The construction company arrived shortly after. Godfrey decided to stay for the day, while Isolde had to deal with little children pestering her.
After a while, she had to drop her guard and flow with them.
With the aid of the female staff and the old man, she slowly adjusted. Time trickled by and the sun eventually went down.
Isolde approached the entrance of a hall and saw bunk beds. All the kids were on their beds and, at the end of the hall, Godfrey sat on a chair, one leg crossed over the other as he leaned against the wall, reading a storybook.
Her lips curled upwards. ’He looks really cute~’ Isolde chortled inwardly as she leaned against the doorframe.
Dirge stood beside Godfrey, humming a lullaby. It wasn’t one Isolde was familiar with but it calmed her soul.
’They’ve been really excited since your arrival." She heard Old Man Adam’s voice and tilted her head toward him.
"And you’re quite happy to see him like this." the old man said, and Isolde responded with a nod.
"He’s not been like this for a long time."
"He’s a kind young man. I’ve seen his other side, how swift he was to kill but it was to protect. Different situations, different responses." the old man said calmly.
’Different environment, different response.’ Isolde whispered internally.
***
That night, Godfrey returned to the mansion with Isolde. After dinner, they went to the second living room.
"That old man was nice." she said and fell on a sofa, stretching herself with a cute yawn while Godfrey switched on the television.
"I envy him. Imagine living a hundred years and not being affected by this cruel world of summoners." Godfrey responded, crossing one leg over the other.
The TV came on.
"I’m exhausted. Taking care of children is so draining." Isolde pouted.
Godfrey chuckled. Suddenly, the news anchor’s statement caught their attention.
"After the death of Bane’s Family Head, his wife, who had previously left the family, has returned and surprisingly claimed the position of the Family Head. I guess Lady Selyne Pendragon isn’t the only shocking revelation. The second most powerful house is literally doing the same thing."
Isolde frowned.
"After the loss of her son and her husband, with whom her relationship was in a sour state, added to her sudden appearance, there’s a lot to doubt she can lead such a family. It might be because she needs power to avenge her family or not but the Bane Family has been facing setbacks lately."
The news anchor displayed a photo of Aina Bane exiting a vehicle. She wore a red suit and a beautiful large hat with black gloves.
She had a little smile on and there was something on her shoulder, an owl.
It was a normal-sized owl but Godfrey knew that was her summon. It was rare for powerful summons to be that small, super rare.
"Good." Aina replied with a detached tone.
Miriam cleared her throat. "About the Battle Gods gang you met, they rejected the proposal."
Aina opened her eyes. She scowled. "They’re smarter than they look. Of course, Godfrey Daniels won’t remain at the Paragon Tier and wouldn’t dare entangle himself with Pendragon’s new head. Either he’s a big bluffer or he’s actually a Titled god."
Aina knew all this but wanted those men to test Godfrey so she could be sure. They were expendable tools in her agenda.
"Afraid of a nineteen-year-old boy. Weak men." she sneered and snapped her finger. Miriam rushed forward as Aina rose to her feet. Miriam made sure she wore the bathrobe with ease and then swiftly stepped aside, allowing her to tie the ropes herself.
Aina went straight to the mirror and Miriam followed her. Aina sat before the mirror, looked at her face, touched her skin and narrowed her eyes to get a better look.
"He’s a mountain, a lofty one but toppling mountains is my speciality, especially one who has downgraded the Bane family and protects the killer of my only son."
Miriam remained silent.
Aina turned her head toward her. "Hire the Battle Gods. Since they’re too afraid to go after one man, pay them enough to hunt Titled gods and bring the core to me. I’ll use it to groom elites. You’ll be amongst them, Miriam."
Miriam bowed.
Her heart raced. She had the same ideals as Aina. The Bane Family was the greatest, they were meant to be the greatest in the world. They were literally the bane of things, concepts and abilities.
They were meant to keep this world in check.

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