Gou is a dark elf in Warhammer

The so-called proxy of the Phoenix Royal Court can be understood as a figure in the genealogy of night inspectors, governors, observers, prefects, and governors, but it is not entirely the same as any of them. The proxy does not have military power, which determines that its essence is closer to that of a high-ranking official, but it has more symbolic meaning and institutional weight than a simple administrative head.

The Agent is the direct embodiment of the Phoenix Royal Court in the local area.

Its authority did not stem from local elections, aristocratic consensus, or military prestige, but entirely and thoroughly from the royal court's grant and endorsement. Within a province, the acting governor was the highest administrative official, responsible for overseeing all non-military affairs, including civil administration, economy, justice, and cultural development; his position was beyond question.

The absolute separation of military power is one of the core design features of this system.

The acting military commander does not possess any form of command or mobilization authority over the army, nor even the power to recruit soldiers. Local defense and military forces are entirely controlled by a military command system independent of the administrative system. This deliberate separation ensures a clear distinction between civilian and military affairs, preventing local officials from abusing their military power to create regional separatism.

When it comes to security matters, the agent must coordinate with the local military commander. Their role is more that of a supporter and integrator, providing civil resources and logistical support, but they have no authority to issue any orders to the military.

The military and the government are clearly separated here.

In terms of specific functions and power structure, the authority of the proxy is clear and extensive.

In the areas of civil and judicial affairs: the agent is responsible for tax collection, public works, education system, public health, and non-military local security matters.

In terms of economy and culture: their role is not only to maintain operations, but also to actively shape them. The agents lead economic development planning, promote trade, regulate key industries, and at the same time act as protectors and promoters of culture, slowly and continuously embedding the values, systems, and aesthetics recognized by the Phoenix Royal Court into the social structure while preserving local traditions.

Regarding supervision and reporting: The acting officer has the authority to supervise, assess, and recommend appointments and removals of all non-military officials within the jurisdiction, and is only responsible to the Phoenix Royal Court, reporting the local situation regularly and directly.

In terms of symbolism and ritual: the executor presides over important local celebrations and religious ceremonies, serving as a visible embodiment of the royal court's will. Through these highly ritualized occasions, the people's identification with the Phoenix Royal Court is continuously strengthened, making the royal court no longer a distant, abstract concept, but a concrete, tangible, and revered existence.

In essence, this is an extension of the current Ashrey model, only the name and hierarchy have changed.

In terms of administrative planning, Eichriel is designated as a "region", while Charis is a "province" under its jurisdiction.

Currently, there are two major regions in the system: Ausuan and Eichriel; in the future, as the territory and influence expand, other major regions such as Aubian, Elsin Alvin, and Nehkara will be established successively.

But Ausuan is an exception.

Osuan does not have a regional-level administrative unit.

As the core and birthplace of elven civilization, it was explicitly designated as a directly administered region of the Phoenix Royal Court. Its provincial representatives were directly responsible to the Royal Court, with no intermediate layers of administration. This design deliberately avoided redundant administrative structures in the core area, ensuring that the Royal Court's will reached the local areas with the fastest speed and least loss.

Logically, this is similar to the direct administration of the capital region or directly governed areas by certain empires.

Therefore, the position of acting official is essentially a high-ranking civil official whose symbolic and supervisory functions have been greatly strengthened, and a reconstruction of the ancient governor who has been completely stripped of his military power.

This entire system clearly and calmly reflects the core direction pursued by the Elven regime built by Darkus in the post-war stage: centralization, checks and balances, assimilation of civilizations, and efficient and sustainable governance.

As for the system of officials serving in different locations...

I can't do it, I really can't do it at this stage.

The current situation is simply insufficient to support this idealized system of bureaucratic rotation. The war ended abruptly before it even truly began, and many local structures and existing networks of relationships remain intact.

If the war continues with such ferocity that it changes the landscape, and ultimately ends in ruins and bloodshed, then appointing officials from other regions will naturally follow. This is because local powers will have already been completely wiped out by the flames of war, and the old, deeply entrenched networks will have been reduced to ashes. Any official dispatched by the royal court will only need to draw on a blank canvas.

But now, that kind of 'emptying' has not happened.

The ancient family networks, local identities, and existing power structures of the Kingdom of Caledon and many other regions remain intact, and even appear more solid and self-consistent due to the "absence" of war.

In this context, forcibly parachuting in a representative with no connection to the local area, lacking emotional and historical ties, is tantamount to implanting a foreign object into a still-functioning organism. The result is almost predictable: not direct conflict, but rather a dense, stubborn, silent yet persistent rejection.

Such a rule, besides creating friction and attrition, does nothing to benefit the overall situation.

So... let's not get involved in any cross-regional government appointments for now.

Given the current realities, pragmatism is more important than idealistic institutional design.

After Ellesander and Rahil stayed in Lorthorn for three days, Dakous arranged a ship to send them, along with a group of prisoners of war with special status, back to their homeland of Caledon.

After the Battle of Lorthorn ended and Imrek stepped into the Holy Flame, Elisande naturally became the new banner of the conservative camp.

Before his departure, Dacules made him a crucial and weighty promise—Elesander would serve as the acting governor of the province of Caledo.

In other words, the flag has fallen.

The biggest, most dazzling, and most vibrant flag has fallen.

Therefore, this appointment is by no means a compromise or a concession to the old forces, but a meticulous calculation based on realpolitik, and its necessity is reflected on multiple levels.

First, there is the seamless integration of bloodline legitimacy.

Elisande is Imrek's cousin and carries the direct blood of the dragon tamer Caledor. In an elven society that highly values ​​bloodlines, heritage, and historical continuity, especially in the proud and conservative kingdom of Caledor, having a true descendant as the highest administrator is sufficient to appease the emotions of the local nobles and people to the greatest extent possible. It gives the new order a legitimate cloak of continuation rather than conquest.

He's one of us, not an outsider.

Secondly, there is the proven ability to govern effectively.

Elisande was no ordinary man who rose to prominence solely through bloodline. During Imrek's reign, he shouldered the heavy responsibility of governing the kingdom and implementing its policies. His administrative skills, financial management abilities, and accurate grasp of the complex situation in Caledon had been proven over the long years.

Appointing him was tantamount to directly employing a ready-made consul who was familiar with everything, required no adjustment period, and could function immediately. This ensured that Caledo could smoothly transition from the wartime state to postwar governance, avoiding a power vacuum and institutional upheaval.

Furthermore, this is a concrete expression of the trust placed in the Phoenix Royal Court.

This appointment itself sent a clear and strong political signal: obedience and ability would be rewarded, and those who chose to cooperate would occupy their rightful place in the new order. Elisander's choice at this crucial juncture made him an ideal role model. Through him, Darkus could maintain indirect and stable control over Caledo without immediately investing huge resources in direct repression or radical reform.

At the same time, this is also a realistic option to avoid provoking a backlash of localism.

Without a complete reset of the local political landscape due to the war, forcibly appointing officials from other regions would only trigger unpredictable chain reactions. Appointing Elisander, however, cleverly absorbed and transformed potential discontent, anxiety, and resistance into adaptive cooperation with the new system. He was both an ally of Caledor and an agent of the Phoenix Court; this dual identity naturally formed a buffer, firmly binding the local and the royal court together.

Therefore, appointing Elisander as acting governor, given his current position, was not a stopgap measure, but rather the most politically astute choice made after a profound understanding of the realities of the situation. It ensured that the crucial province of Caledo could integrate into the new governing framework with minimal disruption and at the fastest possible speed.

What Dakota needed was never a completely new drawing created with unfamiliar brushstrokes. What he wanted was a work meticulously revised by a familiar hand according to a brand-new blueprint.

And Elisander was the perfect person to write these revisions.

The Kingdom of Kaledo is like a crystal in a MOBA game.

Now that the crystal has been destroyed, the other defensive towers...

News has arrived from the Kingdom of Elion that Alandil Swiftwin has committed suicide. (Introduced in Chapter 718)

According to Dakos, Alandir's suicide was not a rout after an emotional breakdown, but a political self-purification that was carefully weighed and made almost cruelly calm.

An embodiment of unquenchable hatred.

His personal disability and the sudden break in his fate are tangible wounds inflicted by Dulcine, wounds that time cannot erase; he himself is a monument to the still-breathing hatred of the past. That fundamental antagonism is completely incompatible with the new order of 'integration' that Darkus attempted to construct, both in concept and in reality. As long as he lives, as long as his name is still mentioned in hushed or aloud voices, he remains a stubborn, silent, yet highly compelling banner of resistance in the Kingdom of Elion and in the hearts of all those who hate Dulcine.

The last standard-bearer of the spirit of the old era.

Even crippled, he used chariots instead of horses, his wheels carving out the tracks of knights across the land; even with constant pain, he steadfastly fulfilled his lord's wartime duties. He poured almost all his personal wealth into building his army, using gold, silver, and unwavering will to uphold the ancient and proud military traditions of Elion. He represented an old-fashioned spirit of kingdom independence, centered on honor, fueled by hatred, and rooted in military self-reliance.

This is precisely the opposite of the path of "integration, collaboration, and obedience" that Phoenix Royal Court expects.

A sober realist.

His suicide was not a desperate fall, but a rational choice made after fully understanding the situation. After the flag fell and the crystal shattered, he knew very well that Elion's isolated resistance no longer had any realistic possibility; destruction was only a matter of time and manner. Rather than being defeated, captured, humiliated, or forced to kneel in front of a crowd in future conflicts, he chose to put an end to his life's chapter while he still had dignity and could still control the outcome.

A political sacrifice made in exchange for a smooth transition for the kingdom.

According to the information that came through, he had arranged everything before committing suicide, completing the final arrangements with almost ruthless restraint, and clearly appointing Eldan as the new leader.

His death was not cowardice, but another form of cold and pragmatic "battle".

By purging himself, he completed the final sacrifice to the spirit of the old era; and in exchange for the survival of his kingdom in the new world, he secured the last and most important political arrangement, and won a relatively decent and relatively stable transition for the Kingdom of Elion and other families.

His death removed the most stubborn obstacle—the one most likely to ignite large-scale bloodshed—in the transition between the old and new orders, clearing the biggest hurdle for subsequent integration. Therefore, can Arandil's death, like Imrek's entry into the sacred flame, be seen as a symbolic and complete end?

It marks the final end of the old-fashioned resistance model, characterized by personal blood feuds, absolute military autonomy of the kingdom, and uncompromising stance towards Duruci, in the face of harsh political realities.

And the most likely successor of the Kingdom of Elion will be Eldan.
The transition of power and major decisions are never something that can be accomplished with a single word or order. News from the northern peninsula of the Kingdom of Elion indicates that nearly 100,000 Elion cavalrymen, gathered from all over the kingdom, crossed the Night White River. With thunderous hooves and banners obscuring the sky, this massive force was poised on the other side of the river, ready to charge Duruchi's defenses.

A tragic and heroic charge, like moths drawn to a flame?

However, in the end, this cavalry legion silently retreated to the opposite bank of the Night White River, then disappeared as if melting into the wind and the grassland. If it weren't for the clearly discernible crisscrossing hoofprints, one would almost doubt whether this force capable of shaking the course of the battle had ever truly existed.

Eldan played a crucial and irreplaceable role in this abrupt turn of events.

At the same time that Darkus left the Kingdom of Safre, he was secretly sent back to Elion. It can be said that he perfectly completed the task assigned by Darkus: he completed the crucial transition of power and nipped a devastating conflict that could have swallowed countless lives in the bud.

Ultimately, the so-called "high probability" still depends on how Eldan and his brother Kel'Thuzad, and their relationship with Riana, will resolve that complex and entangled personal feud.

There's nothing I can do; it's a private matter.

This is an area that no macro-level laws or political agreements can directly interfere with.

The possibilities and outcomes are chaotic and unpredictable, even Tzeentch... doesn't know.

All Darkus could do was prepare several candidates in advance and include them one by one in the list of agents.

Inzhuo's name was on the list, but it remained merely a name. He had not even communicated with Inzhuo in any way regarding this matter; personal wishes must be fully respected.

What if Indra ultimately chooses to return to Asoro?
In contrast, the choice of the acting governor of the province of Tyranlock was almost a foregone conclusion; it was destined to be Gilead. His background, lineage, and the role he played in the new era made him an impeccable and optimal solution, stable and reasonable, with no one able to find fault with him.

Province of Nagarus?

Dakous was unaware of how Malekith had negotiated with Aris.

All he knew was that both of them were still alive.

Malekith's appearance in Charis was a fact already confirmed by the intelligence system; while the news that Aris was still alive was conveyed to him by Lilith through a dream.

Although Aris is still alive, he is destined never to become the Shadow Lord of Nagarius again. If this arrangement were to take place, the elite class of Duruci would likely erupt in uproar.

Nagareth, whether as a former kingdom or a future province, is ultimately the homeland and spiritual home of the Duruci. To allow a mortal enemy with whom they have fought for millennia, whose blood feud runs deep, to continue ruling this land?
At a sensitive time when the military is about to be disbanded and the power structure is facing restructuring and reshuffling, such a decision is tantamount to repeatedly rubbing salt into the most vulnerable and painful wounds.

Previously, Darkus had a private discussion with Malekith about how to handle Aris should such a situation arise. Darkus's idea was to send Aris to Elsin Alvin. Although Ashnil was long dead, that didn't prevent Aris from rekindling the dreams and possibilities that continent had once given him—the dreams and possibilities of his youth.

As for a specific destination, he preferred Aiso Talarion.

He simply didn't know whether Malekith had mentioned this destination during their conversation.

As for the agents of the Nagarius province...

It definitely can't be Malekith. He is the Phoenix King. If he were to also act as the representative of a province, it would be a complete regression in the system, and he would be personally dismantling the newly established centralized and checks-and-balances system of the royal court.

Although it wasn't discussed publicly, after repeated deliberations in private, the most likely candidate was probably Hagrid Graves Nightdudedraka.

Among the Night Watchers, Walter is undoubtedly the strongest in terms of governance ability and seniority, but the problem is that he has to manage the entire Ashriel region.

In addition, Walter was constantly throwing a tantrum.

This outburst wasn't out of disloyalty, nor was it a secret plot to do anything malicious; it was simply that Walter simply, utterly, didn't want to do it anymore. It was a weariness and deterioration that slowly seeped from the depths of his bones after a long career, a state where even his will itself began to refuse to continue burning.

Thinking of this, Darkus couldn't help but sigh, his fingers unconsciously rising to scratch his hair. The thought of these intricate, interconnected personnel arrangements gave him a real headache. Nothing could be more exhausting, because simultaneously balancing human nature, history, grudges, and the still-unformed future.

"how?"

Finnubar revealed a somewhat amused expression. He understood Darkus, knew what the other was thinking at the moment, and was even more aware of the weight behind that dilemma.

Darkus shook his head, revealing a slightly helpless wry smile, then pulled his thoughts out of that tangled mess and changed the subject.

Have you reached an agreement on your end?

“Iris and Kosquie, maintain the status quo.” Finnubal gave an affirmative answer first, then added in a slightly tentative tone, “As for Itaien… Toharen?”

Dakos did not respond immediately, but fell into thought.

Iris and Cosquere remain unchanged, which means that Moralion and D'Arolan will naturally complete their role transition, becoming the agents of their respective provinces and continuing to rule the lands they have long known and cultivated.

In the current political landscape, this hardly requires much thought or consideration. As the most steadfast and earliest allies and supporters of the Truc camp, it is only natural that they would receive such a reward.

Moreover, their abilities and the profound influence they have accumulated in the local community are truly irreplaceable, let alone surpassable.

As for that repeatedly mentioned, almost idealistic system of appointing officials to positions in other regions...

Darkus shook his head inwardly. He didn't have the obsession with absolute unification or the bureaucratic rotation of rulers. His core needs remained clear and pragmatic: the localities must submit to the rule of the Phoenix Court and serve the vast and far-reaching plan he was promoting.

As long as this can be achieved, whether the agent is a local or an outsider is not an inflexible rule.

The real key to achieving this obedience has never been the background of the candidate, but the complete stripping away of military power.

As long as the acting ruler no longer controls the army and does not have the power to mobilize, command, or even recruit troops, then no matter how much prestige and influence they have in the local area, they are ultimately just a tree without roots, unable to escape the grasp of the Phoenix Royal Court. On the contrary, a local ruler who enjoys widespread support and is accepted by the local society is often able to implement the Royal Court's decrees more smoothly and stably, reduce friction, lower governance costs, and avoid unnecessary internal strife.

As for the so-called growing influence...

Dakos had a clear-headed, almost ruthless, understanding of this.

This is a problem that cannot be completely solved at all. It's as if strictly enforcing the policy of appointing officials to different locations would truly solve the problem once and for all.

In reality, officials are merely cultivating relationships in a different location. Over the years, new ties of interest and new power networks will inevitably take root and flourish. What truly matters is never these formal arrangements, but whether the top-level design possesses sufficient checks and balances, and whether the disciplinary blade, ready to fall at any moment, truly exists and is sharp enough.

What he built was never a utopia that operated on its own based on an idealized system.

Rather, it is a real machine driven by the absolute concentration of core power, the firm control of key resources, and clear and enforceable reward and punishment rules.

The agents can be local powerful figures with deep roots, but the source of their power, the boundaries of their actions, and their ultimate fate must be tied to the Phoenix Royal Court.

“Whether it’s Tohalen, or Arslan, Ivarn…” Darkus shrugged, his movements relaxed and casual, as if the differences between these candidates were irrelevant in his eyes.

Toharen hails from Angriel, the second largest city in Ithaaine; Arslan represents the deeply entrenched nobility of Lorthene; and Ivaren, based in the southwest, is a typical local power. They each represent different regional and social networks within Ithaaine, each with its own support and influence.

In Darkus's view, Etein needed to appoint a proxy, and these three individuals possessed the background, ability, and influence to fulfill this responsibility. The choice was more of a strategic adjustment than a directional decision.

He and Malekith had already reached an agreement that the Phoenix Court would continue to be located in Lor'then, in accordance with tradition. As for Tal Anlek, the capital of Nagareth, even if it was destined to be rebuilt on ruins, the Phoenix Court would never move there.

This involves a complex balancing act between political symbolism, geographical influence, historical entanglements, and future blueprints, which cannot be explained in a single sentence.

This is why Etein's status became exceptionally special.

It is not only the capital region, but also the capital region within the capital region. It is the core hinterland of the entire regime's operation and an irreplaceable absolute base.

This place doesn't need a powerful figure who challenges authority or asserts personal will; it only needs a steward who can maintain stable operations, act cautiously, and faithfully execute orders. As long as the Phoenix Court remains in Lorthorn, who Itaien's proxy is is less important than whether he can avoid making mistakes.

"What I'm more concerned about is Nan Iris."

After a moment of silence, Dakota finally spoke, shifting the topic to another, more delicate area that required even greater caution.

“Aragalen?” Finnubar immediately replied.

The very appearance of this name points to the crux of the South Iris problem. (End of Chapter)