Star Rail: Single Draw Acheron at the Start Chapter 34

Caelus rubbed his cheek against Topaz's thigh. Just as Topaz was about to scream, she felt a familiar sensation on her thigh. Looking down, she saw Caelus kissing the mole on her thigh again, and her scream grew even louder.

"Ahhhh!"

After Topaz screamed, the Stellaron Hunters members around her finally reacted. They grabbed Caelus's hands and feet, trying to pull him away. However, Caelus's hands seemed stuck to Topaz's thigh. If they forcibly kicked him off, their Director would need a wheelchair from now on.

"Let go of me."

Topaz knew that Caelus was someone who responded better to gentle persuasion than force, so she spoke to him in a low voice, deciding to go along with him for now.

"I miss you so much."

Caelus had no intention of letting go of Topaz. He had finally managed to hug this thigh. Of all the women he'd met, Topaz's thigh was the one he liked the most, and he couldn't put it down.

"Yes, yes, yes, I miss you too. Can you stand up and say whatever you need to say?"

Topaz said helplessly, patting Caelus's head. Only then did he release his hands and stand up, looking at Topaz with a smile.

"Topaz, my wife, what are you doing here?"

Caelus asked happily, reaching out to take Topaz's hand. Of course, she dodged his hand and was very angry.

"Who's your wife? If you call me that again, I'm leaving."

Topaz glared at Caelus. Although there was some complicated connection between them, she hadn't decided if she wanted to get involved with Caelus yet. How could she be called his wife like this?

"No, no, no, Miss Topaz."

Caelus said wisely. When chasing a girl, one had to know when to advance and when to retreat. Any advantage gained was a profit, but one couldn't go too far.

Himeko and March 7th were covering their faces at the side, wishing they could pretend not to know Caelus. His behavior was too embarrassing in front of everyone. Fortunately, he wasn't representing the Star Rail Express; this was a personal act.

"Miss Topaz, long time no see."

March 7th waved and greeted her. Topaz looked at her and Himeko, a look of relief appearing on her face. Finally, she had met people she could communicate with normally.

"Long time no see, everyone from the Star Rail Express. I've heard all about you from Aventurine."

Topaz said with a smile, her intentions clear. She and Aventurine were on the same mission: to reclaim Penacony. It was understandable that two Keystones would be dispatched for such a major undertaking.

Chapter 90: Aventurine is my brother

"So it was Aventurine. I told you long ago that Aventurine is my good brother. I knew you'd call him over," Caelus said immediately.

"You and him?"

Topaz looked at Caelus in confusion, not understanding how Caelus and Aventurine had become such good friends. Besides, Aventurine hadn't been in Penacony for very long.

"That's right. When he heard I was pursuing you, he worked really hard to set us up. Remember how he begged me to help him before? He even said that if I helped the IPC reclaim Penacony, he'd credit all the achievements to you, and then we could celebrate our wedding."

Caelus was outright lying, then he took out his phone and showed Topaz their chat history. Topaz saw snippets of their conversation, and it did seem similar to Caelus's description. Aventurine had even sent Caelus money to spend. Wasn't that what good brothers did?

March 7th covered her face. She knew exactly how things really were. Caelus would stoop to any level to trick Topaz into becoming his wife, but little March wouldn't be so bored as to ruin Caelus's plan.

"That guy..."

Topaz felt a surge of resentment. She knew what kind of person Aventurine was – he would do anything to achieve his goals. Selling herself to Caelus as a wife was just basic operating procedure; there was no need to doubt Aventurine's character.

"As you can see, the IPC isn't very welcome in Penacony. The Family's hospitality is just a superficial courtesy. The former frontier prison is now going to shackle the IPC's employees."

Topaz quickly let go of the matter of Aventurine selling her out. She said to Himeko with some helplessness. Himeko looked behind Topaz and saw several Family members in black suits staring at her.

"Only Aventurine, who has an invitation, is allowed to attend the grand gala. We accompanying personnel don't even have the qualification to enter the dream, so we can only stay at the hotel in reality."

"No wonder Aventurine is looking for partners everywhere. So he can't get help from the IPC in the dream."

March 7th said with a look of understanding. If Topaz could enter the dream, she would be a hundred times more reliable than Caelus. It was a shame she couldn't.

"I heard his situation isn't very optimistic. You're helping investigate matters unfavorable to the Family, right? If you need anything outside the dream, feel free to tell me. The IPC never mistreats its partners."

Topaz didn't know Aventurine's exact situation, but since he was cooperating with the Star Rail Express, she was happy. Although Caelus acted strangely, he was at least hired by the BOSS, wasn't he?

"Thank you, Miss Topaz. We were just about to ask the Hound for information about the case. Perhaps you've already dealt with them?"

Himeko raised her hand to cover Caelus's mouth, stifling his excessive demands. Topaz's polite words weren't meant for Caelus.

"They're right behind me. Just follow them. It'll also help distract them; it's too uncomfortable being stared at all the time."

Topaz pointed to the men in black behind her. It was clear she had been uncomfortable since arriving in Penacony. Caelus felt sorry for her.

"Little March, go teach them a lesson. I'll comfort Topaz's wounded heart here."

Caelus waved to March 7th. It was just a question, so not everyone needed to go. He had more important things to do.

"This scoundrel."

March 7th glared at Caelus. Earlier, in the dream, he had been so affectionate with her, but after seeing Topaz, his attitude changed again. Caelus's sweet talk was not to be trusted.

"Topaz, how have you been lately? No one at the IPC is bullying you, right?"

Caelus found a seat and said to Topaz. Topaz sat opposite him. Hearing his obvious concern, she gave him a sidelong glance.

"It would have been great if you could act normally like this before. Why do you always turn into a pervert?"

Topaz said, embarrassed and annoyed. Let alone being an IPC executive, even an ordinary woman would call the police if someone came up and kissed her thigh. Yet, she still couldn't bring herself to completely cut ties with Caelus, nor was she as angry as she might have expected. Perhaps she had grown accustomed to his antics.

"I couldn't help it when I saw you. I love you so much that I can wake up from a sweet dream anytime."

Caelus scratched his head sheepishly. He realized he had woken up at the perfect time. If he hadn't been chasing clues, he would have missed Topaz in the dream because she couldn't enter it.

"I'm doing alright. Not much good, but a whole lot of bad. And here I am again, cleaning up messes."

Topaz said with a smile. Life was pretty much like this for her. Although she did all the dirty and difficult work, she was generally satisfied.

"When you went back to Belobog before, you weren't punished, were you?"

Caelus asked with concern. He had, in a small way, set a trap for Topaz, causing her to only be able to recover the principal and not the interest. This had greatly displeased the higher-ups of the company who wanted the entire amount from Jarilo-VI.

"Of course I was punished. Now I'm one level below Aventurine."

Topaz spread her hands, but her expression showed she didn't really care. Reaching this level in her career, she had become quite detached about promotions or demotions. She was simply doing things that made her happy.

"I'm sorry, I made you suffer. Once I'm successful, I'll let you get promoted a hundred levels, a thousand levels."

Caelus said apologetically to Topaz. Although he had acted tough before, he had ultimately caused Topaz to suffer a loss. It was also due to his lack of strength. If he had the influence and background of Asta's family, wouldn't this level of debt be paid off in minutes?

"There aren't that many levels to be promoted. But it's good that you're willing to work hard. If you were already a successful man, it would be boring."

Topaz said with a smile. She had met countless men more successful and outstanding than Caelus, but none of them had captured her heart. Instead, it was this rascal Caelus, who always wanted to freeload her labor and even have her marry him to work for free, that Topaz found worth investing in.

"Are you really willing to help the company recover Penacony?"

Topaz changed the subject and asked. The smile on her face was friendly, but Caelus appeared a bit guilty.

"R-really."

Caelus couldn't really guarantee it. If he truly stood with the company, putting aside Robin's feelings, his "brother-in-law" would definitely cling to him. Although he wasn't afraid of him, it was one thing to coax a woman, but he had never tried to coax his "brother-in-law." If things got too awkward, it would be difficult for Robin too, so Caelus was in a difficult position.

"Robin is part of the Family, isn't she?"

Topaz looked at Caelus meaningfully. Because she understood the man in front of her, his thoughts were easy to guess, and there was no need for scheming.

PS, please collect, recommend, and vote monthly.

PS, a short story about Topaz and Caelus is also recorded in the final chapter of the previous season.

Chapter 91: Envoy Trial Card

"Yes."

Caelus still appeared guilty. With all his expressions written on his face, Topaz would have had ten thousand ways to toy with him at the negotiating table. However, Caelus didn't play by the rules; he would rather blow up Topaz's mentality off the table.

"You saw Robin and didn't react?"

Topaz asked with a smile. She didn't believe that Caelus, a super pervert, wouldn't be tempted by Robin. He was definitely the type who only cared about looks and figure, someone who could join the cosmic scoundrel club. However, the only difference was that when he pursued women, he was devoted and aimed for marriage, not just fun.

"Hahaha, you know me best. I want to pursue her as my wife."

Caelus scratched his head. Since Topaz had already figured it out, he couldn't deny it anymore. Besides, it wasn't something that needed to be hidden.

"Then you still say you'll help the company? Trying to play both sides, huh?"

Topaz said irritably. She often encountered people like him, who tried to play both sides, but they usually ended up with nothing. However, that was before they met her. In reality, such people could always achieve success through their little tricks.

"Well, actually, Robin and the Family don't have a good relationship. She's a big star herself and doesn't need to curry favor with the Family. Most importantly, the Family's performance has disappointed her."

Caelus thought for a moment about how to answer Topaz's question. He knew that Robin's only tie to the Family was her "brother-in-law." As long as her "brother-in-law" agreed to let go, Robin wouldn't fight for the Family.

"Oh? From what you're saying, you've already contacted Robin and become close friends with her. Otherwise, how would you know she's disappointed with the Family? This isn't something you should tell a guest."

Topaz's face showed a look of surprise. To be honest, she was quite impressed with Caelus. How long had they been in Penacony, and he was already close friends with Robin? She originally thought a big star would be harder to pursue. Was it because the big star was easily fooled, or was Caelus's skill so high?

"Robin's disappointment with the Family will affect the Grand Gala, won't it? If the news is true and the Gala can't proceed, the Family will lose face, and it will be another good opportunity for the company."

Topaz said, tapping her chin. She had unexpectedly received good news from Caelus, and her face bloomed with a smile.

"Are you trying to trick me into revealing information?"

Caelus was stunned for a moment, then looked at Topaz with a strange gaze. He didn't think much before speaking. He hadn't expected the company people to be so cunning, to be able to trick him like this.

"It's because you're too unguarded."

Topaz said with a smile. Tricking Caelus had greatly pleased her, and the feeling of being taken advantage of earlier had completely disappeared. This Caelus kid was indeed a useful person.

"Why would I be guarded against my own wife? If you brought a stranger here, I wouldn't even look at them."

Caelus said unhappily, crossing his arms. It felt like being deceived by someone close. Topaz just smiled and didn't refute him calling her his wife.

"Do you know about the Keystone?"

Topaz changed the subject. Caelus's attention was diverted, and he lowered his hands.

"I think I heard Asta mention it. Isn't that the origin of the company's Ten Stonehearts?"

"Yes, there are ten Keystones in total, and the Ten Stonehearts each hold one."

Topaz gave Caelus some common knowledge. Caelus didn't have much of an opinion on it. He only knew that his wife was very capable and could reach her position on her own, but he didn't know the specifics.

"So Aventurine has one too, right?" Caelus said.

"That's right. Ordinary people don't know the function of the Keystone, but we do. It contains extraordinary power within. The holder needs to use their will to unlock it, and in doing so, they can temporarily gain the power of the Sumeru King."

Before saying this, Topaz snapped her fingers. Zhang Zhang, who was following her, opened its mouth and swallowed her voice, or rather, swallowed the sound in this area, so that only she and Caelus could hear their conversation.

"Wait, isn't that Envoy power? An Envoy trial card?"

Caelus was indeed attracted by this news. His eyes sparkled as he looked at Topaz. He hadn't expected the woman he fancied to be not only beautiful but also capable. Although it sounded like a one-time trial card, if he angered Topaz, he would have to face Envoy power directly. This way, her safety would also be guaranteed.

"It's like this."

"Then what's the point of telling me?"

Caelus asked curiously. This secret seemed quite significant, otherwise Topaz wouldn't have bothered to mask her voice. He was happy to be trusted, but knowing it wouldn't help him.

"We've run into a problem. When Aventurine entered the dream, his Keystone was confiscated by members of the Family, and they know its function."

"Haha, your free trial is over."

Caelus burst into carefree laughter upon hearing this, but Topaz's next sentence wiped the smile off his face.

"My Keystone is in Aventurine's hands."

"Why? I'm jealous."

Listening to Topaz's explanation, Caelus felt that this Keystone must be more important than life itself. He hadn't expected Topaz to entrust her very life to Aventurine. Caelus directly voiced his thoughts, admitting he hadn't even touched Topaz's Keystone yet.

"There's nothing surprising about it. The Ten Stonehearts act as one; we all strive for the Company's benefit. Reclaiming Penacony is a difficult task, so looking out for each other is only natural."

Topaz shook her head with a smile. It was rare to find a man jealous over her. She clarified that she and Aventurine weren't bound by life-or-death loyalty, but rather a partnership purely for the Company's interests. This put Caelus's mind at ease.

"So, that means the Family now has two Keystones. Aren't you afraid they'll throw them in the toilet? You're enemies, after all."

Caelus quipped. It felt as though the Family had acquired a fifth of the Ten Stonehearts' shares. If he were a Company executive, his scalp would be tingling right now.

"Can you use a different adjective? Something like a black hole would be better than a toilet."

Topaz glared at Caelus. She'd much rather the Keystone be lost in a black hole. Theoretically, the Keystone wasn't created by the Sumeru King, so it wouldn't be blasphemy. Caelus's careless remark couldn't be overheard by the Family.

"Sorry, it's a habit."

"What's frustrating is that the Family took the Keystones into the dream world. This means that in the real world, no matter what we do, we won't be able to retrieve them."

Topaz spread her hands. If the Keystones were in the real world, they could be retrieved even if they fell into a black hole. But the dream world was truly too mysterious. While entering and exiting was possible, who knew how to bring items out?

"I remember there's a clause in the Dream Manual stating that the Family has the final say on any items within the dream world. What if they tell you later that due to some unforeseen circumstances, the items can't be brought out? Wouldn't that be agonizing?"

Caelus remembered something important and stared at Topaz's leg. Topaz immediately moved her right leg, which had been crossed over her left, and sat up straight, looking at him.