Chapter 1535 - 256: How Did You Know? (Part 3)

Moreover, there is no precedent for this.

Although he indeed had some interest in Magic Guided Constructs, and since Magic Guided Constructs were a sub-school under Combat Artisans, there was no conflict with Construct Lords or Supreme Ones, or the Main Construct School. However, the fact that the other party brought it up so proactively made him feel somewhat flattered.

Of course, he wouldn't consider himself to possess extraordinary talent or that the other recognized him with discerning eyes—as far as he felt, he hadn't reached that level yet.

There is little unwarranted love in this world; he looked at the other person, yet couldn't figure out their intentions for the moment.

But the middle-aged man didn't seem to shy away from this, and after a brief smile, he asked: "You know Mr. Abed, right?"

Fang Hong nodded.

However, as Mr. Abed is merely a hostel owner, even if he's a confidant of Princess Rupert of the Istania Royal Family, he wouldn't wield much influence over the Artisan Association, would he? But the next words from the middle-aged craftsman dispelled his doubts.

The other replied: "Princess Rupert heard of the battle that occurred at the hostel. She's currently in Meizel. If Mr. Ade can make time, Princess Rupert has asked us to convey a message that she wishes to meet you all."

Fang Hong was slightly taken aback, not expecting this to be the will of the Grand Princess.

He had heard of Princess Rupert's fame for a long time, knowing that she was practically a half Crown Prince in Istania. In earlier years, some political affairs handled by Barbaltan had also been through this Grand Princess's hands.

She was well-regarded among the people, quite unlike the Little Princess Affia, and would never come to meet their group of adventurers over a minor incident. Previously, when they rescued Affia from the Blood Shark Sky Pirates, she simply expressed gratitude through Mr. Abed.

There was no mention of wanting to meet them personally.

Yet the battle at the hostel unexpectedly startled the Princess.

The middle-aged craftsman seemed to notice his confusion: "It's like this, after all, your group just helped Princess Affia a while ago, and with this recent battle involving wandering craftsmen, it's already the second time you've aided her. Princess Rupert wishes to meet your group, both out of courtesy and reason."

Fang Hong then directed his gaze at the person: "And you are?"

The middle-aged craftsman placed his hand on his chest and bowed slightly: "I am Faisal, a Court Alchemist of Istania."

So that's how it was, Fang Hong realized.

Overall, the Artisan Association is relatively independent of royal power—naturally, this independence refers to the independence of affairs and management mechanisms, not sovereignty—and for this reason, local royal families actually have their own artisan systems.

But generally, this system is dependent on the Artisan Association. They receive training at the Artisan Association and enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as ordinary craftsmen, only they swear allegiance to the Royal Household. Such craftsmen are known as Court Alchemists.

And this middle-aged craftsman named Faisal in front of him was clearly someone from the Istania Royal Family.

And perhaps, someone planted by the Princess in the Tansnier Crafting Association.

However, they were currently in Tansnier seeking shipbuilders, and if they could gain the support of this Princess, it would only be beneficial. Fang Hong thought for a moment and believed Hilveld wouldn't oppose, hence nodded.

The middle-aged man was satisfied with a smile: "Then during the period of recovery, if Mr. Ade has any requests, the Tansnier Crafting Association will strive to fulfill them."

The so-called recovery was actually just some minor scrapes, not needing any 'nurturing.' If the power of the Dragon's Heart were still present, he wouldn't even need to sit here, recovering instantly. But unfortunately, his body was significantly weaker than before Idus, causing him to be subject to Miss Elisa's 'whims.'"

Yet Fang Hong understood that this was merely an excuse from the other to keep him here. What they referred to as 'requests' were roughly about the Magic Guided Construct matter, though he was interested, he wasn't in a rush.

From the tone of the middle-aged man, it seems the Grand Princess has considerable influence over the Tansnier Crafting Association, which was quite intriguing.

Moreover, when the other mentioned the wandering craftsmen, it caught his attention.

He held the teacup, rotated it in his hand slightly, and asked: "Regarding the Alchemist who stole the Yinhanz Model Four, do you know the identity?"

"Not exactly," the middle-aged craftsman answered: "That person is one of yours; we aren't familiar with people like them. They've severed ties with the Artisan Association, thus are called wandering craftsmen; these people aren't all bad, some are just of independent character."

Indeed, your people make up a significant proportion of such individuals, which should have been the case from earlier days, though I don't know much about it. But this matter doesn't relate much to Istania, and I'm unclear why the Princess is so concerned."

He paused: "That person should be one of your earlier generations' Holy Choosers; you probably understand what I mean, right?"

Fang Hong nodded.

"By the way," the middle-aged man then took out a crystal, placing it in front of Fang Hong: "Speaking of this matter, your people commissioned the Artisan Association to assist in contacting you; if you have any questions, you can ask them."

Upon hearing this, Fang Hong recalled something. He didn't take the crystal from the middle-aged man, instead opened his communicator—glancing briefly at your code above it, sure enough, it was from Stargate Port.

Upon opening the communicator, Su Changfeng's hurried voice came out:

"Ade, Ade, what are you up to?"

The opposite actually had the audacity to ask him?

Fang Hong was immediately indignant: "Mr. Su Changfeng, you almost got me killed just now—"

Su Changfeng was taken aback: "Ade, is that you? What do you mean by that?"

Fang Hong didn't elaborate further, directly asking: "You're looking for me, isn't it about the Wandering Alchemist affair?"

"How do you know?"

...