Chapter 83: On the Eve of the Meeting

“Director Oaks’s considerations are thorough. Taquelin must always remain in our hands. Through Taquelin, we can supervise the entire Shadowlands, and at the same time, influence the administration of the Sun Sanctuary,” Senior Sunwing added.

“Recently, an heir to the Kingdom of Lordaeron was born, and they’ve sent word to all allied nations. Their newborn prince will be the successor to the throne. As members of the alliance, we must send an envoy to Lordaeron’s royal city to offer our congratulations.”

“Does anyone have any suggestions for a suitable candidate?”

“I believe Senator Patrick Carbon is appropriate,” Jenrini Dawnbstar spoke up, casting a meaningful smile at Director Senior.

“And your reasoning? Sending a newly appointed senator doesn’t seem quite fitting.”

“It’s simple. Isn’t serving as the kingdom’s envoy an honor? For Patrick Carbon, who has just been promoted to senator, it’s also a valuable experience, a chance to develop his ability to handle affairs and various matters.”

Senior Sunwing cleared his throat and continued, “This will occupy most of Patrick Carbon’s time, allowing us to gather information on his abilities, temperament, and interests. Additionally, as he becomes entangled in mundane affairs, his time for arcane research will be squeezed, slowing his advancement and giving us more time to understand him.”

“Moreover, should any issues arise during his mission due to personal failings, we’ll have ample grounds upon his return to suppress his influence in parliament and society. It’s an opportunity with multiple advantages—why not seize it?”

Everyone present had lived for over three millennia; as the saying goes, old men become shrewd, old trees become mystical. Scheming against a new senator was second nature to them.

The five standing directors unanimously agreed with Senior Sunwing’s proposal, awaiting all senators’ arrival to formally present it for discussion and a vote. Yet, as the standing directors of the Kingdom of Quel’Saras, none doubted their proposal would pass the vote.

Behind every senator in the parliament stood a supporting faction. Each agenda item affected the senators and their backers, all in pursuit of their own interests. The entire Silvermoon Parliament was rife with intrigue and rivalry. This internal struggle, both overt and covert, had created a subtle balance, to which all were accustomed.

However, if a newcomer threatened that balance, the parliament’s elders would not be pleased. Though their unity was superficial, the rapid rise of the Carbon family would cost some senators their former benefits. Only then would they unite to confront the “external threat.”

Now, with the Carbon family looming as a potential threat to the five great houses, the senators had to nip the danger in the bud to secure their interests. One could call it the maintenance of Quel’Saras’s balance and stability, but less charitably, it was the pursuit of private gain, forming cliques and excluding outsiders.

Such was the politics of Quel’Saras: families of arcane masters gradually transformed into monopolistic magnates. Capital and decision-making became intertwined, monopolizing society, economy, military, and politics, fortifying their positions beyond challenge, until the parliament itself devolved into mutual suspicion and attack.

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Silvermoon City, within the Carbon family tower.

“Nassaran, how is the preparation for the medicinal base in the Forest of Life?” Old Phil was inquiring about this new investment. If the base succeeded, the Carbon family would no longer be dependent on the Blade of Dawn and Star of Dawn families for medicinal raw materials.

“Sungrass, Golden Ginseng, and Violet Lotus have already been successfully trialed. Thanks to the fertile soil of the Forest of Life and the radiance of the Sunwell, growth is rapid and flourishing. Compared to our cultivation at Daswither Tower, the time required is reduced by twenty-five percent. As for their medicinal properties, further verification is needed. I’ve already brought some samples to Paterson; only after producing alchemical medicines can we confirm their efficacy.”

Since the elves had reclaimed the Forest of Life, the first elven camp had begun construction. The Sunwell’s radiance now illuminated this ancient woodland, companion to the Eastern Sanctuary for over six thousand years. The arcane barrier of the camp would attract arcane particles from Ever Song Forest, gradually purifying the lingering sorcery in the ruins of Sebwasa.

“In addition, the Dreamleaf is still under observation. So far, it seems promising—the leaves emerge quickly, and the veins are quite lively. Once fully grown, we’ll further determine its effectiveness.” Nassaran, the eldest daughter-in-law, possessed a unique understanding of herbalism and managed the new base with meticulous care, recording every detail with clarity.

Her research in herbalism and cultivation bore traces of her mentor, botanist Frewin, but Nassaran’s feminine finesse brought exceptional precision to documentation and data collection, yielding notable achievements. Entrusting her with the new base was effortless.

Men and women are but left and right—not superior or inferior.

“You’ll remain in charge. The family will allocate funds to fully cooperate with the Windrunners in developing the Forest of Life.” Old Phil was highly satisfied with his eldest daughter-in-law, whose approach was both delicate and steady.

“Paterson, how do you plan to manage the new personnel?”

“Among them are many agents from parliament and the royal family, as well as observers from other minor clans. I intend to restructure their duties according to their professions. Non-professionals will remain in the alchemy workshop for training, and once they grasp the Carbon family’s conduct, they’ll be assigned to the Forest of Life or the Sun Sanctuary to help expand our resources.”

“And as for our internal managers, only trusted followers who have served us for years can take the helm. All unstable elements must be eliminated to ensure the family’s interests remain paramount.” Paterson’s words greatly pleased Old Phil; his eldest son was shrewd and tireless in planning for the family’s future. The Carbon family’s power was growing, and one day it would stand atop Quel’Saras’s power structure.

“Excellent… That is most satisfactory.” Old Phil nodded approvingly.

Since his younger son Patrick assumed his senatorial post, the entire family faced a new challenge: would they ascend to dominance, or would they be absorbed by other parliamentary factions?

At such times, Old Phil dared not be careless; the moment closest to success is often the most perilous. The entire Carbon family needed to give their utmost for a brighter tomorrow.

Meanwhile,

The parliament’s messenger was already en route to each senator’s domain. In two days, a special session of the Silvermoon Parliament would convene to discuss the envoy to the Kingdom of Lordaeron.

The letter also highlighted the matter of the Lordaeron crown prince. The newborn prince would become the heir, and as a member of the alliance, the Kingdom of Quel’Saras could not remain uninvolved. The parliament decided to send the kingdom’s representative to Lordaeron’s royal city to witness the human king’s succession ceremony.

(At seven this evening, I read a review from a reader who pointed out some shortcomings of the novel. The suggestions were extremely pertinent, precise, and insightful.

This is my first attempt at web fiction, and I am not particularly adept at writing. Compared to other authors, my prose is lacking, so I beg your forgiveness.

Work is busy and my experience limited, but I am grateful for the readers’ support. Your kindness inspires me to improve and address the novel’s deficiencies.

Thank you for your attention and support. It is an honor, and I hope you continue to enjoy the story.)