Chapter 238: Indifference or Concern?

Duke looked up to see an incredibly awkward scene before him. The once-mighty queen of the Forsaken, Sylvanas Windrunner, was currently receiving an ear-twisting punishment from her own sister.

But why on Azeroth would Sylvanas appear here?

"Are you aware of your rudeness? Consider what you just did!" After quickly putting her out-of-control sister in check, Alleria approached the highest-ranking individual in the group, Lothar, and bowed apologetically.

"I'm terribly sorry! I am Alleria Windrunner, Ranger-Lieutenant of Quel'thalas. My sister Sylvanas Windrunner is also a Ranger-General. However, she... she just made a terrible joke. I sincerely ask for your forgiveness," her voice was so melodious and pleasant that it was hard to feel any blame. It made one wonder, even when she is extremely angry and cursing, would her voice still feel like she's singing?

Seeing the bewildered Duke on the ground, Lothar laughed heartily. He glanced around at the kings present, and all he saw were smiling faces: "It's just a harmless joke; I'm sure no broad-minded ruler would mind such a trifle, right?"

The three kings nodded in agreement.

"Welcome, I am Anduin Lothar, Supreme Commander of the Alliance."

"Thank you, and I appreciate everyone's understanding," Alleria glared at her younger sister and bowed again. She then walked over to Duke, who was still lying on the ground, and extended her right hand to help him up.

Duke blinked, wondering if it was time for a long-awaited hug when Alleria's voice came through the wind: "Hey! Kid, don't make this more embarrassing for me. Get up first, and we can talk about anything else later in private. I don't want to cause an international incident."

As Duke was about to respond, a second voice carried on the wind – Sylvanas: "Oh, my dear sister, you're not being very honest, are you? Mr. Duke Marcus is hardly a 'kid,' is he? He's clearly a young heartthrob."

Instantly, Alleria's face turned red, the blush spreading to the tips of her long, pointed ears. If it weren't for her golden hair conveniently shielding her face as she bent over, she would have been utterly embarrassed.

Truth be told, Duke still had no idea what had just happened. But it was probably a good thing, right?

Hearing the Windrunner sisters converse in the 'language of the wind' that others couldn't hear, Duke couldn't help but feel that Sylvanas' sudden approach was some sort of... test?

With dozens of eyes watching, it wasn't the right time to discuss in detail, so Duke pretended nothing had happened and accepted Alleria's hand to stand up.

Ah... as expected of the legendary heroine, her hand was so soft. Could this incredibly delicate, boneless palm really be the same one that had shot countless deadly arrows?

How did the high elves grow their bodies to be so perfect?

Even Duke, at this moment, was a bit restless.

On the other side, Alleria, having quickly composed herself, returned to her previous composure. However, her emerald-green eyes still held an undeniable wildness as she looked at Lothar: "I apologize for the earlier scene. In fact, I bring greetings from Sun King Anasterian Sunstrider and the Silvermoon Council."

"Please convey my gratitude to the Sun King and the Silvermoon Council," Lothar half-turned and gestured towards the dignitaries behind him: "Allow me to introduce the kings of the Alliance, the generals, and my adjutants."

When introducing Duke, Lothar mischievously smiled: "Well, let's skip this one. I think Lady Alleria might have a deeper understanding of him than I do."

Facing Lothar's teasing, Alleria's face turned slightly red, and she glared at her mischievous younger sister.

Hmm, Queen Sylvanas was whistling.

After the introductions were completed, Lothar delved into a serious topic: "Please forgive my slowness and severity, Lady Alleria. As the commander of the Alliance, I must confirm one thing – is this all the aid your people have to offer?"

The inevitable had come!

Mentally acknowledging this, Alleria decided to be honest: "Commander Lothar, please forgive my frankness…"

Alleria stepped forward, looking around to ensure no unrelated people were eavesdropping. She spoke softly, "Sun King Anasterian Sunstrider and the members of the Silvermoon Council do not really care about the Horde's movements. This so-called Horde is too far from our territory. Furthermore, Councilor Dar'Khan has repeatedly claimed in the council that this is due to humans excessively logging and angering nature, resulting in nature's retaliation against humans."

"Bullshit… That long-eared bastard!" Lothar's anger soared: "Uh, sorry, I wasn't talking about you."

"No offense taken. In fact, his views did not gain much support, but the council members generally believed that the Horde seemed to be trying to conquer human territory rather than our forests. So they think it's best to leave this struggle to the younger races, and we just need to strengthen our borders to prevent any possible invasion. That should be enough."

Upon hearing this, Lothar's face couldn't hide his disappointment.

This meant that there was no possibility of reinforcements.

Even if he didn't want to admit it, the high elf mage corps and ranger units were elite troops that any commander would dream of having. They often played a decisive role on the battlefield.

However, now nothing could be relied upon.

At this point, Duke smiled: "But I see two ranger generals standing before us."

Not only the Windrunner sisters, but a large number of elves were disembarking. It was only now that everyone noticed that almost all the elven ships were fully loaded. These elves, both male and female, quickly assembled. At a glance, their demeanor and aura showed that they were elite rangers with combat experience, not mere rookies. And there were over a thousand of them.

Two ranger generals and over a thousand elite troops - this could hardly be considered a lack of attention!

Duke suddenly noticed a short-haired version of 'Alleria.'

"Three Windrunners? All ranger generals?" Duke, as well as Lothar and the others, couldn't hide their surprise.

Alleria raised her hand: "Oh, this is our youngest sister, Lirath. She currently serves as a ranger captain."

As she said this, the more introverted Lirath nodded towards them and then continued to instruct her subordinates in formation.