Chapter 242: Chapter 242: Under the Gaze of the Stars, Your Wish Will Come True
Chapter 242: Under the Gaze of the Stars, Your Wish Will Come True
Hastur followed Hibbert and met many people, all of whom were nobles who were on good terms with Hibbert.
Faced with Hibbert's intentional introductions, Hastur could only greet them and chat about common topics within the noble circle.
After making the rounds, Hastur no longer felt like socializing with other nobles. He now wanted to end the party early and return home to celebrate the New Year in his own way.
Fortunately, Maric and Sharon understood that as a noble, he had to attend some necessary social events. Otherwise, he would feel bad about keeping his guests waiting.
The desserts tonight were naturally excellent, but Hastur only tasted a little. He wanted to save his appetite for home.
Now, he just needed to greet the newly adult Audrey before he could leave the party.
However, there were many nobles around Audrey at the moment. Seeing her handle them with such grace and composure, Hastur decided not to join the crowd.
He was sure that Audrey must be feeling quite tired, even though she was used to such occasions.
He took out his pocket watch and checked the time—it was just past nine o'clock.
There was still plenty of time, and he aimed to leave around ten.
To avoid unnecessary socializing, Hastur took a stroll in the back garden, where he saw many interesting young men and women.
Fortunately, the atmosphere in the Ruen Kingdom was not as open as in Intis. They all behaved with restraint, at most holding hands, kissing, or whispering sweet nothings.
Compared to Roselle's experiences, this was much better.
When Hastur returned to the main hall, Audrey was walking towards him.
She still wore that formal, elegant smile, but her eyes were much brighter.
"Mr. Hastur, I thought you had already sneaked away."
"I wouldn't do something so rude as to leave without saying goodbye to Miss Audrey."
Audrey caught the underlying meaning in his words. It was clear that Mr. Hastur wanted to leave but was waiting to see her.
"If I had known, I wouldn't have come over. That way, Mr. Hastur would have stayed a bit longer."
"I can pretend I haven't seen Miss Audrey tonight."
Hastur smiled and chatted with Audrey for a while. At that moment, the sound of music filled the air, signaling the start of the dance.
"Miss Audrey, may I have the honor of a dance?"
Hastur extended the invitation, and Audrey's eyes lit up slightly. She placed her hand in Hastur's palm and smiled, "Of course."
This was their second dance together. Compared to the first time, when he was a bit stiff, Hastur was now completely relaxed.
His dancing skills had also improved significantly.
When they appeared on the dance floor, they immediately attracted many eyes. The nearby nobles dancing kept a respectful distance, leaving the best spot for Hastur and Audrey.
This was Audrey Hall's first dance as an adult.
Earl Hall, who was chatting with the queen and several royal members, also noticed this scene. His expression remained calm.
However, the two princes beside him had somewhat unusual looks in their eyes.
For the most dazzling jewel of Backlund, they couldn't help but feel a bit of ambition and desire.
Whether it was Audrey's beauty and fame or Earl Hall's power, they were things they wanted to pursue.
In previous occasions, they had also tried to invite Audrey to dance, but were mostly refused.
Audrey rarely danced with outsiders, especially on such a stage tonight.
"Is that young man Voltaire's son?" The queen also looked over.
"Yes, he is Voltaire's son, Hastur Campbell, the soon-to-be Earl of Campbell in Southwell County."
Earl Hall seemed to be introducing Hastur's identity, but he was also giving the princes a way out.
Since Hastur was about to leave Backlund for Southwell County and was a close friend of Audrey, it was not inappropriate for him to have the first dance with her tonight.
This could be seen as a farewell or a blessing.
"Young and already able to contribute to the kingdom, quite impressive."
The queen gave a fairly positive evaluation, and the princes' expressions improved significantly.
"Tonight, I must be the most envied person."
Hastur said softly as he danced with Audrey, feeling the various gazes from all directions.
"Didn't Mr. Hastur say that standing in the spotlight always comes with some pressure? Or, does Mr. Hastur regret inviting me to dance?"
"On the contrary, I enjoy the envious looks. It proves that I am luckier than them."
"Is that Mr. Hastur's true feeling?"
"Of course."
Audrey's smile was sweet, and her tired mood improved significantly. This was one of her few moments of freedom tonight.
...
When Hastur returned home, Butler Neil had already prepared everything, from drinks to delicious food, and even created a cozy atmosphere with the lighting.
If he didn't want to reveal his identity as a transmigrator, Hastur would have liked to hang a few red lanterns. A New Year without red lanterns and couplets always felt lacking.
Hastur had arranged to meet Sharon and Maric at ten-thirty. After taking a bath and changing into festive New Year clothes, he went to the back garden on the first floor to wait for their visit.
He had also invited Lecturer Follen, Professor Wayne, Fors, Hugh, and Leonard, but they all declined, saying they had their own plans for the night.
Hastur was still grateful that Sharon and Maric could come, so he wouldn't be alone for the New Year.
After waiting for about ten minutes, Sharon and Maric arrived.
Maric had been here many times and was quite casual, but Sharon rarely entered through the front door. She usually used her mirror teleportation ability to sneak in through the window and then hide in the mirror.
"Hastur, Happy New Year. This is a gift for you."
Maric took out his prepared gift and looked at Sharon, signaling her to give hers as well.
"Happy New Year. This is a gift."
Sharon handed over a beautifully wrapped box, not tall but somewhat round.
"Thank you, Happy New Year."
Hastur accepted the gifts from Maric and Sharon without letting Butler Neil take them.
After inviting them to sit, Hastur asked Butler Neil to lead the others to the other side of the garden to start their New Year party.
In the quiet garden, red candle flames flickered, the table was filled with food, and Hastur's collection of fine wines was placed nearby.
The three of them had no outside interruptions.
Hastur glanced at Sharon. Tonight, she wore a red and black mixed court dress, with a rare sapphire necklace around her neck, and her favorite black soft hat on her head.
Although Sharon still had her usual expressionless look, Hastur could feel that she was much more relaxed than when there were more people around.
Sharon seemed to naturally prefer quiet and disliked noisy environments and unrelated crowds.
Her cold demeanor was not just for the sake of her role.
Hastur warmly invited Sharon and Maric to enjoy the food, then opened a bottle of wine worth 30 gold pounds, which he had bought from Grelint.
There was also a more expensive bottle, worth over a hundred gold pounds, a gift from Hibbert, likely one of Earl Hall's collections, not available on the market.
When midnight arrived, Hastur had already arranged for Butler Neil to set off fireworks, leaving a few larger ones for himself.
Hastur shook the matchbox in his hand, "Miss Sharon, would you like to try?"
Sharon was tempted but politely declined. Maric, on the other hand, had already started playing with the fireworks, fueled by the wine.
Bang! Bang!
The sound of fireworks filled the air.
"Fairy tales are not all lies. They can also be true.
For example, making a wish on New Year's Eve, and it coming true in the coming year."
Hastur's words made Sharon fall silent.
Seeing this, Hastur added, "For the New Year, I also have a gift for you. If you don't make a wish, I can't give you my gift."
"Do you know what my wish is?"
"Why not try? Just leave a beautiful expectation for yourself."
Sharon stood up, walked to Hastur's side, and took the matchbox he handed over.
Hastur placed a large firework in an open area and secured it with stones to prevent accidents.
After everything was set, he signaled Sharon to light the fuse.
Sharon crouched slightly, closed her eyes, made a wish, and then lit the fuse, carefully stepping back a few paces.
After a few seconds, bursts of firelight carried her wish into the starry sky, turning into twinkling stars.
"Under the gaze of the stars, your wish will come true."
Hastur gave his blessing at the right moment. Sharon looked at the dreamy fireworks in the sky, her eyes momentarily dazed.
At that moment, she believed that fairy tales might not all be lies.
Perhaps, fairy tales could come true.
(End of Chapter)
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