Chapter 624: Duke, the True Gentleman

The Windrunner sisters swiftly exchanged thoughts in the Language of the Winds.

"Sister, it seems we've been ensnared," remarked Vereesa with a hint of hesitation.

"Ugh, we should've kept a closer eye on him!" Alleria gritted her teeth.

"Should we go back on our word?"

"No! We're heralded as the heroines of the Alliance. Reneging over such a minor thing would be beneath us. And little Jandice is a good girl."

"But..."

"We never said he couldn't have a harem, but he needs to prove his worth. With his small stature... Hmph!" Alleria laughed with a hint of mischief.

"That means..."

"Exactly that!"

The latter part of the night proved uneventful for Jandice, who left in a flustered hurry.

Thus began the tale of Duke's battle against the Windrunner sisters.

When a mage is forced into close combat, victory is almost guaranteed.

Or so it seemed!

That night, the Windrunner sisters went all out.

The graceful eldest sister transformed into a fierce panther, pouncing on her prey.

The gentle, water-like third sister became an entrancing fairy, entangling with unwavering determination.

Many techniques were unveiled.

Despite Duke's numerous defeats...

After three rounds, Vereesa admitted defeat.

"Impossible!" exclaimed Alleria, refusing to yield.

Yet after seven rounds, even Alleria, after a prolonged scream and slight tremor, was defeated.

Undeterred, Alleria rallied her sister for a combined assault on Duke.

After five more rounds, whether the prideful Alleria admitted it or not, they had lost.

Defeated by Duke's wicked blade.

In their dazed eyes, love was evident, yet a hint of frustration remained.

How had Duke's prowess grown so significantly in just a few days?

The horizon began to lighten.

Duke, draped in his robe, stood on the balcony, gazing upon the vastness of Azeroth.

The dawn's light illuminated this hero, casting a gentle glow.

For a moment, Duke seemed like a deity bathed in the morning light.

Recalling Duke leading the Alliance to save their homeland, defeating the seemingly invincible Horde, and plotting the demise of the malevolent dragon, Neltharion, the Windrunner sisters were once again entranced.

"Ah, so it's this kind of man that has captured our hearts," sighed Alleria.

"Mhm."

"Well, let him be."

"Mhm," Vereesa responded, nuzzling her sister's face, "Imagine if our second sister joined as well."

Alleria hesitated, then shook her head, "She's too rebellious at heart; she wouldn't."

"Can't I dream?"

"Of course."

Elsewhere, Duke stood proudly in the morning light. Beneath his righteous facade, his thoughts wandered to more mischievous territories:

What if Nozdormu knew I used his Eternal Power to establish a harem?

What if Alexstrasza found out I used her bestowed Life Power to fuel my blade?

Would I be mercilessly defeated 999 times?

Duke tilted his head back, unseen tears in his eyes.

"No matter, what's mine is mine, and none shall take it!"

October 26th.

King Terenas, despite his grief over his daughter's demise, hastily convened another council meeting. Without the throne room, they met in Lordaeron's military council chamber.

Despite the changes in Lordaeron, as its leader, Terenas knew he had to handle this crisis, or Lordaeron's name would be tarnished.

"My lords, Neltharion posed as the Prestor lord, and I too was a victim. I was ensnared by his wicked magic, blinded by his illusions. Calia... Calia was taken from us by him!" Terenas, playing the grieving father, wept.

Many were moved by his act.

"Condolences, King Menethil," offered Thoras and other kings.

The kings lined up to comfort Terenas.

Yet deep down, they despised him for his actions. News had already spread that Lordaeron nobles had taken over Brill in Tirisfal Glades and Caer Darrow.

Claiming to be under a spell?

Did they expect them to believe all of Lordaeron was brainwashed?

Duke, however, remained somber, mournful.

Terenas thought, "Perhaps Duke did care for Calia after all."

Seeing Terenas's gaze, every king cursed silently. Why was Duke acting the gentleman?

Both Llane and Anduin were flabbergasted.

Alright, Duke, you win!

The council meeting that followed left Terenas feeling cold. He hadn't expected such a turn of events overnight.

Without Genn Greymane, Terenas felt isolated. He believed Lordaeron's might would deter neighboring states, like Dalaran and Stromgarde.

But on every issue, the nations sidestepped Lordaeron.

Lordaeron could provide funds but had no say in decisions.

Lordaeron wanted Orc slaves? Take all 25,000 of them; no need for internment camps.

Southshore needed food? Alterac City-State and Duke's murloc army would help, with a bit from Westfall. Problem solved.