Chapter 416: Sharon and Audrey's First Meeting
"Aisala."
Audrey exclaimed in surprise upon seeing the little black cat appear. She waved her hand, trying to catch Aisala's attention.
"Woof." Susie also greeted in her dog-like manner.
Aisala merely glanced at them before turning and walking deeper into the house. After taking a few steps, it looked back, signaling them to follow.
Caius cleared his throat and said, "Since Lord Aisala has something to discuss with you, you should go ahead."
Aisala was the closest little black cat to Hastur, holding an unusually high status. Out of respect, they also referred to Aisala as "Lord."
Could it be that Mr. Hastur sent Aisala to fetch them?
With this thought in mind, Audrey led Susie and Fors, following Aisala deeper into the house.
Along the way, Audrey tried to chat with Aisala, but the cat did not respond at all. This made Audrey regret not bringing some dried fish when she left home today; it might have attracted Aisala's attention.
After several twists and turns, Aisala led them to the door of Hastur's room. The door was already open, and inside was only Sharon.
"Meow."
Aisala called out, took a few quick steps, and then jumped into Sharon's arms.
Sharon had sent Aisala to fetch them; otherwise, it wouldn't have bothered to move.
Such a delicate and beautiful girl!
Audrey's eyes lit up at the sight of Sharon. Although she was very interested in Sharon, who looked like a delicate doll, she maintained her elegant posture and did not stare too much.
"Is this the ultimate doll that Mr. Moon wants to pursue?"
Fors was also amazed, staring at Sharon without blinking.
"Sharon."
Sharon didn't mind their curious gazes and simply introduced herself.
She originally didn't want to interact with outsiders, but just now, 008 had suddenly hopped in front of her and written on a blank piece of paper: "Audrey Hall, an old friend from Backlund, seems to have an unusual relationship with the master."
This piqued her curiosity.
An unusual relationship?
Sharon admitted she was a bit concerned about this, so she sent Aisala to bring them over.
In Backlund, she had heard of Miss Audrey's reputation, known as the most dazzling jewel of Backlund.
Seeing her in person today, she indeed matched the descriptions.
She possessed the beauty and elegance of a noble, coupled with the innocence and charm of a little girl. Just one glance could easily attract attention.
"Audrey, I am a friend of Mr. Hastur."
"Fors, also a friend of Mr. Hastur."
After the brief introductions, the room fell into a silent pause. Sharon had merely wanted to see Audrey and had no intention of starting a conversation, while Audrey, adhering to her noble elegance, patiently waited for the other to speak first.
Normally, she would have taken the initiative to break the silence, but today, she suddenly didn't want to.
Finally, Fors asked directly, "Miss Sharon, did you call us here for something specific?"
"You may leave now."
Sharon's indifferent reply almost froze Fors's expression.
It was the first time she had encountered someone who spoke like this—so beautiful yet so cold.
"Uh, Miss Sharon, did you call us here just to see us?"
"Yes."
"..."
Fors didn't know how to continue the conversation and looked at Audrey for help.
"Miss Sharon, what is your relationship with Mr. Hastur?" Audrey asked curiously.
Sharon didn't answer directly, gently stroking Aisala in her arms, which seemed to be an answer in itself.
Fors's mouth slightly opened, showing an expression of realization.
This little black cat only liked to be close to Mr. Hastur and ignored everyone else, even Miss Audrey.
The fact that this beautiful doll-like Sharon could be so close to Aisala and hold a unique status in Hastur's domain suggested their relationship was not simple.
Good friends?
It seemed more appropriate to call them lovers.
Audrey's beautiful eyebrows furrowed slightly as she looked Sharon up and down, her gaze becoming more serious.
"Miss Sharon, how did you meet Mr. Hastur? Why have I never heard him mention you?"
Although Audrey spoke with a smile, her words carried a hint of aggression, causing Fors to instinctively step back, leaving space for Audrey and Sharon.
"My relationship with him is none of your concern," Sharon replied calmly.
"Are you Mr. Hastur's lover?" Audrey asked directly, surprising Fors with her boldness.
"No," Sharon responded indifferently.
Audrey's smile deepened. "Then you must be Mr. Hastur's friend in the mysterious world, supporting each other as comrades, right?"
"More or less."
"Can you tell me where Mr. Hastur is now?"
"No."
Audrey showed no sign of disappointment, merely smiling. "Since Mr. Hastur is not here today, we will take our leave."
Sharon said nothing, quietly watching them leave.
On the table, 008, who had been playing dead, started writing furiously on a blank piece of paper as if it had discovered a big secret.
"Oh, my god, what did I just witness? Is this something I should be watching?"
"Miss Audrey, the dazzling jewel of Backlund, and Miss Sharon, the master's most trusted comrade, their first interaction unfolded in such a manner."
"Smart and handsome master, who will he choose in the end? It's so intriguing!"
When Sharon's gaze swept over, 008 quickly wrote its last words: "I only trust Miss Sharon; she is the most suitable person to accompany the master for life."
"No matter how dazzling the jewel of Backlund is, it can't compare to the years of close companionship."
"This is an undeniable fact!"
Despite 008's impressive survival instincts, Sharon eventually put it back in the pen box.
She thoughtfully placed the "Book of Prophecy," which had been her companion recently, on the bookshelf where 008 could only look at it longingly.
After doing all this, Sharon continued to stand by the window, gazing into the distance, her heart stirred.
...
As Audrey walked out of Hastur's house, her smile faded, replaced by a serious expression.
Fors glanced at Audrey's face and cautiously asked, "Miss Audrey, are you worried about Mr. Hastur's whereabouts?"
"Yes, he's not an easy person to deal with," Audrey replied softly, then quickly added, "Mr. Hastur's disappearance is indeed concerning, especially now with the royal family's involvement."
"Xio is right; the Augustus family members are not good people. They always target and persecute kind and upright nobles!" Fors said angrily.
Audrey just hummed in response, clearly uninterested in the topic.
As they walked along the street, Fors suddenly asked, "Miss Audrey, where are we going next?"
"My second brother, Alfred, has a residence nearby in South Wales."
Audrey gave a specific location and hailed a carriage.
Fors sat opposite Audrey, noticing her deep in thought, hesitant to speak.
By evening, Audrey and Fors arrived at her brother's mansion, where Alfred had already prepared a room for her.
During dinner, Alfred asked if they had seen Hastur.
When he heard they had not, Alfred smiled and said, "That's normal. Many people have been looking for Hastur lately, but no one has succeeded. He might not even be in South Wales anymore."
Audrey didn't delve into the topic, her mind more focused on Sharon.
...
In the Hall of Stars, Hastur, who had been watching Sharon, witnessed the entire meeting between Sharon and Audrey.
He felt a strange emotion, unable to identify it clearly.
But he was sure it wasn't happiness; it felt more like a fear of losing control over something.
It was just an ordinary meeting, a simple conversation. What was worth noting?
"Sharon, Audrey..."
Saying their names together intensified the strange feeling, as if some related memories were beginning to resurface.