280 A Family Man.
That was the type of fool Orion was.
Honestly, this entire time, Vaan had a power he never knew,
an ultimate card that both, the current Vaan and the previous
Vaan had.
Immortality.
Well, at the very least, something that can be considered
immortality.
After all, if his life was ever at risk, a monster who had been
hiding from the entire world for decades would make a move.
Of course, one may consider this to be normal, after all, what
father would simply watch his son being killed and do
nothing? It was perfectly logical to protect his son.
Even Astra had ordered guards to protect her son.
However, Orion took this matter a step further. He stayed
together with Vaan 24/7, hiding in the shadows ever since the
child was born.
The only moments he is away from Vaan are
when he spends time with Astra or is out solving
hispersonalmatters, and even then, he always makes sure that
Vaan is being protected by at least an Advanced Mage before
he leaves.
The reason why Orion's presence disappeared in the eyes of
the outside world, the reason why Orion, unlike other
Advanced Swordsmen, does not have an army of subordinates,
Was his son, Vaan Astra Vesta.
Orion never bothered with other things because he was busy
protecting his son.
What about the time before Vaan was born?
If Vaan was the reason, then why didn't Orion create his
faction when Vaan wasn't born?
That was because before Vaan, the target of his obsessive
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That was the type of man Orion was.
A family man, a man who could readily leave even the greatest
worldly desire for the sake of his family and he wouldn't
regret that decision for even the slightest second.
"If only you voiced out your thoughts more often."
And Astra, who knew about her husband's habit, commented
with a wry smile on her face.
"I have no reason to." Orion just snorted.
"You should be more open with how you feel, Orion. I am sure
Vaan would appreciate that as well."
"He already appreciates me."
Orion just snorted.
He knew perfectly well that despite acting snobbish most of
the time, Vaan still loved him.
Well, at least the 'new' Vaan did and that was all Orion needed.
A father's love was different from a mother's.
It was a tough love where words weren't needed, especially
when it came to a father-son relationship.
"…"
Astra, who could perfectly sense what this man in front of her
was thinking, just stared at him with a deadpan look on her
face and didn't say anything.
Talking to him was no different than talking to a wall anyway.
Even though this man would go to unreal lengths for his
family, if he decides to be stubborn about something, none
could change his thoughts. Astra didn't want to waste her
energy uselessly.
…
"Are you sure we should be doing this…?"
While Astra and Orion were talking with each other, Vaan
turned towards Elara and questioned with an unsure look on
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Seeing him act like that, Elara smiled provocatively,
"Are you scared?"
Seeing his usually innocent Elara making such a face, Vaan
didn't know how to react.
One thing was sure though,
He was definitely going to fall for Elara's provocation.
After all, when such provocation comes from someone as
innocent and angel-like as Elara, you cannot help but fall even
if you know it is dangerous.
Elara was simply too powerful.
"I have never been scared in my entire life, Elara."
Vaan spoke confidently.
He had to maintain the positive impression he had on Elara
now, didn't he?
Elara chuckled as she then held Vaan's hand and walked into
the building, the surprised guards stepped back, allowing the
two to walk in.
Their surprised action was the reason why Vaan was so
paranoid.
Right now, they were in Magic Grounds, it was a place where
all the 'Bonds' of high-level Mages of the Vesta Family are
kept.
These guards, who were partially responsible for these
beasts, had some knowledge about them.
Therefore, the moment they realized that these two were
here to meet Ria, or Aetheria, the Family Head's beast, their
faces paled.
Elara wasn't the problem, she had met Ria before, but Vaan…
As the guards, they knew that the bond didn't like the boy
even a little bit and… taking someone she didn't like to meet
her…
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And sensing these emotions, Vaan couldn't help but think that
his choice of coming here was a wrong one.
Not that he had the option to back down now…
Seeing the woman in front of him pulling him with her gentle
hand, he felt powerless. How was one supposed to free his
hand when a girl this beautiful is holding it? It would be a sin
to do such a thing.
Yes, Vaan was indeed a simp for Elara.
"You do not have to come, you know? You can leave if you
want."
Suddenly, Vaan heard a voice and in an instant, his eyes
widened in surprise.
Was his kind and generous Elara finally back?
He wondered and just as he was about to accept that offer,
"N-No, we cannot leave.
Lady Astra's bond is… known for her
temper…
We do not know how it would react when it sees Lord Vaan,
we need to accompany you so that if something happens, we
can at least assist you in running away…"
The three guardians of the Magic Grounds, who were
following the two of them answered.
Vaan, who heard their words, felt a chill down his spine.
These three guardians… all three of them were 6th Circle
Intermediate Mages, they were all top-level mages that would
be respected wherever they went, but…
Instead of saying they would 'subdue the beast if something
goes wrong', they are saying that they would 'assist them in
running away,' and even then, the three seemed to be
trembling as they said those words.
Just… just what did it say about the beast's strength…?
Vaan didn't even want to imagine.
