Chapter 379: When Aisala Awakens Susie 

Chapter 379: When Aisala Awakens Susie 

The fall of George Augustus III, after causing great chaos on the first day, had become a topic of casual conversation by the second day. Various legends about George Augustus III's mysterious death began to circulate.

Some said he had offended the gods and suddenly suffered divine punishment. Others claimed it was an assassination by the Fosacc Empire.

Major newspapers across the Loen Kingdom published articles about this event, and within a couple of days, the news had spread throughout the entire kingdom.

Under the guidance of the Loen royal family, the Fosacc Empire was blamed as the culprit behind this incident. At the border, the Loen Kingdom's army had already begun attacking the Fosacc Empire.

On the second day afterGeorge Augustus III's death, his successor, Jevington Augustus , appeared in the public eye. He was full of ambition to invade the Fosacc Empire and achieve the great feat of expanding territory, showing no signs of grief.

"Did it really succeed just like that?" wondered Fors and Xio, who had anticipated something big happening. They had not attendedGeorge Augustus III's speech that day, instead locking themselves at home.

It wasn't until the second day afterGeorge Augustus III's death that Xio, who had gone out to gather information, saw the news in the newspaper and brought a copy home.

Fors looked at the newspaper's contents in disbelief. The bold headline "Great KingGeorge Augustus III Assassinated" reminded her that this was real.

"The Sage is truly amazing!" Xio exclaimed with admiration and regret. "If I had known, I wouldn't have hidden at home with you that day. We could have witnessedGeorge Augustus III's fall firsthand."

"Shh! Are you trying to get us killed? Don't discuss this so loudly," Fors quickly warned Xio to be cautious.

Xio took Fors' hand, smiling apologetically. "Alright, I just feel a bit disappointed. Such a momentous day, and we were stuck in the room, constantly worrying about potential retaliation."

"Tch, when the explosion happened, you were clearly relieved that we didn't att end George Augustus III's speech, thinking how wise that decision was," Fors retorted.

Xio fell silent, embarrassed, and could only pretend not to hear.

As they chatted and joked, a pea vine grew from the living room, forming a swing made of intertwined green vines and pink-white flowers at its top.

The Sage, Lady Bernadette, was sitting on this fairy tale-like swing, gently swaying back and forth.

Fors and Xio stopped their banter and looked at Bernadette on the swing. They exchanged glances, understanding that the Sage was in a good mood today.

"The matter withGeorge Augustus III has been resolved. I will be leaving Backlund in some time," Bernadette explained her purpose.

"Lady Sage, are you abandoning us?" Fors asked.

They were followers of the Fool pathway, and if it weren't for the Sage's constant protection during this time, they would have long been captured by members of evil organizations lurking in the shadows.

"No one can live under another's protection forever," Bernadette said in a calm tone.

"I see," Fors replied, the light in her eyes dimming.

Xio spoke up, "Where will you go next, Lady Sage?"

"The sea," Bernadette paused for a moment, her expression enigmatic. "I might also return to my hometown for a visit."

"That sounds nice," Xio said, unsure of what else to say. She glanced at Fors, signaling her to continue the conversation.

Fors didn't pick up the cue, her gaze fixed on the swinging swing. She didn't know what to say either; they were from different worlds compared to the Sage, and their relationship could only be described as casual.

"Take care of yourselves," Bernadette said her final words before disappearing, leaving Xio and Fors looking at each other in bewilderment.

"Xio, our difficult days are about to begin again," Fors sighed.

"Indeed. We should find a new place to live. Staying here is too conspicuous," Xio agreed.

...

At Earl Hall's residence.

Audrey, who had safely returned home, looked worriedly at the still-sleeping Susie.

It had been several days, and Susie showed no signs of waking up or eating. This made Audrey concerned that Susie's body might not be able to withstand it. She had specifically asked someone to invite Mr. Hastur to discuss the matter.

"Meow."

A meow sounded from the window, and Audrey instinctively looked towards the sound.

It was a black cat with sleek, shiny fur. At that moment, it was walking gracefully along the windowsill, step by step, its deep blue eyes fearlessly surveying the room's interior.

This black cat... Isn't it the one Mr. Hastur always carries in his arms?

I remember its name is Aisala.

Audrey observed for a moment, recognizing Aisala's identity. She thought that Mr. Hastur must be talking with Earl Hall, and Aisala, bored, had come out to wander around on its own.

It seems very interested in Susie?

Audrey could sense that Aisala's gaze was mainly focused on Susie.

Soon, Aisala's initially inquisitive look disappeared. With its head slightly raised, its front paws moved in an elegant rhythm as it jumped from the windowsill to the desk, then in front of Audrey.

The entire process was agile and silent.

"Does your master let you out to play on your own so casually?" Audrey crouched down, wanting to reach out and touch Aisala's head.

"Meow?" 

Aisala nimbly dodged, circling around Audrey to approach Susie. Then, under Audrey's curious and shocked gaze, it raised its right front paw and patted Susie's head.

The force wasn't great, but it made Susie's eyelids, which had been in deep sleep, twitch slightly, showing signs of waking.

Audrey remained silent, observing.

Smack! Aisala raised its little paw again and patted Susie's head several times in quick succession, leaving afterimages.

The sleeping Susie finally managed to open her eyes, her confused gaze sweeping around the surroundings. Seeing Audrey there, she felt relieved.

Her gaze then turned to Aisala, who had awakened her. By now, Aisala had already turned its back, presenting Susie with a haughty silhouette.

Then, under Susie's curious gaze, Aisala gracefully leaped onto the desk, then to the windowsill, slowly disappearing from view.

Susie looked away, trying to stand up. Just as she steadied herself, her limbs began to tremble slightly, and her whole body collapsed back down.

Lying on the ground, Susie weakly said, "Audrey, I'm so hungry..."

"..." Audrey sighed helplessly, "Wait, I'll have someone prepare food for you right away."

Susie closed her eyes again, seemingly too exhausted to speak further.

Audrey left the room, catching a glimpse of Mr. Hastur chatting with Alfred and Earl Hall in the downstairs hall.

She smiled, greeted them briefly, then headed to the kitchen.

There, she saw a black shadow swiftly jump out of the kitchen window, leap onto the roof, and then disappear.

Aisala, with a plump little dried fish in its mouth.

Audrey's lips curled into a slight smile. So it's just a greedy little cat.

She personally entered the kitchen, arranged a feast for Susie, and then took a few high-quality dried fish.

When Mr. Hastur finished chatting with Alfred and Earl Hall and came to Audrey's study, he saw Susie lying on her back, exposing her round, full belly. Audrey was sitting at the desk, her left hand propping up her cheek, her right hand holding a dried fish, gently swaying it. Her eyes were smiling, tempting Aisala, who was outside the window, wanting to leave but reluctant to give up the dried fish, its eyebrows furrowing in conflict.

Mr. Hastur stood at the door watching for a while, curious to see how Aisala would ultimately choose when faced with the temptation of dried fish.

"Woof."

Before Mr. Hastur could observe for long, Susie caught sight of him from the corner of her eye and let out a bark, tilting her head back. Audrey quickly put down the dried fish in her hand and turned around.

In this brief moment, Aisala pounced forward, snatched the dried fish Audrey had placed on the desk, then nimbly turned back to the windowsill. With the dried fish in its mouth and its head held high, it walked away with elegant steps.

Seeing this, Audrey frowned slightly, her cheeks puffing out. But realizing that Mr. Hastur was watching, she quickly composed herself, regaining her usual elegance.

"Mr. Hastur, why didn't you say anything earlier?" Audrey changed the subject.

Mr. Hastur's eyes twinkled with amusement, "I was enjoying the battle of wits between you and Aisala."

Audrey's cheeks flushed slightly, and she gave Mr. Hastur a gentle glare. "It's thanks to your good training that Aisala is so clever."

"Susie is equally intelligent," he replied.

"Woof!" Susie chimed in, clearly agreeing with this statement.

"Mr. Hastur seems to like Susie very much?" Audrey observed.

"Who could resist a smart, book-loving golden retriever?" he responded.

Audrey's eyebrows raised slightly, and she said teasingly, "I still prefer Aisala."

"Susie, it seems your owner doesn't want you anymore. Would you like to come stay with me for a few days?" Mr. Hastur joked.

"Woof!" Susie immediately agreed.

"No way!" Audrey exclaimed. She walked over to Susie, rubbing her head with a hint of annoyance in her voice. "Susie, after all the kindness I've shown you, you're willing to team up with Mr. Hastur to tease me?"

"Woof?" Susie looked innocently at Mr. Hastur, then remained silent, gently nuzzling Audrey's palm to show she understood her mistake.

Satisfied, Audrey nodded, then lightly poked Susie's head with one finger. "Also, stop reading so many books in the future."

"Woof?" Susie responded, confused.