Pillar of Yita

Reed came up from behind.

Fang Hong glanced at him, knowing that he must have something to say. The Big Catfolk only stroked the Copper Rings on his whiskers with a paw and began: ”Pursuing one’s inner truth is bound to face a thorny path; the independent path has never been smooth. The act of speaking out comes from a moment of courage, but afterward, it’s a long test of will and resilience. Have you thought it through, Ade?”

Fang Hong nodded.

The Big Catfolk placed his paw on Fang Hong’s shoulder and gently pressed: ”You’ve grown up.”

Parker was still recounting his glorious feat of leaving the young man speechless, while only Xiangzi and Ai Xiaoxiao listened intently. Luo Yu listened for a while before yawning, finding it clearly exaggerated. He turned to look at Fang Hong; the words from the Free Guild had profoundly impacted him.

What foundation was the Free Guild built upon? What did the Pioneer truly bring after the Stargate Era? Are the Free Summoners truly free and unfettered, or selfish and self-serving? Coming from Tabopolis, he’d only heard one-sided tales within the Guild, later encountering another perspective, but never had he felt as clear as now.

It was as if he suddenly realized what choice he should make. He decided in his heart that he would recount these words to Gita upon returning, as both shared similar backgrounds and his confusion was likely echoed in her own heart. What did Tabopolis truly symbolize, and what distinguished the Free Guild from the Commercial Alliance?

And what do the Chairman and Yugudola truly uphold? It seemed all expressed in this narrative.

The group walked back into the hall, Abed had already left, leaving only a mute servant to wait for them. Though he couldn’t speak, he skillfully conveyed his intentions through gestures and informed them the master had instructed him to lead them to dine within the inn.

Fang Hong was a bit surprised, but he could roughly guess it was arranged by Princess. He only waved his hand, indicating he had no intention to stay here. However, the mute servant gestured, telling them that if he failed to bring back the esteemed guests, he would certainly face severe punishment. ’Having said this,’ he looked at them with a plea in his eyes.

Such a method might not work on others, but Fang Hong was clearly surprised. He couldn’t help but look at the Big Catfolk, and Reed finally explained: ”This person, like Pasha, is a slave.” It gestured with a paw under its chin: ”They weren’t born mute, but were made this way.”

”Of course, this might have nothing to do with the Grand Princess,” the Big Catfolk continued: ”Immediately upon entering Tansnier, I made inquiries; she, the current King of Sand, and her younger sister — that little girl named Affia, all oppose the slave system. Although the appearance of the slave system was abolished twenty years ago, the slave trade still widely exists privately.

Nobles and princes of Istania, nostalgic for the old era, are in great numbers, and privately, many oppose Barbaltan’s measures. The Grand Princess tries to rescue these individuals, granting them identities of freedom, but once they leave this place, most often they might fall back into slavery.”

”So, are they dependent solely on survival here?” Fang Hong saw in the mute servant’s eyes the genuine reverence when the Grand Princess was mentioned, confirming the Big Catfolk’s words.

The Big Catfolk nodded.

He then asked: ”Since that’s the case, why impose severe punishments? We appreciate the Grand Princess’s intentions, but attending the banquet is not absolutely necessary, especially since we have our own matters.”

But the mute servant, hearing this, hurriedly gestured, conveying that allowing esteemed guests to leave without a gracious reception is definitely not the way of the Desert People. Particularly for the Royal House of Penelope, it would be extremely disrespectful.

”...Moreover, causing Princess and their King to lose face, Princess might not indeed punish him, but he would still punish himself.” The Big Catfolk translated each gesture meticulously, earning a nod from the mute servant and a look of gratitude. Evidently, the Lion Paladin translated the sign language quite accurately.

Fang Hong sighed; this was almost identical to Pasha.

Yet who could he blame? The Grand Princess handled everything without a single fault, the King of Sand Barbaltan stood irreproachable in position, and even his known spoilt and rude Affia Little Princess apparently had a straightforward and bold side. He now regretted somewhat his harsh tone that day; it appeared he had indeed mistakenly accused them.

Though Affia’s attitude towards Pasha at the time was still unacceptable to him.

Such was the misunderstanding borne from cognitive differences, an unavoidable matter. He was resolved, next time an opportunity arose, he would surely apologize to the other.

However, since they had said so, Fang Hong could not remain hardened and cause the hospitable host to lose face and offend them for no causative reason. He initially intended to explain personally to Abed about his genuine tasks, yet the mute servant told them that the innkeeper had already departed, and that they could freely leave after attending the banquet.

Fang Hong, unable to find an alternate plan, looked again at the Big Catfolk. The Lion Paladin stroked its whiskers, responding nonchalantly: ”It’s just a meal.”

”Alright then.”

Fang Hong didn’t bother to ask for Parker and Luo Hao’s opinions; they, hearing about a banquet, had eyes sparkling with anticipation. Especially the chubby one, who had just been passionately righteous, had now completely forgotten his previous words, almost dragging Fang Hong to attend the banquet.