Stealing Spree

Chapter 1993 Sparked Conflict

That’s 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 don’t know. I’m trying to figure out if they’re really this guy’s 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 they’ve 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 driver’s seat while I watched Ichihara Jun looking like he had been convulsing with anger. It’s unclear whether that man was talking to the other three or someone over the phone but I’d bet on the latter.

Most likely, he’s reporting over the phone to the one that sent them.

Given the silence of this street and the lack of traffic around us, I’m certain I’m 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, they’re still just watching without any intention to do his bidding. If I’m still not convinced at this point then it’ll be my loss.

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

“Why don’t you order them then? I’m 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. There’s nothing that could change the conflict between us. Because of Marika, there would be no peace between us. And after everything that he did, I’d be a saint if I just tolerated all of those.

If I wasn’t strong or prepared for his tricks, I would’ve 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 Jun’s 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, that’s all he did.

He could only look at them, signaling them through his eyes. Yet they’re 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, he’s nothing but a useless heir who’s bound for failure.

“I… I’ve given you a chance. You’re the one who refused to take it! Don’t blame me if you get your just deserts today!”

“Pfft. Just deserts? Come on, I’ve already seen through what you’ve been scheming tonight. You should’ve 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 could’ve 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 they’re not supposed to listen to his orders, they’re instructed to keep the guy from harm.

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

When I faced him once again, I didn’t 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, you’re talking like you’re some kind of saint, senpai. It’s quite funny. Marika-senpai. She tried falling in love with you. And I believed that. She’s 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 that’s what you are.”

I’m well aware that it’s only going to fall on deaf ears even if I hammered the truth to him like this. But as I said, it isn’t for him. I can only suspect two people who might be behind them. Either Ichihara-san’s husband or this idiot’s father. The head of their family.

Ah. Right. It’s also for another observer listening in from the house next door.

Even if I didn’t see anyone stepping out, their presence was there. It’s one of Marika’s two escorts who's been watching the proceedings since earlier. They must have heard the commotion and tried checking it out.

And since I wasn’t a stranger to them anymore as well as Ichihara Jun becoming too loud, It wouldn’t take that long for them to recognize us.

They won’t take my side, of course. But even if they wouldn’t 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, that’s that. I better wrap this up and go home.

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

“You don’t 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 won’t back down, I won’t mind reshaping that for you.”

This time, it’s my turn to dole out threats.

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

Or at least, that’s 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 driver’s 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 you’re going to offend. Tonight, it’s your luck that we’re 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 you’re 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 they’re supposed to uphold their honor but what’s honor with someone like Ichihara Jun?

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

“No. It’s 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 Jun’s 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 it’s not 100%. I’m 90% sure that the one behind them is Ichihara-san’s husband.

Rather than Ichihara Jun, he’s the one I should be cautious against.

I guess I have to contact my parents regarding this. There’s 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.