Pillar of Yita

The twilight is not over yet, yet the streets have already started to gather crowds. The atmosphere of the celebration seems to spread silently and invisibly.

Of course, this Desert Day celebration is far less lively and noisy than what he witnessed during the Winter Festival in Dulun - the Istania People seem to have their own unique view on celebrations. On the dust-covered streets, there are only sporadic passers-by, each holding a glowing Crystal, quietly gathering towards the Royal Palace - like a Light Dragon in the darkness.

People often place fire, dryness, and heat in the same context. Similarly, fire has a special meaning in desert culture, as if it’s inherited from the creation myth of the Xinsas Serpentfolk - the world is born from fire and all things will eventually perish in a great fire.

Fire is sacred, the Holy Emblem of Androma, and candlelight becomes its symbol. In the past, the Desert People always carried candlelight to such celebrations, but after many fires, it gradually changed to Light Crystal, with fire and light complementing each other, like twins.

Walking in such a flow of light allows one to clearly feel the distinctness of Istania’s culture.

But Fang Hong walked aimlessly towards the Royal Palace, without any particular thought, only repeatedly pondering over the earlier conversation with Bishop Faris.

...

What was the specific reason he accepted the commission from Princess Rupert?

Of course, it was a matter of mutual benefit.

What else could the Invoker’s completion of a commission mean?

More specifically, it should be for the Seven Seas Traveler, or to further say - to fulfill a long-promised commitment to a Madam.

A face of pleasant smiling appeared involuntarily in his mind, with serene and beautiful eyes that seemed to be calmly sleeping like a Princess, with roses and thorns that should spread in that dream. But she merely smiled faintly, everything transformed into the enchanting sunlight of the afternoon, like a book opened between tea sets, delicate words filled with gentleness.

He never thought a person could occupy such an important position in his heart.

It seems unconsciously, he has become accustomed to each other’s presence.

He gently brushed his collar, as if that delicate hand was still there -

Fang Hong’s heart was filled with an uncontrollable restlessness and unease, feeling more like a drifting lonely boat, rising and falling during these days - recklessness and impulsiveness, worry and anxiety coexisting, yet forced to remain calm momentarily. All the while knowing that this is merely his delusion - even if temporarily losing other people’s news, there is little chance of any danger befalling them.

Or perhaps this remains of sanity restrains him from making any outrageous move, but as days pass, he truly wonders how long he can pretend at all.

Without realizing, Fang Hong sighed lightly.

After sighing, he suddenly paused.

Has he really worried to this extent?

But after these thoughts passed through his mind one by one, he returned to the previous question. He certainly understood Bishop Faris’s purpose for this question wasn’t this answer.

For Adventurers, completing tasks doesn’t require any special reason.

”But surely there must be some factors in choosing, right—”

In the Grand Hall, Faris’s eyes shimmered with a faint glow, in those light brown, aged eyes, it is challenging for others to hide any genuine secret. ”Would Adventurers also carry out commissions involving murder, arson, or immoral acts without hesitation?”

”Of course,” Fang Hong felt that this question from the other party was purely redundant. ”The Adventurers’ Guild also...”

”But such Adventurers certainly exist, right?”

Fang Hong paused, was the other party hinting at something?

But the Old Bishop looked at him with a slight smile, seemingly not intending to accuse.

He thought for a moment, then slowly nodded: the unscrupulous exist everywhere, Adventurers are no nobler than other professions, some even vary more widely.

But the Seven Seas Travel Group would never be like that.

Suddenly, Fang Hong understood the implication of the other party.

The contracting parties indeed choose each other, and he has the right to accept or refuse the commission. One reason for valuing this task is, of course, its generous remuneration. But more importantly, even if it were not the Grand Princess - just a daughter of a common family, resentful over the mysterious death of her mother, demanding past malicious individuals be held accountable - isn’t this entirely reasonable?

Essentially, it is precisely because of his agreement and understanding, he accepted this task.

And after hearing Fang Hong’s answer, Faris’s gaze smiled faintly:

”So you believe that your choice is justified, and thus agree to the Princess’s request, right?”

”I wouldn’t call it justice,” Fang Hong replied. ”But at least it’s not wrong, isn’t it?”

”Why are you so sure?”

What else could it be?

It neither violates the Stargate Declaration, nor Istania’s law, and doesn’t go against universally recognized values.

Mutual benefit might not be noble, but at least it’s not wrong, isn’t it?

But Bishop Faris remained indifferent, pointing this out: ”But Istania’s laws are written by the King of Sand, today you haven’t violated them, what about tomorrow? Besides, Ade, now you stand in the crevice between the King of Sand and the Princess, if they turn against each other, whom will you support?”