Pillar of Yita

”What? Fang Hong was taken aback when he heard that.

”We’ve also been probing into this news recently, and have gathered some useful information.”

”The King of Sand is merely restricting the actions of his eldest daughter, but she still lives in her own palace, and her treatment remains the same as before. Most of the news within the Royal Palace has been blocked, and even most of the court officials are unaware of this matter, so I believe the King of Sand might not intend to depose the Grand Princess.”

”What does that imply?”

”It implies that there is no royal dispute.”

”So the actions of the King of Sand are?”

”Merely to restrict his eldest daughter’s movements.”

Restricting movements? Fang Hong was a bit surprised: Is it because the Grand Princess’s investigation into the Blind Followers is obstructing the King of Sand’s plans?

Yet the King of Sand doesn’t intend to punish his daughter, just doesn’t allow her to leave Kashan Palace. This indicates he still has affection for his daughter, perhaps he doesn’t want her involved in this affair? Or is there some other reason?

However, he still has a question, isn’t the King of Sand underestimating his daughter too much?

Hilveld seemed to read his thoughts and asked, ”Does Lord Captain think the Grand Princess won’t stay in peace?”

Not peaceful, but not far-fetched.

But Fang Hong had seen the Princess in the Forbidden Palace and understood that she would not only refuse to give up but also had the capacity to achieve her aims.

After all, if he were in that position, he would do the same, as it concerns the death of her mother. Considering this, he paused, as ”parents” for him had become a rather distant term.

”Lord Captain?” Hilveld’s gaze was clear and penetrating, noticing Fang Hong’s distraction.

”It’s nothing.” Fang Hong lightly shook his head and replied, ”It concerns her mother’s death, why would the Grand Princess give up?”

Hilveld asked again, ”Then does Lord Captain believe the Grand Princess has the capacity to leave Kashan Palace?”

”She asked me to find someone in Bain, it should not be in vain.”

”So, is Lord Captain planning to assist?”

Fang Hong looked at the bright eyes of the Noble Lady and suddenly recalled Count Nulman’s words.

’Sometimes what you see isn’t always correct...’

’...Istania’s peace and tranquility have lasted for many years, and I believe many wish it would continue...’

’...It’s not about asking for anything, just hoping Mr. Ade would act following his true intentions...’

’...believe Dolifen’s savior, Fanric’s hero, might not understand what is truly worth guarding.’

Then what is correct?

What exactly was Lord Earl insinuating? Hinting that the King of Sand’s actions are correct, that they are safeguarding Istania’s peace? But what is the connection of the Princess’s mother’s death with all of this?

He understood Hilveld’s meaning, Princess Rupert instructing him to find the person in Bain must be a part of her plan, and using this piece now is surely to escape. And after escaping, of course, she will continue her investigation, because aside from this, Fang Hong couldn’t conceive any other reason for Barbaltan to confine his daughter.

If he goes to Bain to find that person, would it exacerbate the conflict between the Grand Princess and the King of Sand?

Then again, is the King of Sand’s approach necessarily correct?

Fang Hong recalled seeing Seniman at the recent celebration, he was indeed one of the four ’Servants’ of the Blind Followers. He later specifically asked the Clan Leader of the Oathkeeper Clan, Saisheer, about this matter; Seniman currently holds a position in Istania akin to the State Preceptor, occupying the seat of the Left Minister.

In Istania, the two ministers share the power of a Prime Minister, with the Desert People revering the Right over the Left, thus the Left Minister is beneath two but above many. The other two are the King of Sand and Saisheer the Right Minister.

With the Left and Right Ministers counterbalancing each other, Fang Hong understood this was likely the King of Sand’s arrangement; internally, Saisheer the Right Minister acts as a check, externally, Count Nulman leads the troops, allowing him to boldly entrust the Left Minister position to the ’Servants’ of the Blind Followers, using this esteemed position to win over the Blind Followers.

Otherwise, why would the Blind Followers trust a King of Sand?

Yet, Fang Hong believes the old saying: those who play with fire will get burned. The King of Sand might have the right intentions, but using the wrong methods can lead to tragic outcomes, and he’s seen plenty of that on his journey south, the memories still vivid.

Sometimes, being overly confident can be detrimental, as things don’t always play out as scripted.

Especially given the complexities of human nature.

No matter what the King of Sand is plotting, Fang Hong always feels it isn’t quite secure.

Meanwhile, the Grand Princess’s persistence is also understandable, investigating her mother’s death is justified, isn’t it? Moreover, compared to the King of Sand, her methods are quite gentle. Everyone has the right to know the truth, especially a truth directly tied to her, this appeal isn’t unreasonable.

But what should he do?

Hilveld happened to ask the same—

”What does Lord Captain plan to do?”

For a split second, Fang Hong couldn’t help but recall the previous discussions.

Also recalling the words Bishop Faris told him not long ago. Those words once confused him, but now, they seemed to offer clarity.

He was silent for a moment before slowly speaking:

”Instead of assuming, it’s better to verify.”

At this moment, he already had an idea in mind.

...