For Jaina Proudmoore, a legendary figure whom one could only glimpse in the game, Alaric's feelings were quite complicated.
Although he was indeed quite satisfied with taking the girl as his apprentice, at times he wondered whether he should really get close to her.
The reason was simple. In the original story, the girl's experiences were too concerning.
To put it in the words of the Celestial Empire, this girl had a particularly tough fate.
In the original, none of Jaina's rumored lovers met a good end: Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider, after the destruction of Quel'Thalas, wandered between various factions to save his people and cure their magical addiction.
In the end, he defected to the Burning Legion, was abandoned by his own people, and perished.
Prince Arthas, who had also been romantically involved with Jaina, was ultimately corrupted by Frostmourne, became the Lich King, personally killed his father, destroyed Lordaeron, and was finally defeated atop the Frozen Throne by the combined forces of the Alliance and Horde.
Her third rumored lover was Kalecgos, a blue dragon who succeeded Malygos as the Aspect of the Blue Dragonflight. However, this unfortunate dragon was not only weak but also plagued by misfortune.
He was shot down by dwarves, controlled by demons, defeated by black dragons, twilight dragons, and even the Horde's airships...
Even her father, Daelin, who was now standing beside Alaric, had died because of her in the original story.
Jaina, in pursuit of peace with the Horde, did not intervene when her father launched an unauthorized attack, indirectly leading to his death.
Looking at these events, aside from Jaina's personality and ideology, just considering the fate of those around her made Alaric uneasy.
Of course, that was Alaric's thought before he met Jaina.
But now, looking at the delicate-faced girl with golden shoulder-length hair and big blue eyes gazing at him seriously, like a little adult, Alaric no longer felt any aversion.
All that talk about "ruining men" and "cursed fate"—did Alaric look like someone who'd be afraid of that?
Just by appearance and first impression alone, little Jaina had almost won him over.
Looking at the adorable girl in front of him, Alaric resisted the urge to have a nosebleed (exaggeration) and bent down kindly to greet her.
"Hello, Miss Jaina. It's a pleasure to meet you. I must say, your father was right—you truly are adorable."
Saying this, he reached out and patted the girl's head, as if petting a small animal.
Jaina's reaction was quite similar to a small animal's. Under the warm touch, she closed her eyes comfortably and showed a happy smile.
However, before Alaric could enjoy this for long, she suddenly snapped out of it, took a few hurried steps back, and pouted at him.
"Y-you! How could you do that? Please don't! Patting a lady's head is very impolite."
Hands on her hips, she looked angry—but still extremely cute.
"Oh?" Alaric feigned surprise. "Is it because you're afraid of not growing taller?"
"That's exactly—wait, no, that's not it!" Jaina, flustered at being caught, grew even more embarrassed.
"I'm not afraid of not growing taller. A gentleman just shouldn't casually pat a lady's head!"
Hearing the little girl's huffy protest, Alaric found himself even more amused.
"My apologies then, little lady. I'll be sure to keep that in mind next time," he replied cheerfully, though his tone sounded rather perfunctory.
Little Jaina secretly rolled her eyes at this "annoying" man.
Still, she forced a smile, curtsied again, and in her soft, girlish voice, spoke formally.
"Esteemed Archmage Sandor, I have long admired your expertise in magic.
Although my father has likely already mentioned it to you, as a devoted seeker of magical knowledge, I still wish to make this request personally.
May I have the honor of becoming your apprentice?"
Jaina requesting to become his apprentice on the spot truly surprised Alaric.
He turned to look at Daelin, whose expression mirrored his own surprise.
Clearly, this was not Daelin's arrangement but Jaina's independent decision.
Alaric pondered briefly before breaking into a pleased smile.
Although just a child, this little girl seemed rather intelligent.
At the very least, she knew how to endear herself to others.
Originally, Jaina's apprenticeship was a private agreement between Daelin and Alaric, essentially a political transaction and an exchange of interests.
Through their teacher-student relationship, Kul Tiras and Dalaran would be drawn closer together.
At the same time, Daelin would secure a connection with Alaric, the "rising star" of Dalaran, meaning Kul Tiras would offer Alaric various kinds of support...
Of course, such an arrangement wouldn't necessarily please most people.
A young mage like Alaric might resent being drawn into political dealings and would prefer to earn recognition through his abilities rather than simply "riding on Dalaran's coattails."
However, Jaina taking the initiative to request apprenticeship greatly mitigated any potential resentment.
At the very least, if Alaric had any objections to the arrangement, Jaina's earnest request would make it feel less like a cold, calculated transaction and more like a genuine teacher-student relationship.
In this regard, she truly lived up to her future status as a core leader of the Alliance. Even at just eight years old, she was already showing remarkable intelligence.
With that thought, Alaric smiled at the girl.
"Of course, Miss Jaina. I believe having such a lovely apprentice is an honor for me as well."
Although this was already predetermined, Daelin was still visibly pleased when Alaric confirmed the apprenticeship in person. The admiral immediately let out a hearty laugh.
However, unlike her straightforward father, Jaina did not laugh. Instead, she maintained a serious expression and solemnly said to Alaric,
"Teacher, please rest assured. Besides being 'cute,' I will not disappoint you in my magical talent and learning ability!"
Indeed, compared to being called adorable, the little girl cared more about proving her ability.
How determined she was!
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