"What happened?!"
Khadgar, who was originally leading the team to maintain the magical barrier, didn't notice what happened behind him. By the time he turned around, he had already seen King Llane lying on the ground and Lancer clutching his left arm standing beside him. Of course, the most striking sight was Garona, covered in blood.
Llane, whose life was just saved by Lancer, stood up again with the help of his guards. The chaos on the city wall quickly returned to normal, but thoughts kept turning over in Llane's mind.
Although his combat ability had declined, Llane's discernment was sharper than ever. He immediately saw that something was wrong with Garona, but he remained silent, facing two choices at that moment.
One was naturally to unequivocally order Garona's execution. It was likely that the execution of an Orc 'assassin' on the battlefront would instantly boost morale considerably. However ——————
Glancing at the genuinely concerned Khadgar, Llane pondered for two seconds and made a different choice.
"Magus Khadgar, I suspect that Lady Garona might have been magically controlled by those monsters. Could you please examine her for me?"
Everyone present was stunned when Llane said this, especially Garona, who was already awaiting death, and Khadgar, who also thought Garona was doomed.
But after the initial surprise, a look of wild joy emerged on Khadgar's face.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Could Khadgar actually detect Garona's problem? Obviously not; if he could have, he wouldn't have waited until now. However, this undoubtedly gave both Khadgar and Garona a way out.
Looking at the excitement in Khadgar's eyes and his undisguised gratitude, Llane nodded inwardly.
Llane thought highly of Khadgar. He became Medivh's apprentice at a young age. Regardless of his intentions, simply being recognized by Medivh was enough to demonstrate his talent. On the other hand, the young man was prone to 'acting on impulse.' Llane believed that the choice he was making now would definitely be remembered by the young mage.
There was no doubt that Llane chose 'the future' over 'the present.'
Garona's betrayal was quickly swept under the rug. In fact, following Llane's loud calls, the warriors on the city wall became even more united in their hatred of the enemy.
However, because of the incident, Garona was still sent to the rear to recuperate (under soft confinement). Khadgar wanted to say something about this, but considering that Llane had already spared her life once, he chose to remain silent.
Nevertheless, the commotion on the city wall undoubtedly made the Orcs' offensive below even fiercer. Orcs were even starting to climb the city wall. Of course, they were eventually pushed down and smashed into minced meat, and the temporary wall at the city gate was already cracking.
This hastily constructed 'city wall' was significantly different from Stormwind Kingdom's walls, which had stood for countless years. At the very least, enduring the relentless siege weapons and the corrosion of Fel energy until now was beyond everyone's expectations.
As the sun gradually began to set in the west, the city gate was finally breached.
"Boom!!"
Accompanied by a huge roar, the temporary city wall at the gate collapsed...
——————
Almost at the same time the temporary wall collapsed, the soldiers on the city wall began an orderly retreat under the command of their respective squad leaders, entering the city area to prepare for 'street fighting.'
"Lothar, have all my citizens evacuated?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Only Prince Varian and you remain now."
"..."
Looking at Lothar, who had his head bowed, Llane shook his head.
"Lothar, this is what we agreed upon."
Lothar, with his head bowed, was practically grinding his teeth. He naturally knew what the other party was referring to, for, as the King said, this was what they had agreed upon beforehand.
"Then please permit me to accompany you..."
"Lothar!!"
The two had grown up together since childhood, essentially childhood friends. After the other became King, Lothar was arguably his most trusted General. Their bond meant that disagreements were rare in private, but Llane's almost stern words this time left Lothar at a loss for words.
"Lothar, this is my resolve, and it is my duty as the King of the Kingdom of Stormwind! The residents of this city can leave, my son can leave, and you are permitted to leave, but I, alone — I cannot!"
Llane's decisive look made people feel heartbroken, but he himself didn't care at all. In fact, a trace of tenderness emerged after he spoke.
"My son has inherited all my virtues. I believe that under your guidance, he will also learn all of yours. One day, with your help, he will set foot upon this land again. Reclaim this land then! Until then, let me be the tinder to ignite the flame of restoration! I believe my citizens will choose to return to this land with you again once they see my tombstone, after all, I consider myself a decent King~"
Although Llane's words carried a slight smile toward the end, Lothar could not smile at all. He merely held the other party's arm, trembling, and then nodded frantically, as if going mad, finally burying his face on the other party's shoulder. Llane's expression became even softer.
"My brother, my son, and the Kingdom of Stormwind —————— I entrust them to you!"
"Entrust them... to me."
Lothar's voice still contained a choked sob, but at the same time, his voice became firmer.
"Leave now. We have been in here for too long."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
——————
When Lothar and Llane walked out of the room, they saw the guards waiting by the door and Lancer holding his long spear.
"Lancer..."
"..."
Lothar tried to say something, but Lancer raised a hand to stop him. At the same time, a rare trace of playfulness appeared on his face.
"Let's not bother with the two of us. I'm not interested in getting tangled up with men. If you wanted to say goodbye to me, you can do so now."
Looking at Lancer deliberately frivolous manner, Lothar couldn't help but force a wry smile.
"Am I in such a bad state now?"
He undoubtedly realized that Lancer was trying to comfort him, or perhaps help him change his mood.
"Extremely bad. Although I don't know exactly what you two discussed, I can guess some of it. It's about entrusting the Kingdom of Stormwind and the Prince to you. And you plan to go meet them looking like this?"
The original frivolity vanished, replaced by Lancer usual seriousness.
Lothar walked over, still smiling bitterly, and embraced Lancer briefly as a farewell.
"Although I don't know how you plan to leave, Lancer, the King is entrusted to you."
"I will guard King Llane until the time is up. That is my promise to you!"
"Thank you!"
Excess words were unnecessary. Lothar's simple two words conveyed everything, and he bowed to Lancer before turning to leave. Lancer accepted the gesture without reservation.
Looking at Lothar's retreating back, a wry smile also touched Lancer face.
"I wonder... if there will be a chance to meet again."
After ending his self-talk, he shouldered his Spear of the Barbed Death and walked to Llane's side.
"Your Majesty! Sir Lothar has departed. Please permit me to take his place and remain by your side."
Llane also nodded with a serious expression.
"Let's go. Let us head to this 'final' battlefield!"