Chapter 530: Chapter 530: A Single General's Triumph over a Sea of Bones
Duke had never been the most handsome of men. Compared to the movie version of Lothar, his looks fell quite short. But that didn't mean he was ready to accept looking like an old man!
Recalling the white-haired Khadgar from history, Duke felt uncomfortable. But now that it had happened to him... For a college-age time-traveler to suddenly become an old man, who could bear it?
Thankfully, he had Alexstrasza, the Red Dragon Queen, as his ace in the hole. The same Alexstrasza who once bestowed life upon the World Tree and granted the Night Elves eternal life. Restoring a bit of his vitality would be a trivial task for her.
However, Duke hadn't expected Lady Vereesa to suddenly say, "No worries. No matter how you look, I'll always cherish you."
"Pfft!" The surrounding single men were all taken aback, their eyes fixated on Duke, seemingly wanting to tear a piece from his face.
In public, Duke's actions were beyond reproach.
In private... By the elements, having Alleria wasn't enough for him? Now he's setting his sights on his sister-in-law while many are still single? Does he have any humanity left?
Alright, you're high-ranked and powerful, so you make your move. But do you have to flaunt your relationship in front of us?
Aren't you aware that showing off love can lead to a quick breakup?
Suddenly, everyone wished they had flamethrowers from the "FFF Group" to burn Duke right then and there.
Duke was dumbfounded: Was this kind of jealousy really necessary? Would anyone still protect him in the future?
Innocent Vereesa blinked, seeming unaware of why the atmosphere had turned so strange.
Gavinrad quipped, "Boss, grant me a piece of land in Elwynn Forest. I'll consider the emotional trauma you caused me today as water under the bridge."
Duke hurriedly agreed, "Deal."
For the other two 'single' men, Saidan and Abbendis, Duke promised a three-day revelry at the 'Dream Angel' salon in Lordaeron.
What's the 'Dream Angel'?
Although Saidan gave Duke a 'you-know-what-I-mean' look, someone as pure and upright as Duke surely wouldn't understand!
(Yuck!)
Indeed, I'm still just a 17-year-old!
Whether others believed it or not, Duke believed.
To his surprise, he waited until nightfall and the Red Dragon Queen never appeared. Who knows if they pursued Deathwing from the Eastern Kingdoms all the way to Northrend, then to Kalimdor, and then took a detour to Pandaria, completing a circumnavigation of the world.
However, Duke had no choice but to open a portal back to Dalaran.
Unbeknownst to him, Dalaran, or rather almost all major cities of the Alliance that received the latest news, were in uproar.
"Vice Commander Duke Marcus has freed the Red Dragon Queen from the clutches of the evil Horde."
"Two hundred thousand orcs buried under the Red Dragon's breath at Grim Batol!"
"The Horde has suffered a crushing defeat and has begun to retreat from the Arathi Highlands!"
"The Red Dragonflight has once again become an ally of humanity!"
"The Alliance has triumphed!"
Everywhere were jubilant crowds, ecstatically cheering, roaring, and celebrating.
Who was shedding tears of joy?
Who was laughing heartily?
Anyone wearing the Alliance uniform, whether a sixty-year-old elder or a teenager, was warmly welcomed by the populace.
Old men with treasured wines, passionate beautiful young women, children with beaming smiles, everyone was expressing their appreciation for the Alliance in their own way.
However, this had nothing to do with Lordaeron.
From the initial 1,000 men, with an additional 250 later, after the battle, counting those missing limbs or unable to return to the battlefield, only 192 came back alive. The actual losses exceeded 90%.
This truly exemplified the saying, "A single general's triumph over a sea of bones."
By the Light, Duke had become that 'single general'. Why did the people of Lordaeron have to be the 'sea of bones'?
When Terenas heard the complete news, he almost spat out blood.
It felt like Lordaeron had paid a hefty price, what did they get in return?
A poor timing for an assault?
Terenas almost choked on his own rage.
Turns out Lordaeron's heavy sacrifices were merely for a "successful" feint? These thousand men on the frontlines would've been invaluable assets. Instead, they silently perished at Grim Batol Fortress.
Indeed, one triumph, thousands dead.
Damn that Duke!
It felt like as long as Duke was there, Lordaeron would never have its day in the sun.
Terenas was tormented.
He was resentful.
He had once despised the Horde for turning Silverpine Forest into a wasteland.
Now, he suddenly realized he despised Duke even more for overshadowing Lordaeron at every turn.
Never had he imagined that, despite being the king of one of the most powerful kingdoms on the continent, he'd envy a once penniless young man.
In this moment, thoughts of assassinating Duke crossed his mind.
But he dared not. Duke, having returned from hell, was now the number one hero of the Alliance. And if he laid a finger on Duke, Llane would undoubtedly rally his two hundred thousand-strong army against him. Those kingdoms close to Duke wouldn't stand idly by either.
Terenas gritted his teeth, swallowing his rage.
Meanwhile, Stormwind held a grand welcoming ceremony for Duke's return.
"Duke!" As soon as Duke stepped out of the portal, Llane rushed over, giving him a tight bear hug.
"Cough, cough, cough! (Let me go)" Duke turned pale.
Llane had just released him when Anduin immediately embraced him.
"Duke..."
"Cough, cough, cough, cough! (I'm dying here)" Duke looked even paler.
"Du... Ah! Duke, what's wrong?" Prince Varian, who had intended to join in, was startled to see Duke nearly out of breath.
Chaos ensued.
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