The scene fell into a brief silence. Realizing he might have said too much, Glaint hurriedly changed the subject.
"I know some people who specialize in training pets. Hastur, in a few days, why don't you come with me? I'll make sure to pick out a kitten as cute and clever as Susie for you."
"Alright." Hastur did not reject the suggestion.
For a beast tamer, choosing a pet naturally held a huge advantage.
They could easily judge a pet's health, temperament, and many other aspects.
Xio glanced at Fors, intending to ask if she wanted to buy a pet to keep her company at home. But thinking of the 450 gold pound price tag, she swallowed her words.
When the free discussion session began, Hastur, as usual, explained some relevant occult knowledge. It wasn't too advanced, but systematic enough to deepen their understanding of the Beyonder world.
As the conversation continued, Audrey thought for a moment, then looked at Xio and Fors."I happen to have a commission here. Do either of you want to try it?"
"What commission?"
Xio's eyes lit up. She knew Miss Audrey was very wealthy; any commission from her would surely be generous. A task from her meant the chance to make a fortune.
"Admiral of Hurricanes Qilangos has secretly entered Backlund. This is his portrait. I want you to locate him, but don't alert him."
Audrey handed Xio a folded sheet of paper. In addition to Qilangos' portrait, it was filled with intelligence about him.
"The kingdom's bounty for Qilangos is 10,000 gold pounds. Even providing certain leads can earn at least several hundred."
Audrey's supplement made Xio's eyes shine brighter. She had never received such a lucrative task before!
Even Fors leaned over to look at the paper with Xio.
Glaint asked curiously: "Admiral of Hurricanes? One of the seven Admirals of the seas?"
"Yes, it's him." Audrey confirmed. She had considered asking Xio privately, but then thought, this task could also be taken by Mr. Hastur. With his wisdom and ability, he might find Qilangos' trail even more easily than Xio.
But it seemed Mr. Hastur was calm, not tempted at all by the enormous bounty.
Had his troubled finances already improved?
After Xio and Fors finished reading, they thought the commission risky but the reward immense. In the end, they accepted it.
After returning, Xio planned to spend 20 gold pounds to hire others to help her search.
If they succeeded, she'd earn a fortune. Even if not, with Miss Audrey's generosity, she would surely reimburse Xio's expenses.
The gathering gradually came to an end. Before leaving, Fors sincerely thanked Hastur.
Once they exited Glaint's villa, Susie, who had been playing in the garden, rushed over, only to freeze when she saw Hastur. Tail tucked, head lowered, she quietly went to Audrey's side.
Hastur glanced at her. "Susie doesn't seem to be in a good mood tonight?"
"Mm, yes. Maybe she didn't enjoy playing."
"Glaint is very fond of her. Why not let her stay here for the night, to change the environment a little?"
Hastur spoke with a smile. But in Susie's eyes, that smile was the grin of a devil.
"Woof woof!" She barked anxiously, terrified that Audrey might actually leave her behind.
Audrey didn't answer immediately. She frowned slightly, as if considering the feasibility of the suggestion.
Hastur chuckled: "See? Susie's reaction is clear enough. Perhaps she likes the idea too."
Audrey looked down at Susie, curious. "Susie, do you really like staying here?"
"Woof woof woof!" Susie barked several times and rubbed her face against Audrey's skirt, looking very well-behaved.
Hastur, "She wants to stay, but just can't bear to part with you."
"?" Susie was dumbfounded. She obviously didn't want to stay, why did this man always misunderstand her?
Could it be that the sorrows of humans and dogs truly do not connect?
"Mr. Hastur, you can understand what Susie is trying to say?"
"I can understand a little. For example, right now she feels lost, unsure what choice to make."
"Woof?"
"See? Even Susie agrees with me."
"…" Susie dared not make another sound. She clung tightly to Audrey's skirt, her front paws clutching at Audrey's ankle, terrified she would really be left behind.
"Susie, does this mean you agree to stay with Glaint?"
"Woof woof woof woof!"
Susie's golden fur trembled.
Could they please talk properly?
She was just a dog!
Audrey almost burst into laughter, but quickly took a deep breath to maintain her composure."Unfortunately, Susie is already used to sleeping at home. And the first thing I want to see when I wake each morning is Susie by my side. That gives me motivation."
Motivation for studying, that is.
Audrey had lost count of how many mornings she awoke to Susie wearing gold-rimmed glasses, lying on the floor, quietly flipping through a book.
When she woke, Susie would solemnly say: "Audrey, you're awake."
That scene always spurred her study drive, completely curing her habit of lazing in bed.
Hearing this, Susie immediately perked up, wagging her tail and circling happily around Audrey's feet.
"Susie wants to go home. Annie, take her to the carriage first. I'll come after a few words."
Audrey told her maid to take the eager-to-escape Susie to the carriage.
Lowering his voice, Hastur said: "I know some information about your commission just now."
Audrey asked curiously: "Mr. Hastur, why didn't you mention it at the gathering?"
"To avoid discouraging Miss Xio's enthusiasm."
"…Mr. Hastur is truly considerate." Audrey smiled, her golden hair swaying, dazzling.
"I received word that Admiral of Hurricanes Qilangos will appear at the ball hosted by Duke Negan."
"Really?"
Audrey's eyes widened slightly. Such speed was astonishing, no wonder Hastur worried about discouraging Xio.
Xio had only just received the commission and was preparing to start, while Hastur was already one step from the finish line.
The contrast was almost cruel.
"Greg is my good friend. I wouldn't risk lying about such news."
Audrey thought for a moment. "Mr. Hastur, what kind of reward do you want?"
"I've always hoped to restore the glory of the Campbell family."
Restore the Campbell family's glory?
Was Hastur asking for a noble title?
Audrey quickly understood and, after a moment's hesitation, said: "I can only try my best in that matter."
"There's no need to force it. Let things take their natural course."
"Why not tell Greg directly?"
"Sometimes when a relationship is too close, it's harder to speak openly."
Audrey found this reasonable. It was like her pursuit of the Beyonder world, she didn't dare discuss it with her parents.
Instead, it was people like Hastur and Glaint with whom she felt less restrained, able to show her truer self.
Audrey's eyes flickered with amusement. She asked playfully: "So, Mr. Hastur means that since our relationship is ordinary, we can speak more freely?"
"…" Hastur thought better of pursuing that topic, and instead said: "Qilangos is a ruthless pirate. If he dares attend Duke Negan's ball, he must have sinister intentions and strong backing. Miss Audrey should be careful."
"Mm. I won't put myself at risk."
Having said what he needed, Hastur prepared to leave. But before that, Audrey asked: "Recently, that mosquito repellent product, was it produced by a factory under your name?"
"Miss Audrey is interested?"
Audrey nodded. "I've been wanting to invest in a business. I think your product has great potential."
"That's simple. Tomorrow you can send someone to negotiate with Manager Harley about the investment."
In truth, Hastur didn't much want outside investors. The product was already gaining traction, and profit was only a matter of time.
But since Audrey suggested investing, he wouldn't refuse.
Perhaps she simply wanted to help his finances under the guise of investment.
That kind of goodwill, he would not turn away.
Hastur watched Audrey board her carriage, then left in his own.
Inside the carriage,
As soon as Audrey sat down, Susie squeezed up to her, letting out a few pitiful whimpers, as if accusing her of teaming up with Hastur to tease her.
"Alright, don't be so upset. How could I ever leave you with Glaint?"
After soothing Susie, Audrey's thoughts drifted back to Qilangos.
All Mr. Hanged Man had asked of her was to confirm Qilangos' whereabouts. Now, she had essentially completed the task.
What kind of reward should she ask for this time?