Although Dath'Remar was nominally the leader of all Highborne, he could not command the absolute loyalty of every noble through sheer charismatic personality like Queen Azshara once did.
The current Highborne had not yet formed a unified nation, but the glimmers of their political structure were already apparent. The patriarchs of various major families held a significant degree of influence, and Dath'Remar could not simply rule by decree.
Seeing the resolute look in Dath'Remar's eyes, Andreas knew it would be difficult to persuade him otherwise. He could only let out a helpless sigh.
"Fine. As long as Celeste herself has no objections, I can guarantee that I will never let her encounter danger."
Everyone turned their gaze toward Celeste, who looked extremely hesitant.
Danath's expression was also conflicted. His logic told him that Dath'Remar's choice was correct, but emotionally, he was loath to be separated from his sister once again.
Ultimately, Celeste's rationality as an Arcanist won out. She wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and forced a smile.
"I'll listen to you, Father. I hope you and my brother take good care of yourselves."
"I will... Oh, right."
To ease his precious daughter's sadness, Dath'Remar asked with a deliberate, mischievous grin, "Celeste, a thousand years have passed. Have you found a suitable partner in Moonshadow's Rest? Your father is still waiting to hold grandchildren, you know. As for your brother..."
"Heh~"
Seeing his father's disdainful gaze, the corner of Danath's mouth twitched. He felt as if he had taken an arrow to the knee for no reason.
What does this have to do with me... you know how busy I've been.
"Pfft~"
Celeste burst into a laugh through her tears. "I haven't found anyone particularly suitable yet, but..."
With a slightly mischievous smile, Celeste turned her gaze toward Andreas in a suggestive manner.
Dath'Remar saw the expression on Andreas' face suddenly turn stiff, and his own face immediately darkened.
"...Andreas, I think we need to have a 'good' talk about Celeste's training program."
"Uh, it's not like that, calm down..."
"Cut the nonsense, take my fist first!"
...
Standing on a hilltop outside the temporary Highborne settlement and overlooking the encampment that was gradually taking shape in the distance, Andreas felt a sense of emotion. "People yearn for stability... what a truly practical issue."
As a descendant of the pioneering Sunstrider family, Dath'Remar was determined to continue searching for a more suitable permanent home for the Highborne.
However, having just experienced a series of blows after leaving the blessing of the World Tree, and without the drive of an immediate crisis, the Highborne simply didn't want to move again for the time being.
After passing Malfurion's warning to Dath'Remar and obtaining some technologies he had long desired from him, Andreas, having completed his mission, prepared to return to the continent of Kalimdor.
He turned to look at Celeste, who was staring blankly at the Sunstrider residence. Andreas sighed inwardly.
Dath'Remar, after leaving the blessing of the World Tree, the lifespan of the Highborne has a limit. That's likely one of the reasons you wanted Celeste to return to Kalimdor with me, isn't it?
Losing the blessing of immortality, the normal lifespan of a Night Elf should be around 3,000 years.
Although this number still far exceeded short-lived races like Humans, for Celeste—who would continue to live in Kalimdor and maintain her eternal youth—it was possible that the next time they met... Dath'Remar would already be a white-haired old man.
"Celeste, have you recorded the coordinates for this place?"
After the banter between Dath'Remar and Andreas, Celeste's mood had recovered significantly.
"Yes, I've recorded them."
"Then let's go. Let's head home."
Crushing the teleportation rune infused with Saragosa's power, an ultra-long-distance portal leading to Moonshadow's Rest appeared before the four of them.
...
Counting the time spent formulating the plan, subduing Malygos, and searching for the Highborne, Andreas and his party had spent nearly a year in the Eastern Kingdoms.
Before leaving, he had considered exploring the Tomb of Tyr. However, after checking it personally, he found that the seals on the tomb were still perfectly intact, and a group of humans armed with weapons was carefully guarding the entrance.
If they wanted to enter the tomb, they would not only have to clash with the humans but also force the seals open. Doing so would inevitably awaken Zakajz, who was sealed within. There was truly no need to take such a risk right now.
Andreas planned to wait until Thoradin came to "clear the mines" later. Zakajz, double-sealed by the Hand of Tyr and Strom'kar, should enter an extremely weakened state. At that time, Andreas could return to reap the benefits.
When they returned to Moonshadow's Rest, everything looked no different from when they left. The Moon Guards, who had previously been in a daze, had returned to normal under Delier's comfort.
Instructing Onyxia and Leticia to take the weary Celeste back to rest, Andreas went to his office alone to listen to Maclay's detailed report on Moonshadow's Rest's development over the past 1,000 years.
Regarding the people's livelihood, there were no major issues; it had maintained a steady pace of progress over the years.
Moonshadow's Rest had increased its scrutiny when attracting immigrants to ensure that these new additions would not lower the city's established level of public security.
The development of the Air Force was also very optimistic. The Chimera riders had basically completed their training, though they still lacked the test of actual combat for the time being.
The Army had also made progress. The Frostsaber population that migrated from Winterspring had long since grown accustomed to life in Ashenvale, providing a stable source of mounts for Moonshadow's Rest, and the number of cavalry had increased.
Only the Navy...
"Stagnated, as expected..."
Andreas rubbed his temples with a bitter smile. Although it was somewhat anticipated, the development of Moonshadow's Rest's naval vessels still left him very disappointed.
"I understand. I'll find time to talk to the shipwrights personally."
"In the future, you all must learn to make bold decisions when I am away. We have enough time and resources for trial and error. Don't act as if the backbone is gone just because I'm not here."
"Yes, your subordinate is ashamed."
Moonshadow's Rest, the city Andreas built from scratch, bore too much of his personal imprint. The modernization of ships, in particular, had been guided by him from start to finish.
In hindsight, this approach seemed a bit like "pulling seedlings to help them grow." Without his instructions, the craftsmen with shaky foundations were completely lost regarding the future direction of the shipbuilding industry.
The fact that Andreas was taken away by Elune for 1,000 years was also an opportunity. It exposed the issue of various sectors in Moonshadow's Rest being overly dependent on him.
It was better to expose this early than late. Now, at least, there was plenty of time for officials at all levels in Moonshadow's Rest to get used to his absence, allowing managers in all fields to rebuild their foundations.
After Maclay left, Andreas spoke softly in the empty office, "Come out."
"Yes."
A hooded woman suddenly appeared, kneeling on one knee before Andreas's desk.
"Prisim, how is the development of the Rogue scouts?"
Prisim looked no different from before, still wearing her signature hood.
"We have our people in all major villages and towns in the northern part of the continent. Normally, they are no different from the local residents, but once an emergency occurs, Moonshadow's Rest can receive the relevant intelligence immediately."
Andreas nodded with satisfaction. "Good. Thank you for your hard work. Your work in the shadows represents another side of the Moon Goddess that cannot be observed by the naked eye. Do not feel inferior about your identity as Rogues. At least in my heart, you are no different from any other combat profession."
"...Yes. Thank you for your high regard, Lord Moonshadow."
After Prisim left silently, Andreas stood up and walked to the office window, overlooking the vibrant street scene of Moonshadow's Rest with a hint of nostalgia.
"Once I leave this time, I'm afraid I won't have this kind of leisure to appreciate this city in detail again..."