Thats another threat, alright. However, no matter how loud he screamed at me that he almost looked like he was frothing at his mouth, I sensed no activity from behind me.

Those inside the vehicle made no move at all. They remained inside, looking at us from where they were seated.

I dont know. Im trying to figure out if theyre really this guys hired thugs but with how things are progressing, I am becoming more certain that their role here is just to posture against me or drive Ichihara Jun around..

Were they sent on a precise order not to make a move unless theyve been instructed anew? Possibly. And most likely the new instruction would not be coming from Ichihara Jun. Otherwise, he would have long ordered them to grab me inside that vehicle.

Within the window of a few seconds, I heard an incoherent voice coming from the drivers seat while I watched Ichihara Jun looking like he had been convulsing with anger. Its unclear whether that man was talking to the other three or someone over the phone but Id bet on the latter.

Most likely, hes reporting over the phone to the one that sent them.

Given the silence of this street and the lack of traffic around us, Im certain Im not just hearing things.

However, Ichihara thought my silence was a result of his threat. He grinned maliciously as his previous haughtiness seemingly returned.

Are you scared now, huh? Start running!

Pfft. Do I look scared to you, senpai?

I raised an eyebrow and then glanced behind me.

As expected, theyre still just watching without any intention to do his bidding. If Im still not convinced at this point then itll be my loss.

Slowly, my lips curved into a mocking smirk before daringly taunting him.

Why dont you order them then? Im waiting. This is your street. Your territory, even. No one will know that you got four grown-ups to haul me inside that vehicle. What are you hesitating for?

I know. Theres nothing that could change the conflict between us. Because of Marika, there would be no peace between us. And after everything that he did, Id be a saint if I just tolerated all of those.

If I wasnt strong or prepared for his tricks, I wouldve been lying in a hospital bed by now.

Since he was giving me a chance to further humiliate him, there was no way I would waste that.

Looking like he had just been slapped by an imaginary palm, Ichihara Juns face twitched in an even uglier fashion.

He started hissing like a cat whose tail got stepped on as he glared hatefully at me.

However, even after a minute has passed, thats all he did.

He could only look at them, signaling them through his eyes. Yet theyre not moving at all.

I let out another laugh filled with mockery.

At this point, I could do nothing else but look down on him. In the end, this is all he amounts to. Unless someone picks up his slack, hes nothing but a useless heir whos bound for failure.

I Ive given you a chance. Youre the one who refused to take it! Dont blame me if you get your just deserts today!

Pfft. Just deserts? Come on, Ive already seen through what youve been scheming tonight. You shouldve thought this through, senpai.

I shook my head and then approached him again.

Even though he had the time to retreat and dodge me, his legs possibly froze on him.

With that, I got to hold his shoulder again. Using the same strength as I did before, I squeezed it enough until his face twisted in pain.

I couldve done more but this was probably all they could tolerate.

As soon as Ichihara Jun howled in pain, I heard activity behind me. Most likely, even though theyre not supposed to listen to his orders, theyre instructed to keep the guy from harm.

Thats why I let go of his shoulder and watched him scurry back to that side.

When I faced him once again, I didnt look at him straight but at those behind him. I have to assume that all of this is being reported to whoever ordered them to accompany him.

You know, youre talking like youre some kind of saint, senpai. Its quite funny. Marika-senpai. She tried falling in love with you. And I believed that. Shes been pretty devoted back when I first met her. And yet, what did you do? You set her aside. If you have to blame someone for taking her away from you, you should look in the mirror. Because thats what you are.

Im well aware that its only going to fall on deaf ears even if I hammered the truth to him like this. But as I said, it isnt for him. I can only suspect two people who might be behind them. Either Ichihara-sans husband or this idiots father. The head of their family.

Ah. Right. Its also for another observer listening in from the house next door.

Even if I didnt see anyone stepping out, their presence was there. Its one of Marikas two escorts who's been watching the proceedings since earlier. They must have heard the commotion and tried checking it out.

And since I wasnt a stranger to them anymore as well as Ichihara Jun becoming too loud, It wouldnt take that long for them to recognize us.

They wont take my side, of course. But even if they wouldnt be inclined to help me out in case I ran away from Ichihara Jun, Marika would definitely be informed by them. Or maybe not since her safety was their priority.

In any case, thats that. I better wrap this up and go home.

Unfortunately, even if I wanted to see Marika, Id just spare her from being troubled by the idiot whod surely knock at her front door again.

You dont have to respond anymore, senpai. Save yourself some face. Or better yet, save your face from being ruined by me. I avoided that before but if you truly wont back down, I wont mind reshaping that for you.

This time, its my turn to dole out threats.

Ichihara Jun remained speechless while looking indignant. But with his back against the vehicle, hes slowly recovering his courage.

Or at least, thats how it appeared.

However, a few seconds later, one of the three in the backseat leaned forward and whispered something to him. Following that, the one in the drivers seat stepped out.

While Ichihara Jun reluctantly climbed up the vehicle, the driver, who looked like he was someone from a military background, eyed me like a vulture to his prey.

Boy. I admire your courage but you should pick who youre going to offend. Tonight, its your luck that were ordered not to make a move since it seems like a childish conflict. However, with your declaration, the Ichihara Family will be forced to take you seriously. Take this friendly advice. Start thinking about how youre going to apologize to the young master. You have a week.

With his tone as condescending as Ichihara Jun, the driver delivered another threat or maybe an ultimatum for me

I get that theyre supposed to uphold their honor but whats honor with someone like Ichihara Jun?

Is that what the family head instructed you to relay? I asked.

No. Its an instruction from his guardian. Make the right choice before you regret it.

Upon answering my question, he turned around, having no intention to hear my reply anymore.

Then, after getting in, the vehicle started and drove back inside their estate.

As they drove past me, I saw Ichihara Juns ugly mug who looked like he was unsatisfied with whatever his guardian decided.

But guardian, huh?

Given that the man denied when I named their family head, it can only be his mother or the one cleaning up his mess

Yep. Even if its not 100%. Im 90% sure that the one behind them is Ichihara-sans husband.

Rather than Ichihara Jun, hes the one I should be cautious against.

I guess I have to contact my parents regarding this. Theres no reason to keep them out of the loop when I already sparked this conflict.

Am I being overconfident? Maybe But for Marika, backing out is out of the question.