Difficult Progress in the Second Stage of the Experiment

Ruslan Zolgen's Diary:

April 11, 1794. Cloudy, a little cold.

Learning about some of what happened to Lawrence after his death made me quite happy, but whenever I thought about what was about to happen, my mood inevitably sank again.

No matter what, I was sincerely happy that this bloodline could continue and flourish. As Lawrence's descendant, Selim was indeed outstanding, and the original intention behind this experiment was indeed a good one.

I saw him in London as well, but for now, we were merely strangers.

That would be all for today. Tomorrow, the second phase of the experiment would begin.

Selim and Ruslan strolled side by side through London.

"The residential district is up ahead." Ruslan stopped walking.

"Let's keep going. It's not like I need to buy anything. I'm just taking a walk to clear my head." Selim continued straight ahead.

Ruslan sighed and caught up with him.

"When I was younger, I loved wandering around London like this. It was easy to stumble upon surprises," Selim said as they walked. "But in recent years, aside from official business, I've hardly come here at all."

"Taking over as head of the Zolgen Family has honestly been exhausting. And besides, I'm that kind of family head—you know what I mean." Selim's gaze dimmed somewhat. "If nothing unexpected happens, once Ivo comes of age, it'll be about time for me to hand over the position."

"Ah, don't misunderstand me. I'm just saying that I have no complaints, really." Selim was always rather talkative when alone with someone else. He was clearly not suited to being a listener; instead, he was quick to pour out his own thoughts to others and rarely listened to what they had to say. "Ivo is more talented than me, his father. He deserves to