall silent, the countess spoke in a clear, melodious voice. "Since neither side can settle this dispute, please each send one representative to state your views. Everyone else should remain quiet. I believe your arguments are all for the Kingdom of Stormwind's better future, and Duke Bolvar Fortagan will certainly make a fair ruling."

Countess Katrana Prestor's impartial attitude won her proposal the approval of most people present.

Both sides quickly responded. The nobles selected Duke Greg Lescovar, a learned and respected old man, as their representative.

The old duke, whose hair and beard had both turned white, rose to bow to the distinguished figures before saying, "When we sent those relief supplies, it was to save our innocent human brethren who had fallen into despair."

"Now, the Forsaken of Undercity have joined the Horde. In theory, we are already at peace with them. Furthermore, they have not sent troops to attack the humans in Southshore, and both sides have long maintained a cautious standoff."

"Fewer and fewer nobles are coming from Southshore to Stormwind City. We have heard that the situation in Southshore has stabilized and that they have begun reclaiming land themselves. The north no longer needs our aid. The residents of Southshore are fully capable of developing on their own."

"We can save these supplies to address problems closer to home. Westfall can recruit soldiers again to retake Moonbrook, while Lakeshire can use these supplies to organize a militia and eliminate the remaining Orc forces."

"We can do many things with these supplies rather than give them away to the north for nothing. The Kingdom of Stormwind has already provided enough aid."

Duke Greg Lescovar's words drew enthusiastic applause. He had fully expressed what everyone wanted to say.

Lady Katrana Prestor clapped with a