Marlene opened the door to find Ryan standing before her, holding Lucian's hand. The woman smiled and welcomed them, saying:" _Welcome, both of you. Please, come in. There's plenty of food for dinner today, and there's no problem with having two extra guests."
_Thank you for your generosity, madam. I apologize for my unexpected visit. We'll sit for a little while and then leave. I don't want to impose on you." the man replied awkwardly.
_No, don't worry about it. There's no need to feel embarrassed. The more, the merrier!."
_We're grateful for your kindness."
The little boy showed no reaction and remained clinging to the edge of his adoptive father's jacket. Marlene tried to speak to him, but he didn't respond, so Ryan apologized:"
_I'm sorry about that. Lucian still isn't used to being around people, and he's very shy. I'm doing my best to help him adjust to his social surroundings, but his progress has been very slow. That's why I brought him today to see Lilia and Celine, since they're somewhat familiar to him."
_Of course. Come on in, both of you." Marlene concluded.
When Ryan entered the living room, he greeted everyone present and was surprised to find Horselius there, so the boy introduced himself:" _Hello, sir. I'm Horselius Brian, Celine's classmate. It's a pleasure to meet you."
_Hello, I'm Ryan, an acquaintance of Celine's father." the man replied, examining Horselius with a penetrating gaze as he tried to remember whether he had seen this boy before or not. For some reason, the boy seemed familiar to him, while Horselius struggled to suppress his laughter.
'So this is Dr. Marshall. He's obviously staring at me, trying to figure out who I am. The surname "Brian" must certainly ring a bell, since it's the same as his superior's. I believe Ryan is still working under my father's command to this day, but what puzzles me is that my father allowed him to keep that boy with him. Test subjects are usually disposed of...' the boy thought, before deciding to conduct a simple test:"
_Aaah, by the way, what do you do for a living, Mr. Ryan, and where do you work?."
The man put on a fake smile and said:"
_Well, I'm not currently working."
_Aaaah, then what did you study?."
_Unfortunately, I didn't finish my studies either."
_I see... I apologize for being so nosy."
_Don't worry about it. I don't mind."
'He's trying to hide the fact that he's a scientist and keep me from finding out. Judging by the reactions of Celine's family, it's obvious that they know what he does. He's being cautious around me...' Horselius concluded.
Then he decided to toy with Ryan a little and said:"
_I asked about your profession because I wanted to get some ideas about different careers so I could determine the best option for my future. Right now, I want to become a scientist and conduct research on the human mind. There are many scientists conducting various experiments at the moment, and they're on the verge of discovering amazing things!."
Ryan's facial expression changed by three hundred and sixty degrees, and that was when the fun began for Horselius. He was enjoying playing with the scientist's nerves.
Ryan struggled to maintain his composure and said:"
_Aaah... heh, you seem like a bright student, and it would be a loss for this country if you pursued that profession. I think you could contribute so much more to the country if you worked in politics or engineering. I have a feeling you'd excel more than anyone else."
Horselius continued:"
_And what makes you qualified to judge the value of scientific research? I disagree that working as a politician or an engineer would be better for me. Besides, the country wouldn't be affected all that much by the absence or presence of a single person like me."
_Hahahaha, I didn't mean anything by it, my dear. It was just a little suggestion on my part. Besides, I think Celine prefers engineers over scientists."
The man froze in place, staring at the mischievously smiling boy. Then he added, so that no one would find his reaction strange:" _Please don't get the wrong idea. I'm here because of an incident involving Celine, and I'm responsible for it in my capacity as student council president. I have no personal relationship with her."
_Haaa, so that's what happened... I didn't think something serious enough to bring you all the way to her house had happened. Are you alright, sweetheart?."
Celine nodded reassuringly, then turned to Lucian:"
_What about this little one? How is he doing?." _He's getting better. I brought him today so he could see you and Lilia and talk a little, because he refuses to speak to anyone he isn't familiar with. Aaah." Ryan sighed.
_Don't worry. You only recently took him out of the psychiatric facility, didn't you? It's natural that he hasn't gotten used to the outside world yet. So he isn't going to school at the moment?."
_No, I can't take him, since his physical and psychological condition is unstable, and he's behind the other children in reading and writing."
_Hmmm, that's unfortunate. Don't worry, Lucian! I'm sure you'll get through this difficult time soon and come to school to study with Lilia! Although you're a little older than her, and I don't know whether you'll be in the same class or not, in any case, we'll always be here for you!."
The little boy gave a faint smile and looked at Lilia and Celine with eyes that seemed to say:"Thank you"
Meanwhile, Horselius was locked in an internal struggle over whether to keep playing with Ryan's nerves or leave him alone.
To be Continued...