Chapter 16: The Tiger Cub Enters the Den

Chapter 16: The Tiger Cub Enters the Den

There was one thing all members of the Liu Family had in common: an extreme tendency to protect their bloodline—no matter how weak or foolish.

And no one embodied that trait more than Liu Wei, father of Liu Yufei. His overprotectiveness had already gone beyond rationality, earning him the nickname "The Kingdom's Guardian" by the public.

Anyone who dared to lay a finger on his only daughter would face the wrath of his elite private army. Not even Hideo Takumi's status as the grandson of Jun Takumi was enough to spare him from a beating when he crossed paths with Liu Yufei.

Not that Grandpa Jun couldn't retaliate if he wanted to.

But if Jun Takumi made a move, the one known as Grandpa Liu—who was even crazier than his son—would personally step in.

And in all honesty, the one Hideo feared the most wasn't Grandpa Jun or even Liu Wei.

No. His greatest nightmare… was Liu Yufei herself.

Yes, her.

While Grandpa Jun loved to nag and debate, Liu Yufei would just hit. Without warning. Without mercy.

Even Hideo didn't dare provoke this "Tiger Cub." What hope did a normal person have?

And now, that very tiger had walked straight into the den.

"There's nothing I can do," Hideo sighed, tilting his head as his ear was being tugged by small, pale fingers. "My ear's a hostage now. Got a genius plan? Be my guest. Just don't drag me in!"

"What? No warm welcome?" Liu Yufei pouted. "You think I can't afford it or something?"

She shook her golden wallet dramatically. "This rich auntie's loaded, okay?"

Every scammer in the room immediately paled. Rich? The problem wasn't her wealth—it was the suicidal risk of touching it. Anyone who dared take her money would find themselves face-to-face with her father… or her grandfather… or both.

Suddenly, Dai Izuma sprang up with renewed spirit. "Return my item! Young Master Takumi is here, and he doesn't run! A true warrior never breaks his word!"

Hideo nearly choked.

You? A true warrior? Please. Don't drag down the standard of real men everywhere.

Among the six young nobles present, only one remained composed—Abe Ishi, grandson of the Grand Preceptor Abe Shank. Behind him stood his younger brothers, Abe Hise and Abe Flaur. Beside them was Mori Haizou, the eldest son of the Minister of Personnel.

With a polite smile, Abe Ishi gestured toward Liu Yufei. "Welcome, Miss Liu. Serve her well, or I'm cutting your allowances."

He exchanged a quick glance with Mori Haizou, who instantly caught the signal.

"Since Young Master Takumi is here, let's end the little farce," Mori said calmly. "We'll return the item."

Then, with a gentle smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, he added, "But the one million five hundred thousand silver coins still need to be paid."

Dai Izuma nodded firmly. Not because he was rich—but because he feared rumors far more than poverty.

Hideo, watching from the side, could only smirk. These guys wouldn't dare leak the contents of that letter. If they did, two powerful families would declare them enemies. But… the problem didn't end there.

Once that letter was returned, rumors would surely start to spread. Hideo already knew how their little games worked...

"What are you hiding that's so important?" Liu Yufei asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Dai Izuma turned pale. In a split second, he shoved the letter into his mouth, chewed twice, and swallowed it whole.

Hideo: ...

Liu Yufei: "You DARE mock me!?"

With one hand, she lifted Dai Izuma—who weighed nearly 400 jin—into the air.

"Spit. It. Out."

Everyone present swallowed hard. Even Hideo flinched a little.

Mori Haizou jumped in quickly. "Ah, it was just a little bet. We wrote 'Will he come or not?' on a slip of paper. If Hideo didn't show up, I'd eat it. But he came, so Dai had to eat it. Simple as that! Hahaha! Sir Dai is a true man of his word!"

Hideo mentally took a note. Quick thinker. Could be an asset… or a problem.

Liu Yufei narrowed her eyes, then slowly released Dai's collar. "Fine. But don't ever lie to me again."

Dai collapsed to the floor, wincing and trying not to breathe too hard—lest the letter come back up.

Abe Ishi quickly waved everyone inside.

Hideo walked in like a smug villain, slouched into the biggest chair he could find, and crossed one leg over the other.

His posture? Grade-A jerk. Complete with an obnoxious smirk.

Mori Haizou visibly grimaced.

"Well, didn't you say you missed me?" Hideo grinned. "I missed you too... especially your money. Come on. Choose your game. Let's play."

He reactivated Appraisal, locking onto one target after another.

"Skill Activated: Learn (~)"

"Scanning target..."

"Status Appraisal Active"

The familiar translucent screen appeared:

"Status Screen"

Name: Mori Haizou

Race: Human

Age: 16

Job: Mage (E)

Current Status:

• Mana: E

• Strength: E

• Intelligence: B

• Speed: F

• Endurance: F

Skill: Mana Flow Mastery (C)

Hmph. Just as expected. More of a talker than a spellcaster. Still, at least he had some self-defense.

Hideo's eyes moved to the two silent figures behind Abe Ishi—siblings with a quiet reputation but strong standing.

"Status Screen"

Name: Abe Flaur

Race: Human

Age: 16

Job: Archer (D)

Current Status:

• Mana: E

• Strength: E

• Intelligence: D

• Speed: C

• Endurance: F

Skill: Eagle Eye (B)

"Status Screen"

Name: Abe Hise

Race: Human

Age: 16

Job: Warrior (D)

Current Status:

• Mana: E

• Strength: D

• Intelligence: F

• Speed: E

• Endurance: C

Skill: Iron Will (B)

Offense and defense. Like spear and shield combined. No wonder they always stuck together.

Finally, Hideo turned to the young man with jet-black hair and sharp eyes standing proudly up front.

"Status Screen"

Name: Abe Ishi

Race: Human

Age: 16

Job: Assassin (C)

Current Status:

• Mana: D

• Strength: D

• Intelligence: C

• Speed: B

• Endurance: E

Skill: Silent Killer (A)

Hideo's expression didn't change, but his fingers tapped the armrest slowly. Inwardly, he began to revise his internal danger rankings.

Mori Haizou? Controlled. Abe Hise and Flaur? Physical threats only. But Ishi...

Hideo stared straight into Abe Ishi's eyes, and for a split second, the two assessed each other in silence.

"Interesting…" he whispered, just quiet enough for no one else to hear.