Pillar of Yita

And Nulman noticed the gaze of the young prince, nodding gently as if greeting the future king, reassuring him to relax. Prince Aleph finally breathed a sigh of relief; fortunately, there were still his father’s old ministers, and his father was still by his side. He knew it was somewhat childish to think this way—but at least it put him at ease.

In the dry chanting of the Master of Ceremonies.

Starlight rose again from the bonfire—

It was just a Fire System Magic, not of high rank, only a dazzling visual effect without any real impact. The true significance lies in its inherent meaning, as this annual important celebration is the hope Quistack residents and even Istania People place for the future.

Starlight descended once again upon the high platform.

Saisheer handed the Magic Wand from his right hand to his right hand, the elderly gentleman gave a helpless smile. An unprecedented mishap in Istania’s seven-hundred-year history had befallen him. Though it wasn’t serious, it couldn’t be said there was no effect—it all depended on how people viewed the incident.

But his reputation was bound to be somewhat affected.

He looked at Fang Hong without intending to vent his anger on him; instead, there was a gentle smile in his eyes as he reached out again. ”A minor accident occurred, but it’s nothing serious, Mr. Ade, let’s complete the blessing ritual.”

Fang Hong hesitated instead.

Now, he was indeed afraid of his troublesome abilities; once was an accident, but if it happened again, even he would think he had messed up the Star Ceremony—how would others view it? He feared even the King of Sand Barbaltan couldn’t protect him and might use him to appease everyone.

This was truly the Star of Calamity descending upon the world, and failure to kill would not quell the public’s anger.

What could he do?

Be stewed in a pot?

Thinking about these chaotic matters, Fang Hong hesitantly extended his hand to shake hands with Count Vaisu.

In that moment of clasping hands, a faint shimmer flashed on both the elder’s and Fang Hong’s hands, but Fang Hong’s hand was turned away from the crowd, and the subtle Silverlight was inconspicuous under the Starlight—only Fang Hong felt a slight heat on the back of his hand.

The next moment, Saisheer unexpectedly opened his eyes and looked at Fang Hong.

The previous occurrences made Fang Hong feel somewhat lacking in confidence; seeing the other’s gaze, he couldn’t help but panic—tentatively asked, ”Mr. Saisheer, what’s wrong?”

The elder was slightly stunned, then smiled: ”I cannot see your future, Mr. Ade.”

”But this was expected; the destiny of the Holy Chooser is inherently unpredictable, you were chosen by fate.”

”What does it mean to be chosen?”

”No one knows, just an ancient prophecy, Mr. Ade.”

Saisheer gently shook his head.

But the ceremony had to continue, the old man’s eyes flashed with a hint of mischief, he released Fang Hong’s hand, and deliberately raised his voice: ”I saw your future, young man, you will soon find a beautiful girlfriend—”

Fang Hong immediately petrified.

Regarding the Holy Chooser, it wasn’t much of a secret in the eyes of these high-ranking individuals, and people immediately understood it was a friendly joke. There was a burst of low laughter from the high platform.

Many young women, perhaps daughters of consorts or noble ministers, unless they were the eldest daughters, looked over curiously. Although Fang Hong was just an ordinary person, as a Holy Chooser favored by the King of Sand Barbaltan and the first to be blessed alongside Prince Aleph, how many could claim such an honor?

Under Saisheer’s kind gaze, Fang Hong awkwardly stepped back—

With the blessing complete, he and Aleph naturally couldn’t stay at the front anymore; he walked to Lavali’s side, this blonde-haired, blue-eyed count’s daughter gave him a curious look, seemingly wanting to say something, but ultimately remained silent.

After him and Aleph, others took their turn to receive blessings one by one.

After everyone received blessings, the starlight in the night sky exploded like a bouquet of fireworks, scattering brilliant beams across Quistack—like a cascading Light Rain, enveloping the night in a dreamy, fantastical atmosphere, a scene that appeared breathtaking in Fang Hong’s eyes.

He felt that perhaps years later he might not forget such a scene.

The dispersed Light Rain under the night sky intertwined with the distant chilly Silver Sand Sea, like a dream yet a reality. The celebration finally reached its climax afterwards, and the melodious music played again, many ministers returned to the hall, and for a time, laughter and toasts resounded.

The potential unrest during the Star Ceremony seemed to have simply and easily subsided.

On the high platform, there were originally only him and Aleph along with a few young people and a group of curious young girls about this young Alchemist. Aleph seemed willing to say something to him, but hindered by the presence of so many people, he couldn’t speak for the moment.

Not long after, sudden exclamations emerged from the small circle’s outskirts—a direction they looked towards, only to find the King of Sand Barbaltan unexpectedly returned, accompanied by Nulman, Saisheer and the stern-faced old man splitting the crowd as they entered. The noble maidens bowed in salute—and the King of Sand did not reproach these children of his ministers too sternly, but instead made a few light-hearted jokes with them.