They were both princes, but their treatment was worlds apart. Kael'thas had very few resources he could mobilize, and he didn't have much income of his own. Simply relying on selling magical items made in Dalaran was just a drop in the bucket.
He either had to make money or go on adventures to find wealth; otherwise, he could barely cover his own expenses. It would be a different story if he could use Silvermoon City's resources. Silvermoon City's resources were rich and abundant, enough to make almost anyone green with envy.
Unfortunately, even the king had difficulty mobilizing them, let alone a prince. On this point, without financial freedom, there was no real freedom of choice.
The two continued to chat, also touching upon the subject of the arcane. Arthas was more interested in the creation of portals. After all, the portals in the game could span considerable distances and could also transport supplies and so on, which was extremely convenient.
"Maintaining a portal consumes a huge amount of energy, and each teleportation creates spatial fluctuations. It requires experienced mages to maintain it, and the cost is terrifying. Unless there is a sufficient and stable energy source, it's impossible to achieve," Kael'thas said, sounding quite knowledgeable when it came to magic. Compared to being a king, his intellect made him more suited to be a teacher.
"Kael'thas, I think you'd be more suited to teaching magic as a teacher in the future," Arthas suddenly blurted out.
"Is that so? I think so too. But sometimes, things are beyond one's control!" Kael'thas wasn't particularly strong-willed. The fact that he could accept Illidan as his master in a state of extreme pessimism clearly showed he didn't have much of his own opinion.
"If you ever encounter a situation where you're lost, you can come to me. I might be able to help you solve it. Hmm, only when it's something so major that you can't make a decision. Don't bother me with trivial matters, I won't pay you any mind," Arthas picked up his water flask and took a swig, watching the commotion in the distance. It seemed Azuka and the others had run into trouble.
"It seems your subordinates need help. Need a light spell?" Kael'thas didn't find Arthas rude. Just from their conversation, he felt that the aura the other man projected was far beyond what he could compare to. That youthful, vigorous spirit, combined with meticulous planning and agile logical thinking, were all things he currently lacked. Arthas was never lost; he always knew what he wanted. But he himself didn't know what he was doing, what he should do, or how to get what he wanted.
"Of course. Ogg, go and welcome Azuka and the others," Arthas commanded. He didn't even need to show up himself. It was clear that Azuka and her group's departure had caught Orgrim's attention, and he had already sent people to hunt them down. Clans that betrayed the Horde could absolutely not be tolerated; they had to be hunted to the last!
"Yes, Master!" The gnoll, Ogg, ran swiftly on all fours, even faster than human cavalry. This was the advantage of gnolls. Ever since Arthas had proposed this idea, Ogg had carried it out meticulously. Practical agility was more useful than so-called face.
Soon, the sounds of shouting and killing could be heard. The dwarves' mortars also aimed at the pursuing troops in the rear and fired a volley. Since the investment had been increased, the caliber of the mortars had been constantly increasing, and even the gunpowder was being continuously improved. Arthas had hired a group of dwarves and gnomes specifically to develop landmines, muskets, and cannons.
While chatting, he watched the battle in the distance. About an hour later, the battle ended. Arthas hadn't even participated in this fight; he had just been observing from the rear. He wouldn't need to personally experience every battle in the future. Some things were better left to his subordinates.
The battle results came in. His side had suffered over five hundred casualties, including the orc clans that had defected. The Horde, on the other hand, had over five thousand fatalities. These were killed by mortars and landmines, coupled with the effects of guided magic and traps. It was a calculated attack against an unsuspecting enemy. If not for the fact that the orcs were brave enough for many to escape, they might have been completely wiped out.
"You did very well, Marlene. I can rest assured leaving the army to you in the future," Arthas praised, looking at the heroic and valiant mature commander before him.
He was very proud and also very fortunate to have found such a general. There was no shortage of people with strategic vision and military talent, but a beautiful woman who also possessed the talent of a commander was as rare as a phoenix feather.
And he had happened to meet one. If this wasn't good luck, what was? One only had to look at the other kingdoms to know. Weren't they all old men? Where were the women?
"It is my duty, Your Highness. Do you have any other orders? I will first arrange the camps for the Burning Blade and Bleeding Hollow Clans. I'll need to take a count afterward for future strategic arrangements," Marlene said tactfully.
She was very interested in commanding a joint force of different races. Each race had different strengths; if they could be combined well, it would be like adding wings to a tiger.
But this was very difficult. At the very least, it would require them to be able to communicate in the same language, and all of this would take time.
"I will introduce you to Azuka and Kargath. Azuka knows the Common Tongue, but Kargath doesn't. Just have her translate for you. Have her relay your orders. I know this is a bit difficult, but it will get better in the future. For now, we'll have to make do. Don't demand too much or put too much pressure on yourself. I will always support you." Arthas's gentle tone was like a spring breeze.
He would never blame his woman, not even if she lost a battle. Never losing a single battle could lead to a fragile mentality; a single setback could easily cause problems, which was not a good thing. Ability was necessary, but mentality was even more important.
"I know, Your Highness. I will adjust," Marlene said, gently stroking a strand of her hair, the movement filled with the alluring charm of a mature woman.
"I'll reward you after the war is over." Arthas leaned in and quickly licked her earlobe with his tongue.
"Mm!" Marlene blushed. She could command an army of thousands without a change in expression, but a little teasing from Arthas was enough to make her blush and break her composure.
Looking at the battle-scarred yet murderous orc clans, Arthas personally led them to set up camp outside Silvermoon City.
He still had a task to complete: accept the challenge of the Burning Blade Clan and thoroughly beat down these orcs whose heads were filled with nothing but muscle. Straightforward orcs were easier to control; they didn't have so many devious thoughts.