"What did you want father?" Lloyd said sitting in a chair in front of his desk.
"I wanted to know how you were, yesterday didn't go well for you," he replied seriously.
Baltazar felt guilty about what had happened, he felt the blame fell mainly on him.
While he did everything for his son, he had caused the death of one of his friends.
Baltazar had let the xenos occupy the slums of the city, but he was also the one who had taken care of marginalizing them.
His plan was for them to reach their limit, for them to come together to seek strength. That way he could associate with them.
Or at least, he wanted to experiment with xeno behavior, discovering that indeed they would do exactly what he'd planned.
However he'd been too arrogant, he shouldn't have done it in his own city; he believed they wouldn't dare do anything with him there.
He'd been wrong, he hadn't taken into account that people are sometimes unpredictable.
But he'd learned his lesson.
"It's strange, it's weird to know I'm never going to see Gustavo again," he said with his gaze lowered.
The truth was it no longer caused him much sadness, but it would be weird to get over his death so quickly, at least in others' eyes.
"I understand, it'll take you some time to get used to it."
"I suppose."
Should he say it now? Maybe it would sound somewhat insensitive of him if he asked his father for magic classes.
How should he approach the matter? Maybe he could try flattering how great he was against Black Fang, and ask him to teach him.
No, there was something better.
"Father," the boy said, looking his father in the eyes, trying to show determination. "I want to become stronger."
The man's eyebrow rose.
Since childhood, Lloyd had never been interested in swordsmanship or magic. He never lacked anything, and no one had ever dared to harm him, so it was normal he felt no interest in changing.
Though perhaps what he'd recently experienced had opened his eyes... Which wasn't good.
"Are you sure you have what it takes?" the air became denser, the boy felt pressure starting to crush his body.
It was hard to breathe, but he had to stay firm.
"Yes father... I'll never let them treat me like that again!" he exclaimed, hitting the table with his fist.
This time, his arrogance was useful.
Baltazar's red eyes shone intensely for an instant. The man let out a sigh and the pressure disappeared.
"I see. But you don't need strength, there will always be powerful people protecting you."
Baltazar was fine with his son not being interested in getting stronger, that way he wouldn't do anything dangerous.
He would take care of keeping him away from the danger of the family business. He would keep him away from the shadows, but would make sure they kept working for him.
"And where were those people when I was attacked?" Lloyd retorted. "What if one day, the people I trust betray me? I want to be strong dad, as strong as you."
The blond crossed his arms, with a serious look.
He was just as stubborn as his mother.
"Mmm," Baltazar stroked his chin while reflecting.
Lloyd was arrogant, if power went to his head, he might face people stronger than him.
But it was true he'd be safer if he knew how to master his bloodline.
"Alright, I'll provide you with all the resources you need, however, you'll have to do some things in return."
Lloyd raised an eyebrow, his lips twisted.
What would he have to do in return?
The boy got nervous, thinking of some mafia initiation ritual where he'd have to kill someone with a debt or something like that.
Baltazar seemed to notice his nervousness, so he clarified that point.
"It's nothing dangerous, quite the opposite, it's something to maintain your safety," the man clarified. "And the first thing, is I want you to promise me that even if you get the power you desire, you won't become reckless."
The boy shrugged, more relaxed now.
"I suppose I can do that."
His plan wasn't to be reckless... Well, the truth was exploring ancient ruins and conquering one of the world's most dangerous labyrinths wasn't the most prudent behavior.
But that would be a problem for his future self, for now he needed to become minimally powerful.
"My other condition is that you marry Penelope von Noir."
"... Huh?"