Pillar of Yita

Fang Hong’s plan was to first find Saisheer.

The estate of the old clan leader of the Oathkeeper Clan was located in a simple manor.

In fact, not only this manor, but the entire surrounding district was inhabited by a considerable number of Oathkeepers. The servants and guards within the manor, and even the gatekeepers outside, mostly belonged to this clan. Many of them were the second or third generation who grew up in the last twenty years; the rest were the older generation who migrated to Istania over thirty years ago.

Possibly due to Saisheer’s influence, these Oathkeepers generally had a decent attitude towards him, although the older generation was a bit more cordial, while the newer generation seemed somewhat indifferent. Overall, they were still considered friendly.

”You want to see Count Nulman?”

The old man asked this as his first question upon hearing Fang Hong’s purpose.

Fang Hong nodded.

Hilveld’s earlier words had helped him clarify his thoughts—rather than making random guesses, he decided to take the initiative, approach Ye Hua, and ask what the Southern Region Alliance intended to do. Though communications had not been restored, since Ye Hua had allied with Count Nulman, perhaps the Governor of Bain might have a way to contact him.

The celebration hadn’t ended long ago, and it seemed Count Nulman planned to stay in the Royal Capital for a while. However, Fang Hong was unsure where this Governor of Bain resided, forcing him to seek assistance from the only three acquaintances he had in Quistack—the old clan leader of the Oathkeepers, Aleph, and the Grand Princess.

The former couldn’t easily leave Kashan Palace after the celebration, as he was the future Crown Prince; and the latter was even less inclined to help him meet the Governor.

Saisheer pondered for a moment before understanding his intention, then nodded and said, ”Alright, I will find someone to take you there.”

’’

However, Fang Hong did not intend to leave immediately. Instead, he asked, ”How do you, Clan Leader, see this matter?”

The old man considered the question for a moment before answering, ”Our Oathkeeper Clan, due to our unique status, is not involved. However, individuals like Seniman are our longstanding enemies, and His Majesty has instructed me to restrain him. I believe that once this point is clearly understood, there will be a clear understanding within—”

”But after all, they are cultists...”

”I understand what you mean.”

Saisheer leaned slightly forward, extending both hands to gently press Fang Hong’s shoulders, ”Ade, you were chosen by Mazak. In the fight against the Dark Followers, we are allies. But His Majesty is different; he has his own ideas, and at the same time, the Oathkeeper Clan is also the subjects of Istania. Do you understand?”

Fang Hong was slightly taken aback and then nodded lightly.

It seemed that even the old clan leader’s influence over Barbaltan was limited.

Or perhaps the King of Sand had a resolute determination, even to the point of being willful. It’s understandable, considering that even his most beloved eldest daughter had been kept in confinement.

But what could have driven this king to such measures? Fang Hong suspected that the origins lay in the attack from ten years ago. However, this wasn’t his immediate concern; first, he needed to find the people of the Southern Region Alliance, as they were the most likely to reveal information about his background.

Saisheer found a young man and lent them a carriage to take them to see Nulman.

...

According to Saisheer, Count Numaner resided in a noble district in the northwest of Quistack. It was actually a secluded villa, and in the villa’s garden, Fang Hong once again encountered the earl’s daughter, Lavali Ig Aimee Iben.

She was holding a pair of scissors, trimming flower branches behind a bush of desert roses. When she looked up and saw him, there was a hint of discontent in her sea-blue eyes. ”It’s you again?” Lavali asked coldly, ”What are you doing here, and how do you know my father is here?”

In response to her frosty tone, Fang Hong could only offer a wry smile and explain his intentions.

”You want to see my father?”

Lavali looked at him with some suspicion.

She slightly adjusted her golden curls, pondered for a moment, but eventually nodded.

It wasn’t due to extraordinary generosity, but because Count Nulman had specifically mentioned that among the guests he intended to see was this young man in front of her. Although she couldn’t fathom what her father saw in him, her thoughts inevitably drifted to that night at the celebration.

The fact that even His Majesty regarded him differently—what right did he have to be the first to receive blessings? Thinking about this, her heart grew even more vexed, and she furrowed her brow coldly, saying:

”Come with me, and make sure you don’t stare around aimlessly.”

Fang Hong quickly followed in silence.

He was well aware of the earl’s daughter’s strong dislike for him.

However, he could understand; he might feel the same if he were in her position.

The two of them traversed the tranquil courtyard, through the green bushes and the brightly colored desert rose walls. The young Oathkeeper who had brought him did not follow, but instead stayed outside the garden to guard the carriage.

Fang Hong glanced outside and suddenly spoke, ”Miss Lavali, I would like to ask for your help with something...”

The earl’s daughter abruptly turned, glaring at him, ”What did you say?”

”I would like to ask for your help with something.”

Lavali almost laughed in anger, sneering, ”Do you think that’s possible?”