There was no need to clear a path within the stronghold; Unas simply wanted to ask Erigor what was going on in private. The two rode a distance away from the others, and he couldn't help but ask, "Why are you here too?"
"When news of your military preparations reached the Monastery, Lord Tyrosus ordered me to come and observe."
"I haven't even had my report to Lord Tyrosus sent yet, the news travels way too fast," Unas complained. "Well, since you found out in advance, is it possible that you could send troops to support me?"
Erigor looked troubled. "It's difficult. The entire regiment is preparing for the Eastern Plaguelands, and we're supposed to depart by next week at the latest. We can't afford to get involved in another battle before then, but I can bring members of the Brotherhood to support you."
"That's great! I'm looking forward to the brothers' arrival," Unas said with a hint of surprise, then asked, "So, where's Angela? Didn't you and she have a falling out? How come you're showing up together again?"
"Hehe, you're back to normal, but I didn't bring her here. Angela and Du'an have been doing some kind of Magic Circle research lately, and knowing we were both coming here, they came together. A mage's Teleportation Array is much faster than a horse, so I just hitched a ride," Erigor changed the subject, "So, brother, what are you planning to do with all this?"
Unas laughed, "There's only one objective: to increase the Canyon territory controlled by the Argent Dawn by five kilometers."
As they spoke, the two entered the military camp and arrived at the main tent. Erigor exclaimed in surprise, "This is no easy task. What is your specific plan?"
Unas explained the two tactics to her, "If we have enough support, I'm confident we can execute the second tactic."
"I will definitely do my best to support you..."
"No, you just need to help me deal with Angela. The destructive power of an Archmage is equivalent to that of a hundred-person team. Although she is a water-type mage with relatively weak attack power, we all witnessed her power at Lordamere Lake last time."
"I tried my best, but her will is beyond my control."
The two dismounted and waited for a while at the entrance of the main tent before the two mages and the Earl appeared, surrounded by their personal guards.
Unas invited his guests into the main tent for a talk. As soon as they were seated, Earl Ganis couldn't help but ask, "Where is my daughter Helen? I want to see her now."
"Helen is learning magic from a Blood Elf. I must say your daughter is incredibly studious, and she has decided to stay here as my Arcane advisor." Unas gestured for Raphael, who was standing to the side, to fetch Helen.
The Earl showed no mercy, "Dean Du'an is the best mentor. My daughter doesn't need the Blood Elves' guidance, and her knowledge and abilities are insufficient to serve as an advisor to the Warden of Unas. I've decided to take her back."
Du'an cleared his throat and continued, "Helen lacks both experience and strength, and she hasn't completed her courses at the Mage Academy. Lord Unas, what do you think..."
"Since you two have said so, I certainly won't force her to stay, but it all depends on Helen's own decision. No one should pressure her. Let's wait until she arrives," Unas said, confident that Helen would choose to stay. He then changed the subject, "I imagine your arrival isn't just for Helen. Du'an should have seen my reply. What is your response?"
Du'an replied, "Lord Unas's proposed price for the crystals is too high; I'm sorry, I cannot accept it. We've come here to reach an agreement that satisfies both parties."
Unas then stated the three conditions he had prepared, and said, "I made a promise to the Blood Elves that they are the first priority users of crystals, and that is the most important premise. Helen's decision to stay or leave is her own, and no one is allowed to force her. As for assisting in the war, it will also benefit you. As long as we win this battle quickly, I can start mining immediately. The increased production will soon meet the Blood Elves ' needs. The extra crystals can't be eaten, so I will exchange them for you at the most reasonable price."
"No," the Earl objected, "Helen is determined to come back with me, whether she likes it or not!"
Just then, the noblewoman's voice suddenly came from outside the Tent: "Father, I heard everything you said! I'm staying here. If you want to take me back, come and get me!"
The voices faded into the distance with the sound of footsteps. The group hurried out of the tent, but Helen, who had just finished pouting at her father, was nowhere to be seen. Du'an frowned. "Helen has learned Invisibility and Blink. It's getting dark soon. Finding her in this crowded stronghold is like looking for a needle in a haystack."
The Earl, enraged, shouted, "Helen! If you don't show up in three seconds, you'll never get to eat strawberry ice cream again!"
Such a weak threat reveals the Earl's usual doting on Helen, but it also makes everyone else laugh and cry – is this old man serious?
After thirteen seconds without any response, it seemed that freedom had triumphed over ice cream. Unas secretly made a mental note of this, thinking he would have to find a chef who could make ice cream later.
Seeing that threats had no effect, the Earl actually decided to give chase. Du'an gave him a magical round mirror that was effective for one hour and was said to be able to reveal invisible people. The Earl used the mirror to look for his mischievous daughter in a wooden house, his back view looking somewhat desolate.
The others returned to the main tent, setting aside the farce involving the father and daughter, Du'an got back to business. "I have no objection to prioritizing Blood Elves, but only on the condition that the portion used to treat Mana Addiction is prioritized."
"Of course, that's exactly what I meant," Unas quickly replied, finally sounding like he was in the middle of a formal negotiation.
"It seems you've won in deciding whether Helen stays or leaves. That Earl can be very tough on others, but he's helpless when it comes to his own daughter."
Unas smiled smugly, as if everything was under control. "Nothing compares to freedom, isn't it?"
"Regarding aid to the war effort, must we fight a war before we can start mining? Perhaps we can find a way to avoid a pointless war."
"A pointless war?" Unas shook his head. "If we don't push the border forward, the mining operations will face endless harassment from the spiders. They've always been unhappy with our activities in the Canyon. I just want to solve the problem once and for all."
A hush fell over the tent as Du'an weighed the pros and cons. Then Angela spoke up, "How do you want us to help you in this battle?"
This was a sign that they were about to back down, Unas was overjoyed. "Your task is simply to follow the army and help exterminate the spiders quickly. I will never put you in any danger, just like at Lordamere Lake. If you feel threatened, you can decide for yourselves whether to leave the battlefield."