Chapter Forty: The Two Windwalkers

Patrick said, "As for the construction of additional residences, I'll submit the matter to Taquelin. You all should continue producing alchemical potions. Set a unified launch date, and when the time comes, engrave the emblem of the Sunspire Tower on each potion bottle as our brand signature product."

"Understood..." Quelrinthys and the others accepted the order and took their leave.

Now, the development of the Sun Sanctuary was gradually settling into a proper rhythm. All that was needed was to guide its direction and pace with a gentle hand. The four were already profiting handsomely from alchemical goods and were highly motivated in their work for the mage tower; Patrick had no need to micromanage them.

After all, profit and personal interest are the greatest motivators—bar none!

Once the specialty alchemical potions of the Sunspire Tower found a market across the Northern Continent, their sales would not be confined only to the Kingdom of Quel'Thalas, but would expand into the markets of Lordaeron’s humans. The elven merchants could fully capitalize on the High Elf Kingdom’s reputation to attract even more human buyers.

It was entirely foreseeable that in time, Quelrinthys, Edonis, and the others would reap abundant rewards, and the Sunspire Tower itself would amass a considerable reserve of funds.

Meanwhile, Patrick was preparing to develop a vast network of herbal plantations in the former troll stronghold of Zeb'Watha. The herbs grown there could be directly supplied for their own use, processed by Quelrinthys, Edonis, and the others, turning raw materials into finished potions—far more profitable than selling the unprocessed herbs.

As Patrick considered the plans for the Life Forest, Alleria arrived at the Sun Sanctuary.

As Marshal of the Farstriders, commander of all defenses in Eversong Woods and all ranger forces of Silvermoon, Alleria was a busy woman, rarely having the opportunity to visit the Ghostlands.

She did not wait in the main hall but came directly to the fifth-floor office, declaring she had urgent matters to discuss.

"The scent of your arcane energy has become much fresher, pure and refined. You truly are a diligent mage," the elven lady remarked, licking her lips as if savoring a delicate flavor, her expression serene.

Alleria strode to the sofa and sat down, drawing her knees together and gathering the hem of her short skirt neatly in her hands to avoid wrinkling it and spoiling her appearance.

Members of the Windrunner family were all well-trained in decorum. Their bearing was dignified, their movements elegant and composed, exuding the family’s distinctive poise.

The elven woman wore her customary green ranger’s attire and cloak, the chest and cinched waist embroidered with the Windrunner crest. Her jade-green skirt lay quietly across her legs, and her golden, shoulder-length hair framed her face.

Her sapphire eyes lingered on Patrick. Her slender, delicate fingers—untouched by the hardships of a ranger’s life—were as graceful as spring onions. Every smile, every gesture, every expression radiated a gentle charm, fluttering softly into the heart, stirring the soul...

Patrick felt his heart race as never before, and the arcane energy in the air quivered in response.

...

Patrick silently prepared a cup of calming blossom tea for the elf, hoping to soothe her after the journey.

Alleria smiled faintly, lifted the cup, and took a small sip, leaving a vivid imprint of her lips on the rim. She then said, "The base at Zeb'Watha has already begun construction. Not long ago, a female elf named Nasalan Cabron came to survey the land and environment, preparing to study the conditions of the Life Forest in order to draft a plan for herb cultivation."

"My father, Phil Cabron, sent her. Nasalan Cabron is my brother’s wife, apprenticed to the senior botanist Fraewyn, and is quite accomplished in herbalism," Patrick explained, clarifying his sister-in-law’s identity to Alleria.

Alleria nodded. "The land for cultivation has already been fully surveyed and mapped. Once the fortress is established and the ranger units are stationed, we can begin clearing the land. The council places great importance on this newly acquired territory and has agreed to increase the number of ranger troops stationed there."

Patrick said in delight, "So quickly? That’s faster than I anticipated. I’ve already put the potion formulae into production. If the Life Forest yields enough herbs and we have a steady supply of raw materials, potion output will rise significantly."

That the wastelands of the Life Forest could be brought into use so soon was a pleasant surprise. Patrick had expected the council to drag its feet for a year or two; he had never held their efficiency in high regard.

"The council’s speed this time is almost unbelievable," Alleria replied lightly.

Patrick seemed to sense something and asked casually, "Did you come about the trolls?"

"You’re only half right," Alleria responded. "Every year, the trolls begin stockpiling food at year’s end, making that their most active season. It’s also the time when the front-line defenses are under the heaviest burden. The Farstrider units of Eversong Woods will be rotating into the Ghostlands for reinforcement, increasing our defensive strength to prevent large-scale troll incursions. Sylvanas should be arriving soon; she and I must discuss the rotation and restructuring of the troops."

Indeed, the troll race had no tradition of agriculture and relied solely on hunting and gathering wild fruits. Their lack of food stability was one reason for their slow population growth. As a primitive, nomadic culture without a reliable agricultural base, the trolls could not ensure steady population growth. Their society was hampered by outdated practices and low productivity.

Patrick poured himself a cup of calming blossom tea as well, and Quelrinthys brought over several plates of delicate pastries for Alleria to enjoy.

Before long, Quelrinthys sent a telepathic message to Patrick—Sylvanas had arrived.

At this time, Sylvanas was still full of vigor, radiating youthful energy and valiant spirit—a capable ranger-general.

Her attire was much like Alleria’s: the two elf women bore a striking resemblance to one another, and Patrick found it difficult to distinguish between them at first glance. However, Sylvanas’s cloak and armor had their own touches of beauty; her ranger’s cloak covered only part of her form, leaving swathes of fair, luminous skin exposed—smooth and radiant as porcelain. The parts concealed by her cloak were gracefully rounded and firm, causing Patrick to steal an extra glance without meaning to.

The two elves were clearly close, but both held important positions and rarely saw each other during the year. They whispered intimately, and Sylvanas occasionally glanced at Patrick. Sensing their desire for privacy, Patrick quietly excused himself to his study, leaving the sisters to their time together.

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