-48- It's not allowed?

"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."

---