He said he couldn't evaluate her objectively because he "needed something" from her. This "need" was the hope to cooperate with her, the hope to walk forward together, and the hope to establish a deeper Connection.
This answer not only affirmed her beauty but also elevated it to a brand-new, unique height that belonged only to the two of them.
It was cunning because it avoided direct praise, yet it was more moving than any compliment.
It was sincere because it frankly shared his "selfishness" and "purpose," yet it turned this frankness into the most attractive form of praise.
Audrey felt her heart being tightly squeezed by an invisible hand, then gently released. That feeling of momentary weightlessness followed by being instantly filled made her almost dizzy.
Her cheeks could no longer be described as merely "red"; they were like the most brilliant sunset clouds at dusk, burning hot.
She opened her mouth, but found she couldn't make a single sound.
"I... I..."
She wanted to say something, to respond in some way, but her mind was a mess, unable to organize any effective language.
Looking at her completely sunk, flustered, and adorable appearance, Nairn's "play value" instantly surged by a large margin.
He knew that his combination attack of a "straight ball" followed by a "breaking ball" had worked wonders.
He didn't continue to press in. Instead, he sat back up straight, regaining his calm and elegant posture, as if the person who had just uttered that devastating compliment wasn't him.
He picked up the wine glass on the table and took a light sip, giving Audrey enough time to digest and absorb the massive impact brought by his words.
After a good while, Audrey finally found her voice again.
"You... you said you 'need something from me,' are you... are you referring to the matter of the Beyonder pet?" She tried hard to make her voice sound steady, but that slight tremor still exposed her internal unrest.
She could only grab onto the lifeline that was "Susie," attempting to pull the conversation back to a relatively "safe" territory.
"Of course." Nairn followed her lead and nodded with a smile.
"I've learned through some channels that you have a large Golden Retriever—Susie.
"I think Susie is a very smart and spiritual dog; she has great potential to become a Beyonder pet. And cultivating her to be your helper is also very beneficial to our plans."
"That will require the joint efforts of both of us. That is the first thing I 'need from you'."
He deliberately placed a faint, almost imperceptible emphasis on the words "first thing."
Audrey immediately caught this detail, while ignoring the question of how Nairn knew about her family situation—perhaps subconsciously thinking it wasn't strange for someone as perfect as Nairn to know so much.
The first thing... which meant there would be a second, a third... This realization made her heart skip a beat uncontrollably once more.
"I... I understand." Audrey took a deep breath, trying hard to pull herself out of that dizzy emotion and forcing herself to think about business. "Regarding Susie, I was just about to consult you. I already have the extra 'Spectator' Beyonder materials on hand. When do you think it's appropriate to let her consume them? Is there any special ritual required?"
"No need."
Nairn said, "Once you have the materials ready, I will visit in person to guide you on how to concoct the potion and how to lead Susie through the first step of her transformation."
"You... you're coming in person?" Audrey's eyes instantly lit up.
Didn't this mean they would be meeting again soon? And at her home!
"Of course." Nairn nodded as if it were only natural. "This is our first important 'collaborative project,' and I must ensure nothing goes wrong. Besides, I'm also very curious to see that lucky big fellow you treasure so much."
Lucky big fellow... Hearing this term, Audrey felt a different kind of sensation in her heart.
She felt that she was actually the luckiest person.
To be able to meet Mr. Fool, join the Tarot Club, and get to know Mr. Lovers... all of this was like a dreamlike adventure.
"Alright! I'll go back and prepare the materials immediately!" Audrey nodded heavily, her tone filled with drive and determination.
She was already impatient to start this first "collaborative project" with Mr. Lovers... Audrey didn't have to wait long; she saw Nairn the very next day.
For no other reason than that the air in Empress Borough seemed to carry the sweet fragrance of gold pounds; everyone here was like a walking fat sheep, and they spoke so pleasantly.
Nairn absolutely loved Empress Borough.
When the elegant carriage Nairn was riding in stopped before Count Hall's magnificent mansion, even the doorman, who had seen much of the world, was momentarily stunned.
It wasn't because of the luxury of the carriage, though it was indeed quite valuable, but because of the young man who stepped down from it.
He looked to be in his early twenties, wearing a well-tailored dark formal suit without any flamboyant accessories, save for an exquisite brooch that shimmered with low-key light in the Backlund mist.
His appearance was so handsome it didn't seem real, and his temperament was even more unique—he possessed both the vitality of youth and a kind of stillness as if he had lived through countless years. Two contradictory feelings merged perfectly within him.
"Hello, I am Nairn. I have come to visit at the invitation of Count Hall and Miss Audrey." Nairn smiled and handed over a letter.
The doorman took it respectfully. With just one look at the family crest of Sir Derville on the envelope, his attitude immediately became incredibly solemn.
Sir Derville was a major figure even within the kingdom's high society; someone who could obtain a recommendation letter written by his own hand was certainly no ordinary person.
"Please wait a moment, I will go and announce you immediately."
Nairn didn't mind the wait, taking his time to observe the mansion. It was a typical Intis-style building, luxurious yet elegant, with every detail showcasing the owner's wealth and taste.
'Truly wealthy.'
Nairn marveled silently in his heart.
'These great nobles and tycoons are practically mobile vaults. While there is security, and even the protection of the Church, to be honest, in front of a true demigod, it's no different from paper.'
He had always felt the ecology of this world was peculiar. Beyonders and ordinary people, the inner world and the surface world, actually shared the same currency system.
Reasonably speaking, driven by massive interests, there should be a steady stream of Beyonders coming to "hunt" these wealthy people.
After all, the gap between a Beyonder and an ordinary person was a gap in the very essence of life.
Nairn's thoughts raced.
A bold hypothesis took shape in his mind—
Perhaps this wasn't an oversight, but a rule.