Pillar of Yita

Moreover, they wouldn’t dream of unrealistic aspirations. Everyone is frighteningly practical. Their suitable matches were probably already outlined in their hearts before the celebration even began.

Fang Hong sighed. Perhaps this celebration is purer for the Istania people, out there in the square beyond the Royal Palace. If it wasn’t for Aleph’s face, and the reason to meet the Grand Princess, he might have preferred being there rather than staying in this place.

After the young girls finally departed, Fang Hong’s surroundings became tranquil.

In the distance, the melodious music resonated, and the Star Ceremony had reached the latter half. The starlight gradually rose, until reaching the highest point of the night sky above the Royal Palace, where it would explode like fireworks, scattering brilliant light over the entire Quistack. At that moment, the celebration would reach its climax.

Fang Hong intended to leave at that moment, when the celebration reached its peak, when the starlight’s blessings showered the entire city, leaving this sand palace sounded quite romantic, didn’t it?

Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned.

Because before that, he encountered Aleph.

This Prince rushed to find him, entirely without his usual demeanor, even a little out of breath, saying: ”Ade, my father wants to see you.”

Fang Hong was stunned immediately.

He looked at Aleph, initially thinking this Prince should appear later, at least after the King of Sand’s entourage had left the high platform, before he had a chance to come out. His original plan to leave early wasn’t because he wanted to avoid this Prince intentionally, he simply didn’t want any more trouble tonight in this place.

But unexpectedly, planning couldn’t surpass fate; trouble came looking for him, and it came so suddenly.

This Prince even found him before the Star Ceremony was completed, and immediately told him—the King of Sand wanted to see him?

Fang Hong nearly questioned his existence, wondering if he was the legendary protagonist, with everything seeking him out? Despite racking his brain, he couldn’t fathom why Barbaltan wanted to see him, as he had never met the King of Sand, nor had any connection between them.

Well, perhaps there’s some relation...

But the other party may not be aware.

”The King of Sand wants to see me?” Fang Hong almost thought the other was joking with him, pointing at himself, confused.

”Don’t worry, my father just learned about the Tower-Style Magic Conductor Furnace and its connection to you, and he merely wants to meet a young Alchemist like you.”

Aleph calmed his breath, appearing much more relaxed than before, even laughing—this was the first time Fang Hong saw this Prince laugh in days. Fang Hong couldn’t help but secretly speculate, it seems his gift was quite favored by the King of Sand.

So this was the reason he got to see the monarch?

He couldn’t help but feel speechless.

If only he hadn’t pretended to be something he’s not.

But he seemed to forget, if he hadn’t pretended, he wouldn’t have been able to come here, not to mention meeting the Grand Princess.

”Well,” Fang Hong now least wanted to stand out since he caused quite a stir in Bain, and technically stood opposed to the King of Sand—though the King might be unaware—and Fang Hong couldn’t help but feel guilty, especially since he recently met the Princess.

He hesitated before finally asking: ”Can I refuse?”

Aleph couldn’t help but laugh.

”Don’t kid, Ade,” he shook his head: ”Give me some face; if you refuse, I’ll be in trouble.”

Fang Hong was speechless.

He wanted to say, you won’t be in trouble, but I might end up in trouble—although just a possibility. Seeing Aleph’s demeanor, he couldn’t bring himself to refuse. The other had helped him generously these days, genuinely treating him as a friend and brother.

And now it’s merely meeting the King of Sand, which in many people’s eyes might even be considered an honor. What reason would he have to refuse? Common excuses couldn’t be voiced, things like having a stomachache should be dismissed early to avoid insulting intelligence. As for speaking plainly?

Fang Hong felt it better to meet the King of Sand.

Moreover, the other didn’t seem to intend to give him a chance to refuse, grabbing his arm and urging him forward: ”Don’t be so tense, my brother, my father is easy to talk to.”

Aleph casually told a lie, the first since childhood, his face slightly reddening, but he couldn’t afford to ponder much at the moment—fortunately, he faced another direction, Fang Hong couldn’t see—and whether his father was easy to talk to, Aleph himself didn’t believe in such nonsense. Probably feeling guilty, he added: ”Meeting him has some benefits for you; my father is not stingy. Since you repaired the Tower-Style Magic Conductor Furnace, he will definitely reward you.”

”Probably...”

”Probably?”

”Perhaps.”

”Perhaps?”

”I mean, my father should want to see you for this reason,” Aleph coughed, ”After all, I can’t think of any other reason he’d have to see you...”

”Hold on, so you’re not even sure?”

”Of course... somewhat sure,” Aleph said awkwardly, ”Maybe it’s because you’re so young, it’s rare to see such a young Alchemist in Istania.”

Facing such an ambiguous explanation, Fang Hong grew doubtful, increasingly sensing the unreliability of this so-called audience.

”Wait, Aleph, I suddenly thought of some unfinished matters... I really need to go back.”

”Ade, please give me some face.”

”No, I won’t.”

...