Chapter 595: Mud in the Trousers

Box after box was brought out by the guards of Lordaeron.

Genn Greymane gestured, "Here are the military deployment maps of the Alliance around the Alterac Mountains at that time. And their declarations of loyalty to Orgrim. Oh, and here, the sworn oaths of allegiance to the Horde by all the Alterac nobles under the leadership of Aiden Perenolde."

Picking up a document, Duke Barov's hand trembled.

He was at a loss for words. The entire supply chain surrounding the Alterac Mountains had been managed by the Barov family. On another front, due to his reluctance to decide on a clear heir, causing his two sons to compete, it led to a split among their subordinates, each siding with one of the sons.

It's harder to guard against an internal enemy than an external one.

Even the Barov family's upper echelons, who had access to the defense plans, would never have suspected that the two brothers had long betrayed their father. The Duke had never imagined that the mastermind of the initial betrayal was the deceased Aiden, using these two rebellious sons for espionage. After the brothers joined the Horde, this intel landed in Orgrim's hands.

There was no defense; these defense maps had indeed leaked from the Barov family.

It felt like mud in one's trousers, like a disaster waiting to happen.

The guards of Lordaeron presented solid evidence to each of the monarchs. Even though they were aware of these events, and even though it had been some time, seeing the wax-sealed signatures of the Alterac nobles still ignited a deep fury within each monarch.

Not just the kings, but also their two personal attendants showed similar expressions of rage.

Of course, there were exceptions.

Anduin, Duke, and Magni, the three commanders, had independent seats. Surprisingly, with Anduin and Llane was the quartet led by Legolas, recently hired by Duke.

Behind Duke stood Jandice Barov and Alleria.

The previous night, Duke had insisted that the Duke let Jandice accompany him. The Duke now understood why.

Jandice shivered, empathizing with the mental torment her father was undergoing, being the focus of everyone's accusations.

"Both of you, speak the truth. This is your last chance at redemption," Genn beckoned.

And so, the treacherous brothers colorfully narrated their version of the 'truth'. According to them, the Barov family, to save their rich territories from war, pledged loyalty to the Horde even before King Aiden Perenolde.

But, the Barovs were more cunning and sophisticated, placing bets on both sides. As the only two heirs of the Barov family, they first went to Orgrim to gain his trust, while Duke Barov pretended to be unbending and loyal to the Alliance.

A two-faced strategy, wasn't it?

It was, after all, quite in line with the merchant-like nature of the Barovs.

With witnesses, material evidence, motive, precedent, and background, everything seemed plausible.

At this moment, almost every king believed it.

Even King Llane glanced skeptically at Duke. Over there, if Duke hadn't intervened, even King Llane would've been convinced. But even then, Llane was somewhat skeptical.

Had Duke Barov not known that he hadn't orchestrated such a scheme, he might've believed it himself.

The old Duke, realizing the treachery of his foolish sons, burst into uncontrollable laughter.

"Hahaha! Hahahaha--"

The echoing laughter reverberated throughout the throne room.

"What are you laughing at, you traitorous wretch?" King Genn roared.

"I laugh at myself. For bringing two sons into the world but neglecting their education, only to watch them become absolute fools," the Duke retorted.

The two sons countered, "Who are you to mock us?!"

Facing his sons' rebukes, the Duke's laughter grew colder. He looked at them, eyes seeing two dead men, "Foolish sons! Did you truly believe those coveting Alterac's lands would keep their promises? Perhaps for today, but there's always a tomorrow. No one truly shelters two Alliance traitors."

Struck by the truth, the two brothers were visibly shaken.

Feeling the situation spiraling, Genn glanced at Terenas.

Terenas knew this was as far as Genn would go. He glanced at the emotionless Duke and then stood up, "Enough! Since King Greymane has presented evidence of Duke Barov's treachery to the Alliance, Duke, do you have any rebuttals? Or can you provide evidence of your innocence?"

Evidence?

Such an absurd request, almost as ridiculous as proving one's mother is indeed their mother.

The Duke trembled uncontrollably. He knew the combined efforts of the kings of Lordaeron and Gilneas would leave no loose ends. Against these mighty powers, he was but a lamb to the slaughter.

In fact, his idiotic sons had indeed sided with the Horde.

He didn't look at Duke; when Duke refused to collaborate, he ceased hoping for Duke's assistance. His only wish was for Duke to protect Jandice.

Proudly, the old Duke declared, "King Menethil, you've won."

"What do you mean I've won?" Terenas feigned innocence, "This is the Alliance, where fairness and justice reign. Even the testimony of a king can be overturned with enough evidence."

At Duke's side, Jandice couldn't hold back anymore. She reached out, gently tugging at Duke's robe.

A moment later, Duke surprisingly raised his hand, seeking permission to speak.

Terenas was startled but kept his composure, "Duke Marcus?"

Duke smiled, "I wish to question the Horde's Warchief, Orgrim. I want to hear from him personally, whether he captured the Barov brothers in the Alterac palace, or if they had willingly aided him from the beginning."