Ilucia's expression was clearly one of shock, as she couldn't believe Arthas would say such things to her.
To say that the Barov Family had no thoughts of the Alterac throne would certainly be a lie; any Alterac noble, or even any noble not from Alterac, would more or less covet that position.
However, before most of them could turn that thought into a reality, Alterac was destroyed, taking their fantasies with it, and countless nobles, big and small, became Alterac's burial offerings.
The luckier ones, like Barov, though suffering heavy losses, at least retained some capital, managing to eke out a living in Caer Darrow, which was better than being utterly ruined in the war.
In contrast to Barov, who had allied with the Alliance and secured a lifeline, those nobles unwilling to join the Alliance, who wanted to rebuild Alterac with their own strength—the so-called lingering 'ghosts'—formed an organization called the Syndicate, attempting to raise Alterac's banner once more.
It's said that the remaining few heirs of the Perenolde Family are also in that organization, scheming for the Alterac throne while simultaneously vying among themselves, and plotting revenge against the Alliance and Lordaeron.
In their view, it was the Alliance and Lordaeron that abandoned Alterac; however, the truth was precisely the opposite: Alterac brought its own demise by betraying the Alliance first, and the subsequent cold attitude of the Alliance nations towards Alterac was retaliation for Alterac's disloyalty.
But this retaliation, after the war, only intensified the animosity between the two sides. Sooner or later, when the Syndicate believes it has the strength to avenge itself on Lordaeron, it will make Lordaeron and the Alliance feel the pain.
Those Alterac nobles might think so, but if Ilucia were to say, unless Lordaeron were to be wiped out overnight by some natural disaster or calamity, these fallen nobles would never have that chance.
Other than empty slogans and a handful of supporters, they didn't even have the capital to make Lordaeron take them seriously. Even their few supporters were merely private soldiers kept by nobles, along with bandits and brigands they had recruited.
If Lordaeron wished, they could easily find another 'Lord Prestor' to serve as the new King of Alterac.
If Barov agreed to Arthas's request, they would clearly receive immediate benefits: perhaps Alterac's 'remaining' legacy, an inheritable royal lineage, and control over a brand-new nation.
But... in Ilucia's eyes, it looked more like a trap.
Don't forget who delivered the final push to the Alterac royal family during Alterac's catastrophe.
If the Barov Family were to ascend at this time, even with Lordaeron's support, it would inevitably draw the enmity of other Alterac nobles, and even the enmity of the Alterac people.
Because Barov indeed became the last straw that broke the camel's back when the Kingdom of Alterac was at its wit's end. Many people, especially the nobles of Alterac, could not forgive Barov's 'betrayal'.
—This was a truly ruthless move. Establishing the Barov Family as Alterac's new royal house was a way to divert trouble, shifting the hatred of the old Alterac nobles from Lordaeron to the Barov Family.
At the same time, Barov, facing pressure from the nobles of the old dynasty, would have no choice but to rely on Lordaeron's support as a means to counter the Syndicate.
If it failed, Lordaeron would suffer no loss; after all, it would merely lose a perpetually unstable fallen noble, and it would also make the old nobles of Alterac pay a heavy price, making it easier for Lordaeron and the Alliance to take control of Alterac.
And if it succeeded, then due to Lordaeron's strong influence and subsequent support for Alterac's reconstruction, especially the latter—Alterac's reconstruction couldn't proceed without the assistance of other kingdoms, and currently, the only one with that capability is Lordaeron.
Then, it is likely that for decades, or even centuries to come, the King of Alterac would be constrained by Lordaeron.
"What's wrong, Miss Ilucia? Why the silence? In my opinion, the Barov Family is the best choice to restore Alterac to its former glory."
Arthas's whisper, like that of a demon, entered Ilucia's ears, instantly jolting her awake, her dress lining already soaked with cold sweat. She looked up at Arthas, and this time, she no longer concealed her hatred for Lordaeron.
The Barov Family was in its current predicament because of Lordaeron and the Alliance. She had forgotten, at first, that before being a paladin, Arthas was King Terenas's only son, Lordaeron's future Prince Arthas!
His methods were even more ruthless than his hypocritical father's; if it weren't to avoid the condemnation and opposition of the other human kingdoms, he would likely choose a puppet that was even easier to control.
Arthas noticed Ilucia's gaze. He still maintained his calm smile. He sat back in his chair, waved a hand at Ilucia, and said, "This fortress and this study are very safe, Miss Ilucia, perhaps the safest place in Lordaeron. So you don't need to hold back; speak freely."
Ilucia's expression was grave. She seemed to understand why the Dark Dean wanted her to come to Lordaeron. It looked like the Undead Scourge was planning something bigger; they wanted all of Alterac—
Indeed, cities hidden deep within the mountains would make it easier to conceal their evil and defilement.
After confirming her thoughts, Ilucia spoke slowly,
"Prince Arthas, the Barov Family started with commerce and trade. We were taught from a young age that there's no such thing as a free lunch in this world. In other words, what must we pay, and what can we gain?"
"What you need to pay is a promise, loyalty; as for what you can gain, I don't think I need to say more."
After quickly weighing the pros and cons, Ilucia finally completely calmed down. She looked at Arthas with full wariness, as if not looking at a handsome and dashing Prince Arthas, but at a beast that had bared its fangs and claws.
"The Barov Family will, of course, be loyal to the Alliance; otherwise, we wouldn't have assisted the Alliance in ending Perenolde's foolish rule."
Ilucia calmly stated, "If the Alliance needs us, we can also shoulder the responsibility of revitalizing Alterac."
"Clap, clap, clap!"
Arthas applauded. He said to Ilucia, "Very good, Eldest Miss of the Barov Family, future Queen of Alterac. I have received your loyalty to the Alliance. Now, in the coming month, Lordaeron will dispatch the First Legion to reclaim Alterac's lands and eradicate those Ogres and bandits. I hope that soon, Alterac will reappear among the Alliance ranks."
With that, Arthas stood up, walked past Ilucia, and went to the study's main door. He opened the door, and before stepping out, Arthas spoke one last sentence.
And this sentence struck Ilucia, who had initially been quite confident in shedding her 'pawn' identity, like a bolt of lightning. Her beautiful eyes widened, and she stood rigid in place, not moving a muscle.
"A good answer, Ilucia. You've passed."
That slightly hoarse voice, yet one that pierced the soul, at that moment, made Ilucia recall the lingering nightmare.