Our Family Has Fallen

Chapter 501: Chapter 316: Play with Fire and You’ll Get Burned_2

Paracelsus continued with his demands, and after a moment of silence, Lance agreed.

The research and development of this item were originally intended to combat the Supernatural Power of the heretics. Paracelsus was mainly responsible for surgical research, treating patients in tangible ways, with a particular focus on external injuries. And naturally, Grendel was in charge of internal medicine. Her knowledge from the Deerhead Tribe enabled her to treat patients with herbal medicine, although it was somewhat infused with Supernatural Power and esotericism. With the two of them present, he barely needed to do anything but provide the research topics and direction.

Once the product’s effectiveness was confirmed, Lance left the sanatorium. Only after emerging from the gloomy basement did he realize it had grown dark. The once-bustling town had quieted down, yet the sight of thousands of home lights was immensely comforting. In the past, most people were reluctant to light lamps; the largest consumption of candles was in the churches. But with his efforts, the systems in Hamlet were improving. Resources were being replenished continuously, and people had the confidence to enjoy the conveniences these little things provided.

The area around the square was still the liveliest part of the town, especially at night. The literacy classes were still there, only the lecturer had changed. The taverns had set up tables outside, where people held oak beer mugs, chatting and laughing with those around them. It was too hot inside the buildings, but outside, a cool sea breeze blew. Only Boudica was still in her period of abstinence from alcohol; otherwise, she would certainly be here.

The gambling halls were also bustling. There were actually quite a few bachelors in town, most of whom had been recruited as craftsmen. They had no family burdens, and in that era, gambling was never really an issue, being a very common and ordinary pastime. A place might lack a church, but it would definitely have gambling halls, varying only in size. After Lance took charge, he at least regularized them, prohibiting minors and forbidding loans. Otherwise, if Lance truly set his sights on their money, simply setting up a loan service could make those men lose everything and fall deep into debt.

Speaking of which, it’s rather amusing: Dismas lost his cool and was caught cheating at the gambling hall not long ago, landing him squarely on the blacklist. In the past, this could have cost him his hand. But now that things were regularized, that rule no longer applied; his winnings were merely confiscated, he was added to the blacklist, and barred from entry. Actually, it was fortunate that was the case; if it had come to violence, it would have been uncertain who would have chopped whom. In any case, the matter was eventually dropped.

Lance didn’t really care. Even someone like Reynard, once a ”saint,” had been tainted by kleptomania, but Lance had helped him resolve his inner conflict. No one is perfect, not even Lance himself. In the past, he was gluttonous, lecherous, and lazy. He slacked off at work and binged on junk food. After work, he ogled Cyber Goddesses, and then, lying down, would turn on his computer and dive into gaming! He had fallen to this state today purely because of circumstances. His sanity told him to be clear about when to do what.

Circumstances create heroes... Lance couldn’t help but sigh. Looking over at the gambling hall, he caught sight of Tadiff there. But considering Tadiff’s background, it wasn’t surprising.

Lance didn’t approach the brothel. That place was always a sore spot for him. He wanted to eradicate it but couldn’t; he could only regulate it. This was both a form of crackdown and a form of protection. Feeling inexplicably irritable, he sensed the immense limitations of this era, making it difficult for his ideas to be fully implemented. How much time do I have...

Lance wasn’t just wandering aimlessly. He purposefully made his way to a specific place—Tamara’s caravan. After knocking, he heard a response tinged with emotion.

”Who is it?”

Lance didn’t mind, smiling as he pushed the door open. Seeing her stern face, radiating resentment, he teased, ”Who has provoked our esteemed Astrologer this time?”

Upon seeing Lance, Tamara’s expression softened slightly. Hearing his words, she blurted out without much hesitation, ”They’ve actually decided to let that Amanda stay here! And what’s more, she’s taken over as the head of the organization in the imperial region, while I’m being sent back under the guise of completing some course. In reality, they want to put me under house arrest.”

Tamara poured out to Lance her feelings of unfairness and discrimination. She lamented how those people were still worried she might lose control, so their trick to get her back would mean a dark and hopeless confinement. She had always lacked a sense of security, and just the thought of it made her somewhat anxious. She got up, reached out to grab Lance’s arm, and pleaded, ”I won’t go back. Can I just stay here, please?”

Lance was also surprised to hear this news, only finding out now. However, he first sought to calm Tamara in her current state. ”I would definitely welcome you. This is your home; stay as long as you want.”

As he spoke, Lance pressed down on her hand and sat beside her, beginning to analyze the situation. ”But do you know the Romani are planning to withdraw from the Empire? At this time, leaving Amanda behind doesn’t seem like a promotion; it’s more like they’re abandoning her. As for the position, if there’s nobody left here, what use is a fancy title? Once you go back, you’ll have access to the best resources to complete the training you’ve missed and obtain another Sacred Object. Your talents will be realized, and you’ll reclaim everything you’ve lost with your own hands. By then, will you still care about Amanda, a mere Seeker of Omens?”

Tamara’s anxiety was soothed, but what she really cared about wasn’t Amanda; it was whether she would be imprisoned upon her return.

”They wouldn’t dare!” Lance scoffed coldly. ”You’d be returning to Hamlet’s territory, with me as your witness. If they lay a hand on you, it’s as if they’re striking at me. They can’t afford those consequences; otherwise, they wouldn’t have hurried over to apologize to me. Once you’re there, you can contact me if you have time. If there’s truly a problem, I’ll step in to pressure them. Even if conflicts can’t be resolved and they truly resent you, then don’t bother with them. Come back here. Hamlet will always welcome you, and I’ll keep a room reserved for you.”

”Mmm~” Hearing those words, Tamara felt an inexplicable sense of security. What is a sense of safety? This is it! She wasn’t alone, because he was by her side. Her suspicious and contrary nature made it hard for her to trust others, yet she trusted Lance deeply. There was no other reason; this man was truly extraordinary.

Lance felt the hand that had originally been grabbing his forearm begin to explore and grasp his palm. He couldn’t help but turn his head toward Tamara, who was leaning closer to him, and ask, ”What are you doing?”

This didn’t scare Tamara off. She was no little girl; neither her courage nor her personality allowed her to shrink back. Instead, she admitted it outright. ”I like you.”

”...” Lance was stunned to hear this, appearing taken aback for a moment before shaking his head in resignation. ”Stop joking.”

”I really do like you!” Tamara proclaimed with emphasis, though her hand was becoming a bit restless.

”If you like me, that’s fine, but why are you getting handsy?” Lance gently pressed down on her wandering hand, his face filled with confusion, still somewhat slow to react.

Tamara didn’t care about that. She leaned in to press her lips against his, and soon, Lance tasted the fiery passion of the Romani.

Lance was at an age full of vigor; faced with such a ”provocation,” he had to strike back fiercely. Tamara may have appeared to be the initiator, but in reality, she was just clumsily nibbling. When Lance made his move, the situation she had been leading was quickly overturned. He utterly dominated her, leaving her in complete disarray!

Her breathing turned rapid. The rush of blood to her head made Tamara feel as if her brain was oxygen-deprived and melting away—an unusual sensation she’d never experienced, instinctively making her want to push away to catch her breath.

”Regretting it now? Too late!” Lance felt her resistance, but now it wasn’t up to her to decide.

When that large hand reached out, Tamara felt her body go weak, completely unable to resist...