8. Little Trouble in Gilneas---Blushing Brother [21/30]
The Kingdom of Gilneas is one of the seven kingdoms formed after the Assora Empire split.
Its terrain is very peculiar, like a small subcontinent extending from the southwest corner of the northern border of the eastern continent. It is bordered by only one road from the mainland itself, and it is surrounded by sea on three sides. There are reefs under the sea floor that hinder the passage of ships. The Gilneans call it "The Biting Reef," and only their own merchants know the only safe sea route.
This weird terrain puts Gilneas in an extremely superior "self-protection" system. The king only needs to send out his northern lords to easily cut off Gilneas's connections with other countries, and even if Kul Tiras, which is famous for its navy, cannot forcefully attack Gilneas by sea.
Before the Great Schism, the Gilneans were very good at commercial activities. Their traveling merchants traveled around the continent in carriages, or sold goods by ship, and sent a steady stream of wealth back to their home countries. This made Gilneas quickly become a leader in the entire Human Alliance. The richest country.
But it is precisely because of this isolated terrain that the communication between Gilneas and the outside world is gradually decreasing. Among the seven human kingdoms, Gilneas's customs and culture are almost incompatible with other countries. They uphold a kind of reserve unique to the island people. and arrogance, coupled with the shrewd and cunning style of Gilnean merchants, which left a very bad impression on people from other countries on the mainland.
They believe that the Gilneans are parasites that feed on the Alliance, and that the Gilneans, who are isolated in a corner of the continent, have no contribution to the Alliance. The Gilneans believe that other countries in the Alliance are too greedy and always try to find ways to steal from the Alliance. The country defrauded their wealth and spread rumors to slander the Gilneans.
Over time, the connection between Gilneas and the Human Alliance has become estranged. If normal development continues, Gilneas will definitely break away from the Alliance and achieve autonomy. However, the war between humans and orcs that broke out in the past ten years has brought Gilneas back to the human alliance. Pulled back into the arms of the alliance.
But this kind of unity is essentially a choice in the face of heavy pressure. Once the pressure disappears, those problems that have been forcibly ignored will only explode in an even more explosive way.
In the Second Orc War, even when the orcs were at their most rampant, they were unable to break into Gilnean territory. Gilneas paid a heavy casualty in order to support Lordaeron, which made the Gilnean people resentful. .
Coupled with the reconstruction of various countries after the war, the wealthy Gilneans borne most of the costs of rebuilding the Kingdom of Stormwind and building orc shelters. However, the civil strife in Alterac caused the land that should have been allocated to Gilneas to go to waste. After being disappointed, King Genn Greymane of Gilneas finally made a difficult choice.
After Quel'Thalas left the Alliance citing the end of the war as a reason, Gilneas also announced its departure from the Alliance the next day!
This announcement was like a heavy punch, hitting the cheeks of other countries in the alliance. While the kings were shocked, it also made the hearts of the alliance on the verge of splitting fluctuate.
But to be honest, King Zeon's decision was definitely not simply reckless. In addition to complying with the demands of the people and getting rid of the big burden of the Alliance, King Zeon had another plan.
"Liam! My son."
On the border between Gilneas and Lordaeron, Genn Greymane, disguised as a civilian, looked at his son wearing leather armor and carrying a long sword. A trace of worry flashed in the king's eyes, but it soon turned into
Entrustments and expectations.
"This journey is of great significance to both Gilneas and yourself. You will embark on a great journey with your peers, and your victory will also open a new chapter for human civilization.
...Remember at all times, you represent Gilneas!"
Liam Greymane nodded fiercely. After hugging his father, the high-spirited young prince turned over and mounted his war horse. Without the gorgeous decorations of a prince's identity, he was dressed like an ordinary adventurer.
The same, and beside him are Varian Wrynn, Garin Trollbane and Derek Proudmoore, who are also dressed in the same style, the most noble young generation in the alliance.
Behind the young people is Anduin Lothar, who is leading them. During the past week's journey, he has successfully persuaded King Daelin of Kul Tiras to let Prince De of Kul Tiras.
Reik also joined the journey to find the sword of Emperor Thoradin. With the evidence of the three princes and the king, it took little time to convince Genn Greymane.
The addition of Prince Liam also made Lothar more confident in persuading Lordaeron and Dalaran.
The old marshal stood in front of King Zeon. The King of Gilneas stretched out his hand towards the old marshal. When the two hands were clasped, His Majesty Zeon said sincerely:
"Today's alliance is in decay. Terenas despises the majesty of other kings and regards the alliance's kings' meeting as his own. Gilneas has no choice but to leave the alliance, but I believe in you, Marshal Lothar, and I am willing to give my only
I leave my son in your hands, you are right, children represent the future of human civilization!"
The shrewd king seemed to be moved. He wiped the corners of his eyes and said softly:
"In my heart, I have never forgotten the advice left by my fathers. I am also looking forward to seeing the Arathor Empire reappear on this continent, integrating all human resources, and most importantly, this empire will be created by the children.
The empire established will treat its vassal countries more fairly, and all kings will be equal. We will work together to protect the fire of human civilization... A satisfactory king selection system will reshape the future of mankind, and it will be more
An enlightened future.”
Marshal Lothar knew very well what the king in front of him was thinking, but this was a political game, and he was unwilling to expose it. He just nodded:
"I am also very grateful for your enlightenment, Your Majesty. There are indeed many problems within the alliance. A broad alliance has proven that it is not enough to face more terrible challenges. The human kingdom must unite together, and we will jointly safeguard our future.
!”
Jean held Marshal Lothar's left hand with both hands. He nodded and said in a deep voice:
"Gilneas is ready! We will stand firmly on the side of the blood of Emperor Thoradin!"
——————————————————————————————————
Watching his son go away, even the always shrewd and cunning King Jean stood at the border for a long time. It was not until Liam's figure completely disappeared that he turned around and walked into his carriage.
Darius Crowley, the northern lord of the Kingdom of Gilneas, was already waiting for the king in the carriage. Judging from the expression of this northern lord, it seemed that there was something bad that needed to be reported.
Jean sat in the carriage. Accompanied by the sound of the whip of the royal guard, the simple carriage slowly moved forward. The king took out a bottle of wine from the carriage's dark box, poured a glass for himself and the northern lord, and took a sip of the wine.
After that, he asked:
"My brother Darius, you came to see me in a hurry. Is there a problem in your territory?"
The Northern Lord nodded. He was born into the Crowley family, a great nobleman in Gilneas. He grew up with King Zeon. The two of them once traveled on the road together. After Jean inherited the throne, Crowley also inherited the throne.
The Dukedom of the Northern Lords, although they have some different political opinions and Lord Crowley opposes withdrawing from the alliance, the private friendship between the two is still very strong.
"Recently, a strange disease broke out in several towns in Silver Pine Forest."
Lord Crowley whispered:
"It's a lycanthropy disease. Civilians infected with the disease will undergo painful torture and turn into a half-human, half-wolf monster. They lose their minds and attack everyone around them. My guards have received reports in the past few days.
With more than 20 reports, the doctors had no choice but to order the execution of those patients... But just before I came, the disease had spread, and there were even lycanthropic patients in Fenmu Village."
"Um?"
Gene's expression became serious: "You mean, it's horribly contagious? Why didn't you report it earlier?"
"Highly contagious!"
The northern lord's face was gloomy: "It's not that I didn't report! Jean, I have sent letters to the capital three times, but at that time, you were busy arguing with other kings of the alliance!"
This straightforward sarcasm made the king a little embarrassed, but Darius soon ignored the topic. He shook the wine glass in his hand and said:
"We still don't know where the source of the disease is, but the doctors said it was probably caused by wolves in the forest, so I plan to clean up the Silver Pine Forest in the near future and kill all the wolves.
, but the soldiers under my command are all new recruits, and I need help, Jean, that's why I'm here."
"No problem! My brother."
The king agreed immediately:
"The Gray Wolf Brigade will go to your territory as quickly as possible and will be mobilized by you, but we have to closely monitor the development of this epidemic. Once it cannot be controlled, we will have to take some special measures."
The king didn't say clearly what he wanted to do, but the northern lords could probably guess that he couldn't bear it, but in the end, thinking of the tragedy of the epidemic spreading across the country, he nodded:
"I will pay close attention. By the way, I plan to invite some doctors and mages from Dalaran and Lordaeron, but I heard that those strange octopus people... what are they called? Draenei, yes, Germany
The Llanei people also have a way of using the Holy Light, so I would like to invite some Delaney priests to help in your name."
"You don't need to tell me these little things."
Jean shrugged and patted Lord Crowley on the shoulder:
"Do we still need to be so close to each other? Speaking of which, Lena is not young anymore. Liam followed Lothar to find the sword of Emperor Thoradin. I mean, when he returns with honor,
When the Arathor Empire is rebuilt, let the two children get married."
"It depends on whether your little wolf cub can win the favor of my precious daughter."
The Northern Lord leaned in the carriage and said playfully:
"Rena is my only daughter. I heard that Liam is close to several noble ladies in the capital? You know the tradition of the Crowley family, Jean. If he continues to be so carefree, I'm afraid.
..”
"Ahem, I will restrain him. Young people always have problems that they can't change."
King Jean coughed lightly, looked at Darius in front of him, and whispered:
"I'm sorry that I didn't seek your opinion on the matter of leaving the alliance, Crowley. I know that you have a good relationship with Danath Trollbane and Gatheris. I hope this will not affect
you."
After hearing the king's words, the northern lord was silent for a moment, and he sighed:
"Sigh...forget it, you are right. Terenas's oppression of other kings is becoming more and more serious. Leaving the alliance will also be good for Gilneas. What's more, compared to Terenas who plays political tricks
, I trust Lothar more, his bloodline is as noble as his character, but Jean, I have to remind you that even the Kingdom of Stormwind, Kul Tiras and Stromgard are all standing with us.
Terenas doesn’t give in that easily!”
"If you really want to become the emperor of the Arathor Empire and the co-owner of mankind, then from now on, you have to change your behavior."
"Well, I know."
Gene's eyes flashed, he took a sip of wine and said softly:
"Varian's age is a flaw, and so is Garin. Besides Terenas, the biggest threat is Dailin. That old sea fox won't let go so easily. We have to talk to him first."
, I will arrange this."
The conversation between the king and the great nobles was confined to the carriage. The subsequent alliance will inevitably become turbulent because of the expedition organized by Lothar. The kings' purpose is not simple. They will definitely use all their strength to come.
Competing for the lofty title of Human Emperor is like being put into a cage to fight to the death between wild beasts. Although it is cruel, the one who survives in the end must be the most powerful.
On the other side, on the outskirts of Burnwood Village, the nearest town to Gilneas's home island, after night fell, a tall figure walked out of his hiding place little by little in a dark package. He had a human appearance.
But he also has recurved legs, his whole body is covered with gray mane, and his head is more like a ferocious wolf's head. He stares at the brightly lit village with the eyes of a beast, and finally, a trace of evil appears on his ferocious face.
Bloodthirsty smile.
"Run away, run away, children...the big bad wolf...Wolf, here we come!"
