Chapter 93

Chapter 93

Of course, the man didnt dare lay a hand on Leroy.

In his wavering eyes, one could sense numerous calculations being made. He seemed to be weighing whether Leroys words were sincere or not.

Then, Leroy spoke with finality, as if to drive the point home.

I have a good memory. Ive definitely remembered your voice at least.

The man swallowed the curse that he couldnt bring himself to voice out loud.

His shoulders shook minutely with anger.

Or perhaps it was a trembling born of fear.

The man, clutching his fists, finally spoke with a cracked voice after simmering down his rage.

...What do you need?

For starters, some warm food.

Just a moment, please... wait.

The man stuttered, adding honorifics as if he was still unsure how to address Leroy.

He glanced over at Leroy as if seeking approval, then soon left to fulfill the request.

As soon as the door closed, Leroy let out a weary sigh.

He hadnt expected the kidnappers cautious attitude to work in his favor like this.

Their persistent efforts to conceal their identities had given off the impression they were afraid of any potential repercussions.

Seeing them readily cowed by such a threat, it seemed Leroy wouldnt have to worry about unnecessary harassment in the future.

True to his hunch, the man didnt keep Leroy waiting long.

In just a few minutes, a steaming stew was delivered in a wooden bowl. It looked rustic, presumably prepared for the thugs, but compared to the dry bread he had been eating, it was a feast.

Yet, possibly worried about Leroys previous threat, the man hastily made excuses as he set down the tray.

This is all we have for now. Ill take better care of the next meal. The other things you mentioned, Ill have them ready by evening.

Leroy gave a slight nod. Understanding the gesture to leave, the man promptly vacated the room.

Meanwhile, the girl still seemed to be lost regarding the situation, sitting far away with a blank stare, observing the scene.

Leroy gestured towards the tray and called out to her.

Come and eat.

The girl obediently approached and sat near Leroy, yet hesitated to touch the utensils.

With an expression of awe, the girl looked at Leroy and asked,

How did you do that?

Theyre really nothing special.

It wasnt a boast. Leroy truly thought so.

They were cowards who kidnapped children for moneyhardly something to be frightened of.

Indeed, those scoundrels were struggling to handle the mess theyd created, desperately trying to downplay their own faults.

Leroy offered the spoon to the girl with a reassuring addendum.

Dont be so scared, he said gently.

Leroy and the girl both tensed up in alarm at the mans sudden appearance.

The man, too, kept silent, and a discomforting stillness fell between them for a moment.

A pungent smell wafted in from outside; perhaps someone had knocked over something in their flight.

The man, after alternately looking at Leroy and the girl, muttered an indistinguishable phrase.

Shouldve separated them.

The girl flinched noticeably at his voice, almost as if triggering a reflex.

As Leroy tried to calm her, the man strode forward and grabbed the girl by the nape of her neck.

Seemingly terrified of being dragged away, the girl desperately curled up and clung to Leroys arm, as if begging to be saved.

Leroy glared fiercely at the man, positioning himself between them.

Leave her alone.

The man let out a scornful chuckle. With a voice heavy with suppressed rage, he retorted,

Do you have any idea how much weve lost because of you, young master? Id feel somewhat compensated if I take this girl with me.

Was his immense anger due to things not going as planned?

The man was showing an incomprehensible animosity towards Leroy, but no chance was given to ascertain its origin.

For he had turned his attention back to the girl and started to bully her relentlessly.

Come here now, if you know whats good for you.

I-I dont want to...

Do you want to see him hurt, the guy next to you?

At that question, the girls expression changed drastically. The hand that had been gripping Leroys arm fell away in an instant.

Leroy wanted to call out her name, to hold onto her, but it was impossible.

Seizing the fleeting moment, the man hoisted the child over his shoulder.

Leroy, bound and delayed, tried to intervene but was powerless to stop him.

He gritted his teeth in regret for not having asked the person who brought their meal to untie his hands.

Put the girl down. Do that, and I wont pursue you; Ill let you go quietly. Isnt escaping unscathed the most important thing right now?

Leroy desperately stepped into the role of a negotiator.

Even if this negotiation failed, he needed to stall for time until his familys people came searching for him.

His promise of letting them go quietly if they released the girl was not a lie.

If the girl was safe, Leroy was prepared to quietly bury and move past all of these events.

With unshaken eyes that reflected his sincerity, Leroy looked up at the man.

Perhaps sensing the honesty in Leroys offer, the man replied in a voice tinged with reluctant admiration.

Well... our young master is quite the strategist, despite his youth.

--- End Of The Chapter ----

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