Over at Skywater Bay, Winter was taken aback."A trip? What about Aria…""Don't worry, Winter," Frank assured her. "It turns out that it was just a misunderstanding—nothing happened between Aria and I."Winter froze and dropped Carol's phone with a loud thud."Winter? Winter?" Frank called out from the other end.Winter turned toward her mother in disbelief. "Mom… Did I hear that right? Pinch me! Is this real?" "Silly girl." Carol smiled, shaking her head as she left to make dinner."Oh, I'm still here, Frank," Winter exclaimed as she scrambled to pick up the phone from the floor, her usual liveliness instantly restored. "In two days, was it? No problem—I have the day off.""Then it's a promise.""Yes!"Winter whooped in joy once she hung up, throwing herself on the couch, and promptly told Jean about the good news.Jean, however, was not surprised. [Hah! I knew Aria deceived Frank, and you doubted me before! See? When I asked her if he actually liked her, his reaction ma
There was a grand banquet in the evening at White Hall, and Frank sought out Aria."I won't hold you accountable for what you did," he said. "You can keep everything I gave you, but I have one request—once we return to Riverton, you'll tell Winter that nothing ever happened between us."Aria was taken aback. "I-I can keep your presents? You're not upset?"Noting her disbelief, Frank nodded. "I had lost myself that night, or that wouldn't have happened at all. Don't worry—I'm not upset, but no more dirty tricks like these, okay?"Aria nodded repeatedly as she saw the clear warning in Frank's eyes. "Oh, are you going for a tourney tomorrow?""Yes.""Then…" Aria appeared to be at a loss, but soon resolved herself and picked up the glass on the table and poured in wine. "Thank you for forgiving me, Frank. Cheers."Frank sighed in turn—while Aria had clearly made a mistake, he was responsible too.It was the first time in a long while since he passed out drunk, and he really should
Even as Eron smiled warmly, he was drawing up plans in his mind.He had given Frank his chance to walk away, but Frank had to take away his Earthen Dragonheart anyway. If Frank had not, it would not have been so difficult for Eron to arrange a marriage between Kim and Maron!If anything, Frank taking away the Earthen Dragonheart and Eron letting Sage Lake Sect have their way with him made them even!Kim was at once uneasy to see that look on his father's face.After the banquet, Kim went to his study. "What are you up to, Dad?'Eron scowled since she was being very blunt. "Nothing," he said quietly. "It's late. Go to bed already.""Does it involve the fiance you mentioned before?" Kim pressed worriedly. "If you're planning to harm Frank, I'd suggest you stop right now.""What would you know?!" Eron snapped sternly. "Everything I do is for your sake and for our family! What, did you think Frank was the one who destroyed the Yaffes? I've looked into him—he might know medicine an
However, Frank was not pushover himself to be threatened by such a cheap move.Seeing that Kim was not budging, he folded his arms before his chest and said quietly, "Go ahead and yell. I'm fine with it." "I'll do it!" Kim snapped tempestuously.Frank snorted. "Go on.""Help! Someone… Frank Lawrence… touched me! Help!!!"Not expecting this turn of events, Frank had to leap up and clasp his hand over her mouth, feeling defeated just then. "Don't you know no shame? Is this how you treat your guests, Ms. White?!""I don't care," Kim snapped, too indignant to be bothered. "I'll keep yelling, and you're not getting away once everyone hears me!"Kim appeared totally harmless, but she was certainly tough once she got stubborn.Exasperated, he invited her over to Riverton the next few days after he acquired the Goldeater Cane.It was only then that Kim left, while Frank was left speechless for an entire night. -Frank woke up early the next morning, practicing his usual return bef
Frank nodded. "Indeed I am."The old man clicked his tongue in turn. "What a mess, allowing all sorts to join this party."Still, he could read through Frank's spirited gaze to tell that he was one who could hold his own, through his spirited eyes alone. He might even be an elite in wielding vigor.However, judging from the old man's black-clad assailants from earlier, Silver Spring Dojo's recruitment tourney was not just a tourney—Birthright rank elites might even show up in droves.A young man like Frank would die before seeing what hit him without any sort of protection.Clicking his tongue, the old man raised a hand to stop Frank. "Mr. Lawrence, I suggest you return to where you came from—you could see that I was attacked just because I was heading to Silver Spring Dojo. Would you be able to stop them in my place?"Before Frank could answer, the old man's granddaughter giggled. "Sir, you have the looks, so don't die here senselessly. Listen to my grandfather and go!"Frank w
Quinn strode out from the inner hall of the dojo, shaking with rage as she bellowed, "Silence!"She had never told anyone she feigned insanity just to escape Frank, but it was assuredly the lowest point of her existence, and she would never tell anyone about it!If anyone found out that the daughter of Sage Lake Sect's high elder would stoop that low to save herself, her reputation would be dragged through the mud!"What, did I hit a nerve?" Frank chuckled coolly and nonchalantly. "Did it never cross your mind that I spared you because you looked that pathetic?""Keep talking, Frank Lawrence!" Quinn shrieked. "You've killed my fiance and now you've insulted me! I won't show mercy!"She had to say something since the Sage Lake Sect pawns standing nearby were already avoiding her eyes.Waving at them, she bellowed, "Go! Anyone who takes him down will be taught Sage Lake Sect's esoteric techniques and win the Goldeater Cane!""Charge!"Upon hearing the rewards, all the black-clad
Clang!A black-clad man's machete struck Frank squarely in the neck, only to resound with a metallic clang."What?! Projecting your vigor… You're actually Birthright rank?!"The old man's jaw could drop from shock as he looked on.But it was not over yet—Frank seized the black-clad man's wrist and crushed it, while seizing his chipped machete and sending two other black-clad men's head flying before landing with their shocked faces intact."I'm here to help, Mr. Lawrence!" Suddenly, there was a burst of wind as Burt Yorkman, wearing a ragged black suit, charged inside.He vaulted like a crane before assuming a tiger's pose, quickly dispatching two black-clad men."Burt Yorkman! You traitor!" Quinn shrieked, shaking with rage when she saw Burt helping Frank."Hah!" Burt snorted. "I've been serving at Sage Lake Sect's beck and call for years, but all of you kept me at arm's length as if I were a common thief! Frank Lawrence here has not only spared my life, but he actually taug
"Aria Lond!" Frank's fist was still awash with blood as endless rage flared within him.He had been careful last night during the banquet at White Hall. He inspected every kitchen utensil and piece of food to ensure there was no poison before setting his mind at ease.The only thing he did not take notice of was the wine Aria served him.Despite Aria's endlessly devious nature, he thought he could forgive Aria since she was Winter's friend. After that shenanigan of hers, she should be turning over a new leaf and genuinely reflecting.That was why Frank did not expect her to poison him instead!Thud! Thud!Frank started to hit himself with Sage Lake Sect's Lotus Poke, striking various acupoints to fire up his vigor and dispel the poison. "You useless scum! He's been poisoned! Get him right now!"On the other hand, Quinn was yelling at her father's men since they were backing down instead.The black-clad men all traded glances but eventually braced themselves and charged."M