Pillar of Yita

The beast of burden traversed the marketplace, slowly heading towards the area beyond the port.

Meanwhile, Fang Hong was preoccupied with thoughts of what had transpired earlier, paying little attention to the changing scenery around him.

Before long, ’Biergo’ halted outside an estate.

The Istania-style estate was nestled within an oasis beyond the port, enveloped in lush greenery that partially hid a long white sand wall, with a shimmering lake in the distance. Through the slender branches of the sand rong trees, a golden domed roof appeared faintly, contrasting against the gray-white dunes at the horizon.

No one had expected such a scenic location on the desert’s edge, prompting a chorus of exclamations.

A few servants draped in white robes approached and assisted everyone in dismounting. Upon close observation, Fang Hong noticed that these servants were all well-trained and mannered. Unlike mute servants, they appeared to be close aides of that princess, different from those seen elsewhere.

Not being accustomed to being served, he jumped down on his own and casually slung the short sword with a sheath behind him. As the sheath’s white crystal aligned with the groove on his belt, he instantly felt a lot lighter.

Abed dismissed the servants and led them into the estate.

Through a pebbled path shaded by trees, the group entered a courtyard, from where the sound of string and drum music gently wafted. After a few steps, a group of desert dancing girls wearing light gauze approached barefoot from the gallery, their ankle bells jingling as they moved.

The desert women were fervent and bold, as several young girls cast a daring glance at them and then swept away with a bell-like laughter.

As they advanced, the music grew clearer. Passing through an intricately decorated Istania-style door, the group entered a hall where the tinkling music greeted them. The hall was dimly lit, floored with polished black stones reflecting a grand impression.

Under the colonnades were set some intricately carved incense burners, their gentle smoke creating a hazy atmosphere within the hall. In a shadowed corner, Fang Hong noticed a few guards each wielding a curved blade. A closer look revealed they were constructs clad in long robes.

It seemed the princess had a fondness for these alchemical creations, Fang Hong thought.

Moreover, the princess’s lover was also an alchemist.

As he contemplated, he saw a middle-aged craftsman standing at the front, acknowledging them with a nod and smile as he noticed them. Just as Fang Hong was about to initiate a conversation, he noticed someone else — amidst four towering dark stone columns lay an expansive white carpet, upon strands of white fur sat a silk cushion —

And atop it, a young girl was seated.

She appeared to be around eighteen or nineteen, donned in traditional Istania attire, with a fiery red long skirt edged in gold, a veil covering her face, her earrings gently swaying with gold embellishments, revealing a camel-colored tint on the skin at her neckline. Her light brown eyes, unusually bright, focused intently forward —

Nearby, dancing girls swayed gracefully while musicians strummed the five-stringed zither at a brisk pace, creating a rhythmic beat alongside percussionists drumming energetically. Barefoot, the dancing girls spun around with their movements.

Flanking the woman, two maidservants stood, one holding a water hookah for her, and the other presenting a gold-embroidered teacup.

The young girl then noted the middle-aged craftsman’s gesture and turned her head.

Seeing Fang Hong and Luo Yu, her eyes subtly brightened:

”Is it Mr. Ade?”

With no need for the craftsman’s introduction, Fang Hong realized this was indeed the eldest daughter of the King of Sand, Princess Rupert Penelope.

He halted, responding politely: ”Grand Princess.”

Fang Hong, somewhat surprised, had not anticipated the shrewd and capable Grand Princess of rumors to embody such a youthful image. However, for the Istania people who labeled her the Desert Pearl, she indeed seemed qualified, with a visage soft yet just slightly less captivating than that of a noble lady.

”No need to be formal,” Princess Rupert invited, her voice soft: ”You all saved Affia once; this time I am here specifically to thank you.”

With that, she softly clapped her hands.

The music ceased, and the dancing girls retreated.

From an unknown corner emerged a line of servants, each carrying carpets, low tables, and cushions, setting them neatly. In less than a minute, they prepared a place for each guest, then silently withdrew with heads bowed.

”Please, take a seat,” Princess Rupert gestured for them to sit, her hand extending invitingly: ”Last time, Abed failed to extend proper hospitality; I’ve already reprimanded him.”

Only after glancing at the others did Fang Hong cross his legs and take a seat; the cushion, seemingly filled with camel hair, was exceptionally soft, as though sinking into clouds.

Following his lead, the others settled down, with Hilveld beside him and Tang Xin and Ai Xiaoxiao on the opposing side.

The princess clapped again, prompting servants to bring out silver trays with tea and an assortment of rare desert fruits. Parker and Tianlan, eyes gleaming, reached out, only to be halted by a swift tap from Atira.

Raising his head, Fang Hong responded, ”Princess, the previous affair wasn’t related to Mr. Abed.”

Princess Rupert smiled gently: ”Let’s not discuss that today. We Istania people have our hospitality traditions, especially for esteemed guests. You not only saved my sister once but also did a great service for me and my father. Rightfully and reasonably, today’s banquet should bring you all pleasure.”

”Did a great service?”

Fang Hong was about to ask.

But the princess whispered something to the maidservant beside her, who then withdrew.

She lifted her head to address everyone: ”Do you know what the true delicacies in Istania are?”

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