Kovak's brow furrowed even deeper, and the room fell into silence, the breathing of the two Dragonkin clearly audible.
He scrutinized Kael with sharp eyes, as if trying to pierce through the young Red Dragonkin's exterior to see his true intentions.
"Just with those adventurers you brought?" Kovak's voice was low. "Fifty people, perhaps a decent adventuring party."
"But you're going to the capital city of the High Elf, facing a magical kingdom that has been passed down for thousands of years."
"Your meager force, in the eyes of their Magus Corps, is no different from being unarmed. Once a conflict breaks out, even self-preservation will be difficult."
Hearing Kovak say this, Kael felt a little worried, but he forced himself to stand firm and meet Kovak's gaze.
"But we are also an empire that has been passed down for thousands of years."
His words were meant to convince both Kovak and himself.
"We represent not only New Voljin, but also the Drakkari Kingdom, the Dragonborn Empire, and the will of the Dragon God."
"If the rank is too low, they will look down on us and think we lack sincerity."
"With me leading the Dragon God's priest, the Kingdom's representative—" Kael saw Kovak's suspicious gaze and had to explain further, "I was entrusted by the Kingdom to come here to spread the faith, so I can at least be considered a representative."
"In short, my identity is just right. Not too high, not too low, most suitable for an envoy to the Elven Kingdom."
He paused, then added, trying to reassure Kovak further:
"Moreover, aren't there the envoys you sent out before?"
"With their help, you can rest assured."
Kovak was silent for a moment, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table, his gaze shifting between Kul Tiras and QuelThalas.
Finally, he let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders relaxing slightly.
"You've convinced me, kid." He looked up, his eyes still serious, but with a hint of helplessness. "Not because your reasons are flawless, but because I really can't spare anyone more suitable."
"New Voljin needs me, and only your identity is sufficient to serve as a formal envoy."
Kovak stood up, walked to a crude wooden cabinet, and took out a sealed scroll.
"This is a copy of the official diplomatic document drafted earlier. Take it to prove your identity and mission."
He handed both items to Kael. "I will also write you a private letter explaining the situation, but whether it can reach the Elven King depends on your ability."
"Remember, Kael," Kovak's tone was extremely solemn, "your primary task is to probe the Elves' attitude towards an alliance and to put as much pressure as possible on the Amani Trolls on land."
"Spreading the faith—the time is not right. Do not rush it, as causing resentment will only backfire. Everything must prioritize the safety of New Voljin."
"I understand." Kael took the tokens, his heart beating faster with responsibility and anticipation.
A few days later, the envoys Kovak had previously sent to QuelThalas returned to New Voljin.
The news they brought back was disheartening—the High Elf' border guards were extremely vigilant. They weren't even allowed to cross the runestone barrier, let alone enter the heart of Eversong Forest.
The other party merely coldly recorded their intentions and names, then gestured for them to leave.
This outcome was not beyond Kael's expectations. He remembered that the High Elf of Sendarra Autonomous City also had similar arrogance.
They would only treat him differently after learning that Kael was a priest of the Dragon God.
Of course, Kael always deliberately forgot to emphasize that he was an apprentice priest. After a brief rest, Kael led his fifty-man team and invited the envoy who was familiar with the northern sea route to serve as a guide.
They boarded a fleet of several fishing boats together and set sail again, heading north along the coastline of the Eastern Kingdoms continent.
These fishing boats were spared because they were still fishing offshore on the night of the attack.
This voyage was not long, and as the ships gradually approached QuelThalas, the sea breeze became warmer.
They finally anchored in a natural harbor, then took small boats ashore.
The envoy pointed to the distant forest boundary that shimmered with a strange luster in the sunlight:
"Lord Kael, that is the southern border of QuelThalas; Aurelian Forest is just ahead. We were stopped here last time."
Kael nodded, regrouped his team, and walked towards the land known as the "Eternal Spring."
Aurelian Forest was less a town and more a highly militarized border outpost.
Most of the buildings here were constructed of wood and stone, with an overall white color scheme, and in the center of the town, a massive runestone carved with profound magical patterns stood tall.
The entire forest was orderly, so clean that there was hardly a trace of clutter.
Arches and window sills were carved with floral and vine patterns, showcasing the unique artistic taste of the Elves, but the overall atmosphere exuded a cold, unapproachable aura.
Golden leaves rustled in the breeze, the grass was green, and the climate was warm and pleasant.
However, beneath this beautiful facade, a tense standoff was triggered by the arrival of Kael and his companions.
As Kael and his party approached the outskirts of the forest, they were intercepted by a squad of Elven rangers clad in green-brown leather armor and armed with longbows.
Their movements were swift and silent, their eyes sharp as eagles, filled with scrutiny and suspicion.
The interrogation process was strict and prolonged.
Kael's official documents were repeatedly checked, and the race, origin, and purpose of each team member were meticulously recorded.
Although the Elven guards' attitude could be considered polite, it was tinged with coldness, carrying a condescending sense of detachment.
Finally, they were permitted to enter the outer area of Aurelian Forest but were told not to wander freely and to await the final decision of the highest commander there.
After a long wait in an open space, an Elven officer approached, surrounded by a squad of rangers.
He was tall and well-built, with a handsome but stern face, golden hair meticulously tied back, and sharp, emotionless eyes.
The Sunwing crest of QuelThalas was engraved on his breastplate.
"I am Salric Dawnforge, Ranger Captain of Aurelian Forest." His voice was calm, speaking in Thalassian. "I am aware of your intentions, Dragonkin from New Voljin."
His gaze swept over Kael and his team, lingering for a moment on their scales, weapons, and the holy emblems of the priests, his brow slightly furrowed.
The translator next to Salric had a look of disgust and was about to translate the captain's words into crude Trollish.
However, he was interrupted by Kael, "No need, I speak your Elven language."
Due to the influence of the Drakkari Kingdom, the most common languages among the Dragonkin were Trollish and Draconic, passed down from Neltharion.
Therefore, the original envoys used Trollish when communicating with these Elves.
A slight look of surprise appeared on Salric's face, then he returned to his stern demeanor. "Very well, it seems you still have civilized people among you."
"But our decision will not change because of this."
"The Kingdom thanks you for the intelligence regarding the movements of the Amani Trolls."
His tone was very indifferent, very official. "But QuelThalas is capable of handling its own border affairs. We have done so for thousands of years."
"Silvermoon City will never receive uninvited foreign envoys, especially beings of your unique identity."
"The Kingdom's security does not allow for any potential risks. I advise you to return to your ships immediately and stay away from our shores."
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