Fang Hong had just sat down when his eyes were involuntarily drawn to the suspicious sand-colored Half-Person at the tavern entrance.
The other wore a dark green cloak, adorned with decorative leather strips, carrying a horn-patterned small bow, and a dark bronze fourteen-year standard Magic Guided Reactor, its copper pipes full of worn engravings but polished brightly. A piece of "Reindeer Armor" - a type of common Magic Guided Leather Armor on the market, with jingling trinkets attached to the straps. And an "Hawk" style Short Sword – somewhat like a smaller Elf Scimitar.
The Half-Person had a chin full of curly brown-yellow beard, slightly pointed ears, about a head taller than Parker. They noticed Fang Hong's gaze, glanced in his direction, and unabashedly walked over, smiling lightly to reveal a set of white teeth.
He reached under his cloak and pulled out a shiny coin, placing it on the wooden table in front of Fang Hong, and pushed it over. "Sir, do you need information?" – Beneath the coin was a note with scribbled writing. The Half-Person raised his head, looking at him with bright eyes. Hanging on the right edge of his cloak was a colorful Shield Emblem, its lively markings resembling a bird.
Fang Hong glanced at the coin and the sealed envelope underneath.
He reached out and pocketed the coin, without moving the envelope, then looked up and said to the other with composure, "Let's hear it."
This was a local Brotherhood member.
They called themselves "Woodpeckers," though Fang Hong saw the bird on the Shield Emblem was a Hummingbird... perhaps due to the locals having never seen an actual Woodpecker. After all, in the Silver Sand Sea, trees are seldom seen, let alone Woodpeckers. This was almost certainly a term imported from the northern Colin Ishurian.
The name carried a touch of cheapness and pretentiousness.
Which made Fang Hong somewhat skeptical of the other's business capability.
Well-informed, operating in the Grey Area, not always adhering strictly to the law, yet not straying too far, every place invariably has organizations such as these. It was only in Elpaxin that Big Cat People and Miss Atira dealt with these individuals, yet he didn't expect that one day it would be his turn.
Fang Hong felt a certain novelty.
This Half-Person was a Native, his eyes brightened upon hearing Fang Hong's words, in the manner of evaluating a customer when dealing business.
"Is it Mr. Ade introduced by His Grace, the Bishop?"
Fang Hong nodded.
He was unfamiliar with the Quistack people and naturally couldn't make contact with these Brotherhood members, but a Marlan Bishop was different – though how one associates a Brotherhood member with a Holy District Bishop is quite dubious, especially when the latter is a Believer of justice.
Yet within a diocese there are all sorts of people, Believers come from various professions, some individuals invariably have different networks, Bishop Faris merely needed to give instructions, and those below could naturally find a way.
Of course, this meeting was his initiative.
Because yesterday evening, he suddenly received startling news – the Grand Princess had returned from Tansnier to Quistack, and was even detained by the King of Sand, Barbaltan.
Though the authenticity of this news is unclear, it was relayed through internal Holy Sanctuary channels, it holds a degree of credibility. Lady Justice is not a major faith in Istania, but some high-level Believers exist, especially Knights and Knight Lords, gathering diocese information is almost instinctual for the Holy Sanctuary, these messages are somewhat screened.
However, precisely because of this, Fang Hong could not sit still.
In Bain, he already had an inkling, initially planning to warn the others to prepare, but he didn't expect the King of Sand to act so swiftly with the Arcanist's side.
Though the Grand Princess is only his employer, it's merely a family affair of the Royal House of Penelope, theoretically unrelated to him, nor does it require his intervention. But the issue lies with those remaining in Tansnier, like Hilveld and others – did they come along, where are they currently?
In the absence of communication, he couldn't contact anyone, nor receive any answers.
Moreover, the Seven Seas Traveler is still in the Royal family's shipyard, if anything happens to the Grand Princess, could any mishap occur there?
Whether out of duty to his employer or from personal interest, he found it necessary to see the Grand Princess. Even if the others didn't come along, understanding the situation in Tansnier is beneficial, and the Bain incident undoubtedly has deeper secrets, further unsettling him.
"Have you heard of the Elves' 'Creatogenesis'?"
Not long ago, the Bishop's words flashed in his mind.
Fang Hong quickly shook his head, refocusing on the present matter – the Half-Person pulled open a chair, sitting down before him.
The tavern was bustling with people.
Various Adventurers came and went, possibly due to the lingering sandstorm, or simply because this is the Royal Capital, the tavern business was much better compared to Tansnier.
A thin layer of dust covered the wooden table, not far away sat a group of oddly dressed Adventurers, a tall Elf and two Dwarves, a human Magic Guided Conductor, leaning on his Magic Wand, almost certainly an Invoker. They were quietly discussing when communication might be restored, but none had any certainty.