The servants bustling about, carrying silver trays filled with delicacies from the north and south, with steam rising. In the hall, the candlelight was like gold, reflecting on the brown stone walls, the stones quarried from between the Rock Mountain in the south of Antuo. A light brown handwoven tapestry hung on the stone wall, depicting the brilliance of stars and the dust of the Sand Sea, beloved by the Istania people.
The flowing, warm light reflected on Prince Aleph's brown, curly long hair, which glimmered with a soft luster. He looked at the girl in front of him with some surprise and spoke:
"So you're also called Affia?"
In this crowded occasion, Affia appeared somewhat reserved, occasionally glancing uneasily at Fang Hong, among so many people, the latter and Luo Hao were the only ones she was familiar with. But Luo Hao was sitting on the other side, and Miss Natural Historian was sitting with a little girl she didn't know, whispering together, while the little girl occasionally glanced at her with a suspicious gaze—
After all, in Tianlan's mind, both being called Affia, who knows if she would be as annoying as that princess?
Upon hearing Aleph's question, the girl showed a look of confusion in her eyes as she looked at His Highness the Prince.
She blinked her eyes slowly in slight unease, in her watery gaze was the golden candlelight, sparkling. Perhaps the temperature in the tavern was a bit high, a flush of rosy warmth appeared on her face.
Fang Hong noticed her discomfort, knowing that her mind was as pure as a blank sheet of paper, and explained in a low voice: "This is His Highness Aleph, he is our friend, a good person."
Affia looked at Aleph in puzzlement.
She had heard of this prince, the eldest son of the King of Sand, as a member of the Royal Household, naturally, there were many rumors about him spreading across the Sand Sea—some true, others not. But she found it hard to imagine that such a person would sit together with them. It seemed that Mr. Ade was also quite familiar with this prince, she recalled the battle of Fanric she had witnessed, the figure opposing Nikopolas, thinking to herself it was only natural—
No wonder he is Mr. Ade.
Aleph also smiled silently: "I'm sorry, my sister is also called Affia, I thought this name was not very common."
"Really?" Affia was somewhat incredulous.
"Indeed so," Fang Hong replied. Unlike the princes, of Babartan's daughters, only Princess Rupert was widely known, the Grand Princess's name was known by all in the Sand Sea of Istania, but the other princesses were relatively 'unknown'.
Even though Affia was the Grand Princess's own sister, it was the same. Bakins, being a local, had heard of her name.
Affia was a bit embarrassed: "I didn't even know this... my name was given by Lord Ebene."
"Ebene?" Aleph looked at Fang Hong: "The same Ebene?"
"Chief Hall Defender of the Arcanists."
Fang Hong nodded.
"So, Affia is also an Arcanist then?" Aleph asked: "Is Ebene your father?"
Affia quickly shook her head, hurriedly saying: "No, no, Lord Ebene is only my teacher..."
"Who is Affia's father then?"
"Just an ordinary merchant, Your Highness."
"I've heard that Arcanists only recruit disciples from nobles," Aleph sighed: "So it seems, Affia, your talent must be exceptionally outstanding to make the Arcanists break their rules—"
Hearing such praise, Affia's face turned completely red.
The speaker meant no harm, but the listener took notice. It was an open secret that Arcanists recruited disciples from nobles; they sought alliance with political power, and teaming up with the nobles was a simple method, though they relied on the King of Sand, Barbaltan, they wouldn't tie themselves down to a single chariot.
And Affia's talent, Fang Hong had some understanding. Although the Dragon Soul might not have fully awakened, it was already far above ordinary people. Regardless of whether it was because the Arcanists valued such potential and therefore paid her such attention, or because...
Back in Bain's prison, Fang Hong had heard her talk about the Dragon Soul. But he hadn't thought too much back then; now hearing Aleph mention it again, a strange thought suddenly flashed through his mind.
He suddenly thought the Arcanists' attention on Affia might be because of the Dragon Soul. But Nulman and the King of Sand Barbaltan's attitude was hard to explain—conversely, could it be another possibility? That the girl's possession of the Nature Dragon Spirit was merely a coincidence?
Various thoughts tumbled in his mind, rising and sinking without a clear conclusion. He had already decided to withdraw from this event, but like a kind of inertia, he couldn't help but contemplate the issue sometimes when he was absent-minded.
Curiosity is in everyone, and Fang Hong also had some curiosity about what happened ten years ago, more or less.
Not to mention that notebook, he had seen it once, so there seemed to be some connection to him as well.
He couldn't help but glance at his cousin.
Tang Xin had just recovered, sitting beside her, looking pale and somewhat distressed.
Fang Hong didn't know how he might have offended her recently, as his cousin had been unwilling to pay him much attention. Although they used to quarrel and bicker, it was never like this.