This conclusion was a speculation Andreas had made based on the future development of Quel'Thalas.
Before collaborating with the Empire of Arathor to crush the main force of the Forest Trolls, Quel'Thalas had maintained a period of rapid development. Many prestigious families, including the Windrunners, emerged during that era of heroes.
Conversely, after Dath'Remar's great-grandson, Anasterian, defeated the Amani Empire, the development of the High Elves came to a standstill. The people began to settle into the status quo, and even Anasterian, as the Sun King, grew faint-hearted and stubborn.
Lacking strong external stimulation, these descendants of the Highborne had fallen into the same trap as their ancestors.
Shaking his head to dispel these complex thoughts, Andreas placed an arm around Shandris's shoulder to comfort her. "Don't worry, Celeste isn't that fragile. Once she takes the potion, she should recover her health. I also believe that Quel'Thalas will successfully weather the storm under Dath'Remar's leadership."
"Mm."
Shandris set aside the worry on her face and leaned gently against Andreas's shoulder, together gazing at the clear sky after the storm had passed.
After taking the potion, Celeste's condition stabilized, and she woke from her groggy slumber the next day.
Upon learning that the return journey had been delayed because of her, the scatterbrained Celeste bowed repeatedly in apology, her eyes brimming with tears.
In the end, Andreas helplessly tapped her on the head as a symbolic punishment, and only then was the fleet able to set sail once more.
In the Troll capital of Dazar'alor, Rezan gazed into the far north. This powerful and wise Loa seemed able to peer through the dense layers of jungle to track the movements of Andreas and the others.
"I hope this gesture of goodwill helps Zandalar through its most difficult times in the future..."
"Heh heh heh~"
A flippant laugh rang out beside Rezan. The Loa of Kings' mouth twitched slightly as he spoke with some displeasure, "Bwonsamdi, are you dissatisfied with my decision?"
"Now, now, far from it."
A humanoid being wearing a bone mask and leaning on a staff suddenly appeared beside Rezan. He bowed with exaggerated flair. "You are the Loa of Kings; how would I dare question your decision?"
"Hmph!" A puff of white vapor snorted from Rezan's nose. "Speak plainly; don't beat around the bush."
"Oh my~"
Bwonsamdi's body flickered to Rezan's other side, his tone remaining playful. "I just didn't expect the mighty Rezan to lack confidence in himself. Do you truly believe those Night Elves can help Zandalar in the future?"
"I don't know."
Rezan looked toward the cloudless sky and sighed. "I hope it's just my imagination."
Once Rezan strode away, Bwonsamdi dropped his smiling expression and rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Could it be that Rezan caught a glimpse of certain fragments of the future?"
His eyes, glowing with an eerie blue light, watched Rezan's retreating back with a complex gaze. "Is it my opportunity? Or a disaster?"
...
Astranaar, Capital of the Night Elf Republic.
Six months had passed since Tyrande's return to the Hall of Government. Leticia had been living in constant fear that the High Priestess would challenge the policies Andreas had enacted. However, to her surprise, these six months had been very peaceful.
Tyrande spent most of her time reading the detailed regulations of Andreas's policies. Aside from occasionally reprimanding officials who made mistakes, she remained very calm.
Yet, it was precisely this calm that made Leticia, who stayed behind in Astranaar, feel as if she were sitting on pins and needles.
"The calm before the storm," Onyxia muttered, taking a bite of an apple. "Tyrande is still 'recharging.' Before she makes her move, she must first understand all the policies that have been issued and find the loopholes that can be questioned."
"It won't take much longer. Tyrande isn't known for her patience; six months is about the limit."
"If I'm not mistaken, she'll start acting within this month. Leticia, you'd better prepare yourself mentally."
"Sigh~"
Leticia slumped dejectedly onto the table like she had no bones. "I told you I'm not good at administrative work. Why must I endure this kind of suffering..."
Onyxia rolled her eyes. "Then you tell me, who else is left to represent Andreas?"
"I am a foreign guest advisor. Shandris and Celeste went east with Andreas. Other subordinates have relatively distant relationships. Malfurion spends his days busy exploring nature and maintaining the Emerald Dream. Fandral is too impulsive; letting him butt heads with Tyrande would only cause more trouble."
"Do you expect Maiev? It's already considered restraint that she and Tyrande haven't started shouting at each other in the Hall of Government."
"Ha..."
A listless Leticia grumbled lazily, "When are Andreas and the others coming back? I'm about to break."
Onyxia tossed the apple core into the trash and gave Leticia a pitying look. "Hang in there. The real storm hasn't even arrived yet."
...
The return journey was originally scheduled to take within six months, but the sudden storm forced the fleet to change course mid-way, delaying Andreas and the others' return to Kalimdor.
By the time the fleet finally docked at Stormport, eight months had passed since Andreas received the news of Tyrande's return.
Celeste had trained with Andreas and Shandris for years, so her physical condition was not poor. A large part of her fever had been caused by her emotional distress, and by now, her illness had long since faded.
After docking at Stormport, Celeste immediately constructed a portal to Astranaar.
On the surface, the social atmosphere of Astranaar still maintained a good level of vitality. The infighting at the top levels didn't seem to have affected the common people yet.
However, Andreas noticed one thing: Priests of Elune, who previously would only stay within the Temple of the Moon, could be seen all over the city. They maintained a friendly attitude, showing concern for the citizens' well-being.
This change was positive and was likely one of the results of Tyrande's efforts to reform the Sisterhood of Elune over the past 200 years.
Andreas's heart stirred as he saw this. Could it be...
Quickly entering the Great Temple of the Moon, he saw that the guards were still the Darkmoon Shadow Priests he had stationed before his departure. This put him at ease; at least Tyrande didn't intend to drop all pretenses just yet.
"I will say it again: I want to re-audit all energy expenditures related to the Well of Eternity. Leticia, don't make me say it a third time."
Tyrande's voice drifted out from the Hall of Government. Leticia responded calmly, "I'm afraid I cannot comply, Your Excellency High Priestess."
"These energy expenditure projects are vital to the development of all sectors in Astranaar. If they are halted, it will have a significant impact on the lives of the people. Neither you nor I can bear that responsibility."
Leticia's firm yet polite response made Andreas raise an eyebrow. He quickened his pace and pushed open the doors.
Tyrande stood with her arms crossed, looking down at Leticia, who remained firmly in her seat. Maiev was not participating in their argument, calmly lowering her head to read documents. As expected, Malfurion was absent, with a helpless Fandral standing in for him.
"Andreas! You're finally back!"
Leticia, who had been acting very composed, instantly broke character. Under Onyxia's twitching gaze, she skipped joyfully over to Andreas and threw herself... into Shandris's arms.
Shandris doted on Leticia, patting her head before bowing apologetically to Tyrande. "Teacher, I am sorry I couldn't be here for the moment of your return."
After more than 200 years of secluded cultivation, Tyrande appeared much more composed than before. She shook her head and smiled. "It's fine. It's my fault for not notifying you in advance."
Turning her gaze toward Andreas, Tyrande's expression became solemn.
"Now that the main person is back, I won't make things difficult for Leticia anymore."
"Andreas, I do not approve of your excessive utilization of the Well of Eternity. Continuing like this may lead us down the same path as the Night Empire."
Andreas gave Onyxia a subtle look, thanking her silently for advising Leticia behind the scenes.
Pulling out his chair at the head of the table, Andreas sat down leisurely, interlacing his fingers beneath his chin. He said steadily, "It is normal to have different views, High Priestess. Let's sit down and discuss this calmly."