Not just the King, even the nobles present couldn't help but take a deep breath. Extend life? It is well known that human life is short; among all intelligent races, they have the shortest lifespan. Dwarves live at least two hundred years, and high elves live for five thousand years—this comparison seems a bit unbalanced.
Not all nobles are men; there are also some countesses and baronesses present, and they all cast fervent gazes at Arthas to varying degrees. Just because they are women doesn't mean they aren't influential noblewomen; they usually don't express their stance, as being aloof allows them to better protect their own interests!
"Arthas, you must speak cautiously!" King Terenas couldn't help but remind him, how could something so precious be spoken of so casually?
Arthas shook his head and stood up, sheathing his longsword at his waist. "Father, this is not a difficult matter. There exists a race that is immortal; they have defended the world and sacrificed many lives for that immortality. The battles they faced make orc skirmishes look like children's games. We had no opportunities before, but now I have fought hard for this chance, though it is merely a chance. I need the kingdom's help and the alliance's support. The more one invests, the greater the returns."
"Your Highness, how can you prove that what you say is true? Immortality? Long life? Haha, that's the best joke I've heard this year!" A boisterous voice rang out, causing people's faces to frown; it was too arrogant, too provocative! Looking up, a rugged middle-aged human man was mocking Arthas, clearly not taking him seriously. Knight Commander Garithos!
The same future Grand Marshal who persecuted Kael during the Blood Elf Campaign—it's hard to say how well he performed back then, since relations between high elves and humans have never been good. Arthas always thought he was loyal to Lordaeron, but didn't expect everything was for his own interests.
"Oh, how would you like me to prove myself?"
"If you can present conclusive evidence, I will certainly believe you. I believe you must have some notable proof of your treasure, right? I heard you also saved the Queen of the Red Dragons or should I say Queen of those great lizards? Haha!" Garithos didn't seem to realize he was being deliberately confrontational or that he was being reckless—how could he say such things?
Sure enough, as soon as Garithos finished speaking, a servant behind Arthas snorted, and a fireball suddenly shot out. She transformed from being a human woman to an elegant high elf adorned with dragon horns.
"Impudent! How dare you, a mere mortal speak about the Queen like that!" Boom! A magical shield appeared in front of Garithos, blocking the fireball, yet the searing flames still singed his hair, and the magical ring on his finger shattered with a loud bang; it was clearly a magical item meant for use by ordinary people.
"Ah!"
The surrounding guards wanted to act immediately but were stopped by Arthas.
"My lord, I advise you to choose your words carefully. If your remarks cause us to miss the opportunity to extend our lives, that would be of no concern to me personally, but I wonder how the other lords would feel? Haha, you might be depriving them of a few more years of life! By the way, this is Keristrasza, the envoy of the Red Dragon Legion; she is a liaison emissary sent to me by the Queen of the Red Dragons. Each dragon lord has sent an ambassador to communicate with me; if you disrespect them, all I've done will be in vain."
Sure enough, as soon as Arthas finished speaking, the other lords could no longer worry about noble etiquette, and began to speak out against Garithos.
Strength and wealth cannot buy life, and if they could exchange, they would be willing to go bankrupt for it, as they are truly terrified of death. As long as one is alive, there's potential to earn more; if they die, they won't even enjoy what they had!
"Lord Garithos, you might want to quickly apologize to the envoy." "Garithos, don't be so selfish; you might not want to live, but we still wish to live a few more years."
"Your Highness, what assistance do you need?"
The entire conference hall had turned into a noisy marketplace, with some settling personal grudges against Garithos, others trying to take advantage without paying a price, and many noblewomen covertly sending flirtatious glances at Arthas—there was quite a variety of people on display.
"I apologize for the disorder; it's a bit of a headache," Arthas remarked, rubbing his forehead. This is why he wanted to go to Kalimdor to establish his own kingdom, abolish the aristocracy, and create a single voice. Otherwise, this endless conference would only waste time and energy.
Previously, communication had been inconvenient, which is why territories were granted to the nobles to win their hearts; but that is no longer necessary; that system is outdated, lagging behind. The five ambassadors merely smiled; they did not wish to get involved in human affairs and only intended to communicate with Arthas.
"Enough, quiet! Ladies and gentlemen, as the representative of Lordaeron, I welcome your arrival." Terenas' words carried great authority. As soon as he finished speaking, the noisy hall became as quiet as a pin dropping.
"Your Majesty does not seem to be in good health; as his Highness the Prince, I can provide treatment for your son's contribution to our Red Dragons." Krista's delicately beautiful hands channeled a spell, and an energy filled with life force flowed into Terenas's legs. In an instant, his legs, afflicted by rheumatism, were healed, the speed of which was astonishing.
Terenas stood up, unable to believe it, and walked a couple of steps; his legs, which had been sluggish, were now restored. That was a lingering effect from years of battles; otherwise, he wouldn't have taken so long to marry and have children. Other nobles also expressed their surprise and gasped, whispering to one another.
"Thank you, Ambassador!"
"No need for thanks; we will not interfere in your affairs. We exist solely to communicate with His Highness Arthas. This is His Highness's achievement; you should be grateful that you have such a good son," Krista surprisingly said something nice about Arthas—this was unexpected.
Until now, Arthas had only exchanged pleasantries with them; they had not engaged in deeper discussions. Until they see enough strength, they would not show too much enthusiasm or interest; this was purely a job.