Just one day had passed since the auction was over. Ikasa had completed the procedures to purchase the manor worth 700 Gold in the inner city.

“Thank Goodness, I managed to get this Mansion within seven days. I managed to keep my promise to Xin Ruo.”

Ikasa couldn’t help but smile at the thought of gentle Xin Ruo who tried to act tough. He went to clothing shops and purchased a set of clothes each for the kids and Xin Ruo.

‘They will be entering the Inner City. It wouldn’t be good if they are seen in shabby and dirty clothes.’

After paying 140 silver, Ikasa left the shop with a large bag.

—

In the same shabby hut Xin Ruo had healed Ikasa in, five kids were sitting in a circle around her. Feng Yan was a rudimentary literate that is he was able to read and write just enough words as were necessary to function as a Guard Captain.

He had taught Xin Ruo all he knew and now she was teaching the same to the kids.

“That’s it for today. I want all of you to practice writing the words we learned today. If you can’t write the words I taught tomorrow, you will have to stay and clean the hut and surroundings.”

“Haha, then I don’t have to practice. Big Brother Ikasa should be coming today to take us all away.”

Yan Xiao said while chuckling foolishly as he ignored Xin Ruo’s warning.

“What Big Brother Ikasa? He is a big crook! I am telling you he won’t come.”

Luo Qiqi retorted sulkily. Even though she hoped in her heart that Ikasa would come and fulfill his promise, she didn’t want to bank on that hope.

After all, her father had promised he would be back in the evening, but he never did.

Xin Ruo watched the kids bicker, her face shrouded in melancholy. Pei Yuan and Yan Xiao firmly believed Ikasa would return while Chu Qing and Luo Qiqi did not. Hei Ying and Xin Ruo were silent even though both of them hoped he would keep his promise.

Just when Xin Ruo was about to stop the escalating argument of kids, they heard the commotion outside. The kids immediately went out with their eyes shining and Xin Ruo followed behind them.

A few members of Red Eye’s gang were surrounding Ikasa.

“Look brothers, another man was driven out of Sal city.”

A man with Scar on his nose commented while showing his yellowing teeth.

“He is quite good-looking… Were you a gigolo of some old hag? Did her husband find out?”

Another guy with a handsome face asked sympathetically.

Ikasa had to reply as he saw kids come out of the hut to prevent misunderstandings.

“Don’t talk nonsense! I earn my living selling my skills, not my body!”

‘Wait, why does that sound so wrong? It sounded so much better in my head.’

Ikasa flinched as the alternate meaning of what he said dawned on him.

But he was not the only one; others present also got it and it caused a round of raucous laughter.

Ikasa felt he had to clarify or these kids might spout nonsense before Xin Ruo.

“I was not driven out of the city. I am here to bring some people back to the city.”

Once the goons confirmed he was not an exile, they immediately lost interest. They were about to disperse but once again the man with a scarred nose spoke.

“Brothers wait… Since he is in our territory, don’t you think he should pay some ‘tax’?”

The gang members all stopped and rubbed their hands in perverse delight while those not part of the gang hurriedly dispersed lest they be drawn into this mess.

Ikasa’s face darkened. He thought Slums were nice because of his last trip, but now he was facing another facet of the slums.

The ruffians drew their weapons and advanced menacingly. Ikasa was intimidated by their aggressive steps.

He had read in novels that heroes could fight 10 armed enemies, unarmed, and still kick their asses. He wanted to find these authors and pit them against these guys. He wanted to hold them by their collar and call them out on their bullshit.

Ikasa stepped back as his legs trembled. He tried to think of a way to stop these hooligans. Then he thought of a name he could only use as a last resort.

“Stop! You don’t know who I am!”

“Please, tell us who might you be?”

The handsome man asked with a teasing tone.

Ikasa took a deep breath and calmed himself.

“I am Red Eye’s Son-in-Law!”

Ikasa was delighted to see the shock on the faces of these low lives. But unbeknownst to him, two faces watching the scene changed color. One darkened while another reddened.

Red Eye’s eyebrow twitched and he cracked his knuckles. He ordered a short stout man before him.

“Bastard, he really dares to call himself my Son-In-Law! Break his legs!”

“Father!” Xin Ruo called out to Feng Yan reproachfully.

“Hmph! Beat him up. But if any of his bones are broken, I’ll break yours.”

Feng Yan threatened the shortie and shooed him. Then he turned towards Xin Ruo who was still giving him a look of disapproval.

“Don’t look at me like that! That look stopped working ever since you started mooching money off me.”

Xin Ruo had a look of shock. Shouldn’t you cherish your daughter? Why are you throwing cold hard truths in her face!

Meanwhile, Ikasa, who was getting beaten up, cursed Red Eye.

‘Isn’t Red Eye the most dangerous man in the slums? Most dangerous my ass! His name can’t even deter these hooligans!’

“Aiyooo! Not there!” Ikasa yelled as he protected his balls from a vicious kick from the handsome man.

“Enough!” Red Eye showed himself as he emerged from the crowd.

The hooligans immediately stopped their kicks and punches and parted to make way for Red Eye.

“You are bold to claim you are my Son-In-Law! But do you dare to become my real Son-in-law?”

Feng Yan asked with a smirk. Ikasa was so in pain that he was confused as to which part he should massage first.

After a few minutes, the pain subsided and Ikasa looked up at Feng Yan’s smirking face. He had understood by now that these goons were being ordered by Feng Yan. This was probably his final show of force.

He then looked at Xin Ruo who was standing beside Feng Yan. Her wheatish face tinged with red but still feigned composure.

“As long as she is willing, I am too.” Ikasa grinned which came out as a half grimace.

“Red Eye, Are you serious?” The Handsome Man looked at Red Eye with disbelief. He couldn’t believe Red Eye, this demon father was willing to let his daughter marry this weak guy!

“Then whom should I marry her to? You, A Nymphomaniac? Or that hook nose over there?” The Handsome man floundered for a retort but he couldn’t come up with any suitable one.

The guy with a nose that looked like a witch stood gobsmacked. Why are you dragging me in your family feud?

Before things got any further, Xin Ruo stepped forth.

“Dad, I am not going to marry anyone just yet!”

“You will only be happy after you have eaten up all my savings!” Feng Yan mumbled under his breath.

“What did you say?” Xin Ruo looked at him with a dangerous glint in her eyes.

“No… Nothing! Go take Ikasa inside and tend to his injuries. I will handle things out here.” And he escaped.

Inside the Hut, Xin Ruo gently applied her yellow gooey paste to Ikasa’s injuries.

“I am sorry. My Dad can be too much sometimes. Also, don’t take his words seriously.”

Ikasa tried to smile to assuage her worries.

“Don’t worry. He is just being protective of his precious daughter.”

‘And I will let my Father-in-Law experience my pain as soon as I am as strong as him.’

He gifted the clothes he had purchased for Xin Ruo and the kids to them and asked them to don the clothes immediately.

As Ikasa, Xin Ruo, and the kids departed to the city, one man surreptitiously wiped his eyes. He thought he might never see his daughter again, but fate had different plans.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep