Magic's Return: I Can See The Spirits

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

protection was his wife.

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

his face.

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…

Just thinking about her reaction made the guards tremble.

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.