-46- I'm back

Linwin's sudden decision to have Jayce and Viktor go to Old Zoran's place had a reason behind it. 

Originally, Linwin intended to bring only Viktor down, but somehow Jayce insisted on coming along, which disrupted Linwin's original plan. 

Having Jayce with them would have complicated the idea of introducing Viktor to Singed.

And bringing Jayce to the Last Drop?

Ha!

The last thing they needed was for Jayce to recognize Vi and Powder as the thieves who had stolen his belongings, as that would bring up past grievances. Linwin was not willing to take that risk.

As for the safety of Viktor and Jayce, Linwin had no worries. Zaun might be under Vander's control on the surface, but Zaun was still a vast place, and there were areas beyond Vander's reach. 

The entire Black Alley, however, was unquestionably safe.

Black Alley was a secure place, and that's why Linwin had no concerns about leaving Viktor and Jayce with Old Zoran.

And he was carrying a bag with gifts for Vi and Powder. Even Mylo, Claggor, and Ekko will get some, but the majority is for Vi and Powder.

---

"This isn't tasty," Powder complained as she held a dark, egg-topped bread in her hands. Unfortunately, it lacked meat, and for her, it would have been a perfect dinner with some meat.

"Do you often act picky?" Silco inquired, his expression complex as he watched Powder.

"Picky?" Powder, despite her complaint about the food, obediently ate the bread that Silco had toasted for her. It was as hard as a rock, even after toasting, but the egg's flavor was delightful. She insisted, "I'm not picky; I just like to eat delicious things."

"That's what being picky means," Silco said, raising his wine glass and leaning on the bar, peering at Powder. 

"No, Linwin said, being picky means not eating things you don't like. But I eat the foods I don't like, so that's why I'm not picky."

She quickly finished half of the large piece of bread and chewed while looking at Silco. She continued, "Pursuing tasty food is human nature, Linwin said."

"Does he always tell you unrealistic and useless things?" Silco found Linwin less terrifying in that moment.

Linwin's teachings and the way he looked after Powder had softened the otherwise ruthless Enforcer from the Undercity. However, it also made him seem remarkably tender.

Children in Zaun didn't have much of a childhood. 

From birth, they were thrust into the harsh environment. Most children of Zaun would lose their parents at a young age, and even those who had parents would struggle to survive on the streets once they reached an understanding age.

This was Zaun's way of life.

However, Powder was different. She had clearly been well protected by Linwin and Vander. She was sensible, but she had a playful and headstrong side as well, just like she was trying to make excuses to drink juice.

"Does he also cook for you?" Silco inquired, a teasing tone in his voice. 

He couldn't help but be amused by the thought.

After all, he couldn't imagine the man who typically wore a white robe, carried a short sword, and cut down the worst of the Undercity would return to the Black Alley and become a warm-hearted chef.

Is that even possible?

But when he saw the expression on Powder's face after asking, Silco understood.

The answer was clear.

It was true.

"Of course!" Powder's eyes sparkled as she praised Linwin loudly and proudly. She enumerated all the wonderful things Linwin did:

"Linwin is an amazing cook, even better than Vander, or any of those food vendors. He often roasts jerky for me and Vi. Oh, Mylo and Claggor get some too. He can even grill fish and make a pot of delicious soup, then throw in pieces of meat and vegetables while it's still boiling. And we eat it right from the pot!"

"Do you really like him?" Silco interrupted Powder's words and asked her suddenly.

"I like Linwin the most!" Powder responded enthusiastically.

"Even more than Vander?" Silco continued his questioning.

Powder hesitated for a moment, clearly not expecting such a question. She looked quite conflicted. "It's... It's a different kind of liking."

Silco was intrigued by her response.

"It's different? Hm, well, I like Vander the most too, but Linwin is different."

Observing the young girl sitting there, fidgeting with her fingers and looking utterly conflicted, Silco found it rather amusing.

Silco reasoned that Linwin probably didn't know about this kind of powder. Based on Powder's description of Linwin, he seemed to treat her like a little sister.

But just as Silco was about to speak, standing up and clearing his throat, the tavern's door swung open.

Silco glanced at the figure who entered the tavern, promptly shutting his mouth and taking a step back. 

Well, it seemed like the opportunity to uncover the Undercity Enforcer's little secret was gone. 

Not to worry, there would be plenty of other chances. After all, a ten-year-old girl wouldn't be able to keep any secrets.

As for Powder, she immediately turned her head toward the entrance, her beautiful blue eyes filled with boundless colors. 

It was as if her entire world had just been filled in that single moment.

"Linwin!"

Jumping down from her chair, Powder spread her arms wide and made a beeline for the door. Standing just a couple of meters away was a young man with black hair.

Despite the considerable distance, Powder leaped high into the air and lunged forward, determined to reach him. The distance might have been a challenge for a ten-year-old who stood at just about one meter and three centimeters tall, but she had no fear of falling. She knew he would catch her.

As expected, two hands reached out from beneath her armpits and gently lifted her high into the air.

Linwin held Powder high above his head, gazing down at her with a warm smile. In response, Powder broke into a toothy grin, showcasing her teeth. She had a lovely set of teeth, but she had only recently lost one, which was visible in this particular angle.

She was incredibly happy, so much so that she even forgot to hide the gap from her missing tooth. In front of Vi, she was quite particular about not showing her missing tooth. She might be young, but she was already quite self-conscious.

Linwin found it amusing; a young Jinx with a missing tooth.

"I'm back!" Linwin exclaimed.

"Why did you take so long? I've been waiting for two days, and Vi was waiting for you every day too," Powder replied.

"Well, I had business to attend to up there," Linwin said, not bothering to look at Silco, who stood behind them.

Silco simply watched, feeling the familiar sensation. Back when Singed was around, was he also ignored like this?

Linwin inquired, "So, were you missing me a lot?"

Powder nodded enthusiastically. "Yes!"

Linwin didn't hesitate to scoop her up into his arms, and Powder, well accustomed to this, wrapped her little arms around Linwin's neck.

And then she heard Linwin's voice.

"Powder, I missed you too."