Regent

A week passed, and nothing happened. Without any warning, Rommath suddenly told the others about Kael'thas's decision. The Archmage's words sounded like a deceptive joke, forcing Vareesa to be on her guard.

The Ranger-General was very worried. Rommath said he had already told Alleria about the decision. Vareesa was also eager to know her sister's thoughts—she had received news that Alleria was on her way to Silvermoon City.

The Ranger had gone out on patrol had returned, and with each Ranger's appearance, Vareesa hoped to catch a glimpse of Alleria's face. But time passed slowly, and fewer and fewer Ranger returned, while Alleria still hadn't arrived. Vareesa began to worry.

Could it be that my sister has changed her mind and isn't coming?

Inside the Shepherd's Gate, many Elf like Vareesa were waiting for the arrival of the leader of the Windrunner family. The previous Ranger-General retired after the war against Arthas. Many considered Alleria the protector of the kingdom, but some questioned her disappearance.

Vareesa judged that Alleria would likely choose to return from the south in order to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the damage and recovery of the kingdom and cities, both from the outside in.

Archmage Rommath advised against revealing the exact time and location of Alleria's arrival to others. However, Vareesa believed that news of Alleria's return would be encouraging.

Rommath eventually agreed to Vareesa's decision. The Female Elf was somewhat surprised, but she also admired the mage's ability to see the situation clearly, because Silvermoon City might be under the control of the Windrunner family for a long time.

If Alleria accepts the appointment.

Vareesa believed that her sister had always felt guilty about the fall of Silvermoon City, not because she failed to stop Arthas, but because she did not die on the battlefield like the fallen.

Later that day, Alleria finally arrived. She made no announcement, nor did she swagger into Silvermoon City. She had no guards with her, and even Sylvanas was not by her side. She met with Vareesa quietly, and the two sisters embraced for a long time.

The Female Elf's appearance unmistakably revealed her proud Windrunner bloodline, and her blue eyes concealed wisdom whose depth could only be guessed.

She and Vareesa entered the square, wearing brown cloaks and pulling them down as low as possible to cover their faces. She heard many survivors complaining in hushed tones.

"Why is she only coming back now?"

"If the Prince doesn't grant her this honor, will she never come back?"

"What's she coming back for? To make decisions for us?"

Even though Alleria heard these words, she didn't react. She simply glanced at the extent of the damage, concealing both her expression and emotions perfectly.

Vareesa held her hand and said, "Please don't take their words to heart, sister."

Alleria gestured to Vareesa that no explanation was needed. "It's alright, Vareesa. I did come back too late, and I ran into some... trouble." The Female Elf seemed hesitant about whether to tell Vareesa about her argument with Sylvanas.

She took a few steps forward, her gaze falling on the huddled survivors, as if hoping she could hear them more clearly.

"Alleria must know how difficult the situation is."

Protesters have resurfaced among the survivors.

How could she possibly know how difficult it was?

"Can she help us out of this predicament? At least ensure that those of us who are about to follow her don't go hungry. What else do we have to alleviate our hunger?"

"Quiet, there's no point in discussing this." The last sentence came from the patrolling Ranger guard. "Lady Alleria surely understands that action is needed now, and she will prove herself to us."

Alleria fell silent. The survivors were still arguing fiercely, ignoring everything and everyone else. The Female Elf sighed and turned away.

"Take me to see Rommath and the others."

Vareesa nodded and said, "Okay, sister."

In the tavern's main hall stood a solitary table. Rommath, Lor'themar, and the mage Astalor sat around it on three sides, while an empty chair awaited its occupant. Interestingly, Vareesa was absent; perhaps everyone present assumed the Ranger-General wouldn't waste his time on this meeting.

Rommath's fingers traced the staff.

Astalor asked, almost questioningly, "Did you try to persuade Prince Kael'thas?"

"I couldn't believe it when I heard it." Rommath's gaze fell on Astalor's face. The Archmage's voice softened. "But I believe the Prince made this decision after careful consideration. If there is anyone else in Quel'Thalas suitable to exercise power in his place, it is Alleria, she is the most suitable. Moreover, by doing so, Prince Kael'thas can concentrate on dealing with the situation in Outland, without having to constantly worry about his people remaining in Azeroth."

The two remained silent for a while. After a short while, Astalor said with ulterior motives, "The Prince's departure left a huge vacuum, and I understand that power vacuums always tend to be filled again. But there's no need to promote Alleria to regent. Can't we just establish a political system? Wouldn't it be enough to just meet the needs of the people?"

"Political system?" Lor'themar, who had been silent, finally spoke. "Does Your Excellency mean... yet another Silvermoon Council?"

Astalor stared at the Ranger-Lord with an incredulous expression. He considered the matter briefly, then shook his head. The people were now utterly disillusioned with the former Silvermoon Council, all because of Dath'Remar, that traitor who was a member of the Silvermoon Council.

"That's why Prince Kael'thas intends to concentrate power in one person. An absolutely loyal person is more trustworthy than a group of people who might disagree or even betray. However, some people still doubt whether Alleria can truly be selfless. Therefore... the Prince intends to set a test for Alleria to see if she is ready... to take on the role of leader."

"What kind of test?" Astalor asked curiously.

"She's going on a mission to hunt her down..."

"He's outside!" Lor'themar heard footsteps and fixed his gaze on the entrance. Even from inside, he could still hear the melancholy voice of Ranger-General Vareesa.

Rommath and Astalor looked toward the doorway, where the broken door was pushed open and then closed again.

Finally... the last stool found its owner.