"Where's the contract? Bring it out. Let's cut the crap. Our time is precious. We can talk after the Horde has been driven back." Arthas didn't indulge him. His own power was nothing in front of so many Silvermoon Archmages, but he had a demi-god for a wife.
"Hmph! Your Highness, Lordaeron is also a land of etiquette. We do not behave so crudely," a council member stood up and said sarcastically.
"For that sentence alone, add another three thousand catties of refined quartz. Are you signing or not? Just one word." Arthas had no patience for them and their nonsense.
"Lireesa, since you are not dead, why did you send a message that you had died in the line of duty?" King Anasterian stared at Lireesa. Her being alive was clearly an unexpected development. He had intended to hand over a shattered Windrunner Family to Arthas, not a complete Ranger Corps.
"I did indeed die in the line of duty. It was Prince Arthas who resurrected me with the Holy Light," Lireesa did not hide the truth, nor did she show much respect for the king.
"Your Highness, it seems the contents of our contract need to be amended," Anasterian said to Arthas. Sending away a Ranger General with extensive combat experience would be an absolute loss for the High Elves.
Arthas turned to Tarecgosa. "Tarecgosa, let's go. To the Nexus. I happen to have some business to discuss with the Blue Dragon King."
Without another word, he shut down the negotiations. The High Elves' wishy-washy, flip-flopping behavior disgusted Arthas. Arrogance! Extreme arrogance. Even on the brink of destruction, they still didn't take him seriously. What was the point of negotiating with such behavior? He had already thought of a plan: just knock Alleria out, abduct her, and let the High Elves fend for themselves.
"Wait! Your Highness, why don't we sit down and talk?" King Anasterian had a headache. He was also furious. This little brat wasn't giving him any face at all; he wanted to strangle this arrogant human prince. What the hell was Lordaeron!
"You people truly disgust and revolt me. Flip-flopping back and forth, wanting to be a whore while demanding a monument to your chastity. Just give what you're supposed to give, and don't haggle with me. I'll say this one last time: are you signing the contract or not!
If you're short by even a single coin, I'll join the Horde and wipe you out! Don't think Azeroth can't turn without you. You're not worth a damn thing!" Arthas sneered at the elven king before him. What a fucking idiot who was asking for it!
"You! I dare you to say that again!" An elder councilman slammed his hand on the table. Instantly, a large group of Spellbreakers entered and surrounded them.
"Enough! All of you, stand down! Do not be rude to our guests! Who let you in! Get out!" Anasterian roared at the soldiers below. He was already fuming. He was being blackmailed, yet he had to smile and hand over his possessions. A moment ago, he had just felt unwilling and wanted to go back on his word, but Arthas didn't even give him the chance and immediately turned hostile.
He truly didn't dare to fall out with Arthas. Even if they joined forces to keep Arthas here, they probably couldn't stop the Horde's attack, and if they offended the dragons, their future would be bleak.
"Your Highness, my apologies for the scene. I will sign the magic contract with you now. After the Horde is driven out of Quel'Thalas, the Windrunner Family will be your private force." Anasterian took out a magic contract, preparing to sign.
"Wait. You hand over the Windrunner Family and their forces to me immediately. Your reputation is too rotten. You go back on your word. I don't trust you." Arthas mercilessly exposed his intentions. Wasn't it obvious he was trying to pull a fast one?
"After the Horde retreats? Heh, that's when you'll try to renege on the deal. Don't think I'll believe you. Arrogant and ignorant. I'll say it one last time: don't try to short-change me. I have a very bad temper. If you make me angry, the consequences will be severe." Arthas's voice grew progressively colder. He hated this kind of scheming. It was nothing but arrogance and hypocrisy, trying to have it both ways.
Anasterian ground his teeth in hatred, but there was nothing he could do about Arthas. "Fine. But I hope Your Highness can publicly declare that the Windrunner Family is assisting you in fighting the Horde. Please leave Quel'Thalas some face." He suddenly changed his tone, trying to see what effect a different approach would have.
"No problem. Just announce that Alleria of the Windrunner Family and I are to be married. That will make things much easier to explain." Arthas accepted readily. No matter what the official story was, once they were in his hands, they weren't getting out.
This made Anasterian breathe a sigh of relief. As long as they could talk things out properly.
"This is a minor issue. The contract is here. It will take effect once signed." After speaking, he used magic to alter the contract.
Arthas handed the contract to Emeriss. "Help me look this over."
Tarecgosa also leaned in. She was interested in anything related to magic; after all, blue dragons were natural masters of its use.
"No problem." Emeriss checked it once, then passed the contract back.
Arthas picked up the quill and signed his name with a flourish. The contract instantly dissolved into points of light that entered the minds of both Arthas and Anasterian, completing the signing. Originally, having the High Elves marry a Ranger General to a human would have been absolutely impossible; it was too shameful. But unexpectedly, the Horde's invasion had brought about this good fortune, and without even revealing his original intentions.
"Prince Arthas, I will inform the Ranger Corps. Please also lead your troops to help us resist the Horde. Silvermoon City is in grave danger at this moment." Anasterian frowned slightly. This matter was already giving him a massive headache.
"I will act as soon as I take command of the Ranger Corps. Payment on delivery. I only believe in what's in my hands." Arthas was unmoved. Only tangible benefits could sway him.
"Don't go too far!" A council member couldn't stand Arthas's arrogance any longer. He was even more arrogant than a High Elf. Who was the elf here?
"Right now, you're begging me, not the other way around." Arthas stared at the decrepit High Elf before him. To have lived to this age, what was he if not an old fossil?