Ten minutes later, Arthas arrived at another side chamber. The Red Dragon Queen and the Green Dragon Queen were having tea, but the atmosphere was somewhat cold.
They were chatting casually, with some topics left unsaid yet understood. Like the issue with the Black Dragon, Deathwing would definitely be imprisoned and tried; he might escape with his life but would not avoid living punishments. It was essential that he atone for his sins.
As for the newly emerged Black Dragonflight, they needed to be monitored to prevent further corruption. Moreover, some trivial matters could be handled by the Black Dragonflight; while there might be casualties, so what?
"Alexstrasza, what do you need from me?" Arthas sat down casually. Since it had been agreed that they would use first names in private, he wouldn't mind the Queen addressing him so informally. Wasn't it a bit annoying to keep saying 'Your Majesty' and 'My Queen'? He wasn't a sycophant, after all.
"Arthas, do you have any life essence left? My sister also needs your life essence. We lost too much power during the War of the Ancients, and even after ten thousand years, we still haven't fully regained our strength. Onyxia has become the new Black Dragon Queen, she is your mate. We are one family now. If you can help us, we will not treat you unfairly, alright?" Alexstrasza's voice was gentle, evoking an irresistible impulse to agree.
Ysera's eyes were on Arthas, still half-asleep. As the Dream Queen, she often appeared this way, close to nature and having an excellent relationship with the Night Elves.
"Let me see, Arthas. If you can satisfy me, I will have the Green Dragonflight assist you."
'Possible, task triggered: Doubts of the Green Dragon Queen.'
'Doubts of the Green Dragon Queen: Due to the Red Dragon Queen's praise for you, the Green Dragon Queen has developed some slight suspicion. You must prove your worth to earn her respect and trust. To gain the support of the Green Dragonflight, you first need to demonstrate your strength. Task Reward: Revered reputation with the Green Dragonflight, and one Green Dragon Ambassador will be stationed in your territory.'
A Green Dragon Ambassador? That sounds good, similar to a diplomat. However, this ambassador is different from real-world diplomats; their main responsibility is to connect with local powers and to offer some unique materials and blueprints from the Green Dragonflight to allies.
Having an envoy would make communication easier. After all, Green Dragons can be called upon among themselves, while with other races, it's not possible.
Arthas frowned, seeming to hesitate, "This essence is very precious, and its functions are multifaceted. This is a variant gift of the Light and Life, much like fel energy. Fel energy is born of light and darkness, corrupting and inducing one's reason to be overtaken by power. My life essence isn't omnipotent either, it has its flaws."
"I know, I'm asking if you have any left." Alexstrasza interrupted Arthas, not wanting to hear anymore.
"Since Ysera wants it, I must clarify the situation. Let's discuss the advantages and disadvantages, and then you can tell me what you are willing to offer in exchange." Arthas crossed his arms, a glimmer of light appearing on his fingertips.
The essence emanating from that light was exceptionally pure, even more so than pure energy, almost harmless, a miraculous item that could perfectly fill in capability gaps!
In an instant, Ysera's half-drowsy eyes widened, her gaze turning incredulous as she looked at the light on Arthas's fingers, spurring an impulse within her to want to taste it.
That was the key to restoring her power! At first, she didn't believe it, but now she did! Even though the strength this light could provide was minimal, it indeed replenished the lost source of power, which was the essence of the Titans — that was fundamental.
Without Titan power, a drunken dragon is no different from other sentient beings. 'What pure power,' Ysera sniffed the air, her teeth slightly resembling those of a vampire, though not so gruesome, with her slightly protruding fangs giving her a strangely seductive look. "What do you want?"
"Send a representative who can connect with you to my territory; in the future, I will establish my domain in the Un'Goro Crater. Then, radiate it to the Tanaris Desert. I need help from the Dragonflight; this trade route could yield many valuable items and benefit your offspring." Arthas proposed his conditions, which seemed a bit one-sided, just requesting that they send a representative.
However, thinking carefully, when the territory was first established, it would inevitably involve dealings with the native tribes. What would happen if there were several adult dragons in the territory? Even without fighting, the pressure they exuded would deter mortal races. Gnolls and Murlocs were annoying pests, low in intelligence, eating anything, making them the most foolish of natives.
Sometimes, what's needed isn't force but a sense of intimidation. The cut that was made isn't what's terrifying; it's the sharp blade suspended above the head that could fall at any time, that's the true source of fear.
Ysera excitedly licked her lips, swallowing involuntarily, "I need to try it before I can make a decision."
"This essence needs to be used continuously; the effects will improve over time. If there is a break, it will produce a resistant reaction." Arthas paused for a moment and said slowly.
"Why didn't you say that earlier!" Alexstrasza exclaimed, annoyed; she had already tried it, yet the consequences hadn't been explained to her.
"This was told to me by Eonar; I wouldn't have known otherwise," Arthas spread his hands, feigning innocence.
This made Alexstrasza feel both amused and exasperated. This wasn't a big issue; worst case, they could just abstain. She was only angry that he hadn't mentioned it. It now seemed, if the Titans hadn't seen the problem, how would it have come to light?
"Do you also use this essence to offer sacrifices to the Titans?" Ysera asked curiously, her attitude slowly shifting from cold to inquisitive, a change that happened silently, perhaps without her even realizing it.
"The Titans don't need it; I've already mentioned the flaws, don't blame me later for not giving a heads-up." Arthas handed over the life essence, delighted inside, as this was precisely the kind of pretense of being a good person while engaging in various lascivious acts. Heh, a noble queen? Sorry, but in a beast's eyes, there was only one thing that mattered, she is a female that he will have!