Pillar of Yita

In the darkness, amidst the screams and the low sobbing of women, only the King of Sand, Barbaltan, remained motionless, his hands tightly gripping the armrests of his chair, seated upon his throne, the veins on his pale hands bulged. A deep and resonant voice emanated from his chest:

”Silence everyone—”

As if out of habit, a sudden silence descended around them.

The King of Sand showed a blank expression, making it hard to guess what he was thinking—perhaps he was thinking nothing at all.

His penetrating voice gradually calmed the surroundings, and people naturally tend to follow the crowd, especially those who could ascend this high platform, as they generally came from distinguished backgrounds. Of course, once a portion of people restored order, the others gradually calmed down as well, leaving only the low cries of women.

In the distance, there was still some chaos, with noises coming from below the square, where it remained pitch black even after the bonfires extinguished.

Count Nulman was the first to react.

He immediately turned around and ordered the Knights of Sand behind him: ”Protect His Majesty.”

But the King of Sand raised his hand, stopping his actions. Barbaltan turned his head and looked at the Master of Ceremonies not far away, calmly saying: ”Go and relight the bonfires, continue the Star Ceremony.”

The Master of Ceremonies, who had originally frozen in place, hurriedly nodded upon hearing this, then turned and quickly went down the steps.

In the darkness, the King of Sand’s composed demeanor seemed to instill confidence in others.

Everyone’s gaze turned in this direction.

Aleph was a bit uneasy, clearly understanding what happened, and couldn’t help but glance at his new friend. The Star Ceremony—previously during Fang Hong’s blessing from Count Vaisu, something went wrong—the occurrence of a Starfall was something that had never happened in Istania’s history, and if someone held a grudge...

Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but step forward, standing in front of Fang Hong, and spoke to his father: ”Father...”

But Barbaltan lightly waved his hand, speaking indifferently: ”Resume the ceremony.”

Aleph was startled, but inwardly heaved a sigh of relief—his father was stern and obstinate, yet he always kept his word—resuming the ceremony meant pretending nothing had happened, at least his friend was safe. As for others’ opinions, they might have some impact, but it wouldn’t matter much.

He turned back, finding Fang Hong with his eyes lowered, seemingly in deep thought.

”Ade?”

Only then did Fang Hong lift his head, gratefully nodding to the latter.

Earlier, he hadn’t reacted promptly from the Phantom Realm, but that didn’t mean he hadn’t noticed what was happening externally. Aleph’s defense of him was clear to him. Only at this moment did he truly consider this Istania’s Prince, or rather, the future young King of this sand sea, a friend.

Previously, although he accepted favors from the other, he saw it as a transactional relationship, like his relationship with the Princess, the help they received from her for the Seven Seas Brigade, he would certainly repay the kindness. But beyond that, the Seven Seas Brigade would never support the Princess without reservation because they had neither the power nor the need.

But if it were individuals within the Seven Seas Brigade, or those who had helped them, the true friends of the Seven Seas Brigade.

If they encountered any difficulties, Fang Hong—even the Seven Seas Brigade would rescue them at any cost.

For instance, if Noble Lady Hilveld were persecuted and hunted by the Colin Royal Family because of her father’s incident, he wouldn’t hesitate to stand against the Colin Ishurian Royal Family and the Prime Minister.

Even if the Alliance intervened, and Stargate Port intervened, he wouldn’t change his stance.

This has nothing to do with the ”Stargate Declaration”, it’s the Seven Seas Brigade’s bottom line, moreover, the intervention from the Alliance and Stargate Port in itself violates the ”Stargate Declaration”, so what’s left is only the justice in his heart to rule. Fang Hong believes, if it truly comes to that moment, the Alliance’s decision might be unknown, but Stargate Port certainly wouldn’t act in such a way.

It’s hard to believe Sophie and Su Changfeng, the military and his homeland, would do such a thing.

It’s not about interests, it’s about beliefs.

The bonfires quickly rekindled.

Fang Hong couldn’t help but look towards the ruler seated upon his throne, who had been exceedingly calm since the beginning, feeling somewhat admiration. That was indeed the demeanor of a monarch, could he remain composed in such circumstances?

Aleph also looked at his father, feeling complex for a moment, his father was about to pass Istania into his hands, perhaps just months away. But at this moment, what he felt wasn’t excitement, but a bit of unease, could he truly achieve that?

Could he really govern this land well, guiding Istania along the right path?

There were merely thousands on this square, their safety decided by his father’s single word, preventing further tumult. And how vast was Istania? How many lived within this sand sea? Could his word allow them to continue enjoying today’s peace and tranquility?

He inadvertently glanced at His Excellency the Governor behind his father.

He was acquainted with the man’s daughter, Lavali, and their families had a very close relationship.