Chapter 472: Strategic Alliances

After securing the support of the Kingdom of Lordaeron, Alaric's next destination was Quel'Thalas.

Compared to the Wildhammer dwarves, the extermination of the Amani trolls was of far greater importance to Quel'Thalas. 

At this moment, Quel'Thalas had formally joined the Alliance, making them a closer ally. It was logical for such a plan to be discussed and approved internally among allies first.

Of course, once again, Alaric had to seek Alleria's help.

Compared to the rulers in Silvermoon City, the rangers, represented by Alleria, had always been the main force fighting against the Amani trolls in the jungles. 

They also harbored the greatest hatred toward the trolls.

Although they understood that Silvermoon City's approach to dealing with the trolls and their leader, Zul'jin, was based on long-term considerations, logic was one thing, and emotions were another.

Allowing their mortal enemies to continue thriving in the forests of Zul'Aman, letting their leader live comfortably in a prison camp—these frustrations had long been simmering within the rangers' hearts.

Thus, Alaric's plan resonated with them immediately. Upon hearing it, Alleria gave Alaric a deep embrace.

To her, Alaric had gone through so much trouble, linking together three different factions, pushing forward this thankless plan—all for her sake.

Where else could she find such a wonderful little brother?

With that in mind, Alleria wholeheartedly supported Alaric's plan. Without needing further persuasion, she even volunteered to lead a battalion of volunteers to join the mission.

Beyond that, she also agreed to help persuade the rulers of Quel'Thalas.

While the Windrunner family's influence was mostly confined to the rangers, rather than the high-ranking Silvermoon Council, grassroots support had its own uses at times.

Before long, Alaric and Alleria returned to Silvermoon City once again.

This visit was informal; Alaric did not bring a large delegation with him. Instead, he went alone to meet with the Sunstrider royal court.

Despite this, the high elves did not treat him lightly. Firstly, they respected his magical prowess. Secondly, during his last visit, he had left a deep impression on them.

This time, however, the topic he brought forth made them take him even more seriously.

"...I can hardly believe it. Is your proposal true?" 

Upon hearing Alaric's plan, Anasterian Sunstrider, who had initially received him with casual courtesy, could not help but tremble slightly. 

His hands instinctively gripped the armrests of his throne.

It was inevitable. For as long as history remembered, the trolls had been the mortal enemies of the high elves. 

The idea that the nations of the Alliance wished to work with Quel'Thalas to eradicate the Amani trolls was shocking.

A feud spanning millennia, a hatred persisting for generations—now, there was a chance to end it in one decisive strike. How could this not be a momentous occasion for the high elves?

In truth, if not for the orc invasion, the high elves would have never been presented with such an opportunity.

To the human kingdoms, the Amani trolls, confined within the Zul'Aman forests, were not much of a threat. 

Unlike the high elves, humans, with their higher birth rates, were less concerned about casualties. 

Skirmishes along their borders were within their acceptable losses. Moreover, the existence of the Amani trolls served as a balancing factor against Quel'Thalas. 

While there was no territorial dispute between humans and elves, human rulers instinctively viewed all potential threats with caution and naturally sought to maintain the balance of power.

If not for the overwhelming invasion of the orcish Horde, which had thrown the human kingdoms into a state of panic, the rulers—though outwardly proclaiming confidence in victory—harbored far less certainty in their hearts than they let on.

This was precisely why Alaric was able to persuade Terenas, leveraging the argument that the trolls were potential allies of the Horde, thus facilitating this alliance. 

This was an opportunity that might never come again.

In the original timeline, the high elves did not join the Alliance until the Horde was at their doorstep. 

By then, the Alliance had already gauged the Horde's strength and gained confidence in eventual victory. 

Consequently, the elves' strategic value was significantly diminished. 

Even after the war ended, despite the Amani trolls having allied with the Horde and effectively becoming war criminals, the Alliance never fully exterminated them. 

While exhaustion from war played a role, the greater reason was the continued desire to use the Amani trolls to check Quel'Thalas.

However, despite how beneficial this plan was to the high elves, getting it approved was not going to be easy.

King Anasterian soon convened the Silvermoon Council to deliberate on whether to implement Alaric's proposal.

Though the plan clearly favored the high elves, opposition quickly arose.

"Grand Magister Lief, while your plan is impressive, it is also rather naive," a councilor was the first to voice dissent. 

"Perhaps you do not fully understand the strength of Quel'Thalas. The truth is, we have always had the power to annihilate the Amani trolls. 

However, war is never as simple as you imagine. The reason we have not wiped out the Amani trolls has always been due to our own considerations."

Several other council members and nobles nodded in agreement. However, Alaric noticed that Anasterian, seated on his throne, had furrowed his brows.

This immediately gave Alaric more confidence.

"On the contrary, I understand Quel'Thalas' strength very well," Alaric replied in a strong, clear voice. "I have no doubt that you possess the power to eliminate the trolls completely. 

The arcane might of Quel'Thalas is far beyond what those savage creatures can ever hope to contend with."

His words of flattery immediately softened the atmosphere. 

Many councilors and nobles revealed proud smiles—after all, such praise carried more weight when coming from a powerful mage.

Alaric paused before continuing, "In fact, I fully understand why you have allowed the trolls of Zul'Aman to continue thriving. 

Jungle warfare differs greatly from conventional warfare, and it is understandable that the high elves cannot afford such an exhausting campaign."

This struck a nerve, and many present frowned.

"However, this is precisely why alliances exist—to combine our strengths, complement each other's weaknesses, and maximize our collective interests.

As your allies, we humans can make up for what you lack. 

We can supply the necessary manpower for jungle warfare, even conducting a thorough search of Zul'Aman's forests. 

This would mitigate your concerns regarding troop exhaustion and casualties while ensuring the trolls are completely eradicated."

Alaric's argument was logical and well-reasoned. Many nobles nodded in agreement, and even some councilors showed approval.

However, this alone was not enough to sway everyone. The conservative factions among the high elves were far from few.

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