Pillar of Yita

”The roster of administrative staff from Holite Academy thirty years ago, over half of them were Dragon Worshippers, including quite a few who have never been justly punished, as well as several other names listed within,” she explained vaguely.

”Have you always been investigating this matter?” Fang Hong asked, quite surprised.

But the Elf Princess shook her head gently and, glancing at Hilveld beside her, said, ”What we are investigating is different from what you are looking into, but I suggest you don’t ask too deeply. Even though this one is a handful, I wouldn’t want her to get involved too much.”

The Lady Noble couldn’t help but cover her mouth and chuckle softly.

Fang Hong, however, frowned slightly, ”Magus, I’ve heard that name.”

Princess Briana looked at him, a bit surprised, ”This person is the King’s Imperial Censor, a firsthand witness to the disaster in Dolifen thirty years ago, and one of the few survivors. But thirty years on, he is no longer the man he once was. If you have to deal with him, it’s best to be careful.”

Fang Hong was stunned for a moment, not expecting that the person Mazak wanted him to deliver the Ring of Golden Flame and the letter to was such a figure of the kingdom.

If it hadn’t been for his experiences in the Phantom Realm, he might have thought this person was a reclusive Dragon Slayer.

What kind of secrets could be hidden in this?

From the tone of Her Highness, this man must have been one of the important officials during the former King’s time. He couldn’t help but think about the influence and status of Traveler’s Rest in the Traveler’s Swamp, where even the Black Goat Commerce Association could only offer economic support.

Could it be that such a person was backing it in the political arena of the kingdom?

He pondered many things at once, but Princess Briana then said, ”Alright, I just came to ask you all if everything has been checked and counted?”

She looked at the others with eyes green as emeralds, ”Is the wealth count finished?”

”Apart from those ill-gotten goods,” Fang Hong answered, ”there are basically no issues.”

The ’treasure’ Tianlan and Gita had found would not be a problem if unknown to outsiders, but these items may still conceal secrets about the Dragon Worship Sect and Dolifen.

Princess Briana proposed that the ledger and part of the wealth be handed over to the Artisan Association, as it would benefit their search for the truth behind the events of Dolifen.

The suggestion sounded reasonable, but it’s painful for anyone to cut into their own flesh, and Fang Hong was no exception. Had not the tragedy of Dolifen been so closely linked to the death of Atira’s brother, he might not have been willing to go along with the proposal.

As for now, he simply had to pinch his nose and bear it—

Fortunately, the clever Elf Princess, even though she represented Colin Ishurian in an official capacity, wasn’t the kind who was completely detached from worldly affairs.

She obviously sensed Fang Hong’s caution.

”Those Gold Coins actually bear the mark of the kingdom’s mint, so you’ll have a hard time spending them. As for materials, other than the important ones that have been recorded at the Artisan Association, the rest can just be considered ’lost,’” she proposed.

”After all, the important thing is just that ledger, of course, don’t be too excessive. You’ve done a big favor for the Artisan Association; they’ll look the other way,” she added.

Parker, upon hearing this, couldn’t help but scream and jump up in excitement: ”Hooray!”

Fang Hong also breathed a sigh of relief, and everyone else seemed somewhat pleased—even including Paladin Reed, the great Lion who was a follower of Marlan. After all, who can remain untouched by the world?

Isn’t there anyone in this world who doesn’t wish their pockets were a little fuller?

Princess Briana watched the group with a smile and shook her head, ”As long as everything’s in order, the Berio is ready. The dinghy will pick you up shortly so you can board.”

With these words, the room fell silent for a moment.

It was as if everyone suddenly realized that the time to say goodbye had come. Although most of them were heading to Golande together, there were still some who had to stay.

Unconsciously, Fang Hong’s gaze shifted to the older knight nearby.

The aged Knight simply smiled softly at the crowd, ”There is no feast that does not come to an end. I wish you all a smooth journey to Golande. If you have the chance, you might come back to Dolifen for a visit.”

”Mr. Knight...”

”Now, Ade,” Sir Roban looked at the young man, feeling somewhat emotional, ”I know you want to continue investigating what happened in Dolifen, especially since it’s related to the true cause of Lady Atira’s brother’s death. My advice is to prioritize keeping yourself safe, as the Dragon Worship Servant is a formidable opponent.”

He paused for a moment: ”If you need anything, come find me. Also, take this—I have a good-for-nothing son who might be able to help you out.”

He handed a letter to Fang Hong. Although Red Leaf had previously mentioned this to him, Fang Hong still felt dizzy seeing the name on the letter.

It was the legendary human hero, Sir Roban.

”Thank you, Mr. Diktat.”

”The one you should be thanking is me,” Princess Briana interjected with a wink, ”that was my idea.”

”And then, try to take the chance to see that ’human brat,’ right?” Hilveld teased with a twinkle in her eye.

The remark earned her a fierce glare and a fiery rebuttal:

”Shut up, you brat.”

...