Pillar of Yita

Fang Hong’s gaze swept across the entire reception room, looking at the worried crowd, as if the sudden situation had left everyone a bit confused for the moment—because most of them were unaware of the inside story, including even the Earl’s daughter Lavali. That His Excellency the Governor obviously wouldn’t tell her these things.

ZXC and Wu Xiaopang, who had experienced the escape on the Dawood, might know a bit more, but still limited. Even among the Seven Seas Travel Group, not everyone knew as much as he did, like Xiangzi, Parker, and Elisa, who might not be clear about the grand plan of the King of Sand, Barbaltan.

Among these people, not everyone could be trusted by him, even Miss Nightingale, who joined the Seven Seas Travel Group, had once lied out of necessity, hadn’t she? He didn’t want to go through the same situation a second time.

He waited for a moment before speaking: ”Everyone, don’t worry too much, calm down first—there’s always a way through the mountains, we’ll think of a solution, Miss Affia will surely be safe.”

Lavali didn’t quite understand this metaphor, but she grasped its meaning. The Earl’s daughter glanced at Fang Hong and gritted her teeth, saying: ”Then I’ll go find my father—”

”Wait.”

Lavali looked at him in confusion.

Fang Hong said: ”No rush to find Lord Earl, don’t alert His Majesty, there’s something else that requires your attention, Miss Lavali.”

”Just call me Lavali, there’s no time for such formalities at this moment,” the Earl’s daughter decisively replied.

”Alright, can you freely enter and exit Kashan Palace?”

”You want me to find Aleph?”

The Earl’s daughter’s eyes showed a hint of surprise.

It’s simple to converse with smart people, but Fang Hong didn’t have time to lament the other’s acuity, just nodded. He replied: ”At this moment, only Aleph can help us. I’ll go find Saisheer Chieftain and we’ll act separately.”

Lavali then realized that after the King of Sand Barbaltan departed, a Crown Prince was left to oversee the kingdom, accompanied by a minister. These two currently held the central power of this royal city, and with their help, things would obviously become much easier. Moreover, she knew Aleph would certainly help, as for the old clan leader of the Oathkeeper Clan, she wasn’t familiar with him, but judging by their tone, it seemed they were somewhat confident.

Persuading these two would mean solving half the problem, understanding this calmed her heart, she nodded and replied: ”I can.”

Fang Hong looked at others:

”ZXC, Wu Xiaopang, could you go and gather some information.”

This request was reasonable, and ZXC and Wu Xiaopang had no doubts about it—having received benefits from Fang Hong, those of Shield of Lufu wouldn’t stand aside at this moment, and since just gathering information was within their capabilities, everyone’s enthusiasm was high. After assigning tasks, they quickly went their separate ways.

Stepping out of the mansion, Fang Hong once again gathered the members of the Seven Seas Travel Group.

He led the group to avoid prying eyes and returned to the apartment hostel where they were staying. Back in the room, he closed the door, then turned to look at everyone—especially Hilveld, before speaking:

”Everyone, this time we can’t be led by the nose.”

Others looked at him somewhat unexpectedly.

But the first to speak unexpectedly was Parker: ”I also think so, I guess it’s either the Blind Followers or the King of Sand who took Affia. We should just go find them, no need to investigate the truth.”

Fang Hong looked at this guy, then remembered that this Papalarian had a crush on Miss Affia. No wonder since yesterday, this guy’s been acting like he’s lost his soul. Even at this time, he couldn’t help but find it amusing, but he still disregarded the other’s opinion.

Then Hilveld asked: ”What does Lord Captain have in mind?”

”I do have an idea,” Fang Hong nodded—a series of incidents in Dolifen and Fanric had repeatedly had the Seven Seas Travel Group led by the nose, but each time it was due to his lack of experience. After suffering so many losses, he surely absorbed some lessons.

And the Noble Lady smiled as she looked at him, not anxious.

Fang Hong also looked at her and said: ”Hilveld, there are some things to assign for you to handle here—”

”Additionally,” he turned to Parker: ”Parker, since you’re so eager to rescue Affia, I’ll assign an important task to you.”

”A really important task?” Parker’s eyes widened, somewhat surprised.

”Very important.”

Fang Hong repeated sternly.

...

Outside Kashan Palace—

Daybreak was just beginning, but the departure of the King of Sand and his courtiers had indeed brought some changes to this place—there were noticeably fewer people outside the palace gate, only a team of guards remained. Ordinarily, at this time, courtiers heading to Kashan Palace and their servants already formed an unending stream of people.

But today, only a few early birds searching for food could be seen, chirping on the plaza, occasionally accompanied by the distant echo of a morning bell from the central clock tower of the royal city, piercing through the morning haze. The first golden rays of sunlight fell upon the snow-white palace walls.

In a corner outside the palace gate was a small garden, Hilveld stood in the white pavilion within the garden, watching a servant walk away.

After a while, Achilles leisurely arrived.

Seeing Hilveld, the middle-aged Alchemist showed a smile: ”I thought it was Mr. Ade coming, Miss Hilveld, is there anything? If you wish to see the Princess, I can pass the message on your behalf.”