[Ch. 25] The Dependable Brother

When Ryu rushed to open the door, a sudden screen appeared in front of Panzram. However, Panzram could tell this was an illusion created by Ryu. While Panzram could see through the screen, someone on the other side wasn't able to see past it. It completely hid Panzram's presence while allowing him to see everything happening in front of him.

Ryu finally slid open the door once he guaranteed that Panzram was successfully hidden. He forced on a dashing smile as he craned his head upward to look at his brother, "First Elder Brother! It's been so long. Come in."

He nodded and stepped in, "Then, if you'll excuse me."

He sat at the table while Ryu sat across from him still wearing his usual smile. The Madame quickly brought in tea to serve both Ryu and his brother. Panzram carefully observed the man who sat exuding authority and natural-born leadership.

Ryu's eldest brother was the complete opposite of Ryu. He sat straight with proper etiquette, he had a very neat and manly appearance, and his clothes weren't flashy. At his side were two katanas that looked to be top quality. He looked like what a young master of an influential family should look like.

The man looked at Ryu with a stern expression. His silky dark hair was pulled back and he had a large scar that covered his face. He was considered the honorable and disciplined first son of the Taira clan. He was the one to who the head position would go.

He was Kiyomori of the Taira clan.

Ryu smiled at him, "So why am I being graced with my elder brother's presence today?"

His stern expression grew more serious, "You should know yourself. Father sent me."

Ryu's face never dropped his smile, "I quit the prison just as he wanted. Why would he still send you?"

Kiyomori shook his head, "You think Father is stupid? You may be good at tricking people, but Father is good at watching you. He knows that you allowed that prisoner to escape."

Ryu shrugged as if he was bored by the conversation, "Why would I stop a prisoner if I didn't work there anymore? I don't see why it matters."

Kiyomori's tone turned stern, "That's because you are still a Taira. Letting yourself be knocked unconscious so easily brings shame upon the Taira clan."

Ryu pursed his lips, "So Father sent you to scold me?"

Kiyomori sighed, "No, Father sent me to relay a message. If you don't stop causing trouble, then he will send second brother to come to teach you a lesson."

Ryu's body grew rigid. Kiyomori noticed this and felt his heart turn soft. Much to everyone's surprise, Kiyomori doted on his youngest brother. Ryu was considered the darling of the family even though he was also considered the black sheep and the good for nothing child. Out of all the brothers, Kiyomori spoiled him the most.

That's why he couldn't help but sympathize with his little brother. Kiyomori knew that Ryu feared their second brother, and for good reason too. Kiyomori may not know exactly what happened between the two of them, but he knew that whatever had happened wasn't good since Ryu feared nothing except for his second elder brother.

Ryu nodded obediently with his face twitching in fear, "I won't cause any more trouble. Just don't send second brother."

Panzram watched Ryu's frightening appearance from behind the screen and grew even more curious. How come this man is so terrified that he shakes at the mention of his second brother? Yet when Panzram tried to kill him several times, Ryu didn't even blink in fear.

Just who is Ryu's second brother?

Kiyomori spoke in a softer voice, "Father just wants you to stop causing so much trouble. He already allows you to stay in such an…" Kiyomori looked around with a disturbed expression, "An establishment of ill repute."

Ryu snickered, "This place isn't so bad. It's actually quite nice. Should I tell one of the girls that you are interested in their service?"

Kiyomori's face blushed instantly, "N-No! I'm not interested in such a thing!"

Ryu tilted his head, "Are you sure? I hear good things."

Kiyomori blushed a darker crimson. He couldn't believe how shameless his brother was for admitting that he did such a disgraceful act!

However, Ryu meant it literally. One man who had left earlier told him that he had a good time with one of the workers. Ryu didn't realize that what he just said could be taken the wrong way.

Ryu was incredibly naïve.

And perhaps even a bit dull.

Yet, because of his reputation and his personality, no one would have thought that he is as innocent as he actually was. It was the reason why everyone was always misunderstanding him. The working girls assumed he wasn't interested in women while his family and everyone else thought he was a womanizer.

The only one who knew otherwise was Panzram.

This was only because Panzram had made several scandalous remarks to Ryu, but Ryu had caught on to none of them. Panzram was sure that Ryu's naïve and innocent mind didn't actually understand such things. He also had a feeling Ryu never encountered a situation where he ended up in bed with another.

Although Ryu had several interested parties, both male and female, he only had to smile at them with such an oppressive atmosphere before they started running away. It wasn't necessarily because of his smile as it was most likely due to his reputation. Rarely did anyone say anything good in the same sentence as the Fourth Young Master of the Taira clan.

There was only one thing that was ever complimented with Ryu and that would be his appearance.

Anything else said about Ryu was not as good.

Ryu knew about his reputation, but he didn't mind it since it kept the people away. Although Ryu seemed friendly and warm on the surface, in truth he didn't care much for people. He found most people boring and predictable and preferred to be alone.

There was only one person who was an exception to this:

Panzram.