Fang Hong's gaze swept across the entire reception room, looking at the worried crowd, as if the sudden situation had left everyone a bit confused for the mont—because most of them were unaware of the inside story, including even the Earl's daughter Lavali. That His Excellency the Governor obviously wouldn't tell her these things.
ZXC and Wu Xiaopang, who had experienced the escape on the Dawood, might know a bit more, but still limited. Even among the Seven Seas Travel Group, not everyone knew as much as he did, like Xiangzi, Parker, and Elisa, who might not be clear about the grand plan of the King of Sand, Barbaltan.
Among these people, not everyone could be trusted by him, even Miss Nightingale, who joined the Seven Seas Travel Group, had once lied out of necessity, hadn't she? He didn't want to go through the sa situation a second ti.
He waited for a mont before speaking: "Everyone, don't worry too much, calm down first—there's always a way through the mountains, we'll think of a solution, Miss Affia will surely be safe."
Lavali didn't quite understand this taphor, but she grasped its aning. The Earl's daughter glanced at Fang Hong and gritted her teeth, saying: "Then I'll go find my father—"
"Wait."
Lavali looked at him in confusion.
Fang Hong said: "No rush to find Lord Earl, don't alert His Majesty, there's sothing else that requires your attention, Miss Lavali."
"Just call Lavali, there's no ti for such formalities at this mont," the Earl's daughter decisively replied.
"Alright, can you freely enter and exit Kashan Palace?"
"You want to find Aleph?"
The Earl's daughter's eyes showed a hint of surprise.
It's simple to converse with smart people, but Fang Hong didn't have ti to lant the other's acuity, just nodded. He replied: "At this mont, only Aleph can help us. I'll go find Saisheer Chieftain and we'll act separately."
Lavali then realized that after the King of Sand Barbaltan departed, a Crown Prince was left to oversee the kingdom, accompanied by a minister. These two currently held the central power of this royal city, and with their help, things would obviously beco much easier. Moreover, she knew Aleph would certainly help, as for the old clan leader of the Oathkeeper Clan, she wasn't familiar with him, but judging by their tone, it seed they were sowhat confident.
Persuading these two would an solving half the problem, understanding this cald her heart, she nodded and replied: "I can."
Fang Hong looked at others:
"ZXC, Wu Xiaopang, could you go and gather so information."
This request was reasonable, and ZXC and Wu Xiaopang had no doubts about it—having received benefits from Fang Hong, those of Shield of Lufu wouldn't stand aside at this mont, and since just gathering information was within their capabilities, everyone's enthusiasm was high. After assigning tasks, they quickly went their separate ways.
Stepping out of the mansion, Fang Hong once again gathered the mbers of the Seven Seas Travel Group.
He led the group to avoid prying eyes and returned to the apartnt hostel where they were staying. Back in the room, he closed the door, then turned to look at everyone—especially Hilveld, before speaking:
"Everyone, this ti we can't be led by the nose."
Others looked at him sowhat unexpectedly.
But the first to speak unexpectedly was Parker: "I also think so, I guess it's either the Blind Followers or the King of Sand who took Affia. We should just go find them, no need to investigate the truth."
Fang Hong looked at this guy, then rembered that this Papalarian had a crush on Miss Affia. No wonder since yesterday, this guy's been acting like he's lost his soul. Even at this ti, he couldn't help but find it amusing, but he still disregarded the other's opinion.
Then Hilveld asked: "What does Lord Captain have in mind?"
"I do have an idea," Fang Hong nodded—a series of incidents in Dolifen and Fanric had repeatedly had the Seven Seas Travel Group led by the nose, but each ti it was due to his lack of experience. After suffering so many losses, he surely absorbed so lessons.
And the Noble Lady smiled as she looked at him, not anxious.
Fang Hong also looked at her and said: "Hilveld, there are so things to assign for you to handle here—"
"Additionally," he turned to Parker: "Parker, since you're so eager to rescue Affia, I'll assign an important task to you."
"A really important task?" Parker's eyes widened, sowhat surprised.
"Very important."
Fang Hong repeated sternly.
...
Outside Kashan Palace—
Daybreak was just beginning, but the departure of the King of Sand and his courtiers had indeed brought so changes to this place—there were noticeably fewer people outside the palace gate, only a team of guards remained. Ordinarily, at this ti, courtiers heading to Kashan Palace and their servants already ford an unending stream of people.
But today, only a few early birds searching for food could be seen, chirping on the plaza, occasionally accompanied by the distant echo of a morning bell from the central clock tower of the royal city, piercing through the morning haze. The first golden rays of sunlight fell upon the snow-white palace walls.
In a corner outside the palace gate was a small garden, Hilveld stood in the white pavilion within the garden, watching a servant walk away.
After a while, Achilles leisurely arrived.
Seeing Hilveld, the middle-aged Alchemist showed a smile: "I thought it was Mr. Ade coming, Miss Hilveld, is there anything? If you wish to see the Princess, I can pass the ssage on your behalf."
User Comments
0 comments from readers