Chương 50: Lock It Down

"Hello, Master Aren." Neon's obedient greeting melted Aren's heart.

'Too cute.' He crouched and picked her up gently.

"Good girl, Neon. My name is Aren Voss. You can call me Master Aren. From now on, you'll learn by my side." The handsome silver-haired young man she had just met lifted her into his arms. Neon blushed. Then she remembered something important.

"What about Papa?" Aren glanced at Light, who was smiling as flatteringly as possible. Then he turned back to Neon.

"Your papa has work to do, right? We shouldn't disturb him." He emphasized the word work and looked directly at Light. Light understood the warning. From the moment Neon became Aren's student, Light had lost any real authority over her. Neon's expression fell.

"Papa is always busy. He never has time to stay with Neon." Aren took the opening.

"That's right. Your papa is very busy. But don't be sad. From now on, I'll stay with you." Neon's eyes brightened.

"Really? Master Aren will always stay with Neon?" Neon Nostrade had always lacked affection. Her mother died giving birth to her. Light Nostrade pursued power without hesitation and had little time for ordinary companionship. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. At most, he bought his daughter more toys. The daughter of a mafia boss could not attend kindergarten like an ordinary child. No friends. No playmates. Only a father obsessed with status.

"Of course," Aren said.

"But in exchange, you have to listen to me." Neon tried to look serious.

"Neon has always been a good girl who listens."

"Master Aren, can you tell Neon a story later?" Her eyes shone with expectation. Aren pretended to think before answering.

"Of course. But first, I need to finish handling things here."

"Yay!" Neon kissed his cheek. Machi's brows tightened. For reasons she did not understand, the sight annoyed her. Aren placed Neon on a chair and walked toward Light. The gentle expression vanished from his face.

"Since you have handed Neon to me, I will keep my side of the bargain. We will remove the Fanobi Family and allow the Nostrade Family to replace them." Excitement flickered in Light's eyes.

"It would be an honor for Neon to study under you."

"A deal is a deal," Aren said. He stressed the words. Light's expression stiffened. Taking Neon as his student did not make Light part of Aren's inner circle. The man had no right to imagine a closer connection or ask for favors beyond their agreement. Light sighed inwardly. He had hoped Neon's new position might let him claim a relationship with Aren.

"I understand, Mr. Aren."

"Good." Aren nodded.

"Arrange eight rooms for us. I assume this villa has enough."

"Of course. I will have the servants..." Light stopped. The people he wanted to order around were dead.

"I will show you the rooms personally." By the time everything was arranged, it was already sometime between one and two in the morning. Aren picked Neon up again and realized she had fallen asleep. Nobunaga watched with curiosity.

"Aren, are you really planning to keep that kid with us?"

"Yes. The Troupe is not full yet. Even after it fills, Neon can become a reserve member. With her talent, she may grow stronger than you."

"Hah? That little kid? I don't believe it." Aren slapped Nobunaga on the head.

"Keep your voice down. Can't you see Neon is asleep?" Behind them, Chrollo considered the scene.

"Aren really does like little girls." Aren snapped.

"Chrollo! Enough!" Franklin sighed.

"The deputy leader is unexpectedly gentle." Even Feitan nodded in agreement. Pakunoda had a sudden thought.

"Perhaps the deputy leader would make a good father." Only Machi looked uncomfortable with the way Aren protected Neon. She clenched her teeth and stepped closer.

"Aren."

"What?"

"I want to share a room with you." Aren nearly dropped Neon. Pakunoda stared at Machi in shock. Then her eyes brightened as she switched completely into the mindset of someone watching a romance unfold.

'Did Neon's appearance make Machi feel threatened?'

'Go, Machi!' Machi's face reddened.

"There are still things about Nen I don't understand. Sharing a room will be more convenient." Pakunoda's thoughts accelerated.

'This is good.'

'Lock it down. Lock him down.'

'Go, Machi. You can't lose to Neon.'