"Then use your pea brains and think!" Frank strode up, bellowing, "If I really did kill the commissioner, why would I return instead of fleeing?"Why should I bother wasting my breath defending myself against the likes of you? Do you pieces of shit think that you could stop me?! Hell, none of you can stop me even if I wanted to leave now!""What…?!"All the martial artists present were left incensed by Frank's diss, but Frank was right.Just from his earlier display of strength, Frank had shown that no one here could stop him if he wanted to leave."Also!"Frank then whipped out an exquisitely crafted dagger, flinging it on the floor as he growled coolly, "If I did kill the commissioner, why would I keep the murder weapon instead of hiding it? Why would I leave evidence for your benefit? Or perhaps you think there are murderers who would deliberately reveal the murder weapon?!"In fact, if I wanted to kill someone, I don't even need a murder weapon. I could just make them disa
"What?! The bounty was called off?!"All the martial artists present appeared stunned when they heard that—what were they doing here, dying for nothing?Many glanced at the building that Frank stomped and crushed under his foot and found pity for the deaths of the martial artists buried under the rubble.Naturally, they were further shocked that Frank was so important that Governor Quill would personally approach the Martial Alliance and plead leniency for his sake.Who was he to Governor Quill?Even Podrick and Stanley were left stunned by how important Frank really was, and silence soon ensued.Nonetheless, Elder Fango shook his head and chuckled. "I initially only came to take Frank and have him sent to Blackwater, where he would reflect in penance for three years, but I'm being told something different."Looking up at Frank with a smile, he asked, "You're denying that you murdered Commissioner Kramer, yes?""That's right!"Frank nodded at Elder Fango despite being shocked
Stanley's fingers clenched around the white pill as he smirked. "Hmph. You have three days, Frank Lawrence! You should thank Elder Fango for his generosity!"Frank was left scowling as he stared at the pill.However, seeing that Tidus Simmons and Scarface Tucker were ready for a fight, he gritted his teeth and swallowed the black pill that Elder Fango passed him."Hehe…"Stanley almost laughed out loud as he looked on—Frank could not blame him now, not when he had chosen to end himself!"Alright, you can all leave now."Elder Fango smiled, pacifying the scene right then. "We shall wait three days now. There's nothing to be done if you can't produce evidence after that, Frank—it's death even if Governor Quill speaks on your behalf. Do you understand?"Frank nodded. "Yes—" However, before he could continue, he suddenly coughed a mouthful of blood."Chief!""Mr. Lawrence?!"Tidus, Scarface, and everyone else were shocked at the sight."Hehe. Don't worry, that's normal."Stan
Frank calmly explained, "I've never encountered the pill that the elder gave me, but I have a feeling if I recklessly attempt to counteract it, it would get worse rather than help matters."The members of Mystic Sky Guild were left silent in turn, while Winter walked up and crouched by Frank's bed.Taking his hand and pressing it against her cheek, tears welled up in her eyes as she cried, "Please, you have to survive this! H-How could I live if anything were to happen to you?"Frank, however, chuckled at her words. "What are you saying, silly? You should do your best and live even if I die. Have you forgotten about your mother?""I…" Winter was stumped.Unable to come up with a response, she threw herself at Frank and bawled."Okay, okay…"Frank flashed a pained smile, patting her head while looking at everyone in the room. "What's with all the long faces? I'm still alive, and that geezer can't do anything to me if I find the evidence I need in three days."Despite his optimis
"Good." Frank nodded and watched as Vicky hurried away.The members of Mystic Sky Guild then closed in around him. "What should we do, chief?""You boys?"Frank took a moment and gathered his thoughts before turning toward Peter. "Send the boys out. Tell them to keep an eye on Phoenix Ardron, but be careful not to get caught. Do you understand?""You got it." Peter nodded and left right then."As for everyone else, just go about your daily lives—don't stir waves, but just be extra careful.""Yes, chief.""And you, Scarface."Frank turned toward Scarface Tucker with a serious stare. "Tell Kat to stay put. If she has to go anywhere, she must bring some bodyguards and watch out for strangers."As for you—focus on your training for the upcoming Martial Tournament.""Understood." Scarface nodded."Phew…"Frank sighed in relief after making the arrangements. "Alright, you can all leave now. There's no need to get paranoid—I mean, who can you trust if not me?"Even if I don't hav
"No."The girl, Lizzie, shook her head stubbornly. "I will repay you because you saved me, even if it upsets you.""Fine! If you say so!"Tidus had had enough and strode up to grab her by the collar, pulling her close as he growled through her teeth, "Then you will repay me with your body!""What?! No…"Lizzie was clearly startled, her eyes widening in panic.However, Tidus was ready to do it as he snorted. "Hmph! You see now? I'm just that despicable, but you insist on coming so close! Well, have it your way!"Lizzie was flustered at first, but she then bit her lip as if resolving herself.Then, gingerly looking Tidus in the eye, she murmured, "I-If that's what you want… I'm scared, but it's okay."Tidus paused as their eyes met, and he soon pushed her away and turned aside, cursing, "Fuck!""Pfft…"With even Frank unable to stop a snicker, everyone else laughed out loud.Tidus wheeled on them, at once grumpy. "Could you stop?! I'll pay you a mil if you get rid of her! How
Lizzie bowed her head at Tidus and turned to leave when Frank called out from the bed, "Wait!""Huh?" Lizzie turned toward him, puzzled."I'm Frank Lawrence, Tidus'… Ahem, boss."Frank stared at her as he asked. "What's your name?""I'm Lizzie." The girl bowed her head respectfully."May I have the lunchbox you made for Tidus?" Frank then asked gingerly with a wink.Then, feeling that he might be coming on too quickly, he added in embarrassment, "I just happened to be hungry.""Sure."Lizzie nodded and smiled. "I cooked enough for five people—Tidus has many friends, and they're always with him.""Oh, you're so kind." Frank sighed softly. "Tidus—"Before he could finish, he found Tidus frowning at Lizzie. "Are you going to make another attempt, bumpkin?"Lizzie said nothing, and Tidus buried his face in his palms and sighed. "You're such a brat…"He then turned toward Frank. "Can I apply for a day's leave, chief?""Nope." Frank refused right away, leaving Tidus scowling."
Winter sighed inwardly, unsure of what to say.After watching as Tidus and Lizzie left, she watched in exasperation as Frank gorged half of the lunchbox that Lizzie brought Tidus.Chewing half of a fried egg, he was even musing to himself, clearly impressed with what he did. "It's good if Tidus gets married—he's at least on the right path instead of hanging with the younger thugs."Winter rolled her eyes at him. "What about you? Aren't you getting married?""Oh. I, uh…"Frank scratched his head in embarrassment and chuckled. "I should focus on my career instead, hehe…"Just as Frank burped from a full stomach, the door opened again, and Helen Lane entered in a hurry."Sorry, I've been busy—it wasn't easy to make time," she said before asking bluntly, "Are you alright, Frank? I heard from Vicky that you're, ahem… Impotent now?"Frank almost fell off his bed and clenched his knuckles awkwardly. "Vicky and her bullshit again…"It was only then that Helen noticed Winter was with t