Making money wasn't something to be ashamed of. Arthas was desperate for funds. Fortunately, he had seized and searched Sir Shanke's territory, making himself a small fortune; otherwise, he wouldn't even have had starting capital. Relying on the fleet sponsored by his aunt was nowhere near enough to support the massive territory construction and the expenses of the Expeditionary Force. Perhaps in ten years, things would develop naturally, but Arthas didn't have ten years. Who knew how the world would change in ten years? If everyone ended up in hell, what development would there be to speak of?
Seeing that his mother had started distributing the cigarettes, Arthas also made a gesture. Two Dragonkin, walking with heavy steps and wearing thick armor, stepped forward carrying two trays.
Arthas took out a pack of cigarettes, opened it, and handed them out one by one. "Tranquil Blossom Cigarettes, used to relieve mental stress. Your nerves are usually tight after a battle; having one of these can help you relax. It's also good for when you're thinking. You'll need some time to get used to it."
"Cough, cough!"
In the beginning, everyone found the smoke a bit irritating to the throat; traditional cigarettes were particularly hard to stomach. However, the faint fragrance of Peacebloom wasn't off-putting. Even traditional cigarettes, with their smoky stench, had many followers. These Tranquil Blossom Cigarettes had managed to eliminate the only drawback. It had to be said that Gnome Alchemy was quite impressive, especially when it came to tinkering with strange things.
Sss! Huu! Darius's eyes lit up after a few puffs. He took a deep drag and slowly exhaled the smoke. His irritability gradually dissipated. It really did have a miraculous effect!
"Good stuff!"
"I've prepared some cigarettes. They've just started production, so there aren't many, but I'll have someone deliver some to you all." Arthas's smile was incredibly bright. When it came to making money, you had to target the right audience. For men, it was tobacco and supplements; for women, it was cosmetics and luxury goods.
A carton of cigarettes contained twelve packs, and a pack contained twenty cigarettes. Arthas was only giving these High Lords and lords a taste, providing them with a carton to test the waters. These people wouldn't smoke them all themselves; they would surely distribute them to their subordinates during conversations. Passed down layer by layer, the product would soon spread throughout the entire human kingdom. Even the High Elves wouldn't be able to resist. Those elves were wealthy, and he certainly wouldn't pass up such a ripe sheep to shear.
"Then we thank you." Several High Lords expressed their gratitude. Having accepted a gift, they were all waiting for Arthas to state his terms for negotiation. To their surprise, Arthas said nothing. After chatting for a while, he took his leave.
"Please, make yourselves at home. I'm going to talk with my father for a while." Arthas smiled and left to find Jaina.
Throughout the night, the entire court was filled with a joyful atmosphere. Arthas moved frequently through the banquet, either chatting with the High Lords about potential business or asking the King for news and presenting gifts. By the end of the night, he was quite exhausted. He had originally thought about having a secret tryst during the banquet, but there simply wasn't any time.
Many things had to be settled quickly, or he would be running around everywhere later, and he didn't have much time to waste. It was better to work a bit harder now and settle things here, then let Omiya arrange the specific details later.
The banquet finally ended late into the night.
Arthas dragged his weary body back to his estate, where Vanessa and Illucia had already prepared hot water. Soaking in the tub, his head resting on soft breasts, he squinted his eyes. Delicate hands massaged his forehead gently. Another pair of jade-like hands caressed his body, using a towel to wipe him down.
He didn't need to do anything; the two charming maids handled everything for him. If he wanted to, he could even have a go with the two beautiful girls right there in the bathtub. But he was very tired tonight, and he didn't have much heart for it; his eyelids were constantly drooping. Negotiation was a battle of wits and courage, and it consumed far too much mental energy. If Nalice or the mother-daughter duo of Onyxia were here, it would be best for them to handle these matters.
However, Artemis was in a stage of breakthrough. In Molten Core, in order to cut off the Firelord's energy, she had absorbed a large amount of Magma Power and devoured many Crystal Cores. The energy in her body had skyrocketed, and she was at a critical moment of breaking through. Sinestra was currently helping her stabilize her condition and ensure a safe breakthrough, preventing her from being overwhelmed by the sudden growth.
Jaina hadn't returned with him either; instead, she had gone back to meditate in seclusion. She was also at a critical breakthrough period. Participating in the parade had stirred her emotions, and she had gone into seclusion immediately afterward, not even attending the banquet. Arthas had requested this, wanting her to focus on her meditation. Their breakthroughs required a combination of opportunity, mood, and strength—it was very esoteric. It wasn't like Arthas, who simply leveled up once he gained enough experience; there were no clearly defined points for them.
In truth, Arthas had planned on a tryst during the banquet, but he had forgotten while discussing business. By the time he finally had a moment, the banquet was over. Exhausted, he had no choice but to come back, take a bath, and go to bed.
After sleeping in a daze until the middle of the night, Arthas woke up refreshed. He didn't need much sleep—only two or three hours. His deep sleep was so profound that even thunder wouldn't wake him, so the quality was excellent. He didn't need a full eight hours, so he woke up quickly.
Stretching, Arthas looked at the empty space beside him. It seemed Alleria hadn't returned. She had gone to visit her mother and father; Lireesa was taking care of her paralyzed husband.
He got up to go to the bathroom. After finishing, he squeezed his erect member, feeling a surge of desire begin to roll within him. He headed out to find Vanessa and Illucia, intending to have a good release.
He pushed the door, but it was locked. Arthas was a bit puzzled; when did Vanessa become so cautious? He took out a key and opened the room. In the darkness, a graceful body lay sideways on the bed, a thin blanket covering her abdomen. Even though winter was approaching, the temperature in the estate hadn't dropped much.
Arthas felt the excitement of a thief caught in a tryst. He tiptoed over, climbed onto the bed, and embraced the soft, delicate body. Familiar with the path, he pulled down his trousers, smeared some saliva on his member, pressed it against the vaginal entrance to rub, and then, after finding the right spot, thrust inward with force!