-69- A tsundere?

Twisted Fate once again presented a condition to Linwin. 

After all, it wouldn't be appropriate for him and Graves to handle the deed in the same place, right? 

Linwin thought about it and agreed, arranging for them to use the restroom.

Upon their return, Linwin, in his usual manner, tightly wrapped the two guys who now looked like bacon. Reflecting on this scene, Linwin couldn't help but feel incredibly generous.

I'm truly kind-hearted. I've experienced being frozen, so I don't want others to suffer the same fate. I'm indeed a great person!

However, a retort quickly followed:

"Linwin, it's not that cold right now, actually, I think..."

"Why are you so annoying?" Linwin hadn't grown impatient with Twisted Fate yet, but Graves, standing nearby, was already irritated. 

He interrupted Twisted Fate and delivered a headbutt to emphasize his point, loudly saying, "This guy has been more than generous. If we were back in my hometown, prisoners making conditions? Ridiculous! Shoot 'em dead, toss 'em into the sea for the fishes. Those who enjoy torturing prisoners would hang 'em up to dry for the sea eagles!"

"I even shot at him this afternoon, and he's not killing me now. You should be thanking your lucky stars," he added, scolding Twisted Fate, "You better cut it out. How shameless can you be?"

Twisted Fate: "..."

Why should I be thankful for him not killing 'you'.

Considering Graves' straightforward mindset, Twisted Fate was accustomed to it. He politely nodded at Linwin, offering an apologetic smile.

As for Linwin, he couldn't help but marvel at Graves' thought process. 

This guy's brain works in mysterious ways. Somehow, his favorability has increased.

Is Graves the one of those character who self-clear?

A tsundere?

In reality, Graves should be thinking along these lines.

I wanted to kill him! He caught me, but he's not killing me. He's treating me well!

He even feeds his prisoners and agrees to their conditions. What a nice guy.

Twisted Fate was so annoying, but Linwin still patiently listened to him. What a great guy!

Linwin wondered if Graves was currently thinking about these things.

He really might be thinking this way....

In the lore, Graves was a ruthless but reckless individual. He killed many but never gives you that intimidating vibe. He's also known for doing foolish things, often on the dumber side. 

"Anyway, Linwin, I'll say goodnight in advance."

Seeing Linwin about to leave, Twisted Fate hastily spoke. He was trying to build rapport, not wanting to get beaten.

"Thanks, I hope you have a good night too."

Linwin replied and left the tent, leaving Twisted Fate looking helpless: .

A good night? How could it possibly be a good night?

Stuck here tied up with Graves, the stench radiating from him was unbearable. He couldn't move and was forced to endure it. It stinks!

It stinks to death! 

Have a good night?

Twisted Fate laughed helplessly, a desolate smile on his face: "Haha....."

"Twisted Fate, what are you laughing about?"

Graves immediately asked.

In the tent now, it was just Graves and Twisted Fate, back to back. Even if Twisted Fate laughed quietly, Graves could still hear it.

Graves seemed quite relaxed now. He didn't react dramatically to being captured. After all, Graves had grown up in the gangs around the docks, became a mercenary at a young age, so he was used to being captured and locked up.

This time, the treatment was surprisingly good. Fed when hungry, covered with blankets when cold, and assisted when needing to relieve himself.

Twisted Fate sarcastically commented, "Why would you care?"

"We're brothers. Your business is my business. How could I not care about you?"

Twisted Fate sighed deeply.

Silence. Quiet.

Gradually, Twisted Fate felt the atmosphere becoming somewhat awkward. However, before he could personally experience this awkwardness, a voice sounded behind him.

Graves, looking serious, said loudly, "In my opinion, that kid clearly wants to recruit us both. But I think it's not a bad thing. Twisted, our goal is to make money. Can't we make money working with him? That kid seems strong, has a big heart, and a bunch of followers. Making money with him should be quite profitable."

"A guy like him, I've only seen one in my entire life."

"I know, it's Plank, right?" Twisted Fate preempted Graves, interrupting him. "So, are you saying you want to follow him and have no plans to return to see the King of Bilgewater?"

"Haha, I'm just a small fry, can't really meet him," Graves awkwardly replied. "I was just bragging with you earlier, don't take it seriously."

"You're unbelievable," Twisted Fate sighed.

"Anyway, I appreciate that kid. If he's willing to hire me, I don't mind working for him," Graves said. "I've been doing this all my life. Whoever pays me, I'll do the job."

Twisted Fate remained silent. He didn't want to take orders. He preferred to be a carefree gambler, traveling across the continent.

"What's your take on this?" Graves asked.

Twisted Fate didn't answer; he didn't feel like talking.

But Graves kept asking. That was how they were—Twisted Fate always looked down on Graves' intelligence, but Graves had gotten used to it.

Unable to endure Graves' constant chatter, Twisted Fate finally said, "Enough, Graves, that's enough."

"Just zip it already!"

"You need to tell me what you think, Twisted. Ask about that kid's background. If he's not from Noxus, we could join him."

"He's definitely not from Noxus."

"How do you know?"

"I just know! Enough, stop asking me!"

"Oh."

Silence returned to the tent.

But soon, someone broke the tranquility again.

"Uh, I think I didn't pee enough just now. Damn, Twisted, I feel like I need to pee again."

"You mother fu..."

——————

At the same time, in another separate tent, Linwin took out the Hextech phone from his chrono ring.

He scratched his head, finding numerous missed calls—some from Silco, some from Claggor, Mylo, and even Ekko.

But the most calls were from 1 and 2, especially 1, with over forty missed calls. Linwin frowned, picked up the Hextech phone, pressed a button, and all the missed call notifications disappeared.

"Ah," Linwin sighed.

"I'm done for....."

The calls from number 1, well, that's powder's number.