"You were the one who joked with me first!" Arthas continued to sneer at Anasterian, not backing down in the slightest even though the other was the king of the High Elves.
He had even faced a Titan directly; why would he fear an Elf king? The Titans were the ceiling of combat power, absolute suppression and strength. Only a Titan could defeat a Titan. Even when facing the underdeveloped child-laborer Argus, without the power of a Titan, the so-called Highlord couldn't even crack a toenail.
That was the suppression of power; Titans were just that terrifying.
Anasterian fought to suppress his anger. He had never seen such an arrogant human; it was a real eye-opener. In the past, it was always humans who came begging the High Elves for help.
Even Dalaran was built with the aid of the High Elves. How dare he speak to him like this!
"Your Highness, you should know that all human magic was taught by the High Elves!"
"The power of the ley lines is under the control of the Blue Dragon King. Do you need me to say hello to him and have him cut off Quel'Thalas's access to the ley line energy? His ambassador to me, Tarecgosa, is right here. Should I say a word to her? The High Elves' abuse of magic led to them being targeted by demons, which is why the demon-corrupted Orcs are attacking Quel'Thalas." Arthas held several trump cards. Although they couldn't help him fight directly, they were still useful for intimidation.
Resources and materials were things one had to strive for; no one would feed them directly into his mouth. As a prince, he could call upon many resources, giving him a much better start than any commoner.
This game was perilous. If the High Elves and Lordaeron had a falling out, he would be in a world of trouble, prince or not. If the High Elves took out some of their hidden treasures to trade with Dalaran, those magic-obsessed mages wouldn't care much for the concept of the human race.
Anasterian was furious upon hearing this, but the members of the Silvermoon Council beside him were frantically signaling him with their eyes, hinting that he shouldn't be rash.
Having their magic taken away was no laughing matter. Mages drew upon the free-flowing arcane energy in Azeroth to cast their spells. Relying on their own power alone, they could never unleash the true power of magic. A small toothpick versus a large iron rod—which one had more power? Obviously, getting hit by the large iron rod would hurt more.
Huu, huu, huu! Anasterian took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. "Wanting Sunwell water is absolutely impossible. It is the treasure of my people and cannot be used as a bargaining chip."
"Then have the members of the Silvermoon Council become my subordinates. Sign a magic contract and serve me for five hundred years. Elves live for thousands of years anyway. Trading five hundred of their years for the safety of Quel'Thalas is a very profitable deal." Arthas continued to make outrageous demands. That's how negotiations worked, after all: start with an exorbitant price, then haggle down. Can't agree? Then keep talking until a suitable price is reached!
Anasterian was a little tempted upon hearing this. If he could kick out these meddlesome old geezers, it would be what he wanted most. As a king, he was constrained by the Silvermoon Council at every turn, with no power to do what he wanted.
They bickered over every little thing. It was obvious the Silvermoon Council had no intention of relinquishing power. Before he could even speak, the council members began to roar.
"Insolence!"
"Ignorant boy, do you know what you're saying?"
"Your Highness Arthas, please watch your words. We can dispatch mages to assist you, but your request is too excessive."
They all chimed in, some puffing up their own status, others belittling and mocking Arthas. In short, they would never agree to this demand, absolutely not. What a joke. They held high positions in Silvermoon City; why should they subject themselves to Arthas's command?
At this moment, Emeriss walked over. Her beautiful eyes glanced at the magic crystal ball as she said nonchalantly, "It's time to see Her Majesty."
Emeriss's appearance made the members of the Silvermoon Council shut their mouths. They weren't fools; they could naturally see Emeriss's horns, a symbol of a dragon.
Dragon horns could be hidden through illusion or displayed openly. Generally speaking, the more powerful a dragon was, the less they bothered to hide their horns, as they were a symbol of status.
"Alright, I'm just discussing some things with these High Elves. They really are full of themselves." Arthas smiled and nodded slightly at Emeriss.
This woman was truly a charmer from within. She knew exactly what he wanted her to do. All this time, he had been more or less borrowing her status as the Green Dragon Ambassador to put on a bold front. She knew his thoughts and methods and didn't object, instead supporting him silently.
They weren't husband and wife, but they were better than husband and wife. This was the benefit of having a dragon consort!
Unfortunately, Onyxia was still dealing with the affairs of the Black Dragonflight. It was said she was trying to contact her mother, Sinestra, the only female dragon to have survived mating with Deathwing, and also the most powerful one.
A cunning and resourceful female dragon. If he could win her over, she would be a powerful ally!
Arthas let Onyxia do as she pleased. His consort had her own things to do, and he had his. Besides, his own strength was not yet great enough, and the help he could offer his wife was very limited. He might as well focus on developing his own power here, so he could help his wife in the future.
"Heh, my apologies. Since we can't come to an agreement, I'll have to go see the Green Dragon Queen. I am deeply saddened that the High Elves are being attacked by the Horde, and I will be sure to condemn them." Arthas put on a regretful look and prepared to end the communication.
"Wait, Your Highness, let's stop beating around the bush. Quel'Thalas needs the Alliance's help. Letting the Horde run rampant will only allow their power to grow. It would be a loss for both the Alliance and Quel'Thalas. I can represent Quel'Thalas in joining the Alliance and becoming a part of it.
After we repel the Horde, I will dispatch two hundred high-level mages to Lordaeron to assist you, and I will gift you a set of advanced magic apprentice manuals, as well as thirty chests of magical materials and jewels. The materials and enchanting arts of the High Elves are rare treasures. Are you satisfied with this answer?" Anasterian's expression was confident, clearly believing that these terms were 'generous' enough!