Although Xiao'en thought Charlemagne's words were exaggerated, he had finally accepted his choice.
"I understand. Indeed, anyone unfamiliar with Silvermoon City's official circles would only be torn to pieces by those jackals if they entered. Going out into the world isn't a bad idea. You might even gain something unexpected."
Sylvanas, who had been listening all along, also truly understood Charlemagne's thoughts for the first time.
So that's how he sees it... I keep feeling that this fellow seems to be planning something for the future, but is it necessary to struggle abroad in such peaceful times?
While the young people were talking, Aoxisi Chenxingzhe, who had been keeping an eye on his nephew, also noticed what was happening with them.
The boy has finally wised up after going out to gain some experience. I was afraid that, having always been influenced by Silvermoon City's extravagant ways, he would simply stop progressing... It looks like this war has taught him quite a lot.
Aoxisi smiled with relief as he watched his nephew chatting amicably with the rangers' promising younger talents.
Because of lingering injuries he had suffered during the Troll Wars in his youth, he still had difficulty producing offspring despite marrying three wives. Thus, Aoxisi lavished all his affection on this nephew, hoping he could take up the mantle of the Morningstrider family after his death.
Although his nephew was very talented in arcane studies, Silvermoon City's atmosphere had influenced him, and he had grown increasingly complacent in recent years. With that in mind, he had specifically arranged for Xiao'en to participate in this war against the trolls, hoping to broaden his horizons.
Now it seemed his goal had been achieved beyond his expectations. Both he and his bedridden younger brother Fubosi had witnessed his nephew's transformation. With that superficial vanity stripped away, he believed that as long as he nurtured him properly, the Morningstrider family would surely enjoy lasting prosperity.
Aoxisi had seen all of Dar'Khan's overt and covert struggles with the king over the past few centuries, but he had no intention of getting involved. Success might bring control over the Sunwell, but failure... would mean eternal ruin.
Besides, Aoxisi was nowhere near as obsessed with the Sunwell as Dar'Khan. Using the authority he held to maintain his family's lasting prosperity was more than enough for him, and besides...
Dar'Khan naturally noticed that the elder beside him had shifted his attention entirely to his nephew, but he thought nothing of it.
Although the Morningstrider family's youngster seemed to have changed considerably since returning this time, he was still at least a thousand years too early to be his opponent. It was Aoxisi, that old fox who refused to budge, who gave him something of a headache.
If I could bring an established family like the Chenxingzhe into pressuring the king, the royal family would find it very difficult to cope. Unfortunately... that old bastard keeps refusing!
Obsessed with the Sunwell's power, Dar'Khan had grown increasingly impatient to take direct control of it in recent years, and his actions had become ever more radical. Even the other two who shared his faction's stance had begun to hesitate, unsure whether they should continue following him in challenging the Sun King.
After all, Anasterian had reigned for several thousand years. Calling him a cunning old fox was no exaggeration. Who knew what other trump cards His Majesty the Sun King held in secret? Pushing him too far would benefit no one.
Although Lireesa had also noticed the undercurrents in Silvermoon City, she spent her years stationed away from the city and had no desire to wade into these muddy waters.
She knew very well how the upper ranks viewed the rangers. In fact, the impression Silvermoon City's citizens held of the rangers was most likely being fanned by those very people.
Still, she had expected the upper ranks to be wary of a general who spent years commanding a large force on the frontier. Every ranger-general had clearly declared their position-never participate in political struggles, and remain loyal to the kingdom unto death.
As each member of the party entertained their own thoughts, the main procession slowly made its way along the Walk of Elders amid the cheers of Silvermoon City's surrounding residents, entering Murder Row.
At this time, before Silvermoon City had been rebuilt, there was no such place as Murder Row; the road leading to the royal court was named the King's Path.
On that subject, Charlemagne had always wanted to complain. Who had made the spur-of-the-moment decision behind the layout of the later Silvermoon City? The road leading to the royal court was actually an incredibly gloomy alley. What were other visitors to Silvermoon City supposed to think...?
Still, considering Kael'thas's harebrained pursuit of fel energy, perhaps the prince, driven mad by Garithos, had decided on that layout himself.
In any case, the road leading to the Sunstrider Court in the present Silvermoon City was a sunlit path. It was ordinarily closed to the public, and Silvermoon City residents wishing to visit the royal court could only take a detour through Holy Light Square in the city's east-the later Farstriders' Square.
Since Silvermoon City had not yet been ravaged by the Scourge, it was fully twice the size it would be after its destruction.
The western half, which would later be destroyed, currently served primarily as a residential district for commoners. Centered on Falconwing Square near the city gates, it contained many important areas, such as Ranger Square and the Trade District.
Of course, these districts alone would not attract the Scourge's interest. The most important facility, the permanent portal to the Isle of Quel'Danas, was also situated at the northernmost end of the western half. It was precisely for this portal that Arthas would flatten the entire western half along his route.
Beyond the King's Path lay the spacious Fountain Square. Thanks to the exquisite craftsmanship of the High Elf artisans, statues of three High Elf maidens holding trays aloft stood at the very center of Fountain Square.
The water spraying from the trays reflected a rainbow of colors in the sunlight, adding a touch of dreamlike beauty to the entire square.
By the time Lireesa led the procession into the square, elves who had come to watch already crowded its edges.
Having spent years living decadent lives devoid of surprises, the High Elf populace was extremely bored most of the time. Now that there was finally something lively to watch, almost everyone in Silvermoon City with time on their hands had come.
Sylvanas, who was also visiting Silvermoon City for the first time, looked at the gathering of over ten thousand people before her. Her slender body seemed to tense all at once, and she was visibly nervous.
Charlemagne, who had been through countless battles and seen plenty, gently patted the second young lady's shoulder and reassured her. "Relax. Aren't they just a bunch of bystanders who don't know the truth? They won't affect you in any way. If you really can't manage, just think of them as hawkstriders."
"Pfft!"
At Charlemagne's words, the previously nervous Sylvanas suddenly couldn't help laughing.
More than ten thousand hawkstriders. Hmm... that ought to be quite a spectacular sight too.
Xiao'en also burst out laughing at that. "Haha, Charlemagne, you really do adapt quickly. The first time I attended a large gathering like this, I was just as terribly nervous as Sylvanas."
Charlemagne looked around at the crowd watching them curiously and shook his head in amusement.
Heh, what's this little crowd? Have High Elves ever experienced the Spring Festival travel rush? Have they ever visited a tourist attraction during a long holiday?
(End of chapter)