Pillar of Yita

”At that time, the leader of the attackers was named Mahazar Isfu, the most notorious great thief in this desert. And he also appeared in the connection with those slave traders. By the time I led people back to Tansnier, those slave traders had indeed disappeared without a trace.”

Fang Hong listened until the end, and finally understood the meaning of the Princess.

The Grand Princess of Istania clearly suspects someone within the Royal Household is colluding with Mahazar Isfu, which is why the attack on the Garden of Illusions occurred. And this so-called ’slave trade’ case has become more complicated with the involvement of this sand thief leader. There might be someone from the Royal Household entangled in it.

So, she seeks help from people outside Istania.

It wasn’t hard to understand the previous remarks. Their group is unrelated to Istania and expresses hostility towards the slave trade, making them the ideal candidates in the Princess’s mind.

This task is indeed not simple. But the Grand Princess offers equally enticing terms—the chance to use the royal dockyards to build a ship like the Seven Seas Traveler is truly rare.

However, there were still a few details Fang Hong wanted to ask about, but the opposite party preemptively replied:

”Moreover, does Mr. Ade know the identity of the slave?”

Fang Hong was taken aback, how could he know such a thing?

But the Princess was obviously not joking at this moment, meaning he definitely knows the identity of the slave. He silently pondered for a moment—firstly, the other party certainly won’t be an Invoker, only a Native. Among the Natives, Colin people and residents from other places are unlikely to become slaves. Don’t forget, this is a world where people can resurrect, and slave traders, no matter how audacious, have no need to offend the more formidable Colin Kingdom than Istania.

So after eliminating these possibilities, only Istania locals remain. But he doesn’t know many Istania locals, most of whom aren’t likely to become slaves.

The only one related to this is Pasha. Thinking of Pasha, a light bulb moment struck Fang Hong.

He looked up and said: ”Could it be someone snatched by Blood Shark Sky Pirates?”

Although Blood Shark Sky Pirates failed entirely in Idus, some were rescued by the Descendants of Flor. But the people they abducted in other regions were not all sent to Idus—after hearing of the excavation failure, these individuals mysteriously vanished halfway.

If there were any relation left, it would probably be this matter.

Princess Rupert was visibly impressed by his answer:

”Mr. Ade seems not only accomplished in Alchemy but also exceedingly sharp, which gives me even more confidence.”

She nodded again:

”Indeed, the slaves should be from the hands of Blood Shark Sky Pirates, but the exact connection between the slave traders and Blood Shark Sky Pirates is still unclear. However, I have heard another thing—”

”I am eager to learn more.” Fang Hong said deeply.

It must be said, if this matter is related to Blood Shark Sky Pirates, then they must not stand idly by.

In the battle at Idus, the traveler escaped seriously injured, Rolin vanished without a trace, and the only connection left is probably those Blood Shark Sky Pirates. Although the chance they know the whereabouts of the traveler is minimal, the traveler is presumably at their weakest now, so any opportunity should not be overlooked.

Moreover, Blood Shark Sky Pirates being linked to Dragon Worship Sect is undeniable, regardless of whether it’s their own reasons or a military commission; any Dragon Worship Sect-related information will not be ignored.

Actually, he instinctively felt this matter might have Dragon Worship Sect involved. When the slave mentioned the sand thief connecting with slave traders, handing over some handwritten copies of the Abyssal Sea Scrolls, he already had a premonition.

Princess Rupert thought for a moment and said: ”I don’t know if this has anything to do with Mr. Ade, but those people seemed to mention they’re looking for clues about some ’Obelisk’ in the manuscripts.”

Fang Hong was originally deep in thought, but hearing this brought a chill to his heart.

A few weeks ago, Tang De and Kalatu discussed the Elf Relic, and among them, the Obelisk that points to the Holy Grail was an important clue.

He didn’t expect, within weeks, to encounter such a situation again.

He immediately raised his head and told Princess Rupert: ”I have a request.”

”Please go ahead.”

”I want to meet the escaped slave.”

...

Upon leaving the manor.

The crowd still discussed the matter of the infamous sand thief ’Mahazar Isfu.’ Indeed, this man wasn’t an unknown figure; they had heard of him long before.

He was one of Istania’s most famous thieves, dominating the Silver Sand Sea for over ten years—certainly not obscure.

As with all legendary bandits, his subordinates gathered a group of ferocious villains, roaming the Sand Sea fleetingly, even escaping the Royal Guard’s clutches several times.

Dealing with such a legendary figure was naturally improbable. Fortunately, their mission was merely to investigate the whereabouts of those slave traders.

But boarding ’Biergo’ again.

Hilveld suddenly turned around, smiling as she asked him: ”Lord Captain, do you believe the Princess simply asks us to investigate the whereabouts of the slave traders?”

Fang Hong heard this, was silent for a moment, and shook his head.

The Grand Princess didn’t seem so simple-hearted. Was her true aim just a straightforward inquiry into a slave trade case? Why did she deliberately or intentionally bring up the matter of the Wandering Alchemist?

And the attack on the Garden of Illusions a year ago, all these suggest the task isn’t simple.

But since he agreed, he certainly had his considerations.

...