Wilt observed Sharon's thoughts through the ring and was speechless.
"So you really did rush in on impulse. Isn't that a bit ridiculous? You're not a Beyonder of the Sailor Pathway."
"So you recognized me in the living room just now, then came straight over without thinking."
"On the one hand, you're very confident in your strength. After all, the Beyonder captains in Tingen City are only Sequence 7. On the other hand, your thoughtless behavior was also affected by your physical condition."
"Too much madness has accumulated inside you, so you act impulsively, and your actions defy common sense."
"Of course, there's one last possibility: someone sent you to me."
"Someone sent me to you?" Sharon looked bewildered. She knew about the first two possibilities Wilt had mentioned, but she had no idea what he meant by the last one.
"There's something incongruous about your fate," Wilt explained.
"That means you've entered someone's story and become a character in his writing, so there are signs that your actions have been manipulated."
"And that person is Ince Zangwill, the former Archbishop who defected from the Church of Evernight and holds the Sealed Artifact 008."
Wilt then extended a hand to Sharon and invited her. "So, how about it? Would you like to work with me?"
"You help me carry out a fraud scheme in Tingen City and stir up conflict between the Conservative Party and the New Party. In return, I'll save your life from Ince Zangwill."
"And I can use a Sealed Artifact to stabilize your condition right now. Besides, working with me will also let you act as a Demoness of Affliction ahead of time, preparing you for Sequence 5 in the future."
"It's a win-win for us."
Sharon was even more confused. "What do you mean by all that? I don't understand a thing."
"You don't understand?" Wilt was somewhat troubled.
"All right, then. To make sure our cooperation goes smoothly, I'll explain everything to you in detail..."
Wilt then told Sharon why Ince Zangwill had come to Tingen City and how he would use her, first making sure she understood her predicament. After that, he told her about the fraud scheme he was carrying out and the benefits she could gain from it.
Finally, Wilt said, "Now you should understand the situation, right?"
"If you don't work with me, you'll only become a sacrifice in Ince Zangwill's writing. Death is your destined fate. And if you work with me, I've already told you the benefits."
Hearing Wilt's words, Sharon stood there, her expression dark and uncertain. After a long time, she finally spoke. "How am I supposed to believe what you're saying? What if you're lying to me?"
"Lying to you?" Wilt looked disdainful. "It seems you still don't understand the situation."
"I have a Grade 1 Sealed Artifact of the Spectator Pathway. If I weren't sure you were still of some use, I would have used its demigod-level power to make you lose control right from the start."
"And the only reason you're still alive is my mercy. That's my proof."
Wilt then smiled and said, "Of course, you can also choose not to work with me and go meet your predetermined fate."
"After all, keeping a Demoness who's too stupid around is bound to be a liability."
Sharon suddenly put on a pitiful expression. She walked over to Wilt, took one of his arms and pressed it into her deep cleavage, then said plaintively, "Don't be angry. I was just too scared and wanted to find a sense of security with you."
"After all, someone as powerful and reliable as you isn't easy to find. Would you be willing to protect a weak woman like me, Mr. Wilt?"
"If you are, I'll be yours from now on. You can do anything you want to me~"
Wilt didn't believe a word of her nonsense. "It seems you've figured things out. I'm glad you've come to your senses again."
"In that case, from now on, work hard to get more nobles to invest their money in the gold mine company I'm about to establish. I look forward to seeing what you can do, Miss Demoness."
With that, Wilt pulled his arm free and turned to leave.
"Wait!" Sharon hurriedly called out to him. "You're just leaving like that? Don't you doubt what I said? Aren't you afraid I'll report you to the official Beyonders?"
"Heh, what a stupid question," Wilt said with a chuckle.
"If you can do it, go ahead and try. Maybe the moment you're about to act, one problem after another will come your way, until you end up a Beyonder Characteristic for me to pick up."
"Oh, right." As if he had suddenly remembered something, Wilt turned around and aimed his palm at Sharon.
"To help you work better, I'll give you a little benefit first."
Placate!
An invisible breeze swept over Sharon's body, instantly clearing her mind and relaxing her body.
"Whoosh!" In the next instant, a thread of golden light entered Sharon's body, instantly suppressing the madness accumulated inside her.
"This is the most basic benefit, but it only lasts a week. If you want better treatment, remember to work hard. Only then will I help you completely resolve the madness inside you."
With that, Wilt told Sharon where he lived, then turned and left...
As soon as Wilt returned to the hall, Selena came over and asked with concern, "Mr. Wilt, are you all right?"
Wilt shook his head. "I'm fine. Sorry for worrying you, Miss Selena."
"Whew, I'm glad you're all right!" Selena breathed a sigh of relief, then said somewhat hesitantly, "Mr. Wilt, I'm not sure if I should say this..."
"We're friends. Whatever it is, go ahead."
Selena took a deep breath, then said solemnly, "Mr. Wilt, you should keep your distance from Madam Sharon in the future. She's Baron Khoy's widow, and a lot of people have their eyes on her."
"Nobles have even come to blows in public over her before. Getting too close to her will bring you trouble."
"I see." Wilt looked as though he had just realized something. "No wonder so many people have been staring at me since I came back. So that's what it was?"
"Thank you for the warning, Miss Selena. Otherwise, I really might have run into trouble without realizing it."
Just then, someone walked to the front of the hall. Behind him, two attendants were carrying an object wrapped in red cloth.
"Ah, the charity auction is about to start." Selena hurriedly said goodbye to him.
"I have to get back to my father. See you next time, Mr. Wilt!"