Inside Marzio's study room, Theo and Leonardo sat next to each other while Marzio sat in the opposite direction, staring at the contract he received from Leonardo.
"So, instead of getting the quota in the leveling facility, you wish to exchange it for your grandfather's time?" Marzio asked for confirmation.
"Yes." Theo nodded with a serious expression.
Although Marzio was the family head, he still needed to get the nod from his father. Hence, he asked, "Father, are you okay with this?"
"Of course." Leonardo smiled. "Many need billions to commission me, but it's different for a family member. Now that I have retired, I don't need to put a huge price to help a family member.
"Let's see… Since the leveling facility can save two-thirds of your time, I will help Theo for one and a half years."
Leonardo smiled as he slightly increased the time they spent together.
A few days ago.
Theo suddenly called him through video, allowing them to have a face-to-face conversation.
"Seeing you call me, I guess I am the winner." Leonardo smiled.
Theo nodded and said, "However, I would like to request a change in the contract."
"Hoh? Let me hear your opinion first."
"I don't need the third benefit."
"!!!" Leonardo raised his eyebrows. "The third clause is about the leveling facility. Every time you go there, you can easily increase ten to twenty levels. This will be useful for you to increase your level exponentially while using the rest of your time to do missions and training."
"I am confident that I don't need this benefit." Theo shook his head. "Hence, I would like to change it."
"Hoh?" Theo's statement piqued his interest as his expression became serious. "Tell me what you desire in exchange for the leveling facility."
Theo pointed at him.
In that instant, Leonardo understood Theo's plan. "I see, I see. You want to extend the training period with me."
"Yes."
"Do you mind telling me the reason? No, I have the gist of why you are changing it, but tell me the reason why you choose me over Bernard."
Theo pointed at himself and said, "It's for me and my future."
Leonardo's fingers flinched as he couldn't help but close his eyes. He realized Theo might have thrown away the "family" in his mind, but it still didn't cloud his judgment.
Theo buried his feelings and asked to be taught by him. In other words, Theo wished to become a full-fledged strategist like him, allowing him to make a concrete plan about his future.
This way, Theo's future would be the result of his own plan, not anybody's lie or his family's conspiracy.
"I see." Leonardo smiled when he heard his response. "Okay. Let's do it your way. However, you should know that my time is expensive."
"Yes."
"Good. I will be handling your contract. Instead of becoming a family, you will become a guest member of the War God Family. I won't chain you down, so do what you want."
"Thank you." Theo nodded his head, showing his gratitude.
Recalling that scene, Leonardo couldn't help but smile. "There are only four terms now. It's already July, so we will only give him one personal mission this year since he will be with me most of the time.
"Also, I hope you don't publicize his arrival here for the time being. Give him a few months to get accustomed to our environment, including the other side. It's going to be far harsher after all…"
Marzio thought for a moment and nodded. "That can be done. I will draft the contract and prepare the mansion for him. Do you have any requests for your equipment?"
"I will need two B Rank Spears. I am not very sure about my armor." Theo shook his head.
"That's easy. I am going to give you a set of clothes. These clothes are made of Supreme Rank Monster's skin, so they're elastic, durable, and tough. It should be able to protect you. That's right. How about your Skylink and other stuff? Do you want a replacement?"
"It's fine. I prefer the old model." Theo waved his hand as it wasn't a big deal. "That's all, I guess."
"Okay. I will take care of everything." Marzio nodded. "You may want to visit the city first and familiarize yourself with the city. The process will take two days."
"Okay. Thank you very much." Theo rose from his seat and shook Marzio's hand.
"For now, you can go to the garden first where your little rabbit is. I am going to send a maid to bring you to your room later."
Theo nodded and left the room without hesitation.
As soon as the door was closed, Marzio looked at Leonardo and said, "Father… Why didn't you tell me all this stuff first? I could have prepared it earlier. Also, there's the distance between him and the family."
"Haha, you're going to make a fuss about it, so meh." Leonardo shrugged. "It's fine. The child is going to be fine."
"Alright. I'm going to trust you." Marzio nodded in agreement.
"And don't forget to get my room ready in his mansion. I'm going to stay there for a while."
"Father!"
"What?" Leonardo pouted. "I am too lonely in my own damn place. Since I will be training that kid, might as well move in. Not many will need to see me going back and forth to his mansion anyway."
"Ugh." Marzio scratched the back of his head. "Fine!"
"Hahaha!" Leonardo laughed.
Meanwhile, Theo left the house and headed to the garden, finding four figures.
Ava was sitting next to Agata, watching her performance. Agata was dancing with her pink smoke hovering around her as if it was alive. From an ordinary rose to a sharp sword, Agata managed to control her pink smoke to perfection. She seemed to have been working hard after that dragon hunt.
Standing next to her was Ignazio, who seemed to be taking care of a woman in the wheelchair.
She had long brown hair resting on her chest. Her deep green eyes seemed to contain great wisdom and her expression gave the feeling of gentleness.
She had been clapping while watching Agata's performance.