Pillar of Yita

Such meticulous care, is it really just as the Grand Princess saw, merely seeking a replacement for his wife?

Since he had long accepted all of this—

Then what is it that this King of Sand is pursuing now?

Or is it just as Delan said?

With these thoughts in mind, under the gaze of the others, Fang Hong turned and walked towards the ship.

Everyone had already boarded the ship.

As the Princess said, it was just a small boat.

It was even much smaller than the Seven Seas Traveler originally designed, giving the first impression of being petite, yet despite its size, it was complete. A tall mast stood in the center with a snow-white sail like a wing. The hull was adorned with beautiful patterns, carrying the dreams and aspirations of a young girl—it wasn’t luxurious like a royal artifact, instead it bore some simplicity.

Lady Papamo climbed to the top of the boat and let down the sail...

For ten years it had remained motionless at this place, and although it had been well maintained, it was no longer a new ship. Thus, merely completing the preparations before setting off required everyone from the setting sun till the rise of the Silver Moon—until the frost-like twilight enveloped the city in the desert.

The last to arrive was Princess Afeifa.

She seemed unusually quiet, boarded the boat without saying much.

Fang Hong saw this Little Princess lowering her head, her eyes slightly red as if she had just been crying.

But in front of her sister, in front of Aleph, she still showed strength, biting her lip, without speaking.

Princess Rupert, seeing her sister like this, couldn’t help but sigh gently. She seemed to want to say something, but ultimately remained silent.

The guide arranged by Her Highness was an old acquaintance, ’Hummingbird’ of the Woodpecker Brotherhood.

The latter tipped his hat to Fang Hong upon seeing him: ”We meet again, Mr. Ade.”

Fang Hong looked at the other with suspicion: ”Why are you here?”

The other replied with a grin: ”Her Highness is also an old client of ours.”

”Mr. Alphonse belongs to the War Goddess’ Shrine, and aside from the Oathkeeper Clan, only they can be completely trusted now,” explained the Grand Princess from the side.

Fang Hong suddenly understood.

He remembered his first encounter with the people of the Woodpecker Brotherhood was also introduced by Bishop Faris.

And it seemed only natural that these strange and diverse individuals of Quistack had connections with this influential Grand Princess. Since even people around her had been infiltrated, selecting people from the powers of the War Goddess’ Shrine to avoid the eyes of Blind Followers was indeed a very wise choice.

Moreover, he just learned that the ’Hummingbird’ named Alphonse was not just an intelligence dealer, but also a competent magician.

Though he appeared dressed like a ranger, it seemed merely a disguise. He expertly took over the Magic Guided Engine from Luo Yu, made some adjustments, and the small boat trembled slightly before lifting up from the lake’s surface.

”Mr. Alphonse was once an outstanding magician,” said the Grand Princess, watching the scene from below, ”His mentor once served as my mother’s mentor as well. He knows where the Sea of Illusions is and can avoid some potential dangers along the way.”

”Potential dangers?”

Fang Hong suddenly realized he might have overlooked something.

But Alphonse chuckled and interjected: ”Just some small troubles, Mr. Ade.”

Fang Hong looked at this man dubiously.

Hopefully, that’s the case.

...

The boat couldn’t ascend in the lake itself; hence they had to first navigate along the lakeshore into the canal, pass through the locks into the Inner City, and finally reach the Outer City to ascend from there.

The forest darkened and lights were lit for their convenience; they had declared extensive repairs were being conducted. The lakeside was brightly lit through the night, and to outsiders, it seemed quite normal. The arrangements made during the day had finally come into effect, and everyone cooperated seamlessly—With Saisheer’s help, the Grand Princess easily replaced the Artisan Association’s personnel with the Oathkeeper Clan’s people.

Meanwhile, those covering for the Artisan Association were led by Lady Aierna.

People on the shore watched the receding sails—

Lavali, observing this scene, felt slightly uneasy and turned away.

Aleph gently patted her shoulder to comfort her—Though the Earl’s daughter had some peculiar preferences, it didn’t hinder their friendship.

Soon, only the ’whoosh’ of water remained in the darkness.

Aleph also quietly watched the disappearing shadow in that direction.

”Thank you, Lady Aierna,” Princess Rupert was thanking the Giant Spirit Chairwoman, ”We shouldn’t have involved you in this, but we couldn’t think of anyone better at the moment.”

Aierna shook her head slightly, with a trace of worry in her eyes. ”What are you saying? I also grew up in this place, and it’s impossible to go back to Giant Island as before. The experience of studying in Quistack is still vivid in my memory, and many people in this city have helped me... This matter is so serious; I don’t hope they get caught up in this huge vortex.”

She paused for a moment.

”And since the Giant War, the Dark Followers have always been the enemies of civilization. Isn’t the history of Alchemists a history of fighting against them? How can I fall behind others? Moreover, every Quistack person is more than willing to serve the Grand Princess.”

”You’re too kind, Chairman Aierna,” Princess Rupert said softly from the side.

But Aierna was very serious: ”Grand Princess, every Istania person is familiar with your and your mother’s story.”

Princess Rupert turned her head and looked at Aleph, who was only a year younger than her.

She gazed at the dark shadows in the woods behind and replied softly, ”Actually, I’ve heard about you too, Chairwoman.”

Aierna couldn’t help but blush.

She wasn’t famous; how could the other have heard of her? But during her time studying at Quistack, she was ’widely known’.

But she would prefer not to have such ’fame’.

She stammered, ”...those rumors may not be true, Princess.”

Princess Rupert couldn’t help but smile slightly.

She looked at her younger brother—the future King of Sand of Istania, as he left Lavali’s side and came to her.

The Grand Princess hesitated for a moment before speaking:

”I’m sorry, Aleph, there are some things I haven’t told you the truth about.”

Aleph was silent for a long time before he nodded slightly: ”I understand.”

”But father has already entrusted all this to me.”

”Whether it’s power or responsibility.”

He took a gentle breath: ”Therefore, the future of Istania, and the future of this city... you and Affia, and the Queen’s matters, I will take responsibility for it all, and one day, it will all come to light—”

”I promise you.”

Rupert blinked her eyes lightly.

For a moment, she thought she saw the King of Sand.

...

In the darkness, everyone on the boat watched silently as the distant ship gate rose, emitting a low rumbling sound.

The lake water roared, rolling back, crashing against the side of the boat, causing the boat to sway slightly.

But fortunately, it was floating on the water surface, so it wasn’t shaking too violently.

Fang Hong looked at those hands in the darkness, understanding that they had long since been switched—now the ones guarding there should be people personally appointed by Saisheer and Aleph.

In fact, during the day, this Right Minister and the Crown Prince had closed the city gates and reinforced the city’s internal martial law, so this evening order didn’t really cause much of a stir. Even if the Blind Followers knew this news, they would probably only sneer, understanding that it was the result of last night’s hijacking.

But what use is that?

The people had long been replaced out of Quistack, and by now should be nearing the Sea of Illusions.

At this moment, dusk was hanging low, with only a final streak of dark red glow left in the sky.

On the other side of Kashan Palace, standing on the palace wall, Achilles gazed over more than half of Quistack, silently contemplating the time. After a while, he turned around, looking with his dark eyes at the brilliantly lit Kashan Palace—how long had he been here?

Ten years?

Twenty years?

His eyes flashed with a hint of hesitation, and the face of the Princess flashed through his thoughts.

But soon, everything returned to darkness.

The Alchemist silently took an object from his chest, examined it for a moment, and sighed softly before putting it away again. Finally, he took one last look at the magnificent scene in front of him, as if to imprint it in his heart, before quietly walking down the city wall.

It’s time.

He thought to himself.

...