Chapter 182: Talia Really Wants to Know What Hes Thinking

Chapter 182: Talia Really Wants to Know What He's Thinking

On the second floor of the Cat Proprietor's Eatery was Talia's apartment. A glass skylight was set into the ceiling, which was constructed of wooden planks and angled beams. The slope of the ceiling gave the living room the atmosphere of a terrace open to the starry sky.

On a quiet night like this, sitting in here and looking up felt as though one was being bathed in the brilliance of the entire galaxy. The delicate wood grain on the walls exuded a serene beauty, while the warm-toned decor and furnishings soothed the soul.

Originally, the only seating in Talia's home, aside from her reclining armchair, was the chair paired with the desk in her bedroom. However, at some point, an extra chair had appeared in the living room.

Apparently she had bought it for Lance. Right now, Lance had Hyperion sit in that chair while he stood to the side. He would never touch Talia's personal belongings without permission, such as entering her bedroom or using her recliner.

Moonlight and starlight poured in through the skylight, while the room's soft, pale-yellow glow from the lamps bathed the wooden bookshelves. The scent diffuser on the chest of drawers released a layered, gentle fragrance that blended notes of cream, magnolia, and distilled spirits.

Hyperion remarked, gazing up at the starry sky of Ikerite, "Miss Tali's home is so comfortable."

Even now, she felt that, if Miss Tali were to stand beside the Poet of Boundless Love, they would look exactly like genuine twins. Perhaps because she had spent so much time with the Poet, Hyperion felt an inexplicable sense of affinity whenever she saw Lance's teacher.

Lance said with a smile, "That's the charm of a mature lady."

However, the moment he heard the sound of the door lock turning, Lance, who had been standing with the elegant ease of a butler, instantly rearranged his expression. He pretended he hadn't been chatting with Hyperion just a moment before.

Talia pushed open the door. Her golden eyes swept over Hyperion, who looked a bit nervous in the chair, and Lance, who was standing there with impeccable propriety.

I guess I need to buy another chair for the house, Talia mused briefly. She didn't stare too intently at Hyperion, not wanting Lance to notice anything amiss.

Although she had fantasized in the past about having Hyperion stay with her, it was clearly unlikely. A young lady of a ducal house wouldn't just casually stay at a stranger's home.

In all likelihood, they had simply come to ask for her advice on something, or perhaps to discuss the recent incident in the Shadow Realm. Still, now that she had met Hyperion, there was a chance to gradually get to know her and encourage her to visit more often.

Talia asked without a single inflection in her voice, "What did you come to see me about?"

Lance immediately said, "Hyperion, my classmate, is being targeted by an assassin. Tali, could you help me protect her? Since the information didn't come through official channels, you're the only one I can trust."

Lance and Talia had always made a habit of speaking plainly. After all, neither of them could lie.

"How should I protect her?" Talia wondered to herself how this guy always managed to foresee danger. To this day, she still hadn't figured out who had tried to kill Lance back then.

And now, Lance was telling her that someone was out to kill Hyperion. Furthermore, her ability confirmed he was telling the truth.

Lance made the request with a sincere look in his eyes. "Let her stay with you for a while—two weeks at most."

Talia was momentarily stunned upon hearing this. She wondered if she had misheard him, but she quickly composed herself.

Her demeanor was as aloof as ever as she asked, "What's in it for me?"

Agreeing unconditionally would surely arouse the boy's suspicion, so she had to propose a deal, if only for the sake of appearances. No matter what Lance promised, she could simply agree to it when the time came.

Ever since meeting Lance, her life had taken a turn for the better, as if her fortunes had finally shifted. Even when she stayed home doing nothing, things seemed to go exactly as she wished. Could this be what humans called "happiness?"

Lance studied Talia for a moment, careful not to speak too hastily. Her initial response was better than he had anticipated. Since she was open to a deal rather than issuing a flat refusal, it meant she wasn't opposed to the idea, provided that the price was right.

Lance said on Hyperion's behalf, "It's a promise that can't be fulfilled immediately, but if you protect Hyperion, you'll gain the friendship of the House of Aransar. Within two years, you'll become an honored guest and an advisor to the duchy."

The value of a favor from a duchy was beyond monetary measure. Of course, that all hinged on the duke returning, or Hyperion succeeding the title.

Hyperion, standing beside him, also offered a solemn vow and a respectful bow, "I pledge this to you in the name of the Aransar family, Miss Tali."

Talia simply looked at them, remaining silent and momentarily at a loss for words. She didn't know what kind of trouble Hyperion had run into that would drive the two of them to ask for her help like this.

What baffled Talia even more was what had gotten into Lance. He was clearly intent on plunging into a raging storm to bring back Duke Michael.

Little did Lance know, she, too, had always wanted to find her own precious younger sister. It was only after meeting the boy that she had stumbled upon a clue regarding Iphatia while observing one of Lance's Shadow Realm challenges. It was a half-demon girl named Hyperion who bore a striking resemblance to her sister.

After secretly observing Hyperion, she became convinced that the girl was indeed Iphatia's daughter. For Talia, who had previously seen no hope, this discovery gave her a crucial new goal.

However, Talia hadn't expected Lance to go even further. He clearly intended to bring about a full reunion for the duke's family. If she let him continue his investigation... Perhaps, while she simply enjoyed the blissfully comfortable life in Ikerite, so pleasant it felt like she was floating around, her sister would actually be found and brought back by Lance.

Seeing that Talia remained unmoved, Lance added this assurance, "Tali, I will do everything in my power to make sure this promise is kept."

Talia shifted her gaze. Her eyes were usually so composed and unruffled, but now they were filled with a complex mix of emotions: gratitude, bewilderment, and a hint of resentment.

She was grateful for all the wonderful things Lance had brought her. At the same time, she had absolutely no desire to become deeply entangled with a human.

Finally, Talia managed to calm her thoughts. She stood up and said, "Let's go."

Hyperion, who had been waiting anxiously for Miss Tali's answer, slumped in disappointment. She whispered, "So, it's a no, then...?"

As expected, asking someone to let a half-demon live in their home, even for Lance's teacher, was simply too much to ask.

Talia walked to the door, turned the handle, and said softly, "We need to go to the school to pick up clothes for you. We also have to buy some daily necessities, a pillow, and a quilt. I only have one pillow and quilt here."

Looking dazed, Hyperion said, "Thank you... Miss Tali..."

Based on Lance's description, she had always imagined Miss Tali to be a terrifying person. She hadn't expected her to be so kind.

Lance, who had already been contemplating his next move, was startled, and his train of thought came to an abrupt halt. His lips parted slightly as he stared at Talia's back.

Is this temperamental spinster, centuries-old female demon really going to be this easygoing? She's actually letting Hyperion stay over. And, from the sound of it, she’s even planning to share her bed, rather than making Hyperion sleep on the floor or the sofa!

As these thoughts crossed his mind, Lance took out the Poet of Boundless Love card and frowned at it, checking to ensure he wasn't being pranked by an imposter posing as Talia.

Talia immediately felt something prickling at the back of her mind. She turned around and glared at Lance. Why is this bastard staring at the Poet's card right now? ℯ

He looked innocent enough on the surface, but deep down, he was definitely thinking things that deserved a death sentence—ten thousand times over!

One day, I will read this brat's mind. Just watch what I'll do to you then!