Chapter 106: Chapter 106: Top Commander Marlan
Upon arriving at the residence, Arthas was surprised to find a stunning mature beauty present. The green name above her head signified friendliness, "Marlan."
"Hello, Marlan Lords," Arthas greeted with a smile, handing the sleeping Bridget over to Marlan.
"It seems Bridget really likes Your Highness; she rarely falls asleep in front of others," Marlan chuckled as she accepted Bridget, exuding a mature charm that was truly refreshing.
With her elegant maturity and exceptional beauty, Marlan never failed to captivate those around her.
Her fair skin, often described as 'fair complexion hides all flaws,' coupled with her own beauty, left Arthas feeling a quickening of his heartbeat.
"Those who have fought together can indeed trust each other with their backs. Marlan Lords, what is your relationship with Bridget?" Arthas looked curiously at the slender yet well-rounded mature woman before him, a perfect blend of maturity and youthfulness that was pleasing to the eye.
"I am her aunt. Long ago, I married into the Kingdom of Stormwind. After my husband passed away, I inherited the title of Viscount. When Stormwind fell, I followed Sir Lothar to Lordaeron. As you can see, I am here for recuperation," Marlan recounted her past. Her husband had long since passed away, and her lands were constantly threatened by bandits, gnolls, kobolds, and murlocs.
Despite facing numerous challenges, she honed her command skills through years of battles.
However, being a woman, she could never step into the spotlight and had to quietly withdraw.
Even after the events following the Frozen Throne, enduring the scourge of the Undead and the Burning Legion, where kingdoms either perished or suffered severe population declines.
This created an opportunity for women to rise, especially after simplifying the entry barriers, allowing more individuals to pursue professional careers.
An entry-level professional could easily defeat three farmers, marking a significant advancement.
At a considerable distance from the Scourge of the Undead, with even the Lich King Ner'zhul and the formidable Kil'jaeden still in Northrend, women's status was not as prominent. They could hold certain positions but were far from becoming generals, let alone commanders.
Marlan was merely a talented Lords fallen on hard times, with skills but no platform to showcase them. Her past command and strategic abilities impressed Arthas, prompting him to entrust his troops to her command.
This sudden trust left Marlan somewhat bewildered, all because of a simple statement, "I believe in you."
Indeed, Marlan performed admirably, minimizing casualties until nightfall.
Having witnessed the power of dwarf mortar teams and Goblin bombs, she swiftly adjusted her defenses.
Utilizing a chaotic private militia to divert firepower and relieve the frontline pressure, while deploying elite forces strategically to avoid fighting to the last moment.
After receiving healing from a Priest, they rotated back to the front lines to replace other units, reducing casualties to around a hundred, showcasing her exceptional command skills.
Arthas and Marlan locked eyes for a full five seconds, both silent, as if anticipating what was to come, emotions brewing between them.
"Join me, I need your assistance. I lack an advisor, a commander. Marlan, your talents should not go unnoticed; come and help me," Arthas extended an invitation. Working alongside a beautiful and mature woman would undoubtedly be advantageous, a proposition hard to refuse for anyone, except perhaps a eunuch.
Despite her suspicions, Marlan was surprised. She did not believe Arthas would be interested in her; she was just an 'old woman.'
"But I am a Viscount of the Kingdom of Stormwind."
"You were originally from Lordaeron!" Arthas paused, taking a sip from his tea cup.
"I previously rescued the dragon Queen trapped by artifacts, and in return, I can collaborate with them. This world faces many threats - ancient gods, demons, primordial dragons. Orcs are demons luring into our world, these lurking demons threaten our homes. You know the temperament of nobles, they are shortsighted individuals. After the war, the kingdom needs restoration. Tribes are poor, with little plunder, purely at a loss."
"I need to establish my own army, plan for a sea crossing after the war ends. To develop the Kalimdor continent on the other side of the ocean. It is a brand-new land with abundant resources. There are new threats there, and I need your help. I have many tasks at hand, all related to the world's safety. If we are prepared, we can face any invasion without such a high cost! No matter how many come, we will devour them all!" Arthas clenched his fist firmly, displaying a determined resolve.
Watching the spirited Arthas, Marlan also recalled her husband, who used to be so determined when he was still alive. However, reality defeated him, leading to indulgence in vices and eventually falling to a gnoll ambush on his way home.
"Your Highness, I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm, but your plan is somewhat too risky," Marlan spoke cautiously.
"Haha, indeed. But I have the strength and influence. As long as I wish, I can rally a large number of people to assist me," Arthas proudly declared. With his status and position, he could indeed attract many nobles to support him.
There were also many who sought to flatter the prince, as long as they did not challenge the very foundation of the nobility. They were like loose sand, which was why they quickly succumbed to the Scourge of the Undead, lacking any combat capability.
"But such individuals would be a mixed bag of talents," Marlan smiled and quickly pointed out the flaw in his plan. Such a grand plan certainly could not be entrusted to mediocrity.
"That's why I need your help. I don't want those corrupt individuals to get involved. The pool of capable individuals is small, and I must ensure their loyalty and ability," Arthas expressed with some helplessness, yet also openly acknowledged his thoughts and the current situation.
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