Chapter 100: In the Dark

In the great hall, only a few high-ranking members remained: Lorn Flowsong, Idonis, Quel'Lithis, along with the newly appointed Galind Shalor and Alleria, who had been constantly by Patrick's side.

"The City of Sunlight is under construction—this is our city. To ensure the purity of our administration and development, I must do this. I hope you can all understand."

Among those present, only Lorn Flowsong, Quel'Lithis, and Idonis expressed their agreement. Candiris and Yanida were not well-versed in political intrigue and gave it little thought—whatever decree Patrick issued, they would simply carry it out.

"To restrict other forces from infiltrating our highest decision-making body?" The first to speak was Quel'Lithis. Having weathered the murky depths of the Sun Temple for many years, how could he not know the darkness of politics?

"Yes. The Silvermoon Council has been making subtle moves. I trust none of you will willingly hand over the power in your hands." Patrick gave an affirmative answer.

The others fell silent. They had only just received Patrick's ennoblement, serving the Archmage in hopes of gaining access to Quel'Thalas's most coveted resources and climbing to higher social standing. Little did they expect that before they could even enjoy a moment of peace, hands would already be reaching out from the shadows.

Patrick could not guarantee the purity of the other newly recruited members, but the core members of his team—his trusted inner circle—must stand on the same line. This was the most fundamental requirement.

Lorn Flowsong had once been a noble in Silvermoon City, but his family had since fallen into decline. He knew the darkness of politics all too well. Idonis and Candiris were close friends, practically brothers since childhood. Candiris had little sensitivity to politics, and Idonis had only begun to glimpse its workings. Yet the two had labored for years in the Eastern Sanctum without ever finding recognition, until Patrick appeared and gave them a chance to develop, a place to realize their ideals.

As for Quel'Lithis, he went without saying. He was the first elf to grasp Patrick's intentions. In that "remote" corner of the Sun Temple, he had seen no improvement for years, watching one master after another come and go. Among this group, he was the one who understood the Silvermoon Council's ways best.

As for the rangers—could their lot be any more miserable? The Windrunner family, the foremost physical combat house among the elves, commanded all the rangers and Farstriders across Quel'Thalas, yet they did not even possess a single mage tower in Silvermoon City. The Windrunner family tower stood in the west of the Ghostlands, near the sea, listening day and night to the howling of the ocean winds—what a pitiful state indeed.

Patrick's personnel appointments to the decision council were less a revitalization of Quel'Thalas's vitality than a shot of adrenaline for the elves of the Ghostlands. Many elves, discontent with the status quo and eager to realize their ambitions, toiled abroad or served the councilors and the royal family, hoping to secure a better future for themselves and their houses.

Want to revitalize Quel'Thalas? Without the baptism of blood and fire, the high elves would never awaken. Nor did Patrick wish to let the wheels of history roll over him. Those elves who indulged day in and day out in pleasure, eating, drinking, and playing—how could they ever know the hardships of life? Patrick could not expect the high elves to become like humans.

"I am neither a high-ranking spellcaster nor do I possess any talent for magic—how could I ever rise to the pinnacle of power? So, enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself; perhaps one day fortune will smile upon me."

"I am merely an ordinary elf, with no powerful family behind me, no influential connections. Gazing at those towering spires, they are for me but a distant dream. So, indulge, keep indulging; perhaps one day some master will take a liking to me."

Elves holding such thoughts were not merely a minority—they represented the mainstream ideology of elf society. Only a rare few, like Quel'Lithis and Idonis, strove for something greater.

As Patrick's string of "novel" policies emerged, many elves in the Ghostlands began to realize that perhaps the Sun Temple was a place where they could prove their worth.

No small number of elves came with such intentions—from Tranquillien, An'owien, Anthelas, the Andilren Estate, even Goldmist Village and Sunrest Village came elves to see for themselves. The various departments Patrick newly established and the added city plans gave many elves the opportunity to display their talents, and it was this very thing that made the Sun Temple flourish ever more brightly.

What Patrick had not anticipated was that the Council would begin corrupting and wooing his team so early. Nor were there few elves secretly gathering intelligence.

"So, we must protect our cause and not allow petty schemers any opening." Patrick finally spoke his true thoughts.

As for how to proceed henceforth, that would be left to the high-ranking members to decide among themselves. Which members of the team could be trusted, and which could not—each would have to keep their own counsel.

Dismissing the others, Patrick and Alleria returned to their quarters on the sixth floor.

"I am about to begin work on the third and fourth grand magic circles. Please handle the administrative affairs during this time."

"Mm!" The female elf agreed gladly.

......

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Patrick's first decree was issued, and naturally the king and the Council were the first to receive word.

In the Sunstrider Spire.

As the king of Quel'Thalas, his residence in the Sunstrider Spire was naturally the most luxurious place in elf society—especially the inner chambers used by His Majesty himself, located on the eighth floor of the Spire. Due to the elevated terrain, the eighth floor of the Sunstrider Spire stood level with the Sunfury Spire, commanding an unobstructed view of all Silvermoon City.

The paintings upon the walls were composed of gemstones both large and small: white spinel for the base, topaz and amber for the body, ruby and chrysoberyl for the wings, jade and cat's eye for the tail, sapphire and citrine for the head, with two enormous diamonds set in the eyes—a phoenix spreading its wings sprang vividly from the wall, as if about to take flight, right before one's eyes.

The tables were likewise crafted from magical wood, using only the most precious arcane heartwood. The reliefs shimmered with brilliant luster, and the surrounding patterns were inlaid with filaments drawn from arcanite ingots—utterly extravagant, magnificent beyond measure. Even the small cups upon the table, wrought of gold with finely worked mithril filigree within and studded with pearls and gems without, could alone equal the crown of a human king.

An elf woman in blue-purple robes was making her way toward the Sunstrider reception hall, bearing the latest news from the Sun Temple to present before His Majesty.

"Your Majesty, this is the newest decree issued by Councilor Patrick Cabron." Verlais Deepshadow, the head of the royal intelligence network, handed the latest intelligence from the Sun Temple to King Anasterian. Around them were graceful, enchanting elf maidservants, each clad in the standard uniform of a blood-red style, revealing fair, captivating shoulders and delicate bare backs.