Chapter 268: The Vessel for the Birth of the King in Yellow?

Chapter 268: The Vessel for the Birth of the King in Yellow?

The crimson moon had already slipped from the sky, and the sparse starlight was faint. At the distant junction of sea and sky, a new light was faintly brewing.

Nast, who had been observing the young man, spoke with a calm tone despite his stern expression, "Meeting someone of unknown origin at sea is often the most frightening. If you come with good intentions, we can sit down, drink, and chat."

"It's almost dawn."

A cryptic remark left Nast momentarily speechless, unsure of how to respond. He could only remain silent, waiting for the young man's next move.

"You're quite lucky tonight."

Hastur had intended to use the last bit of time to test his body's true strength against Nast. However, with Bernadette also present, he decided against it. The power of the stars might arouse Bernadette's suspicion, and it was not yet time to reveal his hand to her.

"??"

Nast was utterly confused, not understanding the young man's intentions. Before he could ask further, the young man's aura surged, causing the entire Black Emperor to sink slightly. When his aura retracted, the ship bounced back, rocking up and down. Nast tried to stabilize the ship but found it difficult. He felt a competitive urge, but the young man had already opened a spiritual realm passage and disappeared.

On the Dawn, Bernadette realized that the black-haired young man was not the Uncrowned King. It was likely some old figure pretending to be young. She recalled the young-looking Pope of the Eternal Blazing Sun church she had encountered before.

"I thought you had another guest tonight."

"He arrived just a few seconds before you."

"What a coincidence."

Nast sighed, "There are more and more mysterious figures lately. This sea is no longer our era."

Bernadette chuckled, disagreeing, "You are indeed old, but I am still young."

Nast straightened his back and declared boldly, "Even if I age, I am still the king of this sea!"

"New generations replace the old; it's the law of time."

"The waves sift the gold, and it's not necessarily the young who remain."

Nast's confidence and boldness drew cheers from his crew.

...

On the coast, on the same awakening reef, Mr. A waited for the sun to rise from the sea's edge, signaling the return of the Lord's incarnation.

"You did well."

The same tone of approval made Mr. A bow his head even lower, not wanting the Lord to see his uncontrollable smile. He humbly opened the coffin lid, saying respectfully, "Every devout believer is willing to give everything for the Lord."

"Have you never thought of yourself as special?"

A light remark sent Mr. A's thoughts soaring. After the Lord's figure entered the coffin, Mr. A closed the lid and drove a carriage, heading to a small coastal town. He had already explored the town and found a suitable place for the Lord to rest—remote and quiet, free from disturbances.

Upon arrival, Hastur set up a warning mechanism on the coffin, ending this divine descent. In the Hall of Stars, Hastur, clutching his aching head, glanced at the star where the True Creator resided before returning to the real world.

Sunlight had already spread through the window. Aisala, who had risen early, went out for a walk and returned to find her master still asleep. She went out again and returned near noon, only to see him still sleeping.

"Meow?"

Aisalaquestioned in confusion in front of the mirror. Sharon appeared in the mirror, looking at the still-sleeping Hastur, lost in thought. From her time with Hastur, she knew he was a person of regular habits and would not usually sleep this long. She deduced that his spiritual power was severely depleted, requiring sleep to recover.

But why would Hastur, who had slept all night without even getting up to use the bathroom, deplete his spiritual power? Another secret, perhaps.

During this time, Caius knocked once but left when Hastur did not respond. Around 3 PM, Hastur finally woke up, feeling refreshed and clear-headed.

"Meow!"

Aisala jumped over, and Sharon appeared in the mirror.

"It's fine. I'll be more careful next time."

Reflecting on the previous night's events, Hastur decided that his divine descent should not exceed three hours to avoid arousing suspicion.

"Be careful," Sharon reminded, adding, "Don't rush; things need to be handled slowly."

"I understand."

Hastur smiled and said, "Do you remember the New Year's gift I promised you?"

Sharon looked over, her expression calm, saying nothing.

"Once things settle here, I'll give you the New Year's gift."

"Alright."

"Aisala, it's time to get up. I need to wash and eat, and you need to lose some weight."

"Meow!"

...

At dinner, Caius met Hastur without showing any abnormal behavior or asking why he missed breakfast. He handed over a pile of handwritten documents, saying, "We've conducted a survey of all the plantations in your territory, including idle lands and those suitable for cultivation."

Hastur was pleased with Caius's responsible attitude, knowing what to prepare without being reminded.

"Well done. Leave the documents in my room; I need to review them."

Caius had someone take the documents and brought a map, pointing to several silver lines, "These remote areas need suitable trade routes to sell your territory's resources farther and facilitate commerce."

As Caius explained, Hastur noticed that these routes were not just for trade but also strategic for war. Three routes pinned down three key coastal towns like a trident. Controlling these towns would secure the southwestern coastline of Southwell County. Four other routes led inland to the Duke of Southwell's city, a military stronghold, a transportation hub, and a resource-rich city.

Hastur doubted Caius was unaware of these implications, suspecting he had prepared in advance.

"You'd make an excellent steward," Hastur praised.

Caius, delighted, stood straight, "It would be an honor to serve as your steward."

"What about the previous steward?"

"He has many tasks and can't stay long. Lady Lisa has also left."

Hastur smiled and nodded, "From today, you are the steward of this castle."

Caius stepped back, bowing, "I will serve your will!"

His genuine joy and excitement were evident, not feigned. Hastur sensed Caius's wholehearted loyalty, wondering if there were factions within the Yellow Robe Monks.

Hastur asked directly, and Caius explained the three main factions: the royalist faction supporting Hastur, the descent faction wanting to sacrifice Hastur to summon the King in Yellow, and the devout followers who only cared about following the King in Yellow.

A classic triangular structure: moderate, radical, and neutral. The current peace was due to the right time not yet arriving. The descent faction awaited the right moment to summon the King in Yellow, needing more than just a vessel.

Hastur inquired about the timing, and Caius replied, "We follow fate's guidance; what will come will come."

Hastur was skeptical, taking Caius's words with a grain of salt, planning to verify them at night.

(End of Chapter)