Chapter 132: Ambush at the Central Gate

Upon Arthas's return to Lordaeron, countless civilians were showering him with flowers, creating a colorful dance of petals in the air.

Clad in armor, Arthas gazed up at the slowly falling crimson petals, reaching out to catch one. The flower remained vibrant in his hand.

Watching the fervent cheers of the people, he felt a slight ripple in his heart, perhaps this was his foundation.

Marlan quietly followed beside Arthas, having decided to follow him, she even gave up her title in the Kingdom of Stormwind. By following Arthas, she believed she could gain more.

"Hey, a sentimental prince like you is not like your usual self," Chromie suddenly perched on Arthas's shoulder, transformed into a Female Gnome, looking petite and cute. However, in this form, it might be hard to accommodate Arthas's stature, wouldn't she be torn apart?

"Not sentimental, just a bit nostalgic. When the pressure on a prince is high, humans are not like dragons with a dragon king's command, there are no opposing voices below. The intrigues among human nobles consume a lot of my energy and time. It is these common people who are the most genuine." Arthas did not dislike all nobles; the ones who were greedy and idle were the most detestable. Those like Turalyon, who despite being a Count, led from the front lines, were what noble Lords should be doing.

Without lingering, Chromie returned to her position, such actions in public were a bit inappropriate.

This would undoubtedly add to Arthas's romantic legends. Men, especially powerful heroes, how can they not have several wives?

Arriving at the palace council chamber, almost all non-combatant nobles were present, while combatant nobles sent representatives to attend the meeting.

Today's meeting was a plea for help from the high elves. The orcs and trolls had joined forces to attack Quel'Thalas, a situation the high elves had never imagined.

The Tribe had traveled from the Eagle's Nest Mountains, resupplied by the local trolls, and launched an attack on Quel'Thalas in the Ghostlands.

With all outer defenses breached, the elves had to retreat, relying on their agility against the burly orcs, a battle that was a death wish.

Bang!

Arthas pushed open the tightly closed doors, exuding a solemn aura, with Green Dragon Ambassador Emeriss and Red Dragon Ambassador Kryssyta following behind.

Drawing his longsword, he planted its tip, knelt down, paid his respects, and then stood up.

"Father, I have fulfilled your orders. I have dealt with the Naga threat. During this time, I was attacked by a group of pirates who claimed to be hired, and they had gold coins from the Strahad Manor."

Handing over the coins to the guards, Arthas coldly stared at Sir Strahad, who looked pale and was gritting his teeth. "I have seen Sir Strahad's handiwork all the way back. Your influence is significant, even capable of subverting the kingdom. You even dared to withhold supplies from the army! If it weren't for Miss Bridget of the Abidis family's support, my soldiers might have gone hungry. Your soldiers even colluded with the Naga, attempting to assassinate me. Hmph, I have faced assassination on the battlefield as well. Sir Strahad, you owe me an explanation!"

"Hehe, when did Your Highness become so sharp-tongued? I admit my son has had issues with you. But can you conceal your collusion with the Naga? How much Lordaeron blood do their hands bear? You are now cooperating with them. Your Highness, have you forgotten your duty?" Sir Strahad not only did not admit but instead turned the tables.

Whispers began among the crowd, a rare scene of confrontation between a veteran noble and the heir to the throne, making for an interesting spectacle.

"I, I find Sir Strahad's words somewhat reasonable."

"Hehe, I support His Royal Highness the Prince."

"Quiet, no more noise!"

Arthas pointed his sword at Sir Strahad, "I have faced life and death on the battlefield, while you stab the soldiers who fight to protect our homeland in the back. Can you even call yourself human? Sir Strahad, as a Paladin of the Silver Hand, heir to the throne of Lordaeron, I challenge you to a duel!" With that, he threw a white glove at Sir Strahad's face.

Smack!

The glove hitting Sir Strahad's old face stung a bit, as conflicts among nobles were typically resolved through duels.

On the dueling platform, everything would be settled, regardless of life or death. Once a duel was agreed upon, it was a fight to the finish.

One could fight to the death or show mercy.

Suddenly, the nobles in the council chamber gasped in shock. Some thought Arthas was brave, while others considered him shameless.

Why? A young, strong man like you challenging an old man on the brink of death to a duel? It's beyond belief!

Most people were actually looking forward to the spectacle, finding this drama increasingly intriguing.

"Well, Your Highness, I acknowledge your bravery. But do you have any dignity left? A young man like you challenging an old man like me to a duel, are you bullying or is this the Paladin's code? This kingdom was painstakingly built by our ancestors, and even if you have no merit, you should show some respect. Your Highness, let me give you a piece of advice, young people should not be too arrogant!" Sir Strahad chuckled, his words hitting the mark, as the seasoned schemer never missed an opportunity to gain an advantage.

"If young people aren't arrogant, are they still young? Old man, I've tolerated you for a long time! What I detest the most is people who stab others in the back. Your son is just like you! The Kingdom of Stormwind fell to orc invasion, and you not only refused to lend a hand but also humiliated them, selling the commoners of the Kingdom of Stormwind to toil in the mines until they drop dead. Compared to you, I may indeed lack your cruelty. Accept or not, make your choice!" Arthas cut straight to the chase, determined to force his opponent's hand.

"Hmph, I regret I cannot comply." Sir Strahad snorted. This verbal sparring was going nowhere, and he neither could nor dared to duel Arthas.

Terenas watched his son's naive tactics and shook his head slightly. "Enough, let's end this matter here. Leave Roton's affairs to Arthas to handle, and let's discuss the situation in Quel'Thalas now."

"Father, let me take care of this matter. The Alliance's forces are already stretched thin and unable to spare more troops. If we dispatch troops from Lordaeron again, when the orcs attack, Lordaeron will be defenseless once more." Arthas took the initiative to intercept this task, recognizing it as a thankless and arduous duty that no one wanted to undertake - with no rewards for success and the risk of being blamed for failure.

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