Chapter 108: Discussion

The last to arrive was Galind-Sharon, sent as support from Aurelia, and all eyes turned to her, awaiting her report.

Galind-Sharon had the most documents before her. Unlike the elves’ traditional administrative methods, the approach led by Patrick at the Sun Temple differed greatly from that of Silvermoon City’s governance—far more efficient and collaborative. This was likely Galind-Sharon’s first time attempting such an administrative style.

At the outset, Patrick had considered the separation of powers, but realized it was not conducive to long-term development. While separation could impose certain checks, it more often resulted in mutual obstruction and stagnation. Strictly speaking, even if Patrick implemented a system of divided authority, it might slow the entrenchment of social classes but could never fully prevent it.

Within the Silvermoon Council, every councilor had their own vested interests behind them. They fought for the powers and votes their patrons required. Once power was divided, it simply fragmented into three categories, yet each still concealed its own interests.

Ultimately, these entrenched interests formed monopolistic and capitalist classes, solidifying social strata and draining vitality and initiative.

“The ranger battalion’s camp is established on the eastern side of the entire Sun Temple. The rotating ranger troops enter the temple strictly according to Chief Patrick’s directives. Meanwhile, all ranger supplies and provisions are supplied to standard, with expenses still allocated by the Silvermoon Council. Daily camp maintenance costs have been consolidated and submitted to Chief Information Officer Yanida for review. Once completed, the report will be submitted to the council,” Galind-Sharon reported.

Pausing, she added, “Additionally, we plan to incorporate some rangers into the Sun Temple’s local defense forces. The specific plan is currently being drafted and should be ready within a few days.”

Patrick reviewed each executive councilor’s report. They were well-reasoned, with detailed data, references, and signatures verified by elven magic. Each document bore anti-counterfeiting marks. Patrick’s system of accountability and collaboration was being executed admirably.

“Hmm, everyone has worked hard this year and done well. However, I believe you can all do even better.” Patrick outlined the guiding principles for the coming year: “We must strengthen agricultural and commercial development. Candris, our warehouse inventory continues to grow. Excess materials can be converted into finished products for sale, but ensure the warehouse stock keeps increasing.”

“Understood!” Candris responded.

“Furthermore, Idonis and Querlintis, prepare the Sun Temple’s exclusive trade caravan. We need a complete caravan ready to trade with Lordaeron.”

“Understood!”

“From our preliminary trade results with Lordaeron, our crafted goods and alchemical products are in high demand among the humans. We should inform them that the Sun Temple’s exclusive goods will be supplied monthly in fixed amounts. We must avoid flooding the market to prevent price drops, but also refrain from reducing production directly.”

“Understood!” Querlintis, adept in governance and commerce, had his own insightful perspectives on trade.

“There is one more matter for your review, Chief Patrick.” Idonis produced a contract and handed it over. “This is a cooperation proposal submitted by Liadryn, representing the current head of the Dawnblade clan. It states that the Dawnblade family wishes to collaborate with us.”

Patrick pondered silently. Surely, Councilor Ox Dawnblade had learned of his promotion to the eighth rank. Such a swift olive branch suggested that the Dawnblade masters and some council members were not aligned in their intentions.

Taking the proposal, Patrick noted its thoroughness: from raw material trade to mage resource allocation, even joint ventures for external sales to the human side. It detailed profit-sharing, material ratios, and specific responsibilities—comprehensive in every aspect.

“How do you view the pricing of the initial batch of spellcasting materials?” Patrick asked casually. From the contract, there appeared no flaws. Was the Dawnblade clan sincere in cooperation, or did they harbor ulterior motives against the Sun Temple?

“I, along with Idonis and Yanida, have studied it,” Querlintis presented a report. “The Dawnblade’s price is fair. The personnel ratios and profit shares are clearly defined in the proposal without any loopholes. This approach by the council is quite unusual.”

Receiving their feedback, Patrick found himself puzzled by Master Ox’s intentions. Since when had the council become so benevolent? Even if Councilor Ox was advanced in years and wished to leave a political legacy for the Dawnblade clan, he should have sought other royal families—the Sunscar family, the Flameblade family—who had quietly flourished in Silvermoon for millennia.

Yet, considering the Dawnblade’s future, Patrick began to understand Ox Dawnblade’s motives. As the elder head of the Dawnblade clan, Ox likely recognized that no member had risen to eighth-rank mastery recently. This meant that after his passing, the clan would have no successor.

At that point, the Dawnblade clan faced two choices: either be gradually absorbed by the royal faction through subtle means or be swallowed by other executive councilor families. Given elven nature, the first option was more probable. The council had long been rife with open and covert struggles. Without heirs, the Dawnblade’s absorption was almost certain, their name destined to fade into history.

Integration into the royal faction was the most acceptable to the Dawnblades. Unlike the council, within the royal faction no family would tolerate another both receiving patronage and remaining outside their control.

Moreover, the royal faction comprised many diverse families and lineages, lacking the council’s monopolistic dominance—a fact more palatable to many. Considering that Liadryn, as leader of the Morning Vanguard, was firmly part of the royal faction, Patrick inferred that Master Ox might be laying political groundwork for the Dawnblade legacy.

“In that case, respond to Liadryn that we are willing to cooperate with the Dawnblade family. All departments should prepare detailed plans based on comprehensive intelligence,” Patrick decided.

“Additionally, the Harvest Festival is approaching. All of Quel’Thalas will hold celebrations, and the council will convene a full administrative meeting to determine the political direction and budget for the coming year. Everyone, arrange your affairs and accompany me back to the Cabrolon family estate to attend the festivities.”

“Understood.”

“There will also be a celebration for Chief Patrick prior to the meeting,” all the elves present thought silently.