208 Chapter 208: Duke Sold

The sound even disturbed the queen and prince who were gazing into the distance outside the new palace.

"Mother, is that Duke Marcus' cavalry? I feel like Duke Marcus is more popular than father," Varian asked his mother, somewhat bewildered.

This question alarmed Bolvar, who was attending the queen nearby, causing him to break into a cold sweat.

The queen offered an apologetic smile to Bolvar before educating the young prince. "Varian, you must remember this: only those who bring a better life to the people are the true heroes. Why do so many heroes who defeat evil beings throughout history receive praise and remembrance? The key lies in the fact that they fight for the people."

"Fighting for the people?"

"That's right! Protecting the citizens, allowing them to live happily— that's why they are heroes. Duke Marcus not only defeated the demon lord Sargeras, but he also repelled numerous orc invasions, saved hundreds of thousands of people with his fleet, and ensured that all citizens had a decent life. That's why Duke Marcus is a hero in the people's hearts," the queen patiently persuaded the young prince.

"Why do I hear the servants talking badly about father, saying he is the king who will bring the country to ruin and not a hero?"

The queen didn't mind, but instead continued to guide Varian. "That's because the people blame the fall of Stormwind City on your father. Don't worry, Varian. One day, your father will reclaim Stormwind City and become the great hero you admire once again. Also, as a king, never envy the achievements of your subjects. Just like your uncle Anduin, whose fame even surpassed your father's, comparisons are meaningless. A hero's glory can never overshadow a king's honor. Do you understand?"

"I understand."

At this moment, Duke's cavalry arrived outside the new Stormwind palace.

The queen, accompanied by the prince, received Duke.

Duke did not expect the queen to say right away, "You've worked hard, Duke. You're outstanding. It's a pity Varian doesn't have a sister, otherwise, I would definitely arrange a marriage alliance between you and the royal family."

This almost choked Duke. Although the royal family occasionally used marriage alliances to win over their important ministers, Duke had never thought this would happen to him.

Fortunately, Varian had no sisters.

"Uh, well, I'm actually still young... Don't be fooled by my appearance, I'm only 15..." Duke stammered.

Duke also felt that he had profited from a disaster. The curse Sargeras cast before his downfall in history turned the young Khadgar into a little old man. But with the help of Medivh's father's soul and Lothar, along with Medivh's quicker counterattack, he only "aged" a few years.

Not only did he appear more mature, but after staying in Karazhan for a while, he found that he had grown taller. Now he stood about six feet tall, looking like a young man in his early twenties.

This made it much easier for him to negotiate with foreign dignitaries. An underage teenager had no right to sit at the negotiation table. The age of 18 was a watershed. Even if Duke wasn't actually 18 yet, looking like he was made the other party feel much more comfortable.

However, the queen's mention of a marriage alliance truly frightened Duke.

Was this a dose of dog food for a single dog who had been single for twenty years in his previous life?

"Hehe, indeed. Strictly speaking, Varian should call you his older brother. Come on, Varian, call Duke his big brother."

"Hello, big brother!" Varian obediently called out.

In an instant, Duke's heart was filled with a hundred thousand points of happiness. Damn, Varian Wrynn, the highly revered figure in the mouths of players from his past life, and almost a symbol of a great generation, was actually calling him big brother.

Although Varian was just a child now, he was still a Wrynn, after all!

Duke was deeply moved.

Seeing Duke's strangely touched expression, the Queen and Bolvar exchanged knowing smiles.

"Duke, you've just become a noble not long ago, so it's understandable. Most nobles have their marriages arranged by their parents or relatives before they come of age. It's just a pity that the great families of Stormwind have suffered heavy losses; otherwise, I would definitely try to find a beautiful noble girl for you to marry."

When it came to 'beauty,' for some reason, Duke thought of Alleria and her massive, demonic figure. Uh, well, Duke had some wicked thoughts at that moment.

In theory, having become a nobel, shouldn't he have maids, a harem, and anything he wanted? Why was he still running around like a dog, working tirelessly?

Sigh, all these thoughts just brought tears!

"Um, well, I'm not in a hurry. There's so much to do right now. His Majesty just sent instructions for a major task assigned to me. I must complete this task first..." Duke rambled on before fleeing the scene.

Damn, arranged marriages!

Why did this happen to him? What if he ended up with a less than perfect partner? What if Alleriawanted to marry him?

As Duke pondered this, he made his escape.

The Queen couldn't help but chuckle, "Only at times like this does one realize that Duke is still just a young man!"

Bolvar nodded with a smile.

"Indeed, once things settle down a bit, we must make arrangements for Duke's marriage. Working towards the revival of Stormwind at the negotiation table is the King's duty. Gaining more support for His Majesty through marriage alliances is my responsibility as the Queen. Varian is still too young, but Duke's age is just right."

Bolvar, who had clearly done his homework, replied, "I've also thought about this. Although it's a bit unfair to Duke, I have indeed collected some information."

"Oh? Let's hear it," the Queen said with a playful glint in her eye and a mischievous smile on her face.

Bolvar presented the first candidate: "In terms of age and status, a suitable match would be Jandice Barov, the daughter of Lord Barov."

The Queen nodded gently and said, "Marrying into the Barov family would indeed solve our immediate problems. However, it's not ideal, as it may provoke the Alterac Royal Family, and I believe Duke's achievements deserve more than a lord's daughter."

Duke Bolvar immediately suggested a second candidate: "In fact, considering that Duke is a promising mage and most of his assets are at sea, there is a perfect match."

"Who?"

"Princess Jaina Proudmoore of Kul Tiras, who is only twelve years old and currently studying magic in Dalaran."

"Ah, she would indeed be a very suitable match. We will definitely need Kul Tiras' help when we retake Stormwind in the future."

"However, it seems that she is closer to Prince Arthas of Lordaeron and Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider of Quel'Thalas."

The Queen frowned, "I see. We may have to wait and see how things develop. Are there any other recommendations?"

Bolvar shrugged, "If we don't consider the level of a duke, then the only option left is Princess Calia Menethil, King Menethil's daughter. She's the right age, fifteen." To be continued.