"By the way, why is it just you at home? Where's Vi? I'm back; why isn't she coming out?"
"Vi went out with Vander. They left me alone at home."
Powder had said this to Silco before, but when she repeated it to Linwin, her tone had lost the slight complaint she had with Silco.
Linwin approached Silco with Powder in his arms.
"Why are you here?"
Silco looked at Linwin with a smile, not a cold one.
He didn't answer Linwin's question but instead doing bartender work. He took out a glass from the cabinet, gently shook it, and asked Linwin, "What would you like to drink?"
"Uh, juice?" Linwin apparently still wasn't fond of alcohol.
But Silco shrugged slightly, his face showing a teasing smile. "I'm sorry, but we've run out of juice for today."
Linwin lowered his head, and he noticed the empty juice bottle on the bar counter, a large container capable of holding three liters. However, it was now empty. Next to it, there was an empty bottle with a chewed-up straw.
Linwin had a keen sense of smell, and he could detect the scent of juice in the glass. Not to mention, there was also a bitten, chewed straw in the glass.
He turned to look at Powder, who had been looking at him and immediately turned her head away.
She avoided looking at Linwin, especially avoiding eye contact. But Linwin raised an eyebrow and asked, "How much juice did you have today?"
"One... two," Powder replied hesitantly, still not looking at Linwin.
"Are you sure?" Linwin pressed, teasing her.
Powder turned her head towards Linwin, raised her hand, and extended three fingers, making eye contact. "If Vander finds out, he'll be mad."
"It's not like I wanted to drink it myself! Sevika made me drink it, and then... then he made me drink two more," Powder quickly pointed towards Silco, trying to shift the blame to him.
After all, if Linwin found out, he might just scold her a bit. But once Vander found out, he would probably punish her, maybe making her stand in the corner or kneel on the bed for half an hour, or something similar. That was the Vander family rule.
She didn't want Linwin to come home and find out, only for her to end up punished. That wouldn't be good.
Linwin looked at Silco, wearing an expression that seemed to apologize for his child's mischievousness. But in Linwin's eyes, both Powder and Vi were a bit rebellious. Sometimes they really weren't obedient children.
Powder and Vi definitely didn't qualify as well-behaved kids. After all, they had even stolen from Jayce's place. Even if Vi framed it as robbing from the rich to help the poor, it was still theft.
However, Linwin could understand that the survival environment in Zaun was different from Piltover. But in the future, Linwin thought this would gradually change.
"I'm glad you trust me. I thought you would unquestioningly believe her words," Silco replied, taking a glass of alcohol from Linwin and continuing, "After all, I can tell that you care a lot about her."
Linwin placed Powder on the bar and took the glass from Silco. He sipped a bit and then said to Silco, "Silco, I've noticed you often tend to misinterpret people's intentions, like you're doing now. I don't trust you blindly; I just understand her very well."
Linwin reached over and playfully tapped Powder's head while she looked down in embarrassment. She hadn't expected Linwin to return at this time; she had thought he wouldn't be back until tomorrow. Moreover, she hadn't anticipated him discovering this situation.
When dealing with Linwin, Powder could have boldly lied to Vander about it. After all, Vander didn't mind these things, and Zaunite children shouldn't be expected to never steal, deceive, or tell lies.
However, Linwin had made it clear that he didn't like her lying.
So, since the blame hadn't been shifted elsewhere (which was the truth), Powder could only admit to it now.
"I admit it, I asked them for it," Powder said sheepishly.
Linwin patted her head and shook his head, saying, "You'll have to discuss this with Vander."
"No, Linwin! I know I messed up!"
"You can't, you can have only one glass of juice a day; that's what you promised Vander."
"Don't pout." Linwin reached out and grasped Powder's mouth that she had just pouted, playfully saying, "I brought you and Vi some nice things. Would you like to see them early?"
"What nice th--" Powder's mouth was held shut by Linwin, and her head bobbed with Linwin's hand movement. Her words became muffled.
Silco watched this scene silently.
He was more humane than he had imagined. If he had known Linwin's softer side earlier, he could have come up with a better way to deal with Linwin. Linwin's vulnerability was quite obvious, and the girl named Powder was one of his weaknesses.
However, that seemed to be unnecessary at the moment. He and Linwin had already established a rapport.
"Can you stop ignoring me?" Silco said helplessly. "I've been waiting for you for quite a while, and I waited for Vander for most of the afternoon."
"You came early?" Linwin looked at Silco in surprise, then back at Powder. He had one hand covering her little mouth and the other gently pressing her small head.
Linwin pushed her head like a ball, lightly nudging it in different directions. Powder felt annoyed but accepted it, as Linwin had done similar things many times.
"Are you telling me you spent the whole afternoon with her?" Linwin asked.
"Aren't you worried?" Silco responded.
"Not particularly. Although you appear to be the type who plays mind games, a cunning and despicable person who stabs others in the back, being with you actually gives me peace of mind."
Silco: "."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"I certainly meant it as one. So, Silco, what did you and Powder do this afternoon? I just mentioned that I find you trustworthy, but you know your bad habit. It seems you enjoy brainwashing people. Every time I see you, you try to manipulate me."
"Really? You're overthinking it. You always tend to overthink things."
Linwin looked disdainfully at Silco and said, "See, you're at it again."
Silco: "."
Come to think of it, did he really try to brainwash Powder earlier today? Well, after many years of painting enticing pictures, recruiting people, it had become Silco's professional habit.
"You didn't come down just to accompany her and her sister, did you? I assume you have many questions for me and Vander," Silco said.
Silco had another drink. With this high-proof liquor from Vander, he was already feeling a bit woozy.
"Let's wait for Vi to come back, and we'll talk together."
Linwin pulled out two elegant elongated boxes.
"I brought some small gifts."
"Vander, you see, I was right, wasn't I? I told you I can handle myself. I took down three people! Three! I've grown up," Vi proclaimed proudly.
In a certain area of Zaun, on the way to the Undercity, a young girl leaped forward while tilting her head, watching the burly man beside her.
The massive man was quietly puffing on a cigar and, upon hearing her, displayed a smile that conveyed a mix of gratification and exasperation.
It was a smile that carried both contentment and a touch of exasperation.
"But you still got hurt. I clearly told you not to rush forward. You need to use your advantages effectively. Haven't Linwin taught you defense?'" Vander questioned.
"Defense?" Vi scoffed, muttering, "I won't hide behind others, and I won't defend. I just need to attack."
"Vander, the best defense is a good offense," she added.
"Who taught you that?" Vander raised an eyebrow.
"Linwin," she replied.
With that response, Vander swiftly grabbed her head, and his large hand ruffled her hair, making it messy.
"Why are you just like him? I spent so long this morning combing my hair," Vi complained, then quickly crouched and took a few steps forward. After turning back around, she looked at Vander and the multitude of henchmen behind him, a sea of people packed together.
This was the human traffic jam Linwin often referred to.
"It was he who's like me, not the other way around," Vander said somewhat enviously.
Both Vi and Powder were closer to Linwin than they were to him. Vander couldn't help but feel a little discomforted by that fact.
As for the bruise on Vi's face and the slightly swollen eye...
Hah, that's because they had a brawl near the mining area.
Vander knew there might be a fight when he and his people went to the canal this morning to set a small boat adrift as part of a ritual. After all, there were still folks in Zaun who wouldn't listen to his leadership.
Vander got involved this time, and he was not gentle. He wore iron knuckledusters. Though they were old-fashioned and had nothing to do with mechanical engineering, with his strong physique and a wealth of combat experience, a punch from Vander could easily shatter someone's jaw.
Yes, Vander had started using force to keep Zaun in check.
Anyone who didn't obey, he would hit them, and he'd hit hard.
He'd keep hitting until they fell in line.
Just as Silco said, peace, stability, and fairness were matters for consideration after Zaun gained independence. As long as Zaun remained oppressed by Piltover, there was no place for fairness.
For those who refused to join them, accusing us of being hoodlums and disrupters, our job was to punch them in the jaw to give them a baby-like slumber.
As for whether we were right or wrong, later generations would be the judges.
Silco's words made a lot of sense.
At least, they gave Vander a reason to use his fists.
He could set aside his emotions and throw a punch with a cold heart. Punches without emotions were the most potent punches.
"Are we going again tomorrow?" Vi asked excitedly while jumping and dodging, landing a couple of swift jabs.
"No, tomorrow we'll stay in the Black Ally," Vander replied.
"Hey, is that enough?"
"It's enough for tomorrow. It's not advisable to fight on this day."
"What about after that?" Vi inquired.
She had finally participated in a fight. If there were more opportunities, she wasn't going to give them up.
After all, she was a bit of a violent person at heart.
However, Vander let out a grunt and said, "It's not your concern."
Vi: "!"
They continued to banter as they made their way to the Black Alley, where Vander noticed Silco's people.
"That guy is here again," Vander remarked.
Vi had noticed him too and couldn't help but roll her eyes. She didn't particularly like that man because he looked dangerous.
Once they entered the Black Alley, Vander's people dispersed. Those who could accompany Vander to the Black Alley were the trusted ones.
Vander, with Vi and Claggor, entered the Last Drop. As he opened the door, he immediately removed his heavy coat, which was stained with blood. He didn't want Powder to see it, especially considering that she might ask for a hug. As a father, he didn't want his daughter to be exposed to blood.
However, as he extended his arms, he was taken aback by what he saw. Powder was indeed not in the basement, but she wasn't rushing up to Vi or seeking a hug.
Instead, she sat a distance away, holding a large doll.
Vander couldn't help but say, "I never thought you'd be doing this with her, Silco."
In Silco's hands was a worn-out little stuffed bunny with many patches. He paused for a moment and then spoke with a hoarse voice, "Sometimes, it's good to maintain innocence."
Vander chuckled and said, "Is that your reason for playing house with her?"
Vi, on the other hand, darted out from Vander's side.
Vander let out a sigh. As the saying goes, girls grow up fast. The moment the door opened, Vi was stunned, but then she rushed forward.
Her messy pink hair resembled a bird's nest, and she ran quickly, displaying her tomboyish nature.
Then..
"Ugh!"
"Violet, are you trying to knock me out?"
If he had been a frail person, like Viktor, he would probably have passed out instantly after such a collision.
Even Jayce, who could probably catch her, would be left feeling queasy from the impact. But Vi was no ordinary girl. With her speed and strength, if Jayce did manage to catch her, he would likely feel nauseous from the impact.
Linwin, however, just pretended to be in pain, groaning a few times.
"Stop pretending. I know you're not hurt."
Hugging Linwin closely, Vi's voice grew deeper as she said.
Linwin held her tighter as he laughed heartily and said, "Powder is like this, and now you're the same. I've got to say, you two really are sisters. But Powder is light. What about you, Vi? Have you gained weight recently?"
"Shut up!" Vi retorted, raising her head to bump Linwin's chin.
"I'm not fat. It's muscle. It's all muscle."
"Muscle? Let me see."
Before Vi could respond, Powder sitting next to them couldn't stand it any longer and exclaimed, "No touching!"
Linwin turned his head to look at Powder, puzzled. "?"
Vi also glanced at Powder and asked, "Powder?"
Powder was clutching her doll and flicking it around rapidly as she hesitated to explain, "Uh, I mean... I meant... it's not allowed, Linwin. You know, it's inappropriate."
Vi was even more confused. Weren't they always like this, with no issues regarding gender differences?
"But Powder, how come you can do it?" Vi asked as she sat up and looked at Powder.
"I-I'm still a child!"
"I'm still a kid, but you're an adult, Vi."
"So it's not allowed!"
Powder's voice was exceptionally loud.
---
"Their relationship is really good."
Listening to the commotion of the people around him, Silco shrugged his shoulders. He handed a glass of wine to Vander.
"Thank you," Vander instinctively took it, but his expression instantly darkened when he smelled the wine.
This was the high-end wine he had kept, obtained from Noxus. It was the sort of alcohol that should be savored.
Vander spoke solemnly, "My wine, Silco. How many glasses have you had?"
"Huh?" Silco paused for a moment.
With this drink, it was probably his fifth or sixth glass, counting from the last one.
But he couldn't recall for sure. The containers were small glasses, about half the size of Powder's palm, but even with small servings, it was clear that the amount of wine left in the bottle had diminished significantly after five or six glasses.
"Ain't wine meant to be drunk?"
"Isn't that right, brother?"
Silco acted nonchalant.
Vander: "..."
"You're right, brother."
---
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