The meeting ended, the magic sealing the Council chamber vanished, and the Councilors took their leave.
Patrick, however, was still wondering why the Council wanted to "increase investment in the urban planning and construction of Tranquillien, the central city of the Ghostlands." What other tricks did the Council have to use against him?
After all, in terms of office, he counted as the highest-ranking official in the Ghostlands. As a Standing Councilor, Patrick stood at the very pinnacle of elven administrative authority, just like the other five Councilors. Even the head of the Windrunner family was only an ordinary Councilor. Why, then, had the Council not simply given him administrative authority over Tranquillien this time as well?
Besides, the Council had never cared about places outside Silvermoon City. This unprecedented move to increase urban planning and construction in Tranquillien, and even raise some civilian quotas, might conceal ulterior motives.
Such unusual behavior deserved serious thought.
Perhaps the Council had something else in mind. That was possible too.
Back when he had been at the sixth ring, the Council had never expected this insignificant little mage to suddenly become their equal. Still, every side observed the elves' fine "tradition": political struggles stayed beneath the surface and were not resolved through force.
His Majesty had always tacitly tolerated the Council's internal struggles as well. As long as their infighting did not affect Quel'Thalas's stability-or, rather, the royal authority of the Sunstriders-His Majesty could not be bothered to intervene.
When Patrick had been at the seventh ring, he had still been only an ordinary Councilor, but he had already gained noble status and a fief. Though neither particularly significant nor insignificant in the eyes of those at the top, he had at least become a novice player who had entered the Silvermoon Council.