Pillar of Yita

"What do you think?"

"What do I think about what?"

Hilveld was gazing at the flames in the courtyard, like little stars in the darkness reflected in her eyes, forming an arc of light. The noble lady blinked softly, turned her head, and asked, "I mean Delice's father's attitude."

"How should I put it, not too good, but not too bad either." Fang Hong recalled the situation at the time.

The Earl had met with them as promised after the banquet, was fairly enthusiastic, and expressed gratitude for aiding the Westwood Sibika family. But the conversation didn't delve deep; Hilveld didn't mention anything about the successor, only about the reconstruction of the Seven Seas Traveler. The Earl seemed quite surprised when he heard that Fang Hong was leading the project and gave him a pointed look.

Hilveld mentioned the Heart of Fairy, and the Earl only said he needed to consider it. He said it was the fruit of your grandfather and father's hard work and would persuade the Elders' Council to agree to this plan if possible. His attitude was sincere, but Hilveld only mentioned it once and did not speak further.

The Earl also mentioned that the Rose Workshop could provide some assistance as needed and told them to speak up if needed. He jokingly said that Hilveld was practically half a member of the Westwood Sibika family. Privately, he also asked if Hilveld needed Rolin's help, but the noble lady just shook her head with a smile:

"Ade is more than sufficient," she smiled slightly, "Ade is excellent, not inferior to anyone else in any way."

The Earl shook his head, not convinced. But he only said, "But he is nevertheless an outsider."

Hilveld merely smiled and didn't respond, nor did she mention her relationship with Fang Hong.

And the Earl, knowing his niece was always stubborn, said no more.

Until leaving the manor, Fang Hong still felt that the meeting had been at least half successful, as the Earl had gifted him a small present—a Type II Clockwork Fairy, worth several thousand Lycel. If the Earl really could persuade the Elders' Council to hand the Heart of Fairy over to Hilveld, then their visit would be worthwhile.

As for the inheritance of the Rose Workshop, getting it would be a blessing, losing it would be fate, Fang Hong didn't care much. His cousin's ideas held some validity, but it was ultimately external; one cannot always hope on external things.

Hilveld listened to his response and softly replied, "Does Lord Captain truly think so?"

The stars were rising into the night sky as the two walked, one ahead and one behind, to the edge of Long Lake.

She turned around, looking at him with stars and distant lights reflected in her eyes, the hem of her black chiffon dress fluttering lightly in the light of the lake. Fang Hong paused in awe: "What does Hilveld think?"

Hilveld didn't answer, but extended her right hand to him, her palm smooth as jade, seemingly glowing. "Give it to me."

"What?" Fang Hong was puzzled.

"That thing."

Fang Hong hesitated for a moment, then realized and handed over the Clockwork Fairy gifted by the Earl.

Hilveld took it without looking and turned to forcefully throw it away—splash, the Metal Sphere fell into the dark and somber lake water. Fang Hong was stunned, almost heartbroken: "Hilveld?"

Miss Ship's Officer then gave him a small smile and replied, "Hilveld's captain does not need the false kindness of those who despise him. Because Ade must be the best in my heart, none can replace him."

Fang Hong paused for a moment, then understood her thoughts. But looking at the dark lake surface, he couldn't help but sigh: "It's really unnecessary, Hilveld."

He wasn't a fool; of course he had noticed that Delice's father was somewhat dismissive of him. But they were unfamiliar, and how could he demand the other to recognize his ability? Besides, others' opinions were of no benefit to him; as long as he obtained the Heart of Fairy, it was all good.

What he cared about was whether he could fulfill the wish of Miss Ship's Officer's father.

But Hilveld shook her head: "It is necessary, Lord Captain."

Fang Hong looked at her with surprise.

"When the master is humiliated, the servant dies," Hilveld's eyes sparkled with light: "Lord Captain can be magnanimous, but as a Ship's Officer I cannot. Because Lord Captain represents not only himself but the entire Seven Seas Travel Group."

Fang Hong couldn't help but be stunned by these words.

He could see that Hilveld was somewhat angry, the last time she was angry was because he was too rash, not putting his own safety first, and perhaps before that was with Miya?

Yet as he looked at the dark lake water, he still felt heartache: "But the Clockwork Fairy was not at fault, Hilveld. It was worth several thousand Lycel."

Hilveld couldn't help but lower her head, pursing her lips, with a knowing smile.

But perhaps this authenticity was the foundation of her peace and trust.

Fang Hong didn't know what Miss Ship's Officer was laughing about; he wasn't wrong, was he? Even neglect is still neglect, isn't it necessary to gain some advantage? Miss Sicape once said, saving is a virtue—

And after Hilveld finished laughing, she said, "Actually, this result was expected."

"What result?"

"I remember telling Lord Captain before," Hilveld's eyes reflecting recalls: "After I left the Southern Region, I went north purely because of desperation—because I heard refusal words too many times."

She turned her head, "Before I went north, only Master Ande was willing to help, but he wasn't interested in the Seven Seas Traveler's affairs, because he considered Fairy Knights to be pure fairytales. Now you see the southern nobles being friendly only because the present is different from the past; they themselves are struggling and need my father's banner—"