What kind of family is this?
It's one thing for the Naturals to not feel nervous, but one of them gets excited about the house's appearance while the other is thrilled about the home theater.
Then again, considering these two are Fred's parents, their behavior seems perfectly normal.
"Look at you, so easily impressed!"
Heather smacked George's golden head in exasperation.
"This just shows how shallow you men are!"
"..."
Listening to his parents' banter, Fred felt like both of them were being insulted.
Of course, Flay seemed completely oblivious, her eyes sparkling as if she couldn't wait to start the tour.
"Your biometric information has been registered, and the interior is connected to our Logistics System. Please contact us if you need anything."
"We'll provide food and various supplies within reasonable limits."
"There's a park and shopping center nearby, though some areas are restricted. These zones will be marked on your Terminals."
"I won't disturb you further then. I'll be in the security residential area - feel free to contact me anytime."
He was Fred's bodyguard, but not a personal one - he only provided security during Fred's commute to and from work.
During other times, he was integrated into the local security team.
Though called security, they were essentially military personnel.
"Understood, thank you."
"Not at all."
Alec responded to Fred's thanks with a smiling salute.
"Looking forward to working with you."
After Alec departed, the family finally settled into their new home.
Just as Alec had described, the place had everything they could want, all high-end products. Daily necessities and food could be ordered directly through the internal application, with 24-hour dedicated service.
"Patrick actually made his wife and child suffer at Copernicus while this was available?"
This was Fred's first thought upon seeing the high specifications.
But upon reflection, it wasn't completely unreasonable.
Compared to the research funding consumed and the value produced, personal expenses here were practically negligible.
This was research crucial to the nation's foundation.
Moreover, this arrangement wasn't just about comfort - it minimized personal contact and exposure risks.
In other words, it was designed for security.
Even as a pragmatist, he wouldn't choose hardship when good conditions were available.
Besides, while he could endure hardship, his family shouldn't have to.
Otherwise, what was the point of his sacrifices?
Furthermore, these privileges reflected the value placed on his work, not handouts.
The fact remained that their agricultural capabilities still couldn't match Lenore's - slacking off wasn't an option.
Soon after they finished touring the rooms, George disappeared into the home theater, closing the door behind him to immerse himself in his own world.
Just as Fred wondered if his father would be too content to emerge, the doorbell rang.
"Visitors already?"
"Probably neighbors - I saw someone next door earlier," Fred said.
The villas in this area were arranged in a straight line. One neighboring house belonged to Lenore, while the other was occupied.
He wondered what kind of people they were.
As they spoke, Fred followed Heather toward the entrance.
Outside the door, a white-haired boy with a cold expression glared discontentedly at the father holding his hand.
"You could have come to greet them yourself. Why drag me along?"
"I'm introducing you to new friends! Staying cooped up alone all day will make you sick!" the man retorted impatiently.
"Impossible. I'm a Coordinator! Not some Natural!"
"...Keep your voice down."
The boy's father fell silent, watching his son's stubborn and proud demeanor.
"Did Asalia teach you to say that?"
"No! Stop blaming Mom for everything!"
"Besides, this isn't Natural territory anyway. Why can't I say it?"
"..."
Faced with his son's obstinance, Bedell didn't know how to respond. He couldn't very well reveal that the neighbors were Naturals. Such information was too sensitive to share with his son.
"Just be polite! Don't bring up anything about Naturals or Coordinators."
Hearing footsteps approaching from inside, Bedell hurriedly finished his warning without waiting for his son's response. He cleared his throat as the door opened.
"Hello, we're the Jiuer family from next door."
"...Holy crap."
Fred stared in astonishment at the unruly white-haired boy before him. He never expected to encounter Yzak here. Moreover, Yzak shouldn't even be in this location theoretically. After all, Yzak's mother was the city representative of March City and primarily researched spaceships.
Come to think of it, his presence here must be because...
While Fred was observing them, both visitors were simultaneously studying the people before them. Yzak was simply amazed that this teenager—who appeared only slightly older than him—wore such a peculiar mask, momentarily forgetting his earlier displeasure and awkwardness.
As for Bedell, who knew the background, his gaze remained fixed on Fred. This extraordinary young man, though his expression remained hidden, carried a distinctly unique aura even through his posture alone—heroic and dashing, truly befitting a celebrated young hero.
Of course, Fred was merely standing normally without any particular imposing presence. The impression came more from preconceived notions and the exquisite mask he wore.
"Hello, we're the newly arrived Bick family. Pleased to meet you," Heather said politely, her eyes briefly studying Yzak who appeared to be around Flay's age.
"Not at all, the pleasure is ours. This is a small gift," Bedell responded, relieved by the woman's proper demeanor. While he himself didn't discriminate against Naturals, he had genuinely worried Fred's parents might be hardline anti-Coordinator activists, which would have made communication impossible.
Seeing them now, since Fred was the type who could openly advocate for understanding and reconciliation, it stood to reason his parents would be reasonable people too. They appeared well-educated, comparable to any first-generation Coordinator. This put Bedell much more at ease.
With that thought, Bedell presented the beautifully packaged cake he had prepared.
"You're too kind..."
"I want to fight you."
The polite exchange between the adults was abruptly cut off by Yzak's declaration.
Upon hearing this, Bedell froze in place.
This Fred was merely a genius researcher who showed some talent at piloting the Mistral at best—he probably wasn't skilled in fighting.
His own son, however, had fought his way through elementary school and even dared to challenge upperclassmen.
What if something happened to Fred?
Patrick would kill him.
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