After receiving the silver coins, Baron McCaw was so scared that he broke out in a cold sweat. Quickly, his eyes darted around, and he pretended to roar in anger, "Good for you, You damn thief, how dare you steal my wealth! Your Highness, these people have never even been to my estate, yet they dare to rob me of my fortune. These commoners are truly despicable; please, Your Highness, uphold justice for me!" His tearful demeanor was so convincing that if one didn't know he was acting, they might have fallen for it. Their acting skills were far superior to those so-called internet celebrities; they could cry on cue, truly talented.
"Have the scouts cleared things up?" Arthas asked his captain of the guards.
"Your Highness, the spies report that these two individuals worked as stonemasons at Baron McCaw's estate, and there were other stonemasons from the Stormwind Kingdom who can testify to this." Captain Falric replied expressionlessly, devoid of any emotion. His mission was to protect the prince, serving him with no personal feelings involved.
He drew his longsword from his waist; this one-handed sword was thicker and heavier than a traditional long sword, weighing about thirty pounds.
"I have no interest in the trivial matters of the nobility, hmph, but to see tricks played in front of me? Do they really think I don't know the truth? Do they think I'm a fool!? Haha, very good." With that, Arthas stabbed the sword into Baron McCaw's large belly; the immense pain caused him to gasp, but Arthas pulled it out and slashed again, sending him flying.
A ray of holy light descended, temporarily healing Baron McCaw, but the pain and torture left him trembling on the ground.
"Your Highness, Your Highness, I, I didn't..."
Pfft! Another sword fell, and Arthas kicked the troublesome Knight Roden away, dealing with him with a sword and a kick, then healing with holy light.
"Take them back to Lordaeron and throw them in prison, awaiting judgment for treason. I will handle it when I return. Tell the prison warden that no one is to be released without my permission. If anyone wants to release them, they must come to me. I want to see which coward taught these human traitors to disrupt the kingdom's order during wartime!" Arthas snorted, not even bothered to glance at them, then turned to the cowering Viscount Koloff of the Stormwind Kingdom, "Take him back too, hand him over to Varian. Hmph, a bunch of useless fools, can't fight worth a damn but excel at dragging others down."
The farce of nobles harassing common women ended like this, with Arthas using his personal prestige to settle the matter; he stood for righteousness, and no one could do anything about it. Waving his hand, he dismissed the soldiers and walked up to the father and daughter.
"What are your names?"
"Edwin Vancleef." Edwin introduced himself hurriedly; he was a middle-aged man weathered by hardships but still somewhat handsome, now smiling. He was very grateful to Arthas, saying, "Thank you, Your Highness."
"I am Vanessa Vancleef." Vanessa curiously sized up Arthas, feeling that he seemed quite formidable; she had only heard 'Your Highness' and didn't know Arthas's identity yet.
"Hmm, forgive me for this scene. I am Arthas, the Prince of Lordaeron. I can't help with nobles, but you are different. Now, you have two choices: one is to leave Lordaeron directly." Arthas paused, giving them time to digest this. This was no joke; offending the nobles of Lordaeron was no light matter. They were not just distant barons; those active in Lordaeron wielded real power, with some even colluding with pirates or bandits, engaging in unspeakable deeds.
Arthas could do nothing against them, nor did they dare to go after him. But Vanessa and her father were different; as commoners, referred to as 'lowly folk' by the nobility, they barely counted as human, and venting frustrations on them would easily be justified.
"We choose the second option." Vanessa directly bypassed her father, looking at Arthas with intent, "You are a good prince; I believe in you."
"Haha, what if the second choice was to hand you over to them to vent their rage?" Arthas said with amusement, gazing at Vanessa's youthful beauty, perhaps even younger than he was. Yet, the child of the poor takes responsibility early; he could see Vanessa's cleverness and passion.
"You won't do that; you are Prince Arthas," Vanessa replied, a bit nervous, having heard of Arthas's name as the only heir to the throne; how could he be nameless?
"Your Highness, please, save us; we are truly innocent." Edwin feared greatly that Arthas would hand them over to the nobles, where their fate would certainly be dire—the thought of his daughter facing unspeakable indignities was horrifying!
Chromie, behind, rolled her eyes, quietly saying to Tarecgosa, "I've never seen such a paladin before."
Tarecgosa, adorably tilting her head at Chromie, said, "Shh, we're watching a show."
Hearing the whispers of the two dragon ladies, Arthas felt a bit speechless; he wasn't really the typical righteous paladin. "Your name is Edwin, right? Very well, take this to Arthas Manor and recruit any trustworthy stonemasons you can find; I will provide you with some funds." Edwin took the token, nervously asking, "What do you need me to do, Your Highness?"
"Gather stonemasons and blacksmiths who can work for me, skilled hands for building cities. Those who can leave their homes and relocate their families. Be careful, ensure they can be trusted; how to test that is your business. I only give orders and look at results. If you can satisfy me, I will give you a position to work under me." Arthas did not elaborate further, merely preparing in advance for migration.
"As for you, consider yourself my maid. With this identity, those people won't dare to target your father. So, Edwin, this is an opportunity; don't disappoint me." After Arthas finished, he left, having too many matters to handle.
Unexpectedly gaining a legendary father and daughter duo could be counted as a win. From the story, Edwin indeed seemed talented; initially loyal, such people could swear allegiance to him, which would be a great advantage. Commoners often devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the noble who promoted them; without a patron, it was too difficult to climb the social ladder!