Pillar of Yita

”The wind direction that day was southeast, so we might be able to search around Antuo.”

”We can also post some commissions at the Adventurers’ Guild in Tansnier. It’s not the only ship that went missing in the dust storm, and rescue operations might have already started... Your people are quite responsive in this regard... and they treat both Invokers and Natives equally.”

The Lady Noble pushed up her gold-rimmed crystal glasses with her hand, exuding an intellectual aura. She looked at the map and pointed to a few locations with her fingertips—a line drawn approximately between Tansnier and Bain—and spoke to the others.

”Indeed,” Bakins looked at the place and nodded, ”’your people’... are highly reputable in this regard, well-regarded among those who make a living at sea.”

”As for Istania’s response, there’s no need to expect much; even if the Grand Princess is willing to help, the nobles will only shirk responsibility. Istania... no, Colin Ishurian, also doesn’t have that tradition... unless the Royal Household’s fleet goes missing, why should a few merchant ships concern them?”

”But is this really reliable?” Fang Hong asked, looking at the map spread out on the desk.

Hilveld only nodded lightly.

”They still have a chance to survive, and even if they encounter the most dangerous situations, they will definitely make it back. From Tansnier to Bain, from Bain to Antuo, every inch of land has been explored by Adventurers; there’s no undiscovered Dead Silence Zone. Without a Dead Silence Zone, they are definitely safe—”

”So we just need to wait?”

”Perhaps wait until communication is restored.”

”But what if communication can’t be restored?”

The Lady Noble looked at him curiously, not quite understanding if her Lord Captain was joking.

Fang Hong froze for a moment, looking towards Lady Aierna.

But Lady Aierna was also curious: ”Ade, what are you talking about? The Ether Sea won’t stay turbulent forever; there will be a day when it calms.”

Upon hearing this, Fang Hong was taken aback, coughed lightly, realizing he had let his concerns spill out unconsciously.

Understanding this, Hilveld smiled and replied, ”If communication can’t be restored, just wait for them to return to Tansnier, or the Adventurers’ Guild will have news sooner or later.”

”I told you, communication will be restored; Ade just couldn’t wrap his head around it,” Lady Aierna protested about being ignored.

”Alright, alright,” Fang Hong said apologetically, ”just discussing the worst-case scenario.”

”Even the worst-case scenario won’t happen,” Aierna said, ”so why not discuss the possibility of Colin Ishurian sinking?”

Sometimes encountering a serious lady can indeed be a headache.

Fang Hong rubbed his temples and sighed. However, after Hilveld’s words, he felt much more at ease.

Honestly, he had considered these things himself, but Hilveld’s words brought inexplicable comfort, as if he unconsciously had become reliant on the Noble Lady.

But admittedly, the other party was indeed more reliable than himself.

The room fell silent for a moment.

After reuniting, everyone seemed to have endless things to talk about—except for the Papalarians who were stunned by the figure of 7.14 million—who still hadn’t reacted, remaining in a petrified state.

Yet with myriad topics to discuss, they were momentarily at a loss for words.

Tianlan wanted to talk about recent experiences and interesting stories, but her chatter was incoherent due to excitement. Elisa, uncomfortable speaking on such occasions, preferred to be a quiet listener. Ai Xiaoxiao occasionally chimed in, but mostly stayed obedient as a newbie.

Bakins was concise, rarely speaking nonsense. Xiesta only made sure to serve tea to everyone, and Fang Hong thanked the Miss Maid, who only glanced at him—not with suspicion this time, but still cold—was it an improvement in treatment?

From being guarded to being insignificant?

Pasha was not present, but even if he were, he probably wouldn’t speak. In addition, almost half of the team members were still floating in the sky at that moment.

However, there came a time when even Tianlan’s words would come to an end, leaving the small room silent.

Tata held her small teacup—gifted by Fang Hong—with steam curling above it. She remained peaceful and silent as Nini watched curiously, blinking her big eyes.

Fang Hong thought for a moment before breaking the silence: ”What do you think about the King of Sand, Count Nulman, and the Southern Region Alliance?”

He was asking Hilveld.

The Noble Lady adjusted her glasses, looking at him inquisitively: ”The King of Sand, Count Nulman, and the Southern Region Alliance affair?”

”It’s about the plan I mentioned before,” he replied.

Hilveld pondered for a moment before realizing, then asked rhetorically, ”So, what does the Lord Captain think?”

”Honestly,” Fang Hong frowned slightly, ”I’m a bit at a loss.”

Miss Ship’s Officer was exceedingly wise, always making statements that hit the mark, providing inspiration. So naturally, Fang Hong hoped she might give him some direction.

Hilveld smiled subtly, clearly appreciating such trust.

”Then I’ll share my thoughts,” she said with a smile, ”generally, when I feel stuck in investigating something, I try to think from a different angle.”