Inside the mansion.

  Leo of Lancelot was the father of Leonardo and Leonora. Seeing the resemblance as he too have lushious face that just like water full of shine and life. Faust did wonder are all the skins of the Lancelot fam.ily were like that? He was also the youngest of the twelve monsters that led each of the families. Despite having many grandparents and even beyond that, many of them had no interest in political affairs. Because of situations, many are secluded, leaving everything to Leo to control the family. Though he hated that he was given it at such a young age of 40 but even during that time he was known as a protégé of his generation as he was also taught not just in swordsmanship but politics as well. He was a caring father even when work got in the way. And it didn’t help that his wife was secluded as well, leaving a sour relationship with him and his kids. But that is why he was looking forward to this meeting, as this was everything he wanted.

  “Hello Dr. Fausto. It is such a pleasure to meet you!!!” Leo said excitedly as he was shaking his hand so hard as if he was trying to rip Faust's arm off. From the looks, he is really like an older version of his Leonardo.

  “Yes, the pleasure is mine.”

  “Oh sorry about my manners. Come, let's have a cup of tea.” Leo then guided Faust to the living room as they both sat across from each other. Even when they are inside, it felt like they were outside with the water flowing around the mansion and sprinkling down the center of the vast mansion like a light rain. No matter what the thought was, it felt like stress was being washed away, At that moment, a bunch of maids appeared with different assortments of snacks for him to eat. To complement the snacks, a fragrant tea was present. Last but not least, there was even a bunch of digital cash present as well, showing figures that even the rich people would beg to have.

  “This is a little too much isn’t it.” Faust said as he was glad that Leo was a good host. But still, that was excessive. Playing with the money, Faust still didn’t seem to find it all that worth taking as he was treated them like paper. Leo seems to think otherwise.

  “Nonsense for taking care of my daughter, it should be given.”

  “It has only been a short while. So I don’t serve such a thing.”

  “No, take it because I have a feeling that you came here to continue, correct?” Leo pointed out as he seemed to have anticipated something going on.

  “Well, you probably knew based on the courses of action I have been taking. You should have been keeping a close eye on me.” Faust then was directing at a picture of Leonardo and Leonora, showing that he was well aware he was being watched. Leo didn't seem to take too much offense to that at all as he appeared to hold Faust, or rather Fausto, in high regard

  “Naturally, it is my daughter after all. I should of course, be keeping a good track of her.”

  “Then I won’t beat around the bush. She will be under my care without any interference from you guys.”

  “Done. Anything else?”

  “Yes, Karma is her assistant and my companion for now, so I request you don’t touch her as well.” Hearing that Leo was rather saddened by those words a little because of two reasons. Because the surveillance on her was decided by Arthur so they can’t reverse it. Second, the emphasis on companions makes it sound like she is Faust's girlfriend. Making it so that Leonora and he can’t be a set.

  “I can’t guarantee her safety outside this place. But inside, I will do my best as long as she cooperates.”

  “That is unfortunate because I have an offer that Arthur might want.”

  “What do you mean?” Leo got serious as he knew that for the longest time, it wasn’t just Arthur, but what everyone of the Diviners desired. Words that humans wouldn’t dare touch. To say those words is making a big statement that you wouldn’t dare say unless you were certain. Lying to Diviners is, after all a crime as well. Though they don’t prioritize medicine, they do have one thing they think technology would help with. Prevention.

  “What was broken will be fixed. Though Leonora, I think this might be possible.” Hearing that, Leo widened his eyes as he couldn’t believe the rumors were true. Fausto did know a way to cure such a thing.

  “Can you really do such a thing?” Faust then continued to sip his tea.

  “We will find out. I’m not too sure. But I see that she might be able to succeed.” Hearing that, Leo was relieved.

  “Thank you!! If you need anything, I will provide it.” Leo said as his mood went from serious to a rather calm mood. The talk continued for the two as it seemed like much of the business was finished. Faust knows that Leo was very protective of his daughter. So the best way to win his support was through his daughter. And though he really didn’t have much feelings for Leonora, he was sincere about helping her. Something that even Leo can hear from his words. Because of that, the mood was less businesslike and more casual. Peace and quiet before someone was going to arrive to break that peace.

  In the front of the house, a car soon arrived with a different insignia.

  “Oh what a surprise?!!! You have returned, Noah. It has been a year since I last saw you.” Paul said as he was properly bowing to Noah. Noah was wearing his military suit, but had a jewellery box and a bunch of flowers with him.

  “Yes it has been a while. This is for Leonora. I was wondering if she is here.” Noah, who was dressed like if he was going to take a girl on a date, was so excited as he looked around to try to see a glimpse of Leonora. He did everything to

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  “Ah yes she has returned recently with Leonardo and her friend Karma.”

  “Oh then, where are they?” Noah instantly became excited as he was looking forward to seeing her after so long. Even looking at him, it was like he was taking a girl to prom. He was properly dressed with a suit and with combed hair. Looking at him even more closely, it looked as if he went to a spa, as his face was sparkling.

  “They are in the combat arena.”

  “Thank you.” Noah then left as he walked towards that direction. This causes certain maids to gossip when looking at him leave.

  “Noah and Leonardo are indeed the shining lights of the new generation as well as being the most attractive ones.”

  “Yes and to think he comes so often. As expected of the two competing against each other. The maids were saying to Paul. But Paul shook his head as he saw something different.

  “That man isn’t trying to be the best because of rivalry at all.” The maids then look at Paul as if they were questioning that theory. Paul then pointed at the flowers and the jewelry box. “That man seems to be attracted to a peculiar young lady.

  “You mean?” Both the maids said that it was unusual as no one, not a single person in the twelve families ever considered wanting to marry or be interested in her despite her beauty. Because of what everyone viewed her as, they thought that she was not only a curse but the fact that she can’t live as long meant that even if she bore a child it would be weak as well. And since she was part of the twelve families, no one would dare court her. So to be interested meant….

  “Yes they are at marriage age. It seems like he wants to finally tie the knot.” Paul smiled as it was a joy for him to see. He has seen Leonora grow up sad and alone. So for her to finally find someone who is actually in the family who wants her is such a joy. Yet…

  “But there was this talk with Fausto and Leo going on?” One of the maids said that it really just killed the mood. Paul was really worried in an instant. Because for sure…things could….possibly…hopefully not get worse.

  Walking Noah then was reminiscing the times he walked here when he was younger. During that time, he would constantly come here to workout and challenge Leonardo on a daily basis as he was wanting to fight him to see who was better. It was the only thing that he thought about when he was younger. However, as time passe,d it eventually was for a different reason.

  “So you say that you want to live in a private house that has a lot of space,” Leo said as Noah looked across to see Leo talking with someone else about a house. It was weird because Leo sounded like he was accepting the demands rather than the other way around. Noah then listened as he was walking across from them from a distance.

  “Yes, I need a place with fewer distractions and making sure that we are in a quiet spot. I would also like food to come for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so that we are regularly fed. Also, I need this equipment.” Leo was then looking at the list of equipment as he approved of them rather quickly.

  “We can have that all arranged. Anything else?’

  “That seems about it. But are you sure you are okay with trusting me?’’ Faust said as Noah, who was walking rather slowly, wanted to hear more as to what was going on. Because most who are not part of the family aren’t given such treatment. Most diviners don't interact with normal citizens, let alone Avalonians, without obtaining such a high status. And to even enter the residence as well was something even few of the top Avalonian earners could hope to enter.

  “I’m fine with that. My daughter had suffered enough, and to give her some hope could be the happiest thing I could give her. If you were to do something that makes her live longer….I don’t think I could ever repay you in my entire life.” Leo stated. Hearing that, Noah seemed more nervous as this was now concerning him, as he heard Faust seemingly interested in Leonora as well.

  “Yes your daughter is quite a special case. But I say even with that, she is a fine woman who has achieved so much on her own. And she is an attractive girl that many would love to have.” Faust said as Noah was unintentionally nodding in agreement. But then he stopped as he was trying to take Leonora. He wasn't going to give her away to an Avalonian doctor. He may be famous but like all the

  “I know I've been hoping that suitors would come to ask for her hand in marriage in her field. So it was unfortunate I haven’t heard of one. I do wish she could find someone soon…” Leo said which then Noah smiled as that answer was coming soon as he was about to approach them. But…

  “Actually, unfortunately, I have bad news for you to be honest, as there is something I have to inform you about,” Faust said as he smiled, which was a various devious one at that. “I don’t think that she can accept any suitors for now.”

  “Oh and why is that?” Leo showing a rather serious side as they were talking about Leonora having a relationship. He wants to find a good man who cares for Leonora. Especially given she was that weak. Though most fathers would abhor such conversations. Leo seemed glad on the other hand. However, the answer wasn’t what he was expecting.

  “Because she is my test subject.” Hearing that, Noah then dropped the flowers and jewelry in an instant as he unholstered his gun and pointed right at him.

  “What do you say??!!!” Noah in rage as he was about to point his gun at Faust's face. Faust, though, pretended to fall so as to act like a normal person. Leo was rather annoyed as he then pulled his sword out in retaliation. The moment Leo unsheathed his sword, Noah had a sixth sense that his arm would be sliced off if he had continued. Stopping, both sides didn’t move to further the problem.

  “Oh Noah, how have you been?” Leo instantly calmed down while retracting his sword.

  “Wow that scared me!!!” Faust said as he pretended to be startled. He had noticed him a while ago as he was walking closer when he talked about Leonora. So he purposely taunted him. It worked as he got mad. Wanting to see how strong Leo was, he was surprised that, compared to his son, Leo was far stronger. Actually, when it comes to fighting, even Faust was wondering if he could fight against him and prevail. Faust was thinking he was fortunate to be on Leo’s good side for now. Hopefully, he doesn't become his enemy anytime soon. That slash he performed so smoothly and efficiently that Faust didn't seem to realise when the blade was unsheathed.

  “Please forgive my rudeness. But I couldn’t stand the fact that he called one of the members of twelve a test subject.” Noah bowed. However, Leo then brushes it off.

  “He is the person who is going to help her. But I do agree that you can’t treat my daughter as such.” Leo warned that he was also prepared to cut Faust as well. If it wasn’t for the fact that he regarded Fausto very highly, Faust knew for sure his head would be rolling on the ground. Fortunately, he could get up peacefully and unharmed.

  “Please forgive me, I said the wrong words as she is my patient for now. And right now her sole priority is to get better, is it not?”

  “But…” Noah was trying to argue.

  “That is true. I should wait till she is healthy, then we can talk about marriage as she will have much more time after.” Leo agreed.

  “I refuse as she has a choice, does she not!! You can’t force her to do such a thing. And worse, what if he fails? She could die sooner!!” Noah objected. With both of them surprised by his reaction, it could be seen that he really does care for her. Way too much. Leo was happy that Noah was interested in Leonora. Unfortunately, he was the worst candidate for it.

  “Hmmm…you could be right. We haven't asked her about it.” Leo realised as he had forgotten to ask. He was thinking so much for her, he didn’t even once console her. Then again, he forgets to ask Leonora anything. Many of his decisions have been made without Leonora being aware of anything. Then again with such age-old family traditions, arranged marriages from parents were natural

  “True, let's go ask her. Especially since we are the ones who are making decisions for her.” Faust agreed. Noah then boasted, believing that he knew what was best. As he felt that she not only would say no to them but say another answer. He got a feeling that she would say yes to something else as he gripped the thing that was in his pocket.