Pillar of Yita

Moreover, if he remembered correctly, this place happened to be a fortress city, under the jurisdiction of Count Nulman, who nominally pledged allegiance to the military commander of the Royal Household, responsible for the defense of Bain’s northern territories—of course, it was merely nominal.

The feudal system of Istania remains in quite a primitive stage, let’s not forget that the abolition of slavery here happened less than thirty years ago, as if civilization was forcibly elevated in level; however, in all aspects, the systems were still quite backward and ancient.

The forces of King of Sand Barbaltan and the local nobility’s power have always maintained a mutual check and balance in Istania. This situation is something that even the Colin Ishurian Kingdom cannot avoid, with the confrontation between the north and south continuing fervently, not to mention this even older land.

After confirming this point, Fang Hong looked at Affia in front of him; he actually wanted to probe the girl—given her simplicity, if he suddenly asked about the place ’Bain,’ he would likely get some information from her expression.

But after some consideration, Fang Hong abandoned the idea, partly because there was no need, and partly because he disdained taking advantage of others’ goodwill towards him.

He now had only one question, if the Arcanists had already recognized his identity, then they should be somewhat aware that he was working on behalf of the Princess. And when he linked their performance in purging the Blind Followers, he couldn’t help but suspect what role the Arcanists played in this event.

Because this thought made him feel somewhat chilled.

If the Arcanists’ identities were indeed as he thought, playing the role of double agents in this matter, then what kind of role does the Stars and Moon Council, who ordered them, represent?

The former can still be regarded as a local organization in Istania.

However, the status of the Stars and Moon Council among the spellcasters in Colin Ishurian was almost equivalent to the Artisan Association among alchemists.

If there is any problem within the Stars and Moon Council...

Fang Hong just thought about this possibility, and he couldn’t help but feel his scalp go numb; he even wondered if he was cursed, as he constantly found himself linked to these incredible events. If the Stars and Moon Council had truly been infiltrated by the Blind Followers, this would be a scandal no less than the Dragon Witch incident.

What he must do first, of course, was to find a way to notify the Princess, warning her about the Arcanists’ movements and find someone to rescue him from this place.

But the problem was, coincidentally, the raging sandstorm outside clearly severed this possibility.

Not to mention that communication under such conditions was already disrupted, even if it weren’t, no one would come to rescue him in this weather.

Fang Hong couldn’t help but think of Kalatu and Tang De; if these two bigshots were here, even if the three Hall Defenders of the ’Eye of Revelation’ were to double, they wouldn’t be a match for them combined. Of course, he knew it was just a thought, as Kalatu and Tang De had been gone for half a month gathering γ crystal materials for him, and they obviously wouldn’t return any time soon.

Even if they returned, they wouldn’t know he was in this place.

What he could rely on now, were the ones who hadn’t been captured—the Xiangzi, Parker, Elisa, and Hilveld. Since they didn’t accompany him into the smuggler’s port, if Lady Noble remained outside, he might have a chance to be rescued.

Of course, Fang Hong wouldn’t just sit idly waiting for rescue to arrive; as he pondered, he also brainstormed on how to leave this place. The current urgency was undoubtedly to accumulate more information. Thinking of this, he turned to Affia at his side and asked:

”Miss Affia, may I ask, how do the Arcanists plan to deal with us?”

The girl heard the question and gently shook her head:

”Mr. Ade, please rest assured, Lord Ebene will not harm you. However, you will be confined in this place for a while; once the sandstorm passes, you might be able to leave...” She paused, seemingly somewhat unwilling: ”Please bear with it, I’ll persuade the Lord to release you sooner.”

Fang Hong paused for a moment.

He looked at her carefully to confirm that Affia was serious when she said this. Although it was uncertain if the Arcanists had lied to her, it at least indicated a possibility.

Could it be that he was wrong?

The Arcanists weren’t colluding with the Dark Followers?

Was everything just a misunderstanding?

...