The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

Chapter 713: SCRAMBLING WULF

WULFRIC paced back and forth inside his newly checked-in hotel room—the same one where Aster, his agent, and the Polaris team were staying.

His mind kept circling back to that message Aster had left on his Terminal. He still couldnʼt believe Aster had recognized him. And now, because of his staring, Aster was angry. Angry enough to threaten ignoring him for a month.

The thought made his stomach twist. Heʼd been wracking his brain nonstop for ways to make it up to him, thinking so hard that now he was the one with a pounding headache.

Heʼd considered sending rare gifts—jewels, vintage clothes, even a custom-built spaceship. Then he thought about renting out an entire amusement park or a floating restaurant and inviting famous chefs to cook for Aster. But he knew how those would go: Aster would frown at the jewels, return the vintage clothes, donate the spaceship to charity, and probably scold him for wasting money. Wulfric just knew that over-the-top gestures would not work.

So what was he left to do?

He had been calling Aster nonstop since earlier, but the other never picked up—something that hadnʼt happened since that time Wulfric had apologized and theyʼd made up.

Wait. Apologized?

Could he just apologize? The moment the thought crossed his mind, he shook his head. Of course, he needed to apologize—that much was obvious. But that didnʼt mean he couldnʼt pair it with something more. A gesture to prove how serious he was.

And just like that, he was back where he started. What could he possibly do to make it up to Aster?

Should he ask someone for help? But who would he even ask? As soon as he wondered that, a certain someoneʼs face popped into his mind.

He didnʼt waste time and quickly contacted Hildred.

He felt like heʼd been waiting forever for Hildred to answer. When the call finally connected and Hildredʼs face appeared on the screen, Wulfric spoke immediately.

”What took you so long?”

Hildred raised an eyebrow. ”I answered as fast as anyone could have.”

Wulfric waved his hand. ”Never mind that. I have a problem, and I need your help.”

Hildred studied the prince through the screen. He knew Wulf wasnʼt on Alluna right now—when heʼd asked Leland about the princeʼs whereabouts that morning, the other had mentioned with a frown on his face that Wulfric left the planet the night before.

At first, Hildred assumed Wulf had returned to his old habit of disappearing without warning. But then he remembered the other hadnʼt done that since meeting Astrid Townsend.

Which meant Wulfʼs destination was likely connected to the actor. And whatever ”problem” he was calling about? That probably involved Astrid, too.

If that was the case, Hildred was tempted to demand another vacation for him and Ed as payment for his help. But then he remembered Leland. Their strict lieutenant would never approve another break so soon.

So, with another sigh, he resigned himself to helping Wulfric out of pure goodwill.

”Alright. Whatʼs the problem?”

Wulfric explained everything—how heʼd attended the viewing party, how Aster had recognized him, and the message threatening to ignore him for a month unless he made it up to him. When he finished, he looked at Hildred expectantly, waiting for his answer.

Hildred didnʼt answer immediately. Instead, he stared at Wulfric for several long seconds—then burst out laughing.

Wulfric glared at the other.

Hildred wiped tears from his eyes, still laughing. ”Sorry, sorry. Itʼs just—too funny. Seriously, Wulf. How could you stare at him like that the entire time? Poor Astrid probably thought some creepy stalker was planning to do something bad to him. And well… you were kind of stalking him. No wonder he got a headache. If I were him, Iʼd have punched you.”

”Letʼs all be grateful youʼre not my dear Aster,” Wulfric said through gritted teeth.

Hildred just smiled sweetly in response. ”I wouldnʼt dream of it.”

”So, do you have any ideas that could help me?” Wulfric asked, his tone impatient.

Hildred pondered for a moment. ”Hmm... I do have a few ideas.”

***

Astrid checked his Terminal. Evening had come, nearing dinner time, and Wulfric still hadnʼt called again. After bombarding him with calls earlier, the other had suddenly gone quiet.

If this were anyone else, Astrid might have assumed theyʼd given up. But this was Wulfric—heʼd probably stopped calling because heʼd already figured out how to make it up to hm. And right now, he was likely putting that plan into action.

Astrid could only hope it wouldnʼt be anything too over-the-top. Instead of being touched, he might just end up more irritated. Sure, his headache was gone now—thanks to the medicine and an afternoon nap he head—but that lingering annoyance still hadnʼt faded. The last thing he wanted was for Wulfric to make it worse.

He opened his Terminal. He might as well call Ellis and ask if she wanted to have dinner together. He knew the rest of the Polaris staff and security team had plans to go out tonight—probably to experience the planetʼs nightlife.

It had actually taken some effort to convince the security team to go. At first, theyʼd insisted on staying behind, saying it was their job to protect him. But Astrid had managed to persuade them in the end. After all, heʼd be staying at the hotel. What could possibly happen here?

Besides, even though he was still annoyed with Wulfric, just knowing the other was nearby made Astrid feel safe. He was certain nothing bad could happen to him as long as Wulfric was around.

He was just about to call Ellis when a message notification popped up. With his Terminal already open, he saw immediately that it was from Wulfric. Raising an eyebrow, he tapped to open it.

[Aster, please come to the penthouse. The door isnʼt locked - you can just walk in. Iʼll be waiting there. Please? I really want to make it up to you. Iʼll be waiting.]

Astrid read the message, and without realizing it, a small smile tugged at his lips. It seemed that he wouldnʼt be having dinner with Ellis after all.