"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
Not only was Soren a liar, but he was also unreasonable, jealous, and a braggart.The man was simply incorrigible, and Kat wondered why she had not noticed that before. Composing herself, Kat stood akimbo as she glared at Soren. "I don't remember inviting you.""Lily did," Soren retorted, even more hostile toward Frank since he could notice Kat treating him differently.Lily quickly tried to calm things down. "Alright—we still have to get a show on the road here. It's our turn soon, Kat… Are you ready?""Hmph. For sure," Kat clapped a hand on her chest and leveled a smug look at Frank, like a child keen to show off.Frank sighed tiredly. "In that case, I won't impose. I'll come back to take you home when you're done.""No!" Kat scowled right then. "This is why I had you come along. You're watching us on stage, and you're going to cheer for me!""Come on, Kat," Soren chimed in, shooting Frank a look. "Don't get pushy when he's already refused you. Who knows, he might hate your
Lily smiled again, flashing her dimples. "As we kept putting on shows and got more popular, an entertainment company made us an offer—we'll be putting on a show for them. They'll hire us if our performance meets their standard, and we'll debut as pros. That's why Kat brought you here, hoping that you'd cheer for us.""Of course," she then added with a pained smile, "if you're not interested in band music, we won't force you to anything… Just stay here and wait until Kat is done."Frank turned to Kat in surprise after hearing what Lily had to say.Nash was clearly not rich, but Kat would not have wanted money with the Turnbulls supporting them—if anything, playing with the band must be her way to support her friends."So that's why you've been sneaking out late at night." Frank sighed in realizationSince Lily had put it that way, he would be unreasonable if he was still dismissive.As he nodded to show he would stay, Kat clapped him excitedly on the shoulder. "Haha! Keep your eye
Frank frowned but did not argue with Mandy, and instead reached for the jug of water, pouring himself a glass.Mandy snorted. "Can't even afford to buy himself a drink, and trying to freeload off Soren. Despicable."Frank used the dim light and deafening beats to pretend not to hear Mandy, not even looking her way.It took a while until Dragondawn finished, and everyone in the bar including Tilda applauded.She turned toward Frank, her cheeks flushed as she smiled and asked, "What do you think? Don't you think they're just so cool?""I don't know much about music," Frank admitted. "But I thought they were a little noisy.""Hah! You really are a bumpkin." Mandy promptly jumped in to mock him. "You can't even understand new age rock. Honestly, what are you doing here?"At that point, Frank realized that Mandy was on Soren's side.She could see that Soren hated Frank and therefore repeatedly insulted Frank to curry Soren's favor.Her hard work clearly paid off too, as Soren smile
Frank was actually surprised—in the beginning, Lily's tone was mundane, but the accompaniment seemed to lift her voice, allowing her song to engulf the person.Her performance left the basement bar silent, too. Men and women were all left staring at the girl who was dressed modestly, whose voice would not lose to top singers.Even someone as oblivious to music as Frank knew that she sang well.Then, as Kat joined in the chorus, their voices seemed to resound across the bar, leaving the crowd silent and enthralled.Tilda, the girl beside Frank, was sighing.Frank nodded without knowing it.On the other hand, Mandy was glaring jealously at the girls.-When Lily eventually finished the last song, the crowd spaced out for a beat before applauding thunderously.Even Willy was on his feet at the front row, praising endlessly, "Impressive! The Spades are really as talented as they're said to be!""Encore! Encore!" the guests around the bar chanted, providing a much more enthusiasti