Chapter 357: Sharon's Lap Pillow

Chapter 357: Sharon's Lap Pillow

As soon as Hastur uttered those words, the air seemed to freeze.

Although Sharon appeared calm, Hastur clearly saw a flicker of surprise and amusement in her eyes. He continued to gaze at Sharon, his eyes meeting her azure orbs.

At such close proximity, Sharon's pale golden hair was neatly tied up and covered by a small black hat, with a strand falling on each side of her delicate ears. She wore no makeup, not even light cosmetics. Against the backdrop of her black Gothic court dress, her skin appeared even more porcelain-like, as soft and tender as fresh tofu.

She looked even more beautiful up close like this. From afar, Sharon always gave off an unapproachable aura. In contrast, Miss Audrey had a gentler, more approachable presence, though her innate nobility and elegance still intimidated many.

"Acting spoiled? You?" After a long moment of eye contact, Sharon finally spoke, her disbelief unconcealed.

"People often say pets take after their owners. Aisala is so good at being spoiled because I've trained her well," Hastur replied.

Sharon looked Hastur up and down without a word, her eyes full of skepticism. She seemed intent on seeing just how thick-skinned he could be.

"Why are your eyes always so full of doubt?" Hastur sighed dramatically.

Sharon remained silent, simply staring at Hastur to see what he would do next.

"Oh, Aisala, you're back?" Hastur suddenly glanced towards the window. Sharon's gaze followed, but she saw no sign of the cat.

Instead, she felt the weight of a head on her lap. 

Hastur had laid his head on her thigh, using it as a pillow as he gazed up at her intently.

Sharon wanted to say something but ultimately remained quiet. She simply sat up straighter and looked straight ahead at the rows of bookshelves.

Hastur also said nothing, closing his eyes slightly to enjoy Sharon's lap pillow.

After a long while, Sharon finally spoke: "I've already given you your gift."

"Sometimes I really envy Aisala. No wonder she doesn't want to transform into a human," Hastur sighed. He then lifted his head from Sharon's lap and sat up straight. Meeting Sharon's inquiring gaze, he explained earnestly: "I admit defeat. Aisala is much better at acting spoiled. When I have time, I'll have to learn from her."

He couldn't bring himself to roll around on Sharon's lap like Aisala did - that would be too embarrassing.

Sharon said nothing, simply gazing at him with lowered eyes.

"I really like your gift," Hastur said, understanding Sharon's double meaning. He then stood up and left the study.

After Hastur left the room, Sharon finally lowered her head to look at her thigh where Hastur had rested. It still retained some lingering warmth. 

She placed her right hand gently over her heart, which was beating faster than usual.

What happens when a puppet gains a heart? The story of Pinocchio that Hastur once told her had provided an ending.

"Meow?" 

At the windowsill, Aisala appeared with a small dried fish in her mouth, looking at Sharon quizzically.

Without Sharon needing to beckon, Aisala came to the sofa and lay contentedly on Sharon's lap, enjoying her snack.

Sharon gazed down at Aisala for a moment before murmuring, "Aisala, you deliberately don't want to transform into a human, do you?"

Aisala's whole body stiffened, her fur nearly standing on end. Her sapphire eyes widened in terror, and the dried fish fell from her mouth onto the sofa.

"I won't tell him," Sharon said with a faint smile, reaching out to stroke Aisala's head.

"Meow." Aisala purred softly, nuzzling Sharon's palm before picking up her dropped snack and resuming her meal.

Hastur was right earlier - people usually don't have their guard up around an adorable little cat. Sometimes it's more convenient for Aisala to do certain things as a cat rather than a human.

Sharon had long known how intelligent Aisala was. Often, the cat was deliberately playing dumb.

Some people aren't even as clever as a cat, Sharon mused, her expression softer than usual.

The next day, an envoy from the Grand Duke of South Weil came to visit again, saying the Duke's 30-year-old son was having a birthday and wanted to invite Hastur to the celebration.

As instructed, Caeus sent the messenger away before reporting back to Hastur.

"Turning 30 and still celebrating birthdays? Does he think he's Peter Pan?" Hastur remarked sarcastically. However, this time he didn't refuse the Grand Duke's invitation.

He had feigned illness long enough. It was time to meet with the Grand Duke and see what he was really after.

Hastur decided to bring along some members of the Yellow Robed Clergy to put the Grand Duke in his place. Did he really think he could reclaim rights to the eight ports just because the Loen Kingdom had declared all-out war on the Feynapotter Empire? Those ports were like eight little gold mines, generating huge profits daily.

"My Lord, shall I take care of this nuisance?" Caeus suggested, his eyes glinting dangerously. His meaning was clear - he would lead the Yellow Robed Clergy to permanently "resolve" the Grand Duke situation.

Hastur waved his hand. "The timing is too sensitive. I'll be returning to Backlund soon anyway."

"Understood," Caeus nodded, excitement in his voice.

This prompted Hastur to ask if he had a personal grudge against the Grand Duke.

Caeus hastily replied, "I simply wish to solve problems for you, my Lord."

"That excuse is too old. Try something fresher," Hastur said.

Looking embarrassed, Caeus lowered his voice: "I want to prove that I'm your right-hand man through my actions."

It was an honest reason. Hastur didn't blame him. After all, Caeus was only Sequence 5 - there were still quite a few people above him in the hierarchy. 

In the world of the extraordinary, might makes right.

"After we deal with the Grand Duke, go see Madam Lisa. Tell her I sent you for some guidance," Hastur instructed.

"Yes, my Lord!" Caeus nodded eagerly.

Hastur dismissed Caeus and walked to the window, gazing towards Backlund in the distance. 

He had never considered the Grand Duke of South Weil a true opponent. His real adversaries were in Backlund, in that grand and glorious palace.

The date for George III's nationwide address had been set. That day would be when George III attempted to advance to Sequence 0 Black Emperor.

Although Hastur might not ultimately follow the Black Emperor pathway himself, allowing George III to ascend would bring him no benefits. Moreover, George III was cooperating with Adam. If he truly became a god, he would certainly oppose Hastur in the future.

It would be better to join forces with Bernadette, Klein, and the others to overthrow George III's throne.

This situation was rather perilous. After resolving matters with the Grand Duke, he would return to Backlund. Such chaotic circumstances would greatly benefit his role-playing as the Chaos Sage.

"Meow." 

Aisala padded along the windowsill, a half-eaten dried fish in her mouth.

Hastur beckoned to her. Aisala hurriedly finished the remaining morsel.

Hastur stepped closer and flicked her forehead. "As if I'd steal your snack."

"Meow!" Aisala responded emphatically.

Then her head fur was ruffled into a messy tangle.

Carrying the pitiful-looking Aisala, Hastur headed to Sharon's room. She still liked to stand by the window overlooking the scenery, playing her puppet role.

Outside, colorful clouds blanketed the sky above the sea like an embroidered quilt. Ships came and went ceaselessly, contributing to the port's prosperity. Workers bustled about the lively docks, handling goods from various regions.

Before nightfall, tables were already set up outside the taverns lining the streets. Groups of children ran laughing from one end of the street to the other, their mirth audible from afar.

"I'll be visiting the Grand Duke in a couple days, then returning to Backlund..." Hastur explained his upcoming plans as he stood beside Sharon, cradling Aisala.

He enjoyed this way of interacting. Even Aisala yawned contentedly in Hastur's arms, drifting off to sleep. She unconsciously licked her paw, likely dreaming of tasty dried fish.

"It's been a long time since I've been back to Backlund as well," Sharon remarked.

"Mm, then let's go back together," Hastur replied.