UNDER HIS RULES

Visiting the main residence of the Twin Dragon Clan’s owner was something Ferdi really didn’t want to do. He was a neutral party responsible for maintaining security and stability in the two constantly feuding regions, even though they had never declared war. However, the dark history between the Northern and Southern territories had long been known. Ferdi was one of the few who had been involved to some extent in resolving their disputes.

However, there was one thing that Ferdi couldn’t simply ignore. He couldn’t underestimate the assistance of the ruler of the Twin Dragon Clan, as it had saved his younger sister from a kidnapping that had ended quite dramatically five years ago. If it weren’t for Sam’s subordinates and the intervention of that man, Ferdi didn’t know what fate Felly would have faced.

Unfortunately, Ferdi couldn’t take matters into his own hands because the culprit was skillfully protected by Hasolomone, with Quassano being the main mastermind. Remembering the events of the past, Ferdi’s anger never subsided. He swore to exact revenge for everything Felly had experienced during that abduction.

“There’s no storm outside, but here you are,” Sam said with a thin grin. His sharp eyes fixed on Ferdi, who was still enjoying the elegant living room of Sam’s house.

“I didn’t know someone like you had such refined taste in rulers,” Ferdi chuckled.

Sam glanced at what caught Ferdi’s attention-a statue of a woman with a beautiful urn in one corner of the room.

“A gift,” Ferdi remarked.

Sam smirked. “Since when does Samuel Aarick accept gifts?”

“If you’re only here to admire my house, you can leave,” Sam replied sharply.

Sam disliked being called by his first name. To him, it reminded him of an old man who always wore a black coat. His partially gray hair on the right and left sides added to the intimidating appearance of the man. He was tall, upright, and his gaze was much sharper than anyone Sam had ever encountered. His speech was concise and decisive. Moreover, anything he commanded had to be executed and yield results. Otherwise, prepare for a lengthy punishment.

Yes… he was Benjamin Bondan Immanuel. Sam’s father and the respected ruler of the Twin Dragon Clan. His death still remained a big question mark for Sam. His son knew the capabilities of his father with a weapon in his hand. It was from a Bondan that Sam learned to wield a sword, pull a trigger with precision, and practice martial arts.

It doesn’t matter if the whole world doubts his skepticism. For Sam, the deaths of both his parents were not mere accidents, but planned murders. Unfortunately, he couldn’t uncover the mastermind behind the events. Everyone he suspected had strong alibis that couldn’t be easily refuted.

Ferdi burst into laughter. “You have absolutely no sense of humor, Sam.”

Sam snorted as he took a seat on one of the plush sofas. “So… what brings you here, Fer?”

Ferdi did the same, sitting in front of Sam. Making himself comfortable, he pulled a cigarette from his pocket, asking one of Sam’s subordinates to light it for him. Sam shook his head and let out a disdainful sigh. It was considered permission for the subordinate to do what Ferdi asked.

“I want to talk seriously, Sam.” Ferdi straightened his back. The living room was already filled with cigarette smoke.

Sam waved his hand gently, and his subordinate immediately left the room. Only Hugo remained standing behind Sam. Even if Sam dismissed him, he wouldn’t leave. But Hugo knew that Sam wouldn’t do that.

Ferdi also understood that there were three people always by Sam’s side, but the most loyal one was Hugo. This mischievous and arrogant-looking man was known as the right-hand man of the Southern Region’s ruler. He was never far from Sam. Asking Hugo to step back a bit could create an uncomfortable atmosphere later.

“This is the police data regarding the ownership of 303 C.” Ferdi handed over his phone. “I sent a copy to Hugo.”

Quickly, Hugo took out his tablet that was never far from him. After tinkering with it for a moment, he handed it to Sam.

“Apparently, it’s a rare and expensive item.” Sam grinned. “Quite foolish to use it in public.”

“As you suspected, Sam, the surveillance cameras on the edge of the forest were damaged two days before the incident. According to the report, they often malfunction due to the conditions there. You know wild animals sometimes cause damage.”

Sam nodded in understanding.

“I’m speculating here, Sam, but it’s possible that Tony was accidentally shot.” Ferdi presented his reasoning. “This weapon, besides being a rare item, is only owned by high-ranking officials. You can see the list, right?”

Sam’s brow furrowed slightly. “Could there have been another target? And Tony happened to be there?”

“That’s my initial assumption.”

“Quassano has this weapon,” Hugo interjected confidently. “His expression doesn’t lie, and his name is among the top owners of the weapon.”

“Unfortunately, during the incident, Alfred Quassano was in the mansion in the Northern Region. Alongside Gerald,” Ferdi softly interjected. “I have confirmed that.”

“My question is simple, Fer,” Sam rested his chin on his hands. “Who is involved in the circulation of these weapons? Rare items that don’t want to be taxed, owned for the sake of showing off. They’re the ones we should be suspicious of.”

Both Ferdi and Hugo looked at Sam with surprise. “Why like that, Boss?” Unable to contain himself, Hugo finally spoke up.

A thin smirk once again formed at the corner of Sam’s lips. “Shall we eat first? I’ll check the kitchen really quick. Just keep Ferdi company, Hugo.”

Hugo stared at Sam incredulously. “Damn, Boss, you really don’t want to tell me?”

Ferdi laughed. “Sam and his way of thinking are indeed different.”

“Instead of helping me understand Sam’s intentions, you’re supporting my boss, Mr. Police!” Hugo exclaimed.

Ferdi laughed even more.

***[]***

The beautiful girl with black hair hadn’t forgotten about lunch earlier. It was lively, noisy, with many conversations that Beatrice didn’t really understand. But she could see that they were all familiar with each other. Their faces also hinted at a close kinship. Just like Sam, who casually enjoyed his portion. Sitting at the end of the table, he ate heartily, not paying much attention to the conversations happening around the large dining table.

Perhaps for Sam, as long as it didn’t disturb his enjoyment of the meal that Ute served for him, it didn’t matter. Sometimes, he would even join in with some remarks made by his subordinates. Beatrice thought that it might create an awkward impression. Unfortunately… that was just her own thoughts. Maybe what Ute said about it being a “home” for most of Sam’s subordinates was true. They found their own comfort here.

Beatrice pursed her lips slightly. She didn’t expect to see such familiarity in this relatively large house, mostly painted white. If it weren’t for Sam, only a small portion of them would eat at this big table. Most of them preferred to eat in their small groups.

“Don’t be too quiet, Beatrice,” Sam admonished while tapping Beatrice’s plate with a spoon. “Eat.”

Beatrice grimaced but immediately lowered her head and took a slightly larger bite of her lunch. Since she agreed to what Sam offered, she was determined not to do anything that could jeopardize their agreement. Sam never played around with his words. It meant that he didn’t lie. But if he suddenly revoked that permission, then Beatrice had to abide by it.

“Eating together like this is actually nice,” Ferdi said. He was introduced to Beatrice shortly after lunch was served. He also took a seat in one of the available chairs.

“Especially when it’s free,” Sam retorted. He then resumed enjoying his portion of the snapper curry.

“If you drop by the police station, I’ll treat you to something good,” Ferdi said.

“There’s no good food at the police station,” Sam quickly interjected. “Don’t believe him,” he pointed at all his subordinates. Suddenly, the noise subsided. They looked at Sam with obedience and fear. “If you ever go to the police station for any reason, especially to meet this person, observe them closely.”

“Yes, Boss,” they responded in unison.

“Damn you!” Ferdi burst into laughter. “I’ll remember all of you. If any of you dare to visit my office, I’ll make sure your boss won’t be able to get you out easily.”

This time, Sam laughed loudly. Very loudly. Almost all of his subordinates laughed along. There was no more awkwardness until the lunch event came to an end.

“Someone seems happy,” said Sam, making Beatrice jump in surprise. The pleasant lunchtime image vanished instantly. It was replaced by Sam’s face, now looking at her with bewilderment. “What’s wrong with you? Seeing a ghost?”

“Yes!” Beatrice snapped while clutching her chest. “You’re the ghost.”

“Who’s the one daydreaming, and who’s calling who a ghost?” Sam sneered. “What are you doing here?”

After lunch, Beatrice was like an elusive eel that Sam couldn’t catch. So slippery. Moving here and there, helping Ute. Although there were other people responsible for tidying up the dining table, Beatrice insisted on helping. Meanwhile, Sam was still not finished with his business. This time, it was with Eland, who suddenly became angry.

He dragged Bella a bit roughly. Sam couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Eland was indeed sharp-tongued and not particularly fond of women around Sam. But he had never been physically aggressive. It was the first time Eland showed his temper. Maybe it was because Bella had gone too far, or maybe the two of them should never be close to each other.

If only they hadn’t caused trouble, Sam would prefer to continue his morning activities with Beatrice. Unfortunately, he had to drag Beatrice out of the kitchen to obey his orders. Although he later left her alone in the room, at least Beatrice didn’t have to be outside her room.

“Sit.”

Sam grunted at Beatrice’s response. “Come with me tomorrow.”

“Where?” Beatrice asked suspiciously.

“To campus.”

Beatrice’s eyes widened. “My campus?” She stood up and approached Sam. She had been sitting around the balcony since earlier, one of the places where she could feel the relatively free breeze in Sam’s room. “Are you serious?”

Sam simply nodded.

“So you weren’t lying.”

“I always keep my promises,” Sam retorted. His hands were still folded across his chest. What he didn’t anticipate was when Beatrice crashed into him with a hug. It’s not that he didn’t like it, but what if they both fell? Ah… Sam would be more than happy if Beatrice fell right on top of him.

“Thank you,” Beatrice said sincerely. Although she hadn’t experienced going back to college yet, at least this was already very exciting for her.

“Is that all I get?” Sam asked with a cunning grin. “I’m at a loss.”

“Huh?” Beatrice unraveled her embrace. “I’ll cook for you when you’re here, right? Where’s the loss in that?”

“Even Wayne’s debt might not be paid off with you becoming my new cook, Lav.”

Beatrice’s lips immediately pouted. “Thugs always have their own motives.”

Today, Sam didn’t want to put too much pressure on Beatrice. He preferred Beatrice’s attitude like this. Although her words always gave the impression that Sam was her archenemy, he could enjoy Beatrice’s facial expressions more. Like now.

It felt… Sam wanted to devour her completely.

“I have to meet the Dean first, take care of some administrative matters because there hasn’t been anyone to-”

So Sam immediately did what was on his mind, causing Beatrice’s eyes to widen in surprise. Her clenched fist rewarded Sam’s chest with a few punches. Maybe because this kiss from Sam was too demanding, it depleted Beatrice’s remaining air supply. However, Sam didn’t care. The taste of Beatrice’s lips had become an addiction to him.

It took Beatrice a few minutes to get used to the assault Sam gave her. She couldn’t avoid it, could she? It would be pointless. If she provoked Sam by trying to evade him, what she would receive would be far more terrifying. Beatrice didn’t want to imagine that. Just this morning, she was trembling because of Sam’s extremely lascivious request.

“When will your lips be used to satisfy me, Beatrice?” Sam released the kiss immediately. He spoke right above Beatrice’s lips while his eyes were closed. “It must feel incredible. Can it happen now?”