Chapter 85: The Envoy Conference

Patrick was about to return to Silvermoon City for a council meeting. Matters concerning the Sun Temple could be temporarily entrusted to Higgins Ael Carbolon. Though that young man was obsessed with swordsmanship, he understood the importance of family interests. With Idonis and others assisting on one side, and family members permanently stationed at the Sun Temple on the other, there would be little pressure in handling routine affairs.

Patrick teleported directly outside the Silvermoon Council. An emergency session differed from formal meetings; it required only a discussion of sudden incidents or the review of supplementary legal bills. Council members simply needed to gather and deliberate.

This was Patrick's first appearance on the political stage—he needed to make a strong impression and gain some political leverage.

Upon arriving in the council’s teleportation chamber, he found attendants already waiting—personal guards from the Royal Sunseekers, the Spellbreakers.

“Councilor Patrick Carbolon, this way please,” the attendant said, his smile perfectly formal as he guided Patrick.

The Silvermoon Council Hall resembled an ancient Western council chamber, with a ring of white marble columns on the periphery. The white inner walls were adorned with bas-reliefs, faint flows of arcane energy shimmering throughout. The hall was resplendent and magnificent, with gilded railings and exquisite craftsmanship.

Inside, the dome was gilded and inlaid with mithril patterns, interspersed with rubies and sapphires. Under the magical lights, golden rays shone down, making one feel as though immersed in a cosmos of gold—brilliant and dazzling.

The floor of lapis lazuli was set with true silver patterns. At the center stood the presiding platform, with two concentric rings of seats. The smaller inner tables—closer to the king—were clearly reserved for the executive councilors, marking a distinct hierarchy. The outer ring held additional tables, encircling the central executive seats.

Patrick found his seat marked with his name. As the rest of the councilors arrived, several masters slowly entered, taking their places. At last, His Majesty the King made his entrance.

Patrick then sensed a surge of powerful arcane energy—the council hall was now utterly isolated from the outside world. Not only was sound sealed, but the very continuity of space was severed, ensuring absolute confidentiality.

“The reason for convening this emergency session is that we have received an invitation from the human kingdoms to attend the ceremony for the Crown Prince of Lordaeron. I wish to hear your thoughts and suggestions,” said the king, who presided over the meeting. Although the Silvermoon Council managed state affairs, the monarchy still had the right to be informed. Usually, King Anasterian’s role was to preside and maintain order.

“Prince of Lordaeron has been born, and they have sent us an invitation. Our relationship with Lordaeron has always been close, with extensive trade between our kingdoms. Human handicrafts, ores, and materials fill many of our needs,” explained Senior Sunwing, the chief administrator, clarifying the ties between Lordaeron and Quel’Thalas for careful consideration by all.

The councilors paused in thought. Councilor Brigice Morningbreeze, the chief legal officer, continued, “The kingdom must show its position. Over the years, our relations with Lordaeron have been cordial, and our trade has remained untarnished. We rely on Lordaeron for crucial resources. It is entirely necessary to send an envoy to participate in the investiture ceremony.”

Brigice Morningbreeze’s words were reasonable and well-argued, showing consideration for the kingdom’s interests—none could find fault.

“Master Morningbreeze speaks wisely; we should give this matter due thought,” His Majesty agreed. The alliance between Lordaeron and Quel’Thalas must not be severed; it must be maintained.

“The question now is what sort of envoy we should send. One, to reflect the high regard Quel’Thalas holds for Lordaeron, and two, without compromising the dignity of our own kingdom,” a councilor added, standing to support the notion.

Grenville Dawnsworn, an executive councilor from the inner ring, nodded in satisfaction at the councilor, silently praising his initiative.

Sitting on the outer ring, Patrick sensed the whiff of conspiracy. The masters’ speeches followed one another seamlessly, guiding the discussion directly to the question of “what sort of envoy shall be sent”—it was so perfectly orchestrated it felt like a play rehearsed beforehand.

Debate erupted within the hall as each clan sought to push another’s candidate as envoy to Lordaeron. Patrick, as a new councilor, could only observe. At least the council of Quel’Thalas was relatively civilized—no brawls, just heated arguments. In his previous life, parliamentary brawls were commonplace; Patrick was hardly surprised by mere shouting matches.

Grenville Dawnsworn rose, and the clamor subsided. All listened to the chief treasurer’s suggestion.

“I propose that Councilor Patrick Carbolon be sent as envoy to Lordaeron,” Grenville declared. Instantly, all eyes turned to Patrick—even the king was surprised, for Patrick had been a councilor for less than half a year. Aside from leading a campaign against trolls, he had no political accomplishments and had never attended an annual state conference. Was such a proposal truly prudent?

In the gaze of dozens, Patrick felt his legs weaken from nerves. Yet, as the long-serving Archmage of the Sunspire, he maintained his composure, calming his inner turmoil.

Grenville Dawnsworn explained, “Councilor Patrick Carbolon has only recently taken office and lacks experience in public duty. Serving as envoy to Lordaeron will help remedy this deficiency. Furthermore, the mission will familiarize him with the kingdom’s affairs, and in the future, this experience will benefit his work.”

A master of finance indeed—his reasoning and arrangements were flawless. The executive councilors all voiced their agreement.

King Anasterian seemed to sense something and glanced at Patrick. Grenville's proposal had garnered considerable support, yet Patrick did not respond immediately. He pondered what the executive councilors’ true intentions might be.

With all five executive councilors from the inner ring expressing support, and the outer councilors tied by allegiance or cooperation to the great families, there was little dissent. Slowly, the assembly all agreed to Grenville Dawnsworn’s proposal.