From Tyrande's standpoint, regardless of what she truly thought in her heart, opposing the misuse of the Well of Eternity was a form of political correctness.
The fact that she could endure until now without a total explosion was absolutely impossible based on Leticia's abilities alone; it undoubtedly involved Onyxia's hard work behind the scenes.
Tyrande was not polite either, taking the opportunity to sit down and list the parts she had questions about one by one.
From the issues Tyrande pointed out, Andreas knew that she hadn't wasted her time over the past six months. A significant portion of them were the products of corruption, created privately by certain mid-level officials under various pretexts.
Andreas was not a polymath who insisted on doing everything personally. In managing the country, he only focused on the big picture, leaving the filling of details to the officials below to handle as they saw fit; if they failed to meet his requirements, they were replaced.
Talented but unethical officials exist in any world and any race. Andreas wasn't someone who couldn't tolerate a single grain of sand in his eyes; as long as they didn't cross the line and harm the work itself or the interests of the people, he mostly turned a blind eye to their behavior.
After all... "In water that is too clear, there are no fish."
Regarding the projects established by these officials, Andreas cooperatively nodded to Celeste, who was responsible for recording, indicating that someone would deal with them soon.
But Tyrande did not stop her pursuit just because of Andreas' small concession. The projects she criticized gradually began to involve the Arcane Puppets that Andreas had single-handedly promoted.
"High Priestess, please wait a moment."
Andreas, exhausted from the journey, rubbed his brow and called a halt to Tyrande's accusations. "Setting aside civilian arcane equipment for a moment, the role of combat arcane puppets has been fully demonstrated on the battlefield. Why bring this up now?"
"Because it's unnecessary!"
Tyrande said decisively, "I have no objection to combat-type arcane puppets; their existence can effectively reduce the consumption of our soldiers."
"But with all due respect, what automated arcane equipment can do for the public, our people can achieve with their own hardworking hands."
"The total amount of arcane energy required to supply arcane equipment for the entire city, or even the entire country, is quite massive. If this attracts the greed of the Burning Legion again, who will take responsibility?"
Andreas shook his head with a wry smile. "High Priestess, are you familiar with the concept of 'liberating the workforce'?"
Leaning his back tiredly against the chair, Andreas briefly explained, "True, most work done by machines can be replaced by manual labor. In terms of precision, handmade products are often more favored."
"I know you've already reached a tacit understanding with those who lost their jobs due to the popularization of automated arcane equipment, but please first understand my strategic layout for the future of the Night Elf Republic."
Andreas looked at Tyrande with piercing eyes. The High Priestess' gaze flickered slightly; clearly, Andreas had hit the mark.
"I hope that those liberated from heavy, mechanical labor will continue their education and attempt to enter higher-end industries and more refined, custom-made handmade products."
"Machines can replace labor, but they cannot replace the brains of intelligent beings. Brain-intensive work, such as design and planning, is something machines can never achieve."
Tyrande's expression wavered. Clearly, she hadn't thought that far ahead. Her hidden move had been called out by Andreas: she had intended to use those disgruntled craftsmen who lost their jobs to make trouble, thereby damaging Andreas' prestige.
Seeing the bewildered look in Tyrande's eyes, Andreas found it somewhat amusing; this woman's administrative ability was still quite clumsy.
"Fine, let me use an analogy."
Andreas pulled a purplish-red sachet from his robe and placed it on the table.
"Aww~"
Celeste, who had been seriously recording the conversation, suddenly flushed bright red. Shandris' meaningful gaze immediately turned toward her, and realization dawned in the eyes of Leticia and Onyxia.
"Ahem~ Where this sachet came from is not important."
Andreas cleared his throat. "What's important is the meaning it represents."
"As long as the pattern of the sachet is known, Arcane Puppets can quickly replicate countless copies through mechanical work, but..."
Tapping the sachet, Andreas solemnly explained to Tyrande, "Can a machine help design the pattern of the sachet? Can it pour its feelings and longings into it?"
Forcing himself to ignore Celeste, who was currently playing ostrich by burying her face on the table, Andreas said in a flat tone, "That is what I mean."
"Indeed, machines can replace labor at the processing level, but at the higher level of design, the creative thinking of intelligent beings is irreplaceable."
"What I want to do is not to replace craftsmen with Arcane Puppets, but to push for an upgrade of the industrial chain by liberating the workforce."
Having it explained so bluntly, Tyrande finally understood the deeper intent behind Andreas allowing the widespread use of automated arcane equipment.
She had only focused on the surface, completely failing to grasp the true essence of the core. It was like a silly Alliance player taking a commemorative photo on the throne in the Ruins of Lordaeron and going back triumphantly saying they had captured the Undercity.
...Of course, that was Andreas' way of making an analogy. Although the content in Tyrande's mind was different, the meaning was similar.
"Fine, I was being abrupt."
Tyrande calmed her embarrassed emotions and abandoned her pursuit with a blank face.
In any case, most of the projects that "misused" the Well of Eternity had indeed been halted by Andreas as a gesture of respect.
Even if she hadn't achieved her most important goal, Tyrande could only call a truce here; continuing to persist would only result in further humiliation.
Andreas was somewhat surprised by Tyrande's attitude of knowing when to advance and retreat. This woman... it seems she really has changed a bit after returning from her seclusion. At least she's not so hysterical. Can this be considered growth?
However, Andreas was clearly celebrating too early. The issue regarding the Well of Eternity was just one part of Tyrande's countless questions.
Next, she raised questions from various aspects such as people's livelihood, military, politics, and trade.
Andreas made some inconsequential concessions on most issues but remained firm on matters concerning core interests.
Tyrande felt somewhat internally wounded by Andreas's soft "Tai Chi" style of deflection; her patience was gradually running out.
"Phew~ One last question."
Tyrande pointed to the Darkmoon Shadow Priests guarding the Hall of Government and the Great Temple of the Moon.
"As the High Priestess of Elune, I should have the right to appoint and dismiss the guards of the Temple of the Moon, shouldn't I?"
Andreas raised an eyebrow. Tyrande had finally hit upon a key point.
As the missionary agent of Elune, Tyrande's administrative ability was indeed worrying, but her authority in theocracy was truly unsurpassed.
Andreas nodded with a calm expression. "That is true. However, considering the High Priestess' previous erroneous attempts at dictatorship, I believe it is necessary to introduce the concept of competition within the Church of Elune."
"Absolute power leads to absolute corruption. I suggest that the Church of Elune follow the example of the High Council and establish two branches of priests—Light and Shadow. Both sides will compete for power, and the most capable shall rise. What does the High Priestess think?"
A cold light flashed in Tyrande's eyes. Andreas was striking at her very foundation.
"I think not. Elune has been worshipped by the people as the Moon Goddess since the birth of the Night Elves. Now you demand an extra faction in the church... it's inappropriate, isn't it?"
"No, no, it is very appropriate."
Andreas smiled warmly. "After all, this is the intention of Elune herself. The moon also has two sides, light and shadow. Why don't we..."
A meaningful smile curled the corners of his mouth as Andreas proposed, "We ask Elune for instructions together and see what she says?"
The muscles near Tyrande's jaw bulged; clearly, she was gritting her teeth to suppress her violent temper.
"...No need. Then we shall try running it this way for now."
Andreas's words had struck Tyrande's sore spot. Moreover, she knew very well that Elune indeed possessed a duality of light and shadow. If they truly took the matter to the Goddess, she definitely wouldn't receive much support.
"Very well, then it's settled. Celeste, organize the records and turn them into a document for distribution."
"Yes."