Assemble the Team and Go Hunt Monsters

"Speak, what message does Azshara want you to bring?" While Sophia played happily nearby, Xavius stood in Azar's office.

"I praise your wisdom. Truly, nothing escapes your keen eyes." Xavius bowed, replying respectfully.

"Enough with the flattery. I am, after all, a defeated opponent of yours. You, and your new master!" Azar gritted his teeth as he spoke the words "new master."

"The Queen says it is time to show our true strength." He spoke earnestly, as if he hadn't heard Azar's mockery at all.

"Is she really that impatient?"

"The Queen believes the time is ripe. According to reports from our spies, some massive upheaval has occurred within the Zandalari, and their control over the Troll tribes has dropped to its lowest point. The Gurubashi, Amani, and Akarai are effectively independent."

"Who does she want to strike first?"

"The Zandalari!"

"Absolutely not. Go back and tell her: do not underestimate any ancient race. A thousand years ago, the Zandalari were able to unite all the Troll tribes; even if it was a loose tribal rule, it proves their excellence. Their rulers are a group of sages and scholars, and they had achieved a high level of civilization long before we obtained the energy of the Well of Eternity. Most importantly, they possess a powerful ally! Right now, they are focusing all their efforts on helping that ally resist a formidable enemy. If we launch an attack on them, once they recover, the war will escalate! When that happens, the scales of victory may not necessarily tip in our favor!"

"Are you suggesting we give up? You know her temper; that is impossible!"

"Who gave you permission to speak to me like that! Was it Azshara!"

"Please, calm your anger. I did not intend to offend you." After saying this, Xavius collapsed onto the floor. Indeed, he had been standing, but the moment Azar grew angry, he was so terrified he knelt down. Facing this former master, he still could not suppress the fear etched into his bones.

"I understand the situation with the Zandalari better than you do. Now is not the right time to strike. Not only must we not attack them, but we must also send envoys bearing peace and friendship. Only then can we hope for understanding when we attack the other three targets. Focus the main assault on the Gurubashi and harass the Amani. That is your mission. I will handle the Akarai."

"Yes, I will convey every word." Having said this, he scrambled to his feet and left.

"Come out, Sophia." Azar's tone turned gentle, a complete contrast to the majestic aura he had projected moments ago.

Sophia emerged from a small side door, her expression sheepish, much like a child caught stealing a snack.

"You won't be mad at me, will you?" Sensing her father wasn't truly angry, the Princess immediately turned on the charm! Good grief, who did she learn that from?

"In the future, if you want to listen, do it openly. These are all things you should be learning. Remember, you are a future ruler! You must have that realization from this moment on!"

"Yes, Father." Sophia's expression turned serious at once. Although she had been pampered since childhood, she was very sensible in front of her father, even if it was their first meeting. Royal parenting is truly something else. Now, it remains to be seen how our old comrade Azar will mold her into an excellent leader.

"At the meeting shortly, you will listen by my side. Bring your ears, but leave your mouth behind."

"I will do well, Father." Sophia slipped into her role quickly.

In the Council Hall, everyone had arrived and was whispering to one another, waiting for the Prince to arrive. They saw the Princess enter with him, their faces showing no fluctuation, as if this were the natural order of things.

"Everyone is here, let us begin. Sophia, from today on, you will take the minutes."

"Very well, Father." Sophia's poise in such a setting was truly commendable.

"Azshara wants to move against the Zandalari."

"The Zandalari? Has she lost her mind? Setting aside the thousand-year foundation of Zandalari civilization, their ally, the Mogu, is a troublesome opponent in its own right." Maiev had the most explosive temper.

"You cannot say that; they likely do not have as much intelligence as we do. The border with the Zandalari has indeed been peaceful for too long. It is reasonable for them to reach this conclusion," Daphne analyzed calmly.

"I have already refused. Look at those Trolls from the south—their straight posture, their manners, listen to their tone and phrasing. Is this a savage race? Look at their rulers; they are all sages and scholars. I dare say, when it comes to understanding this world, we are streets behind them! Sophia, remember this: shortsightedness is always the greatest enemy of a ruler."

"Then should we make any preparations? After all, she may not necessarily listen to you," an Elf with graying hair said.

"I am actually more concerned about why we were notified at this time. After all, there are some issues everyone prefers to ignore; with Azshara's wisdom, she would not overlook these." This was the voice of Number 3.

"Gandalf, continue!" Azar felt a jolt; this was a direction he had overlooked.

"Yes, Prince. I am wondering why this information arrived alongside the Princess?"

"Hmph, she is telling me: 'I have fulfilled your request, now I have a request for you, and you must fulfill it.' Using her daughter! She never changes!"

"Prince, why do you lose half your wisdom whenever the Queen is mentioned?" Who was so bold? Oh, it was Maiev. "Even I figured it out."

Everyone looked at her with expressions of surprise. Had the sun risen in the west?

"Why are you all looking at me like that? I really did figure it out."

"Well, tell us then," Daphne, who was also female and close to her, urged.

"From a woman's perspective, she is just throwing a little tantrum! She just wants you, cousin, to take a stand."

Everyone was dumbfounded... could it really be interpreted that way?

"Continue."

"No matter what you say to Xavius, he will bring it back in full. How she chooses is her right, but what is said matters a great deal. Therefore, your refusal was the correct choice. Do not underestimate our kin; they know no less than we do. That is why I say this is a small trap, meant to test you. It is just a woman's little scheme!"

"She even considered the detail of potentially infuriating me." Azar finally calmed down completely, his mind rapidly replaying the entire event to clear up the threads. After a moment, he spoke slowly.

"Those who do not plan for the whole are not fit to plan for a region. We have a vast domain now, and those of us in high positions must consider our entire race. Every correct or incorrect decision we make will deeply affect the lives of many. Therefore, we must be careful, and then careful again; thinking a little more is never a mistake."

"Let her win this one. Issue the order!" Everyone stood up, their expressions solemn.

"Draft three Warrior Legions, one Mage Legion, one Priest Legion, 1,000 Sentinels, and 10 Reserve Legions. Form the First Expeditionary Force, with Daphne as the Legion Commander. Begin multi-branch drills effective immediately. The Minister of Municipal Affairs is to prepare the necessary supplies."

"Yes!"

"Yes."

"Daphne, stay behind. The rest of you, dismissed. Falco, you stay as well."

Once everyone had departed, the group gathered in Azar's study.

"Falco, arrange guards for Sophia. From today on, you will follow her."

"Understood, I shall make the arrangements immediately." Knowing the matters to follow did not concern him, Falco turned and left without hesitation.

"Daphne, tell me your thoughts."

"I believe the most advantageous plan for us is a comprehensive clearing of everything west of Feralas to create a secure rear for ourselves. My plan is to have no plan: full mobilization, Sweeping Strikes against every enemy!"

"That is precisely what I fear. You overestimate our strength. There are many intelligent races in this world still unknown to us. We must never rashly start a war at any time; it is easy to make too many enemies, which is detrimental to our entire race."

"Please, Your Highness, instruct me."

"What I like most is your confidence and humility. The first phase is the south! Bypass the Crater, right here! Silithus, the mission is to purge the insects!"

"Are we not supposed to strike the Troll?"

"Striking the Troll is a political task; killing insects is our true objective. I anticipate that the failure of the Mogu is only a matter of time! After all, brutal rule cannot last long! The Zandalari will eventually realize that their ally is a hopeless cause! Therefore, the traitorous Akarai will surely face the most ferocious attacks."

"What is the basis for your prediction? If there is no reliable intelligence, I cannot agree with this approach."

"Merchants!"

"Merchants? What useful information could they possibly provide?"

"No, no, no. Daphne, you are mistaken. In truth, merchants are the most sensitive group in this world. As an excellent strategist, you must learn to analyze the situation of your opponents through the behavior of merchants. From the trade data between the Zandalari and us over the last thirty years, I have discovered that their demand for grain has decreased."

"What does that prove?"

"It proves a great deal!"

Azar smiled meaningfully; he could play the mentor once again.