Chapter 1280: Chapter 9: What Used to Be, Now Is Perverse_3

“They knew this Key was being escorted by Alice. So for her safety, even without your intervention, I would have naturally ‘accidentally’ revealed the truth to her. In this way, they wouldn’t think the Key was still with the girl, thus choosing not to attack her — at least reducing the probability of her being attacked.”

“So considerate.”

Ibn sighed and answered softly.

Arsene shook his head and continued, “As for the Hawkeye Organization… after all, this Key was actually delivered to me through Alice. They’ve held this Key for over a hundred years. So even if our cooperation is exposed, only she would be held accountable. It might be directed against her, or perhaps against her father, who might pass away at any moment…

“I think they’ve stayed here all this time to prevent Alice from defecting. At the same time, they’re probably also surveilling me to keep me from saying too much to Alice.”

Saying this, Arsene subconsciously tightened his grip on the Key and aligned its hollow part with the light on the ceiling, “After all, this Key… seems to allow one to physically reach the Dream Realm. Sometimes I think, if only I were a Phantom Demon. No need to eat, drink, or sleep. Living a carefree life… without worrying about anything.”

“–The Dream Realm has countless entrances and exits, once inside, you may never find your way home again.”

Aiwass symbolically advised.

But he knew that such advice was likely useless.

However, what Arsene said revealed another piece of information:

“Are you thinking of leaving the Iris Flower?”

Suddenly, the white-haired Son of the Moon realized the underlying implication in Arsene’s words and asked, “Do you have any intentions?”

“To Avalon, I suppose. I think Avalon is the strongest nation in the human world now.”

Arsene answered nonchalantly, “Or to Star Antimony, anywhere really. As long as it’s not the Desert, I don’t want to be forced to eat sand.”

“Then my suggestion is Avalon.”

Aiwass replied just as bluntly.

Hearing this, Arsene felt reassured internally.

No matter whether he was related to the Pope or not… it at least confirmed which side he was on.

His words were a subtle probe — incidentally blocking the other party’s perfunctory “because I’m Parthian, I suggest you go to the Parthian Ancient Country” response.

But actually, even if he hadn’t asked, Aiwass never intended to hide anything from him.

He disguised himself as Ibn only because he was afraid that those imprisoning Sherlock might react impulsively and kill Sherlock to silence him. Now that Sherlock’s exact location has been quickly identified, there’s no need to continue the act, what remains is to rescue him first.

Once in the Dream Realm, when the opportunity arises, he plans to find an excuse to reveal his disguise.

As for whether Arsene’s previous words reflected his true feelings, Aiwass truly didn’t care.

— Come whenever you want. After all, you’re not some harmful thief.

If you can truly leave behind the political mess of the Iris Flower, you’d indeed be welcome anytime!

Just right, Avalon has been silent for too long, it’s time for some real talent to open people’s eyes…

“However… one side wants to kidnap Alice, while the other is surveilling her. Clearly, neither side is any good.”

Aiwass sighed softly, “Without your help, Alice would likely have died for sure today. Both sides might have blamed each other for killing her.”

“After all, she has assassinated the Pope and has been pardoned by the Pope as ‘talent’. Plus, given her background… if she grows up, her potential influence would be too big. Yet no one will know what kind of talent she might become in the future.”

Mr. Strange Thief said meaningfully, “The sole survivor of the act of regicide — everyone believes she is very strong. In such a scenario, killing her is the most effective and complete choice. Conveniently, today everyone can shift the blame onto the other side.”

“As far as I know, both sides are somewhat reluctant to continue fighting now. But if the Hawkeye and the Son of the Moon cease fighting and collaborate, it would be akin to tying certain people to the stake — so they must exacerbate conflicts and continue fighting resolutely.”

“– That’s why I ate them.”

Alai said with dissatisfaction, “I’m not an unreasonable person. What I can consume is mostly not something good. The traces of being preyed upon by the Son of the Moon are obvious, so at least this way the problem won’t land on the opposite side — I believe Lily thought the same and left traces of the Power of Shadows.”

“Yes.”

Lily’s gentle voice came from elsewhere.

Hearing this, Aiwass extended a hand to touch Aleister’s nose.

“You little brat…”

He leaned closer to Aleister’s ear and asked, “Didn’t you say you wouldn’t consume others’ blood before?”

“I consumed them whole, it doesn’t count as lifedrain, it’s called predation. I didn’t even touch them, just drew their blood using powers.”

Alai turned back with a grin, revealing a pair of fierce and sharp little fangs, “Now I’m ‘pure love’– care to let me lifedrain you?”

Aiwass tapped Alai’s head lightly, choosing not to respond.

Instead, he lifted his head and asked directly, “When do you plan to enter the Dream? Can’t drag it till the end of the month, right?”

“I have important business – cannot wait till month-end!”

“…I know, Queen of Avalon’s birthday, after all. He showed me that letter too.”

Mr. Strange Thief replied, “I suggested going after because I first wanted to distract that kid. My advice is to go now — just give me twenty minutes to restock my tools, and we leave directly. At this hour, somebody will likely be napping; we can find a willing napper and borrow their dream… want to come with me?”

“Sure.”

The white-robed Vampire nodded, with minimal words.

“Then let’s go together,” Aleister agreed gladly, “I’ll first seek out someone who’s asleep. If they aren’t in deep enough sleep, I’ll make them sleep even deeper.”

Lily did not respond verbally; instead, she silently merged back into Aiwass’s shadow.

However, speaking of entering the Dream Realm to rescue…

Aiwass remembered another task.

The task from Lady Haibasha he promised earlier; might as well accomplish that too.

Taking on a bunch of errands conveniently done along the way sounds very appealing to someone with his perfectionist tendencies!