Lothar did a double take before laughing heartily in realization. "You're right, boy… Well, that's decided!"And seeing no protests from the retainers, Ned issued orders. "Lock them up. Once my father recovers, he'll be informed about everything, and he'll punish them as he sees fit."Then, walking up to Frank, he began, "By the way, wasn't Yed saying he was conspiring with—"The cool voice of a woman interrupted before he could finish. "Hmm? It seems that things have gotten lively here… Did I make it in time?"Lothar and the Janko retainers all turned toward the voice and frowned when they saw who it was.Ned strode forward, glowering as he demanded, "Who let you in here, Sif Lionheart?!"The woman in question was dressed in a leather skirt, a military jacket, and a black Draconian beret, escorted by over a dozen bodyguards as she alighted. She casted a brief glance of disdain at Ned before looking around and asking, "Where's Yed? Why isn't he here to see me?""Answer my ques
Meanwhile, the Janko family bodyguards had chased down Yed and restrained him again.Even as they dragged him off to the basement stockade, he screamed, "Please save me, Ms. Lionheart! They're going to kill me!""Ned Janko, I demand you release Yed this instant!" Sif bellowed at Ned loftily right then. "No." Ned shook his head, his tone neutral. "I refuse. And what are you going to do about it? Attack me on my family's turf?""Better think about what you're doing," Sif growled impatiently in return.Ned was always a loser whom everyone could bully—how did he become so authoritative in just a few days, even daring to stand up to her?!"There's no need to think, Ms. Lionheart." Ned held her gaze in turn. "I'm now asking you to leave my house. We're not receiving guests at the moment.""What if I refuse?" Sif asked quietly."Then I will have to remove you by force!" Ned bellowed. "Uncle Lothar! Retainers! Escort them out of here?!""Come on if you dare!" Sif bellowed in turn as
Sif immediately realized what she had actually said right after she said it.She could well have admitted to aiding Yed in assassinating Ciril!Not only would that lead to a diplomatic crisis between the Lionhearts and the Jankos, but her actions and her family would also be quickly condemned far and wide if word spread.Also, there was no doubt that the Lionhearts were as influential as they were powerful enough to not fear the Jankos. But if they really pushed the Jankos too far, they would definitely retaliate and perhaps succeed in taking their two pounds of flesh from the Lionhearts before they went down.In short, it was completely unnecessary heat.With that in mind, Sif quickly switched gears, her tone cool as she said, "I'm a close friend of Yed's, and I won't sit idly by when he's being abused. I couldn't care less about any family dispute that happened here.""Well, what happens in the family stays in the family," Ned said pointedly. "And since I'm sure you weren't con
Once word got out that the Lionhearts were conspiring to assassinate the head of one of the Four Families of Morhen, their reputation would be dealt a serious blow. It went without saying that it would be much worse than Sif's troubles at Norsedam!As such, Sif was now afraid to breathe a peep.If she somehow exposed herself now, forget Ciril—even her own family elders would skin her for the sheer vileness of her plot!Soon, Morhen would be left in chaos as it was every man for himself, while even the Lionhearts would find themselves desperate."N-No, sir," Sif quickly said humbly. "I came here to deliver an invitation—my brother Titus will be marrying Vicky Turnbull in a few days, and your family is cordially invited to attend the ceremony.""Hmph. Yet another arranged marriage?" Ciril chuckled coolly and waved her off. "I understand. You may go now.""Ah… yes, of course. By your leave, Mr. Janko." Sif bowed slightly, ready to flee with her men right then.Still, she stayed lon
"What?""Why?'Most of the Janko retainers and bodyguards were trading glances, puzzled by Ciril's sudden announcement.Only the stronger retainers were frowning as they pondered on Frank Lawrence's name, more or less getting the idea."Could he be a member of the Lawrence family, formerly one of the Four Families of Morhen?!""Is he the heir to the Lord of the Southern Woods?!"While everyone was left uncertain, Ciril coughed loudly twice and laughed heartily, "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. I have been around for a while—and I despise ingrates the most. If you have any requests, feel free to voice them! I understand that money is nothing to you… As long as it's within our power to grant it, we'll do our utmost!""Yes, Mr. Lawrence! Don't hold back on us now!""Ask away, Mr. Lawrence!"Seeing how enthusiastic the Jankos were, Frank mused to himself for a moment before glancing at the invitation Ned was holding."In that case, I do have a favor to ask," he said quietly."Ask awa
Kat was completely oblivious to the dramatic events that had transpired.It was the first time she visited the grand abode of one of Morhen's most illustrious families, and she was excitedly strolling everywhere under the supervision of the family butler.She was not distracted at all, despite the bolts from the blue, or the shockwave ensuing when Frank and Ciril's fists collided.She was still jubilant even as she and Frank were heading back. "Once I get rich, I'm definitely living like that!"In contrast, her cottage certainly stung the eye no matter how she looked at it now!It was not until they almost returned to the cottage when Kat remembered Frank was visiting the Janko Gardens for business. "By the way, weren't you going to treat Ciril Janko's illness? Did it work?" Not wanting her to ask for more details, Frank shook his head noncommittally. "Ah, so it's a dud?" Kat shook her head in disappointment. "I mean, 800 million dollars… Tut, tut! Shame you missed out, huh?"
Kat appeared surprised but soon poked a finger on Frank's cheek, breathing softly, "Master Lawrence?"Frank kept pretending to sleep."You're pretending to be asleep, aren't you?" Kat snapped impatiently as she stood by his bed.Frank still did not move."Heh. In that case, this ain't my fault…"She quietly took off her shoes, dangling it in front of Frank's nose.Frank's brow wrinkled right then, and he sat up and snapped in annoyance, "That's enough!" He saw beneath the moonlight that Kat had once again caked her cheeks with makeup and put on that white wig as well."You're a girl," Frank growled irritatedly. "Why do you have to keep sneaking into my room like we're actually up to something? What if your father sees us? What would he think of me?!""Hehe… I knew you were faking it," Kat giggled mischievously, before saying mysteriously, "I have a favor to ask, okay?""You've been asking for plenty of favors, don't you think?" Frank snorted, laying back down in bed while wa
"Danger's not the question. It's…uh…"Nash sighed, unable to continue."Don't you get sick of doing the same thing over and over again?!" Kat snapped impatiently right then. "I just want to go out, and there's a martial elite in Mr. Lawrence escorting me. What's going to happen? Do you really want me to go friendless?!""Of course not. I just want you to make friends with normal—""The way I see it, you're the freak here!" Kat bellowed at Nash before storming off.Nash sighed again. "Oh, that child…"Frank nodded at him. "Don't worry, Nash. She'll be fine as long as I'm around."Nash stared at him in turn—Frank was exactly what he was worried about…However, he could not say it.Sighing, he handed Frank a small box and left without a word, his back slumped.Frank was left starting in confusion as he left, and he stiffened when he took a closer look at the box."Nash…" He called out, ready to explain himself when he realized what was going on, Kat had returned and started d