Facing Them 2

"Bahaha! Old Andi, are you so shocked that you had forgotten that babies do not come from storks?"

Another elderly voice came from the corner, it was Grandpa Ben, who was also a bit exhausted, but was laughing at his stupefied friend.

Eli seeing Grandpa Andi's dumbfounded reaction and Grandpa Ben's teasing, sheepishly tried to explain,

"This, you see Grandpa Andi, I never would have known that we would cross paths again.."

Her head hung low in shyness and pleading, she continued, "He requested to sort our matter out, and for safety, I could only go back to your place Grandpa..."

Hearing her explanation, he understood Eli's intention. As he had been conversing a lot with Eli before, he was not oblivious to the story on how Little Han was conceived. Knowing it, Grandpa Andi supported Eli's decision to raise the child well, even without the presence of a father. 

Her worry of facing a much greater ridicule should she find that the father would not accept Little Han and declare him as illegitimate was indeed valid. He supported Eli, like how a grandpa would do for his precious granddaughter. This was also the reason why he was shocked at the sudden appearance of the so-called 'father'. 

He gave another examining look at the silver haired man's face, and with an authoritative tone he said,

"Well if that is the case, let us enter my private study first. This matter should be handled very carefully…

"Young man, I hope you don't mind that you converse with young Eli, but with us around." 

He had decisively declared that he would involve himself in Eli's matters. He, along with Grandpa Ben, would stand in as a father figure for Eli; this matter needed support from elderly people like him and Old Ben.

The silver haired man unfazed with Grandpa Andi's firm approach just nodded respectfully,

"If it gives her assurance, I'd gladly have your presence." 

The two elders casted a knowing glance at each other. Not wasting more time, they all headed to Grandpa Andi's study room. Eli and the furries entered the study first, and they had once again entered the familiar warm room, where they had stayed earlier. 

After ensuring Eli entered first, a yellow wall of mana suddenly appeared. A strong array had been set up in the study. She was started by the sudden activation of the array. She had already seen how Grandpa Andi's array was activated, it was subtle and gentle. However, this array looked imposing. It gave Eli the feeling of being watched by a judge or a holy guardian. 

Then she saw that Grandpa Andi and Grandpa Ben had paused, blocking the entry of the silver haired man like an immovable mountain. Standing valiantly at the entrance of the room, Grandpa Ben declared with a strict, unwavering tone, 

"Young man, from this point onwards, the people who choose to step into this array must make an oath not to harm young Eli at all cost and adhere to the oath of utmost secrecy. This array is governed with the blessing of Celeste, the Guardian of the Skies."

Hearing this, Eli felt a deep thug in her heart, looking at the aged yet firm backs of the two elders. These two grandas she just knew for not even a month, however they had been Eli's most trusted people in Prasinos. 

To be protected like this by not only one, but two fatherly figures, was a first time experience for Eli, due to this, her eyes reddened with tears threatening to fall.

Facing the two protective elders, the silver haired man had a profound look in his eyes. Although he was bewildered, he maintained his frigidly calm stature and just gave a simple nod. 

Seeing the silver haired man concede to their firm request, the two elders stepped aside the entrance and allowed him to enter. They heaved a sigh of relief seeing the man agree to their precautions. However they were still on high alert because they were definitely sure that the man was just like the two of them -

A legendary Class S. 

In truth, during the time that Eli was bidding goodbyes to the two elders, Grandpa Ben had put the highest level of Veil spell on Eli's shoulders the moment he gave her a pat. When the silver haired man successfully used Bypass spell to unravel Eli's real appearance, Grandpa Ben had been immediately notified by the interruption of his Veil spell.

What shocked them the most was how fast the Veil Spell had been decoded, they felt a strong sense of danger for Eli as they all knew what this all meant. 

Eli was being targeted by an S class mage. 

They were caught off guard because there were only a few class S personalities in the whole of Prasinos. Even the Emperor of Seirende was just at the peak of Class A. 

To actually have three legendary class S in such a small Silvertown at the same time was actually a big deal!

Should any normal people know of this situation, it will definitely cause a huge uproar!

The two grandpas along with Randel immediately tracked Eli into the flea market with grave expressions on their faces. They had witnessed what had happened. Due to the fact that the two were in the midst of the crowded flea market, they decided to observe first and jump at Eli's side in case of any danger. 

When the man went near Eli, so nearly intimate, the Grandpas almost exploded from anger.

Who in the world is this man?! 

Get your hands off of our young Eli!!!!! 

They were fuming mad that Randel almost lost all of his strength by holding off the two legends from creating chaos in Silvertown. 

This man had guts! Taking liberties with our young Eli!

When they heard that the man would like to converse with Eli, and that Eli suggested going to Argentum in that case. They were all baffled. 

Who in the heavens is this man? Why does Eli seem to be acting strange? Why didn't Eli choose to run away but talk to him instead?

However, they couldn't linger any longer.

Not wasting any time, the two grandpas frantically rushed back to Argentum to set up an array governed by the blessings of the Sky Guardian Celeste, while Randel was left to observe and protect Eli, should danger come along the way. 

The two grandpas crammed to set up the array by the time Eli would arrive in Argentum. No one in Prasinos was able to make these two legends rush to the point of exhaustion, however, Eli did. 

Maybe because of their initial goal of protecting an Asani descendant, or because of how they took a liking to Eli. But one thing for sure had touched their hearts, it was Eli's level of trust towards them. 

Mutual trust was indeed a magical thing. 

It creates a bond that even transcends the strength of those created by blood.

Finally, all of the parties had already entered the study. Randel appeared suddenly and closed the door from the outside, guarding for any intruders. Sitting in the luxurious set of chesterfield sofa, Eli felt more anxious even with Grandpa Andi and Grandpa Ben's presence. The atmosphere inside the room became constrained. 

Grandpa Andi and Grandpa Ben sat protectively beside Eli, with a piercing stare, they threw a barrage of questions towards the silver haired man with the utmost intimidating tone, 

"Now, young man, talk."

"Who are you?"

"What is your identity?"

"What made a class S mage interested in our young Eli?"

"What is your goal?"

"Are your intentions pure?"

Eli was the one who was overwhelmed by the interrogation of the two elderlies. However, trusting the two, she silently waited for the silver haired man to answer their questions. 

Looking at the silver haired man, she was surprised to hear that he was a class S mage. Another wave of shivers crawled slowly at the back of her spine. 

Elise sure was courageous, to actually do that with a S class mage?!! 

Her first impression of the silver haired man was that he was a very cold and detached person. He would not hesitate to display his hostility towards the people who irritated him. What kind of miracle did Elise carry when she approached this man and tricked him into spending a passionate night?

As she was thinking about this, she also got curious about what this man thought about 'that' night. Will he demand to kill Little Han? Or will he take him away from her? Is it even possible that he would acknowledge Little Han? 

Will she allow it?

The silver haired man didn't display any trace of anger and hostility towards the aggressive interrogation of the two grandpas, instead he sported an attitude of respect towards them. He slowly stood up from the chesterfield sofa, placed his right hand on top of his chest as if showing sincerity, gave a gentlemanly bow and introduced himself, 

"Apologies honorable grandmasters and Lady Elise for alerting you this way.."

As he was saying this, Eli could clearly see that his silky silver short hair was slowly turning into chin length blood red hair. His bangs slightly covered the right side of his face, while the other side was clearly seen as his hair was neatly set into his left ear. 

"I, Leon Andrae De Seirende, wish to take Elise Fayre along with our child to be, to be kept under my care and protection…"

He suddenly paused and slightly raised his head. His piercing cold crystal blue eyes became more beguiling, especially with the tiny black mark perfectly located under his left eye.

"As my lawful wife. The Third Prince's Consort."