Pillar of Yita

Does she have that good of a relationship with Aleph?

After all, he was the one who kidnapped her, and what goodwill could there be between a criminal and a hostage? Her previous sarcastic remarks toward him seemed mild in Fang Hong’s eyes. Fang Hong wasn’t one for double standards, but if anyone dared to act against the Seven Seas Travel Group, he’d capture them first, regardless of their reasons.

He hesitated for a moment; he must immediately clarify things with Aleph without attracting others’ attention, only then could he escape.

Just as he was about to speak, a voice sounded from behind Lavali, ”Lavali, what are you doing?”

It was the voice of a middle-aged man.

Fang Hong recognized it clearly; it was only a week or two ago — it was the voice of Count Nulman.

His body stiffened involuntarily, and the Noble Lady in front of him also changed her expression, promptly lowering her voice to say to Aleph, ”Aleph, if you don’t want to get into trouble, take him away immediately.”

Her words were decisive, and even if Aleph hadn’t grasped the situation, he hesitated somewhat. He turned to seek Fang Hong’s opinion, but at that very moment, a shadow appeared at the hall’s exit not far away. The tall figure of Governor Bain had already appeared there.

He looked at his daughter sternly and said, ”His Majesty wants to see his guest; he has urged several times already. Lavali, what are you delaying?”

In formal occasions, Lavali dared not contradict her father, so she simply lowered her head and replied, ”I’m just speaking with His Highness.”

”There will be time after the celebration,” Count Nulman shook his head, ”Let His Highness Aleph take His Majesty’s guest over first.”

Fang Hong lowered his head, so tense that sweat appeared on his forehead, staring at the floor as though something fascinating were there.

But it was just a blank marble floor.

Count Nulman glanced at Fang Hong indifferently, seemingly not recognizing him, said nothing more, and silently walked towards the hall.

The three of them fell silent for a while.

Aleph finally sensed something was amiss, looked at Fang Hong, then at Lavali. ”Ade, is there some trouble…? Should I find an excuse? After all, Father is just having a whim; maybe he doesn’t really want to see you.”

But this time, Lavali stopped him, shaking her head, ”Aleph, you heard what my father just said. If you let him leave now, are you going to lie in front of the King of Sand? You know what my father is like; he would definitely point it out, and His Majesty won’t let you off easy. Besides, do you think if you let him go now, he could actually leave?”

”But...”

”She’s right, Aleph,” Fang Hong sighed. When Count Nulman spoke, he realized he had already missed the chance to escape. Although he didn’t understand why the other pretended not to recognize him, he knew clearly that once he turned his back, guards might rush in from outside.

”Since your father wants to see me, take me to him.”

”Ade, have you met my father?”

Fang Hong shook his head.

Aleph glanced at Lavali beside him. ”So, do you have a grudge with Count Nulman?”

Fang Hong felt his teeth ache, ”Sort of...”

”Ade, my friend, I’m sorry, I really didn’t know...”

”It’s okay.”

Fang Hong shook his head. Honestly, this Prince was willing to find an excuse for a stranger, even before the King of Sand — it moved him somewhat. He knew that once he left, Aleph might get into trouble because of him. But if the other was willing to stand up for a friend, why should he fear?

He also thought it through.

Affia must still be missing, which serves as a bargaining chip. That Lord Earl didn’t tear things up with him; likely, it’s because of this.

Fang Hong calmed down, no longer as panicky as at the beginning.

Besides, could the King of Sand Barbaltan be scarier than the Dark Giant Dragon?

He didn’t say more, taking the initiative to walk forward.

Seeing this action, Lavali was slightly stunned, giving him a slightly surprised look. But the Noble Lady didn’t say anything else, only when Fang Hong was passing her did she bite her lip and say softly, ”I remember your offense, Mr. Great Alchemist; I will settle it with you next time we have a chance.”

The whisper was so soft that Aleph beside her didn’t hear.

Fang Hong merely glanced at the Noble Lady and had nothing much to say, though there was cause, she indeed suffered unwitting calamity in that incident. The attack came from the Arcanist, who should bear the blame, along with Count Nulman and the King of Sand Barbaltan; it had nothing to do with the Noble Lady, so her remark was entirely reasonable.

However, Fang Hong had a suspicion that if he sold out Miss Scholar, this Noble Lady might immediately reconcile with them — of course, this was only a passing thought.

Aleph naturally didn’t hear their conversation either —

He continued speaking softly to Fang Hong, thinking Governor Bain might not really intend trouble, and he’d certainly act as a mediator before his father.

Fang Hong couldn’t help but smile bitterly at the notion of mediation — hopefully, in a moment, the King of Sand Barbaltan wouldn’t get infuriated and directly drag him out to be executed. Though he had some plans, they might fall apart; who knows what the temperament of this King of Sand Barbaltan is, what if he’s just looking to vent his anger?