Pillar of Yita

”Three years ago, where was it?”

”Of course, it was within the castle, during the Sand Festival before last.”

The first person sounded somewhat surprised, as if recalling something: ”The Sand Festival from three years ago, wasn’t it...?”

”Hush.”

The second person lowered their voice: ”It’s good that you understand. The City Lord and all of them work for that lord, so engaging in some small-scale cooperation is only natural. As servants, we just need to hear less, see less, and do more.”

He spoke earnestly: ”Seriously, these aren’t things you need to worry about. Why waste your efforts on such matters? By the way, has your wife given birth? You’d be better off thinking of ways to get some benefits from the steward. That’s what truly matters.”

Only then did the first person nod.

The two of them then dropped the topic and ceased discussing it, turning instead to chat about some trivial urban rumors. Fang Hong listened, confused, as if in a fog, given that if what they discussed was true, the nominal owner of this place, the lord of this military fortress—Count Nulman—ought to be loyal to Barbaltan, the King of Sand; but due to reasons known to many, it’s merely a titular loyalty.

Speaking of this Lord Earl, the true allegiance of Bain’s city lord should be to himself. However, listening to the two converse, Count Nulman seems to be serving an even higher-status figure behind the scenes. Not only that, but even the Arcanists of the ’Eye of Revelation’ are serving this ’lord.’

All this is even more absurd, as it’s commonly known that the Arcanists and the Royal House of Penelope never interfere with each other. Their operations in Tansnier Region are distinct, which can be glimpsed from their attitude toward the Grand Princess. As for another high-ranking, influential figure in the Istania desert that can command both the Earl and the Arcanists of the ’Eye of Revelation’...

Fang Hong really couldn’t fathom such a figure.

Of course, there’s a possibility of someone like the ’Wanderer,’ but merely having one Wanderer in this world is already astounding. And now, there appear to be two such shadowy figures behind Colin Ishurian; Fang Hong thinks not even a legendary novel would dare write such a scenario.

The crucial question is, if such a person truly exists, would he be aware of the Wanderer’s existence?

For now, he couldn’t discern the authenticity of the news, but other information disclosed in the servants’ conversation caught his attention—seemingly, the Arcanists don’t reside here long-term but pass by occasionally, yet both parties should maintain a mutual understanding. Moreover, not many Arcanists arrived this time, and according to the description, a portion of them had left the previous day. Although he didn’t know their destination, it was undoubtedly good news for him.

It wasn’t clear whether the ’leader’ mentioned by them was the Arcanist he previously crossed paths with, but Fang Hong guessed that person might be the ’Lord Ebene’ the young girl spoke of, possibly one of the three Hall Guard Sorcerers of the ’Eye of Revelation.’ If both referred to the same individual, then it wasn’t just good news for him, but rather, exceptionally good news.

Though Arcanists are undoubtedly difficult opponents, they weren’t entirely unmanageable, at least not as desperate as when confronting that specific individual.

Fang Hong silently noted these messages, watching the two men leave the warehouse from a shadowed spot, then turn and close the door. The second person asked, ”Did you lock it well?” The first person nodded, and only then did they leave. Fang Hong watched them walk away, waited a while longer, and then appeared from the darkness. After further ensuring the duo wouldn’t return, he moved to the door.

This time Nini didn’t have to climb up herself; he held the little one in his palm and let her unlock it. Then Fang Hong lightly tapped her small head and whispered praise, which thrilled our Miss Fang Nini so much she squeaked excitedly, eager to find ten more locks to unlock for ’Papa.’

Fang Hong placed the little one on his shoulder and entered the warehouse, his final stop in the Inner Court. The security ahead was becoming tighter. Although he hadn’t found the exact location of the remaining people, he decided not to venture further; being discovered would outweigh the gains.

As for Gita’s situation, Miss Tata had confirmed it, making it the easiest target to locate, although it was near the Central District. Fang Hong planned to save the rescue of Miss Natural Historian for the final part of his plan.

His gaze swept through the warehouse, first spotting his Alchemist’s coat tossed aside, as if rolled in a sandstorm, coated with dust. Fang Hong sighed, thinking these folks didn’t appreciate it since his ’Pride of the Lonely King’ was concealed beneath the coat, a controller glove of legendary level and therefore extremely valuable.

He picked up the coat, shook off the dust, wore it, and donned the ’Pride of the Lonely King,’ stretching his right hand, finally feeling a sense of assurance. He looked around again; most other items were piled haphazardly, showing a lack of concern by whoever stored them, treating them as mere junk. Or perhaps they grouped them together first, waiting for someone specialized to come and inspect.