CHAPTER 53: THE STEADFAST MONARCH

Upon entering Charles's room, the three companions wasted no time in engaging in friendly conversation. They were comrades who had fought together, and the atmosphere was relaxed.

Sean handed Charles two books on magic, one titled "Eversong Forest's Arcane Weave Structures" in Thalassian and the other titled "Introduction to Spatial Cognition and Teleportation."

"Thanks, Sean. I'll do my best to read through them in this half month," Charles said, acknowledging the gift.

He placed the books on a table within the room and intended to start reading them immediately after addressing more pressing matters.

Sean chuckled and offered some advice, "You don't need to rush through them. If you can't finish in time, you can always return later. And when it comes to teleportation, don't rush it. When you need to use it, it's best to come to Quel'Thalas and find me. Otherwise, you might end up in another world, and I won't take responsibility for that."

Sean had been busy lately, primarily selecting mages to take back to Dalaran, so this visit was essentially a brief farewell to the Ranger Corps. He hadn't planned to visit the Ranger Square separately today, so he took this opportunity to personally deliver the books.

Aware that Charles and Lireesa likely had important matters to discuss, Sean took his leave in a tactful manner.

With Sean gone, Charles didn't beat around the bush and directly broached the topic he had in mind.

"Lireesa, do you have any connections with the Church of the Holy Light in Stratholme?"

Lireesa nodded in response to Charles's question. "We do have some connections, though our relationship with the humans isn't particularly close. There's limited interaction, but is there something you need from them?"

Charles proceeded, "Remember the new profession I mentioned yesterday? I wish to discuss it with Archbishop Alonsus Faol."

Lireesa's initially casual expression changed immediately upon hearing this, and she sat up straight, asking with seriousness, "Do we have to inform the humans about this? Can't we create the new profession on our own? Do we lack the capability?"

Charles sighed in frustration. "You too? Well, I happened to hear some rumors from a human caravan passing through the southern forest. It seems that Archbishop Alonsus Faol wants to create a new profession that combines the characteristics of priests and warriors."

Charles wasn't making things up with his foresight abilities; he had heard similar rumors from a priest traveling with a human caravan last year. He simply didn't have as many details at that time.

"Combining priests and warriors?" Lireesa's eyes sparkled with interest upon hearing this, making Charles slightly taken aback.

'Did she also have such thoughts for a long time?'

Lireesa's desire for the new profession was evident, but it was clear that they hadn't found a way in yet. However, having hope and a potential lead meant they had a path to follow.

"I understand. Once I return, I'll use our family connections and reach out to the Church of the Holy Light in Stratholme. If there are any developments, I'll notify you immediately," Lireesa assured Charles.

Charles felt a sense of relief upon hearing her words. While Lireesa had mentioned Archbishop Alonsus Faol during their earlier conversation about his facial injury, it wasn't clear if there was a direct connection between them. However, her willingness to undertake this task indicated that she had some degree of certainty.

After expressing his gratitude to the female priest and personally seeing her off to her carriage, Charles returned to the room, ready to delve into the magical books. However, as he sat at the desk, he found his thoughts drifting back to his meeting with Anasterian the previous evening.

'It seems that the Sun King is not as inept as he appears on the surface.'

The extravagant and sycophantic Anasterian from the award ceremony in the morning and the wise and courteous Sun King from last night felt like two different people. Charles found it hard to believe that a person could switch personalities so drastically.

'So there's only one possibility left... he intentionally puts on the facade of being inept for the public to see.'

As for who this facade was meant for... it was quite evident. The high-ranking members of Quel'Thalas who were currently vying for power and influence.

Of course, it wasn't to say that Anasterian still possessed the same vigor he did in his youth. From their conversation last night, it was clear that the Sun King had a more conservative approach. For instance, regarding Dalaran, Charles couldn't believe that the high elven Sunstrider dynasty had no means to deal with it, especially considering the Sunwell.

They likely didn't want to take drastic actions and chose to handle the situation slowly. If they did decide to deal with Dalaran, it would most likely involve offering benefits to other council members for their support.

The reasons for dealing with Dalaran wouldn't be baseless either. With issues like questionable loyalties and conspiracy against the Sunwell, even a single reason would be enough to sway the high elves who held the Sunwell in high regard.

As for the matter of animal companions, it was indeed a challenge. Eversong Forest didn't naturally have the suitable creatures, but couldn't they capture and introduce animals from other places to reproduce in Quel'Thalas, just like the chocobos? These creatures were not native to the Eastern Kingdoms, yet they lived peacefully in Eversong Forest.

All in all, Anasterian, while not entirely inept, had a conservative approach. It wasn't necessarily a problem during peacetime, as many monarchs displayed similar tendencies. However, considering the turbulent times ahead...

'It's no wonder he becomes so stubborn later. Is it a common trait among older individuals?'

Charles couldn't help but think of the stubborn Chief Archmage of Dalaran, who had later ignored the warnings of his protege, Jaina Proudmoore, leading to the destruction of Dalaran and his own death.

It made Charles somewhat frustrated to see these older, entrenched leaders who refused to let go of their power and privileges.

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he returned his focus to the magical books borrowed from Sean. With his exceptional learning speed, reading through both books in half a month wouldn't be a problem. However, true understanding would require more time and effort.