Chapter 366: Gifts for Audrey and Susie

Chapter 366: Gifts for Audrey and Susie

A large crowd had gathered at the hospital where Bishop Ron was recuperating. After the recent incident, Bishop Ron had instantly become favored by the gods due to the Storm Lord's blessing. The Storm Church had also sent many people to protect him.

Seeing the throng of visitors, Hastur handed over his gift to the person in charge of caring for Bishop Ron and was about to leave when he encountered Leonard, who had also come to visit.

Leonard greeted his teammates before approaching Hastur. "Hastur, are you here to visit Bishop Ron too?"

"Yes, I have a good relationship with Bishop Ron," Hastur replied naturally. They had indeed been through life-and-death situations together.

Leonard glanced at the nobles crowding outside the hospital room and remarked, "He's certainly turned misfortune into blessing. Becoming favored by the gods means he's destined for a high position in the Storm Church."

"You could try it too. Maybe you'll be the next one favored by the gods," Hastur suggested.

"No thanks, I don't want to be surrounded by people like this," Leonard declined. After chatting with Hastur for a bit longer, he lowered his voice and said, "Backlund has been a bit unstable lately. You should try to stay home and avoid going out."

Hastur was surprised. "Is it that serious?"

Leonard nodded gravely. After reminding Hastur to be careful, he went to join his teammates.

Leaving the hospital, Hastur took a carriage home. Before he arrived, the carriage was stopped. Lifting the curtain, Hastur saw an even more luxurious carriage in front, pulled by pure white horses that looked very noble.

A member of the Loen royal family?

Hastur lowered the curtain and sat quietly until the coachman informed him that the Second Prince wanted to speak with him. He then exited the carriage.

The Second Prince was young, looking about the same age as Grek. He had inherited George III's stern face, and was slightly shorter than Hastur.

"Greetings, Your Highness," Hastur said politely.

The prince waved his hand dismissively, his gaze full of scrutiny. He approached and asked in a controlled but angry voice, "Answer me honestly, did Duke Delin ever come to see you?"

"??" Hastur looked confused. "I've never had any dealings with Duke Delin. Why would someone of his status come to see me?"

"Hmph, don't let me find out you're lying!" The Second Prince turned to leave, but Hastur called after him, "I heard Duke Delin tried to assassinate Bishop Ron. Your Highness should stay away from him to avoid getting implicated."

"You dare lecture me?" The Second Prince replied haughtily before getting in his carriage and departing.

Tsk, with that temperament and intellect, no wonder the crown went to the First Prince after George III's death, Hastur thought.

He wasn't bothered by this minor incident. If it had been George III questioning him, he might have been nervous. But a second prince who would never become king wasn't worth worrying about.

When Hastur returned home, Butler Neil informed him that Earl Hall had sent an invitation for dinner that evening. Hastur checked the time - 5:20 PM. He guessed Earl Hall wanted to thank him regarding Alfred's matter.

Hastur sent a reply accepting the invitation, then went upstairs to take a bath.

At Earl Hall's residence that evening, Alfred greeted Hastur enthusiastically. Seeing Alfred's excited demeanor, Hastur teased him about which young lady he was marrying that made him so happy.

"Hastur, you don't understand. I got too used to the Southern Continent. The ladies of Backlund are still the best," Alfred said wistfully.

"Sounds like you're very satisfied with your marriage match," Hastur remarked.

"It's alright. If all goes well, we'll be engaged next month and married by the end of the year," Alfred replied.

"That's fast," Hastur marveled at the speed of noble marriages. It was already nearly August, yet they could handle meeting, engagement and marriage all within a few months. 

It wasn't much different from the matchmaking meetings in his past life.

"Hastur, you should put in some effort too. Your reputation among the noble ladies is quite good," Alfred suggested.

Hastur just smiled, not wanting to discuss the topic further. If they continued, Alfred would start recommending eligible young ladies for him to meet.

Entering Earl Hall's mansion, they found the Earl and others already waiting at the dining table. Herbert wasn't home tonight, likely to give Alfred some space.

"Good evening, Mr. Hastur," Miss Audrey greeted him with a sweet smile, as elegant as ever.

Susie, circling at her feet, also wagged her tail enthusiastically at Hastur. But upon seeing his empty hands, she lay down dejectedly, not even raising her head.

"Please, have a seat," Earl Hall said, his attitude warmer than ever.

"Will you be staying for a while this time?" the Countess asked.

"Probably about two weeks," Hastur replied, giving an uncertain timeframe. There were less than 10 days until George III's ascension. He would consider returning to South Weil County after that.

The Countess then inquired about Hastur's life in South Weil County, asking various personal questions in a gentle tone. Hastur responded calmly, occasionally describing the local customs.

The dinner lasted nearly an hour. Hastur finally relaxed a bit after finishing the last bite of delicious dessert. The Countess had put the most pressure on him that evening, with her warm familial inquiries making him feel somewhat overwhelmed.

After dinner, Hastur discussed some matters with Earl Hall and Alfred in the study, mainly regarding Loen Kingdom's full-scale declaration of war against the Fesak Empire. 

The news of the War God's fall had not yet spread, and even Earl Hall was unaware. He only mentioned that the Church's stance was very firm and confident about the war.

"Could there be some major internal problem in the Fesak Empire, giving our Loen Kingdom a chance to strike while they're vulnerable?" Alfred speculated. This was also a view that Earl Hall and other nobles had privately discussed.

Hastur didn't comment on this, only saying he would do his duty to guard the coastal gates for Loen Kingdom.

After their talk, Hastur finally had time to meet with Audrey and Susie. 

They met in the garden again, but unlike last time, Earl Hall did not come to observe.

"Woof!" Susie was the first to greet Hastur, her bark tinged with disappointment and anger.

Hastur crouched down to pet Susie's head, chuckling, "Don't worry, I've brought the books I promised. I'll have them delivered to you in a couple days."

Susie's mood instantly brightened. She even gave Audrey a smug look, as if to say, "I'm getting a gift, but you're not!"

Audrey gazed at Hastur. "Mr. Hastur, aren't you spoiling Susie too much?"

"It's just a few books," Hastur said, standing up. He took out an exquisitely wrapped small gift box from his pocket and handed it to Audrey.

"Do you remember the spiritual high tower you encountered in the spirit world?" he asked.

"Is this gift related to that?" Audrey's eyes lit up as she eagerly accepted the present.

"Yes, it can help you navigate that spirit world better," Hastur explained.

It was a miniature crystal ball that could stabilize a Spectator's spirit and serve as a guiding star, preventing Audrey from losing her way while exploring the spirit world. If she encountered a problem like last time, Audrey could easily exit the spirit world with the crystal ball's guidance.

Hastur had found this item in the treasury of the Yellow Robed Monks organization.

"Mr. Hastur, do you mind if I open the gift now?" Audrey asked.

"Of course not."

Audrey unwrapped the gift in front of Hastur, cradling the crystal ball, smaller than a fist, in her palm to examine it.

Just gazing at it, Audrey could feel her spirit becoming calmer and more resilient.

Susie's gaze was also drawn to the crystal ball, but she shook herself and quickly lost interest, lying down at Audrey's feet.

"Mr. Hastur, would you like to explore the spirit world with me? I've discovered quite a few interesting things in there lately," Audrey said, looking at Hastur with excitement and anticipation in her eyes.