Before the banquet, Gai Laya went into the dressing room to dress up in her finest attire, preparing to meet the great Savior Thrall in her most perfect form.
Eitrigg took the opportunity to see Vol'jin.
When Vol'jin saw Gai Laya's name on the invitation list, he understood everything and said with admiration:
"We've worked together for years, and only today do I truly understand you. To be honest, I envy you."
Eitrigg smiled and said, "From now on, the Savior is in your hands. Considering our years of friendship, I have a favor to ask."
Vol'jin stroked his fangs, understanding the unspoken message: "You want me to help take care of Gai Laya?"
Eitrigg nodded. "You know I've offended many people over the years. Once I lose Thrall's trust, I'm doomed unless I hide somewhere unknown. I've secretly amassed a Wealth, enough to buy half of Orgrimmar, enough to live a comfortable life for the rest of my days."
"Wealth without the protection of power is like a rootless duckweed." Vol'jin was not optimistic about Eitrigg's future.
Eitrigg glanced at Vol'jin: "My mind is made up. It's a strange feeling to Consecration everything for the one I love."
Vol'jin's eyes darted around. "Alright, I agree. But I have one question: how much are you willing to Consecration for Gai Laya?"
"Everything, including my life and soul," Eitrigg said firmly.
Vol'jin smiled mysteriously, "I don't think so. All true love has a price; once it crosses a certain line, it becomes worthless."
"That's not how I feel about Gai Laya," Eitrigg said regretfully. "I'm old, and she's young. We met too late. What can I do for her besides give her everything?"
Vol'jin smiled without saying a word, but patted Eitrigg on the shoulder and whispered:
"After all, we were master and servant. Back then, you were just a lowly deserter, and it was Thrall who gave you everything you have today. Before the banquet, I'll arrange for you to take a glimpse of Thrall from afar."
Eitrigg was confused; to be honest, Eitrigg didn't feel he owed Thrall anything.
Instead, he lived in constant fear, terrified that he might do something wrong and have his head chopped off by Thrall.
"Alright, I'll just take a look," Eitrigg reluctantly agreed.
This was a grand celebration banquet.
Cairne Bloodhoof, the Tauren Chieftain of Thunder Bluff; Vol'jin, the chieftain of the Darkspear Tribe; Lor'themar, the leader of the Blood Elves; Sylvanas, the Dark Lady of Undercity, were all invited.
Vol'jin was in charge of the banquet preparations, Cairne Bloodhoof arrived first, bringing several Tauren of noble blood as the evening's delicacies.
Lor'themar looked suspicious and asked everyone she met about Lord Mannoroth.
Sylvanas was absent as usual, sending only a Banshee as her representative.
Eitrigg was ready to leave, carrying a precious Magic Scroll in his pocket, which could be torn open to teleport him to the secret base.
That was a secret palace that Eitrigg had prepared many years ago, housing thirty-six Orcs beauties alone.
Following Vol'jin's instructions, Eitrigg hid by the roadside, intending to catch a glimpse of Thrall from afar before turning and leaving.
Eitrigg craned his neck, but instead of seeing Thrall, he unexpectedly spotted a group of Pandaren Chefs.
The lead Pandaren chef, from Halfhill in Pandaria, wore a white hat and was extremely Pride.
Eitrigg was secretly puzzled, a question swirling in his mind.
The Pandaren have a low status in Orgrimmar, even lower than the Tauren.
However, their culinary skills are exceptional; they can transform even the most unpalatable ingredients into delicious dishes.
Unfortunately, the Pandaren don't have many opportunities to showcase their culinary skills; Vol'jin's Troll Chef team is more than capable of handling Thrall's daily meals.
Unless they encounter particularly difficult ingredients that the Troll Chef cannot handle, they will call upon the Pandaren chef.
"What kind of ingredients are they? Could they be the son of Gruul?"
Someone once recommended the meat of the Gronn in Outland to Thrall. This flesh, formed from rock, is exceptionally tough and requires special culinary processing.
Eitrigg felt a sense of unease, as if something was about to happen, and walked out with a frown.
Upon seeing Eitrigg, the Pandaren immediately abandoned their arrogance and said obsequiously, "Greetings, Lord Eitrigg."
Eitrigg remained unmoved, then launched into a tirade. "The great Savior Thrall Consecration everything for Azeroth, and what have you done? You can't even prepare the ingredients properly?"
The Pandaren were stunned, and said meekly, "Eitrigg is right. We will certainly do our best to Consecration the most perfect feast for our Savior Thrall."
Eitrigg feigned seriousness and instructed, "The Savior's satisfaction is more important than anything else. I want to hear your thoughts."
The Pandaren chef said cautiously:
"The ingredients are large and robust, their muscles as hard as steel thanks to the power of the Blue Dragonflight. Traditionally, they would need to be simmered over low heat for eight hours, seasoned with various spices to remove any fishy or bitter taste. Unfortunately, the ingredients only arrived last night, and it's too late. To ensure the Savior's enjoyment, we've decided to use a unique Pandaren cooking method: using our Chi to break down the meat's fibers, making it melt in your mouth. We'll then add a secret hot pot sauce, guaranteeing the Savior's satisfaction."
Eitrigg's mind went blank, his body swayed violently, and he nearly fell. He grabbed the Pandaren Chef by the collar and shouted:
"I'm asking you, where did the ingredients come from?"
The Pandaren was puzzled and asked, "Wasn't this ingredient personally recommended by Lord Eitrigg and personally selected by the Savior?"
"What... what have I done?"
Eitrigg gripped his face tightly, trying to make sure he wasn't dreaming.
"My dear Gai Laya, she's going to be the main course at the dinner party." Eitrigg couldn't believe it was true.
He suddenly realized that everything was perfectly reasonable from the start.
"It was I who put Gai Laya on Thrall's table. No, it's not too late, there's still a chance to make amends."
Eitrigg released the Pandaren Chef and rushed to Gai Laya's dressing room.
A warm fragrance filled the dressing room.
Eitrigg saw Gai Laya, who was carefully dressing herself up, a smile on her lips, like a little girl attending her first ball.
"Eitrigg, what brings you here? Has the Savior been waiting impatiently? I'm almost done," Gai Laya said shyly.
"Gai Laya." Eitrigg's voice was icy.
Gai Laya turned his head and looked at him curiously.
Eitrigg used all his strength, but couldn't speak.
The Savior Thrall's cruelty, ruthlessness, and terrifying majesty pressed down on Eitrigg's chest like a mountain, preventing him from uttering a sound.
"Gai Laya." Eitrigg raised his right hand with difficulty, his eyes filled with expectation, like a drowning person waiting for rescue.
Gai Laya blinked, did not take Eitrigg's right hand, turned to face the mirror, and smiled radiantly.
"Before fusing with the Blue Dragonflight Core, I was always confident in my appearance. Now I look like Ogre. I wonder if Thrall would like that."
Eitrigg was in a daze, as if countless people were whispering in his ear, unable to distinguish between illusion and reality. Gai Laya's figure became blurry and unreal before his eyes.
"Gai Laya, you know Thrall, he's incredibly cruel," Eitrigg said breathlessly.
Gai Laya looked at Eitrigg strangely. "I know, I aspire to be like Thrall, the peerless hero I admire."