"Do you really have a way, brother?" Calia affectionately asked Arthas, a woman left without the ability to resist—this was the fate of a royal princess. Aside from a few who could control their destinies, most were just tools for marriage alliances.
"Of course I have a way, trust me. I'm going to find Father now, just leave it to me. You go back and rest; I'll handle everything, I love you, Calia." Arthas kissed Calia on the forehead, the smooth skin making him a bit sentimental.
The sixteen-year-old girl was already ripe for picking; if not for the timing, he might have lost control. Although Arthas was lecherous, he also understood when to act. If he had relations with Calia, it wouldn't be a big deal and, even if discovered, it might just prompt Terenas to marry her off early to prevent the royal reputation from being tarnished—that would be a bad ending for both Arthas and Calia.
Moreover, unlike his aunt Lady Ashvane, his aunt could be indulged without limits; even if she became pregnant, it could be explained away. But if Calia became pregnant, it would be undeniable and impossible to hide.
Upon arriving at King Terenas's study, Arthas had an idea in mind. He could use the Light to create a façade, and perhaps even perform a trick to make Terenas believe him. As he pushed open the study door, he was surprised to find someone else inside. A strange man, robust and yet possessing a gentle elegance that made one feel refreshed at first glance, evoking no feelings of aversion. However, Arthas remained a bit cautious, not for any other reason but because he could see the man's name displayed prominently above his head.
"Duke Daval Prestor (Deathwing)"
Who is Deathwing? One of the five Guardian Dragons. A traitor who suddenly went mad and turned against his allies, nearly annihilating the blue dragon flight. He was adept at using schemes to create chaos, all aimed at breaking the forces that opposed him and ultimately destroying the entire planet!
"Arthas, just in time. This is Duke Prestor, the lord of Alterac. Duke, this is my son, Arthas." King Terenas was quite proud to introduce his son, with high hopes for his performance.
"Father, I need Calia's help. Both of us are favored by the Light, which guides me. I'm asking you not to marry Calia off. At least for the foreseeable future, I need her assistance, and with her help, I believe I can attempt to break into demigod level territory."
Arthas spoke with a steady tone, getting straight to the point. All mortal beings rise through hardship; levels are just a numerical manifestation, where the number represents experience and skills required at each level, yet the natives cannot see their own levels.
The corresponding levels only categorize into Ordinary, Hero, and Demigod; beyond that, there is essentially nothing—the demigod level already represents top combat power. Are there human demigods? Yes, just like the Guardian Aegwynn, who lived for nearly a thousand years, powerful enough to slay an avatar of the Burning Legion's leader.
Terenas's expression turned cold as he slammed his hand on the table, scolding, "What nonsense are you speaking!"
In contrast, Deathwing looked at the young prince with keen interest, and the prince returned the gaze playfully. This piqued his interest; this human was somewhat fascinating. "Your Highness, do you know what power demigod level is?"
"The power of a demigod lets one's soul to be bound to the world, granting them the ability to be eventually be reborn. Their strength may not necessarily be great, but they can certainly live long lives." Arthas spoke vaguely, thinking that this guy seems to know even more than himself, so why ask him any questions?
"But, Your Highness, might I ask what guidance the Light has given you?" Deathwing's smile remained gentle, and as long as he didn't slip up, nobody could know who he really was.
"If the Duke wishes to chat, how about we hold a banquet in the evening? I will certainly attend, and then we can have a good discussion. But now, please allow me to handle my affairs first!" Arthas didn't want to idly chat here; even if there was a deal to be made, it had to be done privately.
"My apologies, Duke, I will invite you to gather another time." King Terenas seemed to be sending him off, choosing his son over any personal gains.
"As you wish, Your Majesty," Deathwing said with a slight bow, displaying noble etiquette impeccably—one would wonder why a dragon of his stature would take the time to learn about human nobility; was he simply filling his time?
"Your Highness, I am hosting a banquet at my estate tonight; I sincerely hope you will grace us with your presence. I still have many matters I wish to discuss with you."
"I definitely will." Arthas also planned to utilize Deathwing; striking a deal with such a powerful being was akin to playing with fire, for if the other party turned hostile, he wouldn't be able to defend himself.
Deathwing could easily destroy the entire human alliance—that was his confidence. However, this didn't mean Arthas had to be afraid; fortune favors the brave. If he did not take a risk, his future could very well end with the Lich King on his back, becoming a death knight; that would be pointless.
Once Deathwing left the study, Terenas solemnly pounded the table, "Arthas, give me the real reason." He did not believe in such nonsense as the demigod theory.
"What I'm saying is true, Father. I have gained many skills from the Light; it has made me wiser. My Light is different from the archbishop's—it's more like a legacy. If I must explain, I can only say that I am fortunate." Arthas lowered his head; atheism had no place here, invoking a deity instead provided stronger persuasion.
Tapping the table rhythmically, Terenas asked, "What does this have to do with Calia? Don't tell me she has a legacy of the Light too?"
"No, she doesn't; she is merely a gifted priest. My legacy requires a family member's presence as a prerequisite. You are busy with state affairs, and my mother needs to tend to you; only my sister has the time to accompany me. So I don't want my sister to marry and leave. Even if I am selfish, I just want to grow stronger and share some of the pressure with you, Father."
Arthas began to play the emotional card; if possible, he would let Terenas pass away peacefully. Although he had never regarded him as his father, he still felt grateful for the upbringing. In the absence of conflict, a peaceful end would be the most ideal outcome.