Pillar of Yita

”Who is she?” The voice of the Dulun Regent is as icy as cold stone, hovering silently over the plaza.

Duke Modkaesar, draped in a thick fur cloak, holds the Holy Sword, standing in the chill wind, with an imperceptible frown. When the members of the Song of Ash began to suspect each other, he realized this was a well-orchestrated play by the opposing side, a courtly power play he knows well, yet the intentions of the black-clad Prime Minister in Colin Palace remain a mystery.

The Phoenix Crest on Dulun City’s tower, like the sword in his hand, has long weathered many storms. With an unusual calm, Duke Modkaesar keeps his silence, watching coldly from the sidelines.

The Dulun Regent straightens up, a hint of disdain irresistibly flashing in his eyes. From where Fang Hong stands, he can clearly observe the opposing side’s expression, and a sudden ominous foreboding flashes through his mind.

It’s as if a lightning bolt has split the darkness in his mind, revealing the only answer. He instinctively steps back, turns around, just catching Hilveld’s gaze, ”It’s...”

Hilveld’s eyes also express the same answer.

”Shh—”

A voice comes from behind them.

Fang Hong suddenly realizes, he turns around to find it’s the man from before, who remains calmly placid, merely raising a finger to them in a silent gesture of ’no’—had this person been eavesdropping all along? Fang Hong is shocked, surprised that he hadn’t noticed, especially since his Clockwork Fairy was nearby.

He vigilantly closes his mouth, his right hand in a metal glove slightly tightens, frowning as he watches the man.

Yet that man’s attention is not on them, his gaze passes over them to the center of the plaza. A boy from the Song of Ash stammers forth the answer:

”She... she says her name is Feyos...”

The plaza seems to freeze over with a layer of ice, the night temperature dropping below zero, as if even the torches are frozen, and gentle inhaling sounds ripple through the crowd.

”Could it be...”

”Wait a minute, why would Miss Feyos do such a thing?”

”This must be a slander, right?”

”These northerners are up to no good.”

”I heard the new King, Mr. Regent...”

”Keep your voice down.”

Upon uttering this name, the citizens react with stark contrast, whispering and anxious glances converge on the Regent like an undertow, surging beneath the surface.

The boy suddenly screams in pain, blood spurting from his forehead, struck by an unknown stone thrown at him. The City Defense Force stirs, turning back, only to see a dark mass of silent people—

No one knows who acted.

”Miss Feyos is a good person!”

”Stop your tricks, northerners!”

”Go back!”

Someone shouts from within the crowd.

And in that instant, the members of the Song of Ash, subdued, realize what happened.

They turn around, casting contemptuous glances at the traitor among them, and at that moment the City Defense Force also suddenly senses something amiss, exclaiming: ”What are you doing!?”

Yet they are destined to grasp only air.

One after another, beams of white light rise from the plaza, exactly thirteen in number. As the last person fades into a point of light, they leave only one sentence: ”Royde, just you wait.”

The boy suddenly shivers.

At some point, more and more people have gathered in the plaza.

The Dulun Regent frowns slightly, looks back towards his target, a short boy—who is just now retracting his gaze from the Phoenix Soul, dark eyes seemingly reflecting a layer of golden light.

And facing his gaze, the boy responds calmly.

He gazes into those dark eyes and shivers despite himself. Bewildered for a moment before regaining his composure, thinking it’s no surprise people say this guy is a freak.

He steels himself before looking towards the Duke.

”I don’t know about your northerners’ customs,” Duke Modkaesar looks at the boy indifferently, speaks: ”But in the South, we first punish the traitor.”

The Dulun Regent easily hears the sarcasm in his words, he grunts sullenly, replies only: ”That’s not important, Duke, what’s important is truth and falsehood.”

”I imagine that’s what His Majesty intends...”

The Duke then falls silent.

And the Phoenix on the statue lowers its head, nodding slightly.

In the cold wind, there’s an incredible sensation among the people, a profound feeling of betrayal, as if what they hold dear and their faith had at this moment turned against them.

That is the symbol of the Southern Region, yet how could they side with these detestable northerners?

They have no firsthand experience of the Invoker, but during the trial of the Song of Ash, they were not so incredulous. But now, as the opposing side points its spear towards the South, they realize they’ve lost a reliable ally.

This time, the Invokers in the plaza seem to also choose neutrality.

Yet beneath the calm surface, undercurrents lurk.

The Duke’s second son may not be respected, but Feyos is well-known in the city, frequently helping others when she’s outside, many recognize this kind-hearted girl.

The Dulun Regent and Duke Modkaesar exchange glances, then turn around, speaking: ”What are her features, what does she look like?”

The plaza falls silent.

Fang Hong seems about to step forward, but Hilveld pulls him back. ”There is a conspiracy within, Hilveld—” Fang Hong’s tone carries some anger, anger at the despicable betrayal and the Prime Minister’s faction’s blind methods.

From the reappeared Loshelle, he senses the scent of conspiracy, Shadow Throne personnel still stand leisurely in the plaza as if already the victorious side.