When Theo returned with Ava and Agata, Leonardo appeared in front of the gate, stopping them.
"Brat. Do you like your honeymoon?" Leonardo smirked.
"H-honeymoon?" Agata widened her eyes. She thought Leonardo had actually approved their relationship even though Theo hadn't acknowledged it yet.
Before Theo could say anything, Leonardo circled his hand on Theo's shoulder and dragged him somewhere. "Haha. Let's talk about your experience… How was your first night? Can I expect a baby next year?"
"What?" Agata dropped her jaw to the ground before looking down with her face flushed red. She dragged Ava back to the mansion as though she was embarrassed.
Ava tilted her head in confusion, never expecting to see Agata with a flustered expression.
The moment they entered the mansion, Agata's expression completely changed to a serious one.
"Kyu?" Ava let out a sound, not understanding the sudden transformation.
"It's obvious that Sir Leonardo is planning to talk with Theo alone, so I should play along." Agata sighed. On the one hand, she hoped to be a part of it. On the other hand, she felt a bit motivated because that meant the power she had right now wasn't enough.
The only thing that made her happy was the fact that she knew when to act and when not to act.
"We don't have much time left, Ava." Agata sighed.
"Kyu." Ava nodded in understanding.
Meanwhile, Theo and Leonardo were sitting on the balcony face to face.
The moment they sat down, Leonardo's face turned serious. "I would like to hear your plan… truthfully."
"Why did you act like that if you were going to stop right here?" Theo tilted his head in confusion.
"No special meaning. I just want to try it once when my grandson and granddaughter-in-law return home. Come on. There's no need to make that kind of face… There's not much time left, so I can't act like this anymore. This is just the selfishness of your grandfather."
"Well, whatever." Theo rolled his eyes. "So, what do you want to know?"
"I want to listen to your plan truthfully."
"Hmm?" Theo narrowed his eyes. "Why don't you show me your plan first?"
"You first. I'll tell you something unexpected after this." Leonardo cheekily smiled as though everything was under his control.
Theo never said no to a bonus reward, so he said, "My plan is simple. Separate the Griffith Family and the Barbe Group. Then, go to the US from the other side."
"Huh? Go to the US from the other side? It's a very long and dangerous journey. Even the Griffith Family and the Barbe Group chose the gate from Bulgaria to come to Italy as they're the closest on the other side." Leonardo frowned.
"I have my own means." Theo shook his head calmly. "I believe they will send some Mythical Rank Experts to my way, so I'm going to bring my own reinforcement to deal with them."
"Really?" Leonardo narrowed his eyes, not believing what Theo said. "Reinforcement from the Star Group?"
"No." Theo shook his head. "You just need to believe in me."
"Is that so?" Leonardo thought for a moment and said, "Anyway, my plan is similar to yours. Separate them and bring you to a neighboring country… the opposite direction of Bulgaria and used either plane or Mythical Rank Expert to send you back to the US or any country you want."
"How do you separate them?"
"I'm mobilizing the entire War God Family. I have two objectives here. First, your safety. Second, kill Eric Griffith."
"Hmm…" Theo frowned.
"I'm going to kill Eric Griffith myself."
"Is the War God Family enough to separate them? Or are you confident that I can run away from multiple Mythical Rank Experts?"
"Nope. As a Mythical Rank Expert myself, I'm perfectly aware of the gap between the Mythical Rank and the Supreme Rank. No matter how big of a genius you are, it's impossible to surmount that gap."
"Well, if it's only one or two, I have some confidence by using my clone." Theo shrugged.
"That's why I will send the pope to your way. He will protect you to the best of his ability."
"Huh? The pope?" Theo was bewildered by his statement. "Isn't this a bit excessive, Sir Leonardo? The pope? I believe this is already beyond your equal love motto. There's no reason for you to ask for the pope's help."
"Yeah, but the one who asked for that help wasn't me." Leonardo shook his head.
"Not you? Then who?"
"It's Valerie, your mother."
The moment he uttered the word, the atmosphere became heavy and tranquil. Leonardo's expression was filled with sadness, love, and pity.
On the other hand, there were disappointment, bewilderment, and sadness on Theo's face.
"Is she…"
"Yeah. She personally came to Italy to inform me about Eric Griffith's movement and asked the pope for help. And in my opinion, there's a high chance that Eric Griffith was one of the biggest reasons why your parents abandoned you."
"Not out of fear but out of anger…" Theo added, correcting him. He had already suspected this too.
"Both." Leonardo shook his head. "That's why I'm going to personally kill Eric Griffith to understand the situation… What has transpired decades ago…"
Theo fell silent as his face became grim.
"I am sorry, Theo." Leonardo looked at Theo with a gentle smile. "No matter what your parents do. They're still my kids. I need to prioritize you both, not only yourself."
This was a hard decision for Leonardo because of his motto. At the same time, Theo could understand it and let out a long sigh. "I know. There's no need to apologize to me."
"Do you wish to meet your mother?"
Theo closed his eyes for a moment before shaking his head. "I'm sorry, Sir. I don't think I have the heart to do it."
"I see. I'm not going to force you or anything. So, this will be your choice. If you wish not to see them again for the rest of your life, I'm not going to persuade you even if they request it."
"Thank you." Theo nodded with a heavy heart.
Leonardo placed his hand on Theo's head before pulling him to his embrace.