Chapter 180: The Father-in-Law’s Scrutiny

Chapter 180: The Father-in-Law's Scrutiny

At the villa's entrance.

Hibbert saw Hastur off, and after stepping out of the gate, he finally spoke, "Hastur, why did you refuse such a generous offer?"

"It was too sudden, it felt beyond my control," Hastur sighed, having pondered this question all the way.

He needed Earl Hall's assistance, and the count had made it clear he would support him, even paving a grand road ahead.

With such favorable conditions, why did he refuse?

Why not simply accept it graciously?

Hibbert looked deeply at Hastur and said, "Hastur, you can never control everything."

"I understand that," Hastur nodded, truly grasping the concept.

Yet, faced with Earl Hall's sudden goodwill, his first instinct was to refuse.

At that moment, he felt as if agreeing would bind him to the Holle family's chariot.

Interests and favors… in this regard, he indeed was not yet a qualified noble.

Tonight's lesson was worth reflecting on.

Seeing Hastur's troubled expression, Hibbert chuckled and patted his shoulder, "This is just the first meeting; you'll have more chances to ingratiate yourself with our Earl Hall."

"I hope so."

Hastur could only pin his hopes on the untrained hound.

But after this incident, he felt the chances of mending his relationship with Earl Hall were slim.

"Think over what my father said when you get back; he usually doesn't speak much about irrelevant matters."

With these final words, Hibbert watched Hastur depart in the carriage.

Once Hastur's carriage was out of sight, Hibbert frowned slightly, unable to comprehend Earl Hall's thoughts that evening.

Even if he wanted to help Hastur ascend in rank, it shouldn't have been so blatantly direct, right?

The Rune nobility has always been a symbol of subtlety and restraint.

He was as puzzled as Hastur.

Returning to the villa and entering the study, Earl Hall was waiting for him.

His demeanor was calm, showing no signs of the anger that had driven people away earlier.

Hibbert walked in and smiled, "Your actions tonight seemed to have frightened him."

"Why do you think I suddenly said those things?"

"You wanted Hastur to understand that nobility prioritizes interests. Being too naive and childish is unsuitable for the cutthroat world of politics."

Hibbert had thought a lot on the way, facing Earl Hall's test with composure.

"Let me give you another chance."

Earl Hall's disapproval left Hibbert momentarily stiff, then deep in thought.

After a while, Hibbert uncertainly said, "Could it be that you were really angry about Hastur's relationship with Audrey? So you intentionally scared him off?"

Earl Hall's expression darkened, his invisible authority enveloping Hibbert, "In this regard, Hastur is right, you are foolish, only seeing what happens on the surface and then making assumptions."

…

Chastised, Hibbert couldn't utter a word, sighing inwardly. Even Hastur, the person involved, couldn't fully understand the issue, let alone an outsider like him.

"Indeed, among nobility, everything is interest-driven, but not everyone is willing to play this game; there are also personal favors."

"The reason he refused my kindness is that he seeks help that can be compensated with interests, not by owing favors."

"This is both his confidence and his naivety. In my position, he's just a baron; what benefits can he bring me?"

Listening to Earl Hall's lecture, Hibbert pondered, "Do you intend to bind Hastur to our Holle family's chariot through personal favors?"

A smile appeared on Earl Hall's face, yet he still negated Hibbert's guess, "That's what he doesn't understand."

…

Hibbert wanted to say, why must it be so convoluted?

He could understand his father's cunning, but why was Hastur also so complicated?

He was so young!

How did he sense something amiss from his father's questioning?

"Actually, I'm quite satisfied with his performance tonight."

Earl Hall's sudden change of topic almost lost Hibbert.

Just a moment ago, he had a stern face, issuing a harsh eviction, and now he's satisfied with Hastur?

After a moment, Hibbert voiced his confusion, "If you're satisfied, why act the villain for no reason?"

"Hastur's behavior tonight was too innocent and naive; he still lacks real hardship. A little setback will take him further."

This left Hibbert confused again.

Was he satisfied with Hastur's innocence and naivety, or not?

"At this stage, his naive simplicity pleases me; perhaps that's also why Audrey is willing to be close to him, relatively pure, without much selfish desire."

…

Hibbert silently turned away, not speaking.

Just before, he said he was making assumptions about Hastur and Audrey's relationship.

But what about the beloved Earl Hall?

Wasn't his behavior like testing Hastur's character?

The father-in-law scrutinizing his son-in-law?

His empathy was even stronger than his own!

Hibbert was certain that Earl Hall had mixed his personal emotions into tonight's events.

Especially when he scolded Hastur for his naivety, sending him away.

…

Hastur returned home, sitting in his study pondering Earl Hall's intentions that evening.

He didn't believe Earl Hall was someone who would easily show his emotions, but his behavior tonight was baffling.

First showing favor, then sending him home.

"It's baffling."

Hastur sighed, pulling out his pocket watch to check the time; it was already past ten.

He had no desire to continue pondering this issue.

Regardless of Earl Hall's true intentions, he would just go his own way.

Exiting the study, Butler Neil looked worried but couldn't help saying, "I've always believed that your future as a baron is boundless; I hope you won't be disheartened by tonight's events."

…

Hastur was momentarily stunned, then smiled, "Butler Neil, thank you for your comfort."

Butler Neil gave Hastur an encouraging look, then went off to attend to other matters.

"Even Butler Neil can make such assumptions; no wonder Greck and Hibbert thought astray. Fortunately, Miss Audrey didn't overthink."

Hastur murmured to himself, choosing to take a bath before retiring to his room.

The Hall of Stars.

Hastur's gaze fell on the star where the High-Dimensional Overseer resided.

The originally unremarkable crystal eyeball was discovered by the bell tower's guards and deemed a divine gift from the heavens. They even built a small chapel to enshrine the crystal eyeball.

The crystal eyeball emitted a hazy glow, seemingly influencing those around it.

But not many came to worship it; most were just curious onlookers.

Apart from the bell ringer who found it, the other personnel didn't show excessive fervor.

"The crystal eyeball must still contain the consciousness of the High-Dimensional Overseer ; otherwise, I wouldn't be able to see this scene."

"Is the High-Dimensional Overseer trying to develop followers this way?"

"This seems too casual, with no miracles shown or anything too abnormal, except for emitting light."

Hastur watched for a long time, choosing to continue observing.

If the High-Dimensional Overseer really intended to develop followers this way, it could provide him with some future reference.

After watching this, he looked towards another small light.

The avatar of the High-Dimensional Overseer was no longer by the sea but traveling on a ship.

He had changed into the classic sailor's attire and even started doing hard labor on the ship.

"Is this a deliberate experience of life?"

Hastur truly didn't understand the High-Dimensional Overseer 's thoughts.

After watching for a while longer, Hastur shifted his gaze to other stars.

Nothing unusual, except for the Lamp Genie pitifully sealed inside the wishing lamp.

…

Late at night, inside Lady Germaine's room.

A crimson glow seeped in through the window, gradually spreading along the sill. A shadow, merging with the darkness, silently entered the room from outside.

Lady Germaine, already lying in bed, awoke immediately, gazing towards the mirror where the graceful figure stood as if no one else existed.

"Back again from outside the window. Haven't you learned your lesson?" 

"Don't be so cold. Last time, I didn't mean to hurt your beloved. Besides, I'm the one who suffered. He stabbed me fiercely, right through the heart."

Moraka undressed in front of the mirror, then walked naked to the edge of the bed, lifting the covers and slipping in.

Before Lady Germaine could refuse, Moraka took her hand and placed it on her abdomen, speaking in a seductive tone, "His presence still lingers here."

"His blade pierced through my belly, even stirred inside forcefully. It's a sensation one doesn't easily forget."

"Don't you want to follow the path he carved and come inside?"

Soon, the covers concealed them, and muted moans drifted from the room towards the window.

The crimson moon above had intended to witness this enchanting scene, but its view was obstructed by dark clouds.

(End of chapter)

Used gpt for edit;

Chapter 180: The Father-in-Law's Scrutiny

At the entrance of the villa, Hibbert saw Hastur off. After stepping out of the gate, he finally spoke, "Hastur, why did you refuse such a generous offer?"

"It was too sudden; it felt beyond my control," Hastur sighed, having pondered this question all the way. He needed Earl Hall's assistance, and the count had made it clear he would support him, even paving a grand road ahead. With such favorable conditions, why did he refuse? Why not simply accept it graciously?

Hibbert looked deeply at Hastur and said, "Hastur, you can never control everything."

"I understand that," Hastur nodded, truly grasping the concept. Yet, faced with Earl Hall's sudden goodwill, his first instinct was to refuse. At that moment, he felt as if agreeing would bind him to the Holle family's chariot. Interests and favors… in this regard, he indeed was not yet a qualified noble. Tonight's lesson was worth reflecting on.

Seeing Hastur's troubled expression, Hibbert chuckled and patted his shoulder, "This is just the first meeting; you'll have more chances to ingratiate yourself with our Earl Hall."

"I hope so." Hastur could only pin his hopes on the untrained hound. But after this incident, he felt the chances of mending his relationship with Earl Hall were slim.

"Think over what my father said when you get back; he usually doesn't speak much about irrelevant matters." With these final words, Hibbert watched Hastur depart in the carriage.

Once Hastur's carriage was out of sight, Hibbert frowned slightly, unable to comprehend Earl Hall's thoughts that evening. Even if he wanted to help Hastur ascend in rank, it shouldn't have been so blatantly direct, right? The Rune nobility has always been a symbol of subtlety and restraint. He was as puzzled as Hastur.

Returning to the villa and entering the study, Earl Hall was waiting for him. His demeanor was calm, showing no signs of the anger that had driven people away earlier. Hibbert walked in and smiled, "Your actions tonight seemed to have frightened him."

"Why do you think I suddenly said those things?"

"You wanted Hastur to understand that nobility prioritizes interests. Being too naive and childish is unsuitable for the cutthroat world of politics." Hibbert had thought a lot on the way, facing Earl Hall's test with composure.

"Let me give you another chance." Earl Hall's disapproval left Hibbert momentarily stiff, then deep in thought.

After a while, Hibbert uncertainly said, "Could it be that you were really angry about Hastur's relationship with Audrey? So you intentionally scared him off?"

Earl Hall's expression darkened, his invisible authority enveloping Hibbert, "In this regard, Hastur is right, you are foolish, only seeing what happens on the surface and then making assumptions."

Chastised, Hibbert couldn't utter a word, sighing inwardly. Even Hastur, the person involved, couldn't fully understand the issue, let alone an outsider like him.

"Indeed, among nobility, everything is interest-driven, but not everyone is willing to play this game; there are also personal favors. The reason he refused my kindness is that he seeks help that can be compensated with interests, not by owing favors. This is both his confidence and his naivety. In my position, he's just a baron; what benefits can he bring me?"

Listening to Earl Hall's lecture, Hibbert pondered, "Do you intend to bind Hastur to our Holle family's chariot through personal favors?"

A smile appeared on Earl Hall's face, yet he still negated Hibbert's guess, "That's what he doesn't understand."

Hibbert wanted to say, why must it be so convoluted? He could understand his father's cunning, but why was Hastur also so complicated? He was so young! How did he sense something amiss from his father's questioning?

"Actually, I'm quite satisfied with his performance tonight." Earl Hall's sudden change of topic almost lost Hibbert.

Earl Hall's sudden change of topic almost lost Hibbert. Just a moment ago, he had a stern face, issuing a harsh eviction, and now he's satisfied with Hastur? After a moment, Hibbert voiced his confusion, "If you're satisfied, why act the villain for no reason?"

"Hastur's behavior tonight was too innocent and naive; he still lacks real hardship. A little setback will take him further."

This left Hibbert confused again. Was he satisfied with Hastur's innocence and naivety, or not?

"At this stage, his naive simplicity pleases me; perhaps that's also why Audrey is willing to be close to him, relatively pure, without much selfish desire."

Hibbert silently turned away, not speaking. Just before, he said he was making assumptions about Hastur and Audrey's relationship. But what about the beloved Earl Hall? Wasn't his behavior like testing Hastur's character? The father-in-law scrutinizing his son-in-law? His empathy was even stronger than his own! Hibbert was certain that Earl Hall had mixed his personal emotions into tonight's events. Especially when he scolded Hastur for his naivety, sending him away.

Hastur returned home, sitting in his study pondering Earl Hall's intentions that evening. He didn't believe Earl Hall was someone who would easily show his emotions, but his behavior tonight was baffling. First showing favor, then sending him home.

"It's baffling." Hastur sighed, pulling out his pocket watch to check the time; it was already past ten. He had no desire to continue pondering this issue. Regardless of Earl Hall's true intentions, he would just go his own way. Exiting the study, Butler Neil looked worried but couldn't help saying, "I've always believed that your future as a baron is boundless; I hope you won't be disheartened by tonight's events."

Hastur was momentarily stunned, then smiled, "Butler Neil, thank you for your comfort." Butler Neil gave Hastur an encouraging look, then went off to attend to other matters. "Even Butler Neil can make such assumptions; no wonder Greck and Hibbert thought astray. Fortunately, Miss Audrey didn't overthink."

Hastur murmured to himself, choosing to take a bath before retiring to his room. The Hall of Stars. Hastur's gaze fell on the star where the High-Dimensional Overseer resided. The originally unremarkable crystal eyeball was discovered by the bell tower's guards and deemed a divine gift from the heavens. They even built a small chapel to enshrine the crystal eyeball. The crystal eyeball emitted a hazy glow, seemingly influencing those around it. But not many came to worship it; most were just curious onlookers. Apart from the bell ringer who found it, the other personnel didn't show excessive fervor.

"The crystal eyeball must still contain the consciousness of the High-Dimensional Overseer; otherwise, I wouldn't be able to see this scene."

"Is the High-Dimensional Overseer trying to develop followers this way?"

"This seems too casual, with no miracles shown or anything too abnormal, except for emitting light."

Hastur watched for a long time, choosing to continue observing. If the High-Dimensional Overseer really intended to develop followers this way, it could provide him with some future reference. After watching this, he looked towards another small light. The avatar of the High-Dimensional Overseer was no longer by the sea but traveling on a ship. He had changed into the classic sailor's attire and even started doing hard labor on the ship.

"Is this a deliberate experience of life?"

Hastur truly didn't understand the High-Dimensional Overseer's thoughts. After watching for a while longer, Hastur shifted his gaze to other stars. Nothing unusual, except for the Lamp Genie pitifully sealed inside the wishing lamp."

Late at night, inside Lady Germaine's room.

A crimson glow seeped in through the window, gradually spreading along the sill. A shadow, merging with the darkness, silently entered the room from outside.

Lady Germaine, already lying in bed, awoke immediately, gazing towards the mirror where the graceful figure stood as if no one else existed.

"Back again from outside the window. Haven't you learned your lesson?" 

"Don't be so cold. Last time, I didn't mean to hurt your beloved. Besides, I'm the one who suffered. He stabbed me fiercely, right through the heart."

Moraka undressed in front of the mirror, then walked naked to the edge of the bed, lifting the covers and slipping in.

Before Lady Germaine could refuse, Moraka took her hand and placed it on her abdomen, speaking in a seductive tone, "His presence still lingers here."

"His blade pierced through my belly, even stirred inside forcefully. It's a sensation one doesn't easily forget."

"Don't you want to follow the path he carved and come inside?"

Soon, the covers concealed them, and muted moans drifted from the room towards the window.

The crimson moon above had intended to witness this enchanting scene, but its view was obstructed by dark clouds.

(End of chapter)