Azeroth: Starting with Eagle Eye in the Necropolis.

“No problem, Senior Brother Malfurion. Illidan and I… After that, we attacked the Black Temple. Illidan temporarily used it as a base to fight against the Burning Legion.” Rhodes told Malfurion everything about his and Illidan’s actions.

"Are you sure Illidan won't side with the Burning Legion? I have a feeling he's working for Kil'jaeden."

“Don’t worry, Illidan’s goal has always been the same: to destroy the Burning Legion,” Rhodes said.

"I'm entrusting my brother to you. If he's in any danger, I hope you can lend a hand. Tyrande and I can no longer protect him," Malfurion said.

Illidan's rebuilding of the Well of Eternity was a capital offense, but he and Tyrande managed to save it and were imprisoned.

He then banished Illidan himself. All of this was driven by self-interest; if the normal process had been followed, Illidan would have died ten times over.

Which druid do you expect to let the satyrs go? In the eyes of the druids, Illidan is no different from those corrupt night elf satyrs, and is even more evil.

“I will. I’ve formed an alliance with Illidan, and he’ll help me keep an eye on the Burning Legion in Outland. I’ll also give him some help in return,” Rhodes nodded and said.

“I understand, Rhodes. I will stay here for a few months to help you heal this land before returning to Kalimdor,” Malfurion said.

“Brother Malfurion, if you’d like, I can actually open a portal for you to meet Illidan. Perhaps you two can have a talk,” Rhodes said.

Having mastered the portal spell, Rhodes could easily open a portal and connect Azeroth to Outland.

"No need. There's nothing for me to talk to him about. If he were willing to listen to me, he would have done so 1 years ago. Now, all I can do when I meet him is argue," Malfurion said decisively, shaking his head.

Rhodes smiled upon hearing this, but remained silent. The two chatted for a while longer before Malfurion took his leave.

At noon the next day, a massive fleet slowly sailed to the port of Lordaeron.

A year ago, Princess Galiya led the refugees of Lordaeron away from this land, but now, a year later, the princess has returned once again.

"Lordaeron, my homeland, I've returned." Princess Galiya's voice was tinged with excitement.

Uther, standing beside the princess, patted Calia on the shoulder in a gesture of comfort.

At the port, Rhodes, accompanied by Dathorhan, old Mograine, and a group of Lordaeron officials, were greeting them.

"Welcome back, Queen of Lordaeron."

Chapter 255 The Princess Returns Home, Contacting Stormwind

The massive Kul Tiran fleet slowly entered the port of Lordaeron, the capital of the kingdom. The long-absent lion banner fluttered in the wind on the masts, attracting the attention of all the port staff and soldiers. When Princess Calia Menethil, escorted by the legendary paladin Uther, stepped onto her long-lost homeland via the gangway, a deafening cheer erupted in the port.

Long live Princess Galiya!

"Long live Lordaeron!"

"Welcome home, Your Highness!"

Countless people spontaneously flocked to the port, their eyes filled with tears, waving hastily found strips of cloth or their arms, their voices hoarse with excitement. The more than one year of exile and the bitterness of leaving their homes finally transformed into the joy of returning home and the anticipation of the future.

Rhodes led the Alliance generals forward to greet her. Looking at the travel-worn yet resolute princess before him, he was filled with emotion. He bowed slightly, performing a standard noble salute: "Welcome back, Princess Galiya. Lordaeron awaits its queen."

Galya looked at Rhodes, and at the familiar and unfamiliar faces behind him, all bearing resolute expressions—Dathorhan, old Mograine, and the generals who had stepped forward in the crisis. Her gaze finally returned to Rhodes, her eyes flashing with complex emotions: gratitude, dependence, and the resolute determination to shoulder a heavy responsibility.

"Rhodes...and everyone else, thank you for your hard work, thank you so much for your efforts." Galiya's voice trembled and choked with emotion, echoing throughout the entire port.

"It is you who reclaimed our homeland! It is you who made the banner of Menethil fly over the royal city once more! This achievement, no! This kindness, Lordaeron will never forget!"

You are true heroes, and I am proud of you.

Uther stood behind Galiya, his gaze sweeping over the city walls under repair. Though it was a brutal sight, the repairs had begun.

Looking at the soldiers and civilians who were exhausted but full of hope, everyone was filled with despair when they left a year ago, but now hope has been rekindled.

Uther's gaze finally landed on Rhodes. He stepped forward and patted Rhodes on the shoulder heavily, everything understood without a word.

This young regent proved with his almost miraculous actions that his initial choice was correct. In Dalaran, he single-handedly protected the young man and the princess. His journey with Rhodes to Kalimdor to participate in the Battle of Mount Hyjal was also the right choice, guided by the Holy Light.

“Your Highness, this is what I should do as Regent,” Rhodes said with a smile.

He had already mobilized the troops beforehand to prepare for this welcoming ceremony, all in order to make the occasion more grand.

After reclaiming the royal city, Galiya will definitely settle down here and be crowned queen, so she will naturally want to boost her popularity.

Princess Galiya nodded and stepped forward, cupping Rhodes' face in her hands and kissing him before releasing him a moment later.

He leaned close to Rod's ear, whispered a few words, and then stood up with a smile.

Then he helped up several generals who were with Rhodes, especially Ashbringer and Dathrohan.

"I thank you, warriors of the Silver Hand, you have saved your country, and I am proud of you."

"You have done what I, as the Grand Master of the Knights, should have done." Uther then stepped forward and said.

“Don’t say that, Uther. You have a much more important mission. You must protect Her Highness the Princess on the continent of Kalimdor, and you must protect the inhabitants who travel to the open world of Kalimdor. Your mission is no easier than ours,” Old Mograine said, rising to his feet.

“Yes, Uther, we all have our own missions. Back then, you single-handedly withstood the pressure from those Dalaran mages,” Dathrohan said.

"I heard you taught those demons a lesson in the Battle of Mount Hyjal and then hunted them down. I really wish I could have fought alongside you back then," Ashbringer said with a smile.

“Haha, I would much rather be able to go on an expedition to the Outer Worlds like you and see the territories of the orcs. When General Turalyon left, I even thought I would never see them again,” Uther sighed.

Bringing the expeditionary force back this time is a great joy, but the only regret is that we couldn't bring General Tulayan back. If General Tulayan could have come back, it would have been perfect.

"The Holy Light has given Lord Rhodes a revelation: General Turalyon has been rescued and will surely return soon," Fairbanks said.

They now have complete faith in what Rhodes says, because in everyone's hearts, Rhodes is the embodiment of the Holy Light and its spokesperson.

Uther nodded upon hearing this. He trusted Rhodes completely and firmly believed that the Holy Light would not choose the wrong person.

“I can assure you all that General Turalyon, Lady Aurelius, and the mage Khadgar will all return safely,” Rhodes said, nodding to the crowd.

“We believe in you, Rhodes. Now let’s return to the city, back to the capital of Lordaeron,” Princess Calia said.

After a grand welcoming ceremony, everyone returned to the palace. Although some traces of battle still remained in the throne room, it had been thoroughly cleaned and restored to its former solemnity. The remnants of fel energy and death had been dispelled.

A month is enough time for Rhodes to do a lot; the capital of Lordaeron has been completely transformed.

That evening, a meeting of the core leadership was held in the royal palace's council chamber.

Galiya listened to Rhodes' detailed report on the recapture of the royal city, the return of the Outland expeditionary force, and the alliance with the blood elves and draenei. Every piece of news stirred her heart.

She couldn't believe that Rhodes had accomplished all this in just a few months.

"So, in other words, we have not only reclaimed the royal city, but also gained Draenei allies from Outland, as well as support from Quel'Thalas?" Galatea sorted through the current information.

He welcomed the Draenei joining the Alliance, just like the Night Elves. They were a kind race, and their use of the Holy Light was naturally easier for humans to accept.

“Yes, Your Highness,” Rhodes nodded.

“Prince Kael'thas and his Magisters have provided tremendous assistance, and the Draenei garrison led by Akama is also a solid shield for us. In addition, the Night Elf Archdruid Malfurion is personally leading a team to help us restore the vitality of the land, and thanks to the druids' help, our crops are growing very well and are ready for harvest. Now we have absolutely no need to worry about food,” Rhodes said with a smile.

“Really? I also prepared some food to be transported with the fleet, enough for everyone to eat for about two months. You always handle things perfectly, Rhodes,” Princess Galiya said with a smile.

"This is just my duty. After all, my current identity is the Regent of Lordaeron and also the Grand Marshal of the Alliance," Rhodes said.

“I understand what you mean. Rhodes, you are now the Grand Marshal of the Alliance. Soon, I will personally bestow this title upon you as the Queen of Lordaeron and write a letter to King Varian of Stormwind.”

"First, inform him of the expedition's return, and also tell him about the Draenei joining the Alliance and your promotion to Grand Marshal. If possible, I will invite him to Lordaeron capital for talks," Princess Calia said.

Only after she is crowned queen can she legitimately bestow the title of Rhodes upon him, and she must also have the support of Stormwind.

The news of the expeditionary force's return must have already reached Stormwind. It's just a question of what King Varian plans to do.

In fact, the attitude of the Kingdom of Stormwind over the past year has been very upsetting for the Kingdom of Lordaeron, because Stormwind has not provided any support to the Eastern Kingdoms.

Not a single messenger was sent, let alone any support. Princess Galiya keenly sensed that something was likely wrong within Stormwind City.

It seems King Varian isn't having an easy time either, but he should come to Lordaeron capital and meet with me no matter what.

“I plan to personally travel to Stormwind and have a good talk with King Varian, since most of the veterans in the expeditionary force I brought back this time are from Stormwind,” Rhodes said.

In just one month, he amassed several more black dragons, bringing his total to six. It was time to give a certain black dragon princess a taste of her power. Rhodes even considered taking her as his mount to make up for the regret of not getting the black dragon princess despite countless attempts back then.

As a hardcore World of Warcraft player, my obsession with mounts outweighs everything else. No matter what, I want to ride Onyxia. Of course, I just want to ride her; I have no other intentions.

"If you're willing to make the trip yourself, then you can invite King Varian and escort him to the capital to meet me. However, there's something I must tell you. Lord Daelin, the Lord of Kul Tiras and an Alliance Admiral, recently visited Theramore with his fleet."

After learning of the news from the Eastern Kingdoms, the admiral dispatched one-third of the Kul Tiras fleet to escort us to the Eastern Kingdoms.

"Before I left, I handed over all the defenses of Theramore to the admiral," Princess Galiya said.

Upon hearing this, Rhodes's expression immediately changed. Was he kidding? This was the prelude to his father-in-law's death. How could he hand over the defense of Theramore to him?

This cheap old father-in-law is definitely going to war with the orcs. No, I have to go back right away.

“Your Highness, it seems my trip to Stormwind will have to be postponed a little longer,” Rhodes said.

"Don't worry, the admiral promised me I wouldn't clash with the orcs."

Chapter 256 The Prophecy of Holy Light: The Admiral Will Be Killed

“Don’t worry, Rhodes. Admiral Daelin has personally promised me that he will protect Theramore while Uther and I are away, and will not provoke conflict with the Horde. Uther also believes that, for his honor, he will keep his promise,” Princess Calia said.

She knew perfectly well what Rod was worried about, but the matter had already been resolved.

“You can rest assured, Rhodes. Admiral Daelin, although he harbors a deep-seated hatred for the orcs, is also a man who prioritizes the greater good. If he truly wanted to wage war against the orcs, he wouldn’t have sent a third of his fleet to escort us,” Uther said.

“Your Highness and Lord Uther, I’m just worried that something unexpected might happen at a crucial moment. The alliance needs to recuperate now, not start a war. We must not disrupt that in any way,” Rhodes said.

In the original timeline, Daelin immediately stripped his daughter of her military power upon arriving in Theramore and even imprisoned Jaina.

That's because at the time, many of Jaina's generals were Kul Tirans, and there weren't any other important figures besides Jaina; everything was decided by the admiral.

In a sense, Theramore is an extension of Kul Tiras's power, even though it has many refugees from Lordaeron, Stromgarde, Dalaran, and even some dwarves.

But the supreme ruler is Jaina, that's enough. However, because of my appearance, the supreme ruler of Theramore is actually Princess Calia, and it has been built in the style of a main city since I landed there.

Princess Calia and Uther set off a month ago. If that's the case, then if the admiral really wanted to start a war with the orcs, then the war had already begun, and might even be in its later stages.

“I also believe my father wouldn’t do anything reckless, Rhodes. Don’t underestimate the Lord of Kul Tiras,” Jaina said, slightly displeased, standing to the side.

What's going on? Does Rhode think his father is a warmonger? She originally wanted to arrange for Rhode to meet her father.

“I also believe the admiral’s assurances, but things are not as simple as they seem. Besides the Burning Legion, there are other evil forces operating in Azeroth. They have been trying to instigate wars throughout Azeroth. The admiral will not take the initiative to attack the orcs, but those greenskins might be provoked,” Rhodes said.

For example, in the storyline of the Wheel of Hatred, the forces of Twilight's Hammer stirred up conflict between Orgrimmar and Theramore, which could easily escalate into a major conflict.

This could very likely trigger a war between the two factions. The Alliance currently has no resources to wage a full-scale war against the Horde. When Kul Tiras sees that the Alliance is unwilling to take revenge, it will definitely withdraw from the Alliance as it did in the original timeline.

“Sometimes you don’t need to do everything yourself, Rhodes. If you’re really worried, it’ll take at least a month to get to Kalimdor. If there’s a war, it’ll probably be over by then,” Uther said.

Rhodes is a good kid in every way, except that he is too cautious in his personality and even a little distrustful of some allies. It's not good for him to do everything himself.

“I’m still worried. I received help from the Guardians and learned cross-continental teleportation magic. How about this? I’ll teleport to Theramore by myself and take a look,” Rhodes said after a moment’s thought.