From Today On, I'll Let Myself Go

The weather today is truly hellish. It was a perfectly sunny morning, but the moment noon passed, it started to pour. I really hate this godforsaken place; half the time, the weather is like this. I honestly can't fathom how the Pandaren manage to adapt to this kind of life.

I am Azar. Yes, I am a Prince of the Night Elf, and of course, I still am, but I no longer manage affairs. This means I have no authority to mobilize the power of Eldre'Thalas to do my bidding. This is a rule I set for myself back in the day; a government must have its own rules. Even if they are a bit excessive or troublesome, it is always better than having no rules at all. For 300 years, I kept my territory in perfect order. The people lived in peace and contentment, our comprehensive strength was formidable, and our diplomatic relations were excellent. The Centaur and Quillboar to the northeast had become our vassal states, while the bugs to the west, who put up a desperate struggle, served as my training grounds. As for that dead woman to the east, she has no sense of being a wife at all. I am a man, so naturally, I don't hold it against her, which keeps our relationship relatively harmonious. Yes, I handed over such a high-quality asset to my daughter, Sophia. I used to think that I should be the one to shoulder the burden for the entire race, so I worked hard, putting everything I knew into practice, striving to give this disaster-stricken race more self-preservation capabilities. But 100 years ago, I realized that the world is fair; when it gives you something, it takes something away. Human effort seems so insignificant in its face. My subordinates, however, were fine. They listened to what I said and were cautious in everything, which is exactly how one should develop in a low-profile manner. But things were different over on that woman's side. Her lackeys began to drift further and further down the path of self-destruction. Having conquered vast territories, they thought themselves invincible. Their diplomacy was a mess, they made too many enemies, and their application of Arcane began to run rampant. They wanted to solve everything with Arcane, living as luxuriously as possible and using the most powerful spells they could, not even afraid of blowing themselves up! Just wait; there will come a day when they trip and fall. I am tired, I don't want to manage it anymore, and I can't manage it anyway. In a large forest, there are all kinds of birds, and a hundred kinds of food raise a hundred kinds of elves. The day I personally placed the crown of adulthood on her head and hung my sword, Quel'Serrar, at her waist, I ended my reign. I could finally be free. I could go enjoy my life, travel the world, taste local delicacies, and flirt with beauties everywhere. Uh... it seems the last part is a bit tricky. It is still the ancient era, and there is nothing worth pursuing; the most beautiful one is already my wife. Although our relationship has broken down, we have a well-behaved daughter after all, so I cannot set a bad example.

"Saruman, I don't get it. Why aren't you staying comfortably in Eldre'Thalas instead of running around with me? Look at how miserable this environment is." Hiding from the rain in a small tent, Azar asked the elf beside him.

"Nonsense. Do you think I don't know my mage tower is comfortable? I was tricked by your words, talking about exploring the unknown of the world, only to end up wandering around like this? You call this understanding the local customs? Isn't it just walking around and eating everywhere?" A white-bearded, white-haired elf said indignantly.

"You can go back now if you want. No one is forcing you," Azar said with a dismissive curl of his lip.

"I am saving you, do you know that? Saving you! If it weren't for me, you would have done 'that' with that so-called number one beauty of the Troll last time. I'm not against you doing that, but you can't be that desperate, can you? Is that even a beauty?"

"Enough nonsense, start a fire. Falco should be back soon. Guess what we're eating today?"

Yes, Falco chose to abandon all his duties to follow me, the reason being to continue pursuing the martial path with me. He truly is my good disciple. The mage Saruman, also known as Number 9, is a top-tier shut-in and a powerful fire mage whose temper is as explosive as his strength. Just as the fire Saruman started caught, Falco returned. Haha, venison today.

"It's great to have a mage around. You don't have to worry about running out of firewood in this hellish weather," Azar said, teasing Saruman again while eating the delicious barbecue.

"..."

"My dear Mr. Mage, could you provide some Hokkaido Bread and Evian Water?" No reaction? Keep going then.

"Can't you be quiet for a moment?" An elf climbed down from a hammock, likely drawn over by the aroma.

"Forget it, Maiev. If you want to eat, just say so. Don't blame your hunger on me being noisy." When traveling, how can one not bring a scout? Even if Maiev claims she just wanted to get out and clear her head.

"Thank you for standing up for me, Maiev, but I don't care at all what he says. You know, ever since we left Eldre'Thalas, he seems to have become a different person, turning from a noble into a rogue." Truly a cultured person; she can speak without using a single dirty word.

"Sometimes, I wonder what is so good about him? Why are you always so dead set on following him?" After speaking to Maiev, he continued to ask Falco.

"..."

"Alright, no more chatting. We have guests." Suddenly, Azar dropped his playful demeanor and said seriously.

The group stopped what they were doing and looked at a figure walking through the rain ahead. When the person got closer, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"Jin'rokh, why is it you?" Falco asked the newcomer with some surprise.

"Nothing strange about it. I remember you were heading south, and I wanted to go too, so I followed you," he said while walking, his manner relaxed.

"Come in, dry your wet clothes, and we'll talk while we eat," Falco welcomed Jin'rokh into the tent.

"The Crusher, tell us, why are you going to the Pandaren's territory? If I remember correctly, you've fought them before. Could it be you have a lover there? Oh my god, you can even bring yourself to do it with a Pandaren? Your taste is really..." Azar teased, putting on a look of surprise.

"No, I am going to Thunder King Island."

"Why are you going there!" Azar became alert at once.

"A pilgrimage!"

"Then you are not welcome here. You can leave." Azar dismissed him decisively. None of the Thunder King's followers are any good.

Although Jin'rokh's eyes were full of confusion, he was a proud man. Since the host had asked him to leave, he certainly wouldn't stay shamelessly. He stood up immediately and left, turning back to look at Azar after a few steps. Seeing Azar's sharp gaze and serious expression, he didn't say another word and walked straight into the rain.

"Dear uncle, you look so handsome when you're fierce. If you don't mind, could you explain it to me? Everyone sitting here is an excellent elf full of the spirit of exploration," Maiev said to Azar with a fan-girl look, immediately switching to a gossipy expression.

"You really want to know?" Azar asked, looking at the other two. He was met with three faces of pure curiosity, plus three heads nodding incessantly.

"That's a long story, so listen carefully as I tell it slowly. Hey? Bring the wine and meat!"