Chapter 106: The Promise

The platinum disk of Nogannon had completely merged with the rune combination created by Patrick. The mage tower was suffused with the aura emanating from the disk. With the Titan’s source of power, the radiance dispersing from the Sunlight Tower became pure, fresh, warm, and comfortable, filling the entire boundary of the Solar Sanctuary.

News of Patrick’s promotion to the eighth circle spread quickly. The elves below cheered for their leader and rejoiced at the bright future of the Solar Sanctuary.

Eidonnis and Candiris danced with excitement. Both were among Patrick’s first followers, and his advancement signified that the cause of the Solar Sanctuary would flourish even more.

Several senior officials of the Solar Sanctuary held a grand banquet during their break to celebrate the completion of four new buildings and Patrick’s elevation to Chief. Quellrintis, who had served the Solar Sanctuary for many years, had never witnessed such a large-scale gathering. Nearly all the local residents, rangers, and everyone from the Sunlight Tower attended to share in the joy.

Below the Sunlight Tower, a lavish array of delicacies and fine wines were laid out. The entire sanctuary resounded with singing and dancing, celebrating this rare and sacred occasion.

"Let us pray together, wishing the Solar Sanctuary ever greater prosperity," Quellrintis raised a full cup of mint wine, his spirit soaring. "Toasting!"

“Toasting!” the crowd echoed, drinking heartily in unison.

“The second cup, to our leader, Chief Patrick Kaboron—one more drink!”

“Toasting!”

...

The celebration continued late into the night. The Sunlight Tower emitted radiant arcane energy outward. Though the Solar Sanctuary lay in the Ghostlands, the protective barrier shielded it, so despite it being early spring, the chill of the outside world could not penetrate.

In the afternoon, Patrick and Aurelia appeared briefly at the ball before departing. With the two present, the elves below could neither fully enjoy the festivities nor the food. Naturally, the common folk had their own ways to entertain themselves, and Patrick preferred not to interfere.

The two stood at a sixth-floor window, looking down at the elves still reveling in the party. Some sang with powerful voices, others danced with companions, some recited paeans in honor of the Solar Sanctuary’s chief, and a few male elves carried their female partners toward nearby homes.

The elves’ lives had always been thus—wealthy and stable. Most elves embraced a philosophy of enjoyment. Compared to the bustling, crowded human society, the elves led a far more leisurely existence.

“Aurelia,” Patrick turned to the female elf beside him, “you’ve worked hard through all this.”

She said nothing, only casting him a glance. Their eyes met again, sharing silence as they quietly awaited what would come next.

“When our work stabilizes, I will go to the Windrunner Tower to formally ask for your hand,” Patrick said softly. He understood that those closest and dearest to you were often the ones you overlooked. It was precisely those silent guardians by your side who made quiet sacrifices, longing for your acknowledgment.

Promises made in the heart were priceless. One must not cause repeated heartbreak and disappointment to those who faithfully protect them—be it one’s parents or one’s beloved.

The elf smiled faintly at the vow. Patrick gently drew her close; Aurelia leaned against him. Together, they watched the elves’ performances below from the tall tower, savoring a rare moment of private tranquility.

Now that Patrick had reached the eighth circle, the political and power struggles of Quel’Thalas loomed ahead. He could no longer remain detached. Even if he wished to avoid involvement, the council would surely not permit it.

Aurelia, already commander of all ranger forces in Everlook Forest, had long since reached the peak of her rank. Her duties at the Ranger Command were overwhelming, and the council would undoubtedly seek to exert influence over her as well.

“The council,” the elf sighed. “Those ancient foxes—the executive directors who have lived for thousands of years—are difficult to deal with. Especially since they have entrenched themselves in Silvermoon City for millennia, with deeply rooted underground networks. Toppling them will be no easy feat. We must prepare early. His Majesty Anasterian’s decrees are peculiar. Although he directly appointed you as an executive director, your official swearing-in won’t come until after the full council meeting. I wonder if the king has some private agenda.”

Aurelia knew the political system of Quel’Thalas intimately. She had already sensed the royal family’s subtle tactics. Patrick himself had long since formed his own conclusions about the moves of the crown and council.

“He’s probably giving us and the council time, watching the strife unfold between us. In the end, the royal family will step in as mediators to settle the disputes.”

“The internal power struggles of the council won’t shake the stability of the crown. The conflicts are only between us and the five executive directors. His Majesty the King merely wants to sit back and watch the tigers fight.”

“You know,” the elf said sharply, “your style of handling matters sometimes doesn’t seem elven at all. Your grasp of situations and political intuition resemble that of a human.”

Elves regarded humans as masterful political manipulators, especially their nobles, whom they likened to cunning foxes. In contrast, most elves were as innocent as children. This was why many elves were reluctant to deal with humans, fearing betrayal and being used to count someone else’s coins.

Patrick said nothing. At times, he felt bewildered himself—was he truly human or elf? If human, then why did he wear elven skin? If elf, why did his methods, principles, and mindset align more with humanity?

One thing he was certain of: he would never become an elven traitor. Betrayers were the most despised. For this reason, Patrick increasingly embraced his spiritual identity. Everything he did was for the future of the Kingdom of Quel’Thalas, and for himself—to gain the strength to protect those he wished to protect.

His family, those who trusted him, those who accepted him—these were the driving forces that kept Patrick moving forward. Beginning in the 19th year of the Dark Portal era, Azeroth plunged into turbulent upheaval. One villainous overlord after another fell, plunging the land into successive disasters.

“No matter what happens, we will face it together,” Patrick whispered, holding Aurelia close.

“Mm.”