Pillar of Yita

So those religious figures, they always speak in such a mysterious way, making it quite headache-inducing at times.

Lost in chaotic thoughts, Fang Hong only realized he had arrived at the Royal Palace area with the crowd when he came to—naturally, as Aleph mentioned, it was the outer area of the palace. After passing through the three guarded inner city gates, there was a rather spacious square behind them.

A royal garden surrounded by palm groves, low shrubs, and streams glimmering from afar led to an open meadow, at the center of which was a large unlit bonfire.

Further away, beyond the palm groves on a mound, was the Forbidden Palace of Istania, where a white high platform was erected. It was said that soon the King of Sand and his consorts and children would appear there. Fang Hong instinctively glanced around, unsure if Aleph was there, but assumed he must be busy today and wouldn’t show up, right?

Just as he started thinking this, Aleph blinked into view from within the crowd, waving to him:

”Ade, over here.”

Today, Aleph was dressed in a wide robe, obviously aware that blending in here meant avoiding being recognized. Fang Hong looked a bit speechlessly at this Prince and the two knights behind him—the same two as before.

The two knights, at least, were dressed normally, since in Quistack, besides the Royal Household, many nobles also ventured out with attendants.

Aleph approached and handed some items to him unceremoniously, saying, ”These are foods I brought from the Royal Palace. The celebration will go on until midnight, and people will bring their own food to feast by the bonfire—I guess you’re not local and wouldn’t know this. I won’t be able to come after the celebration starts, so I wanted to deliver them beforehand.”

He smiled faintly, yet his brown eyes appeared slightly melancholic.

”Actually, this was specially prepared by my mother. She heard about your deeds and wanted to thank you properly. It was her reminder; otherwise, I might have forgotten. ” He gestured toward his two attendants. ”Initially, I planned to have them deliver it, but Mother insisted I come personally.”

Fang Hong looked at the delicate pastries in his hand, realizing they were made by a Queen herself, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

He had actually brought food and pastries himself, as even though Bishop Faris was too preoccupied to bother about trivial matters, not everyone in Marlan’s Holy Sanctuary were marionettes, and someone had naturally informed him of this.

But since it was a thoughtful gesture from someone’s mother, he couldn’t refuse, so he just nodded.

Yet, looking at Aleph, it seemed this Prince should be excited after preparing for days, but Aleph’s face was tense and he seemed quite nervous, with a hint of unease in his eyes.

Fang Hong found it strange. Could the King of Sand, Barbaltan, really be so stern and intimidating? It’s just a birthday, yet the children feel such pressure?

Despite finding the Desert People’s traditions sometimes overly enthusiastic, Fang Hong valued this new friend he made in Quistack and inquired about Aleph’s state.

Aleph shook his head slightly, saying he was fine, possibly just a bit exhausted these days.

How tiring could preparing gifts be? Fang Hong was puzzled, but before he could speak, Aleph chuckled:

”Ade, my brother, you really don’t need to mind—my mother heard about your deeds from Master Berlede and wanted to secure some support for me. But I know you’re not interested in this and will soon leave Quistack, so don’t stress about it, just consider this celebration a chance to relax.”

Fang Hong then understood Aleph’s meaning, realizing that the Queen hoped to keep him in Quistack—or to go further, to enlist him as a Court Alchemist.

If he were a Native, Fang Hong might consider it, as some Guild Alchemists also serve as Court Alchemists or as consultants, staying in a place for a while. After all, Alchemists need to live, earn money, to make a living. The Royal Houses and nobility are undoubtedly their best clientele.

But he was the Chosen One, and naturally, his heart wasn’t in it.

He nodded again, indicating his understanding.

”You stay here,” Aleph relieved. ”I must return shortly, after the celebration ends, we’ll meet again if there’s a chance.”

”No need.” Fang Hong hurriedly shook his head; he had his own plans for the night and wished to remain unnoticed, far from engaging in any post-celebration chatter. ”Once it’s over, I will head straight back to the Holy Sanctuary. I’ll stay here a bit longer, and we can talk another time if there’s a chance.”

Then he mentally added an if there’s a chance.

Because if things went according to plan tonight, he might be fleeing Quistack with others, and wouldn’t stay in this place.

But Aleph evidently did not perceive this, nodding. ”That works too.” Then he vanished into the crowd with his attendants without a sound, just like when he arrived, showing no one had noticed a prince mingling among commoners.

Ahead, firelight flickered.

The bonfire in the square was finally lit.

The celebration had begun—

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