Chapter 427: Chapter 70: My Principles
Dragon stood frozen in place, staring at Darren as if he’d just been struck by lightning. His mind went completely blank.
Kick me out?
What the hell does that mean?
Just a moment ago, they’d been laughing, joking like old comrades. Darren had even said, "You’ve done me a huge favor. As long as it doesn’t violate my principles, I’ll do whatever I can to help you."
And now—he was being shown the door?
He’d just helped this bastard purge years of crippling injuries. He’d nearly collapsed under the strain. And this is how Darren repaid him?
Ungrateful scum!
The longer he stood there, the more furious Dragon became.
Beside him, Kuma blinked, then quietly turned his head to give Dragon a pitying glance, as if to say: That’s your legendary reputation, huh?
Dragon: ...
A man in a black tailcoat stepped forward and bowed with practiced elegance. "Gentlemen. This way, please."
There was no hostility in his voice, only the crisp professionalism of someone used to escorting very dangerous men out of very expensive places.
Dragon snapped out of his daze, rage burning behind his eyes. "Darren, you bastard—what the hell does this mean?!"
"Didn’t you just say you’d help me with anything that didn’t violate your so-called principles?"
The man in the tuxedo looked briefly to Darren, awaiting direction.
Darren took a sip of wine, then waved him away.
When the door shut behind them, he turned to Dragon and sighed.
"Dragon," he said, "what kind of man do you think I am?"
Dragon blinked, caught off guard by the question. He turned to Kuma for backup, but the big man was suddenly very interested in the ceiling.
Dragon’s brow twitched. He thought for a moment, then met Darren’s gaze and said earnestly, "You’re my closest friend."
To his surprise, Darren nodded. "That’s right. I’ve always considered you a friend, too. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have let you escape back in the North Blue."
Dragon: ...
"You let me escape on purpose?!" Dragon snapped. "Come on, Darren—you couldn’t beat me back then even if you tried!"
He was still bitter about that particular encounter, but Darren only smiled, puffing lightly on his cigarette.
"Since we’re friends," Dragon pressed, "can’t you just help me this once? I wouldn’t be asking if I had any other option."
"That’s exactly why I can’t," Darren replied, exhaling smoke. "Because we’re friends."
Dragon frowned.
Darren continued, "The moment you stepped into the room, I knew you were here to borrow money."
"How?" Dragon asked, startled.
Darren tapped the side of his head. "You show up after years apart, all smiles and good will? Come on. That’s a classic setup."
Dragon was speechless.
Kuma nodded solemnly. "Makes sense."
"See?" Darren smirked.
Dragon’s face darkened. He opened his mouth to argue... but couldn’t. He had to admit—it did make sense.
Darren leaned back. "You should know what kind of man I am."
"You’re a Marine," Dragon said immediately.
"Yes," Darren nodded. "But that’s just a job. I’ve got a worse title."
Dragon thought for a second. "The... Marine’s greatest disgrace?"
Darren’s eyes lit up with pride. "Exactly!"
Dragon: ...
"You’re proud of that?"
"Of course. Being a Marine is just a profession. But being me—that’s something else entirely."
"So what, exactly, are you trying to say?" Dragon asked, struggling to keep his voice steady.
"I said I’d help with anything that didn’t violate my principles," Darren said, his expression turning grave. "Well... one of those principles is that I never lend money."
Dragon gaped at him. "That’s it? That’s your big principle?!"
"I have others," Darren said, his eyes gleaming with intensity. "I’m greedy, but I’ll never embezzle. I like women, but I’ll never lie to them."
"I smoke, but I’ll never touch drugs."
"I drink, but I never get drunk."
"I flirt, but I’d never betray someone I love."
"I want power, but I’ll never sell out a friend to get it."
Each word landed with quiet finality, as if carved in stone.
Kuma stared, wide-eyed. For a second, he could have sworn a golden light shone behind Darren’s back.
In that moment, Darren looked impossibly tall.
"...And what the hell does any of that have to do with not lending me money?!" Dragon exploded.
Darren chuckled. "Because I’m a principled bastard, Dragon. And lending money to friends? That ruins the friendship."
"...Well, we’re not that close," Dragon muttered bitterly.
"You said I was your closest friend," Darren reminded him. "That can’t be taken back."
Dragon: ...
This bastard’s playing with me!
His fists clenched, veins bulging. He wanted to punch Darren square in the face—but even then, he wasn’t sure he could win.
Darren sighed again. "I’m sorry, Dragon. But I can’t say yes. Not this time."
Dragon exhaled slowly. He looked down at the floor, lips pressed in a thin line.
Darren had no obligation to help him.
Years ago, Darren had risked his own career by letting Dragon escape. He’d even faced internal investigation, which stalled his promotions.
Now, Dragon was a fugitive. Wanted. A man hunted by the very institution Darren served.
Just meeting him like this was a risk. Supporting him financially?
That was treason.
"...You’re right," Dragon said quietly. "I shouldn’t have asked."
"I just thought..." He forced a bitter smile. "Maybe if I was honest, you’d still help me."
Darren said nothing.
"But it’s alright," Dragon continued. "I never borrow money from friends anyway."
He looked up, his gaze steady.
"If a friend’s in trouble, I just give it to them."
Darren blinked.
"...Wait. What?"
"I said, I never borrow from friends—"
"No, after that part."
"I give," Dragon repeated. "Not borrow."
Darren burst out laughing. "Ah, I see."
Dragon’s eyes widened. "You mean—?!"
"I’ll give it to you," Darren said, smiling. "But on one condition."
"Anything!" Dragon cried, eyes shining. He snapped his fingers, summoning a gust of wind that made even Kuma’s massive head bow slightly.
"I’ll do whatever it takes! Say the word!"
Darren smirked. "It’s dangerous."
"I don’t care!"
"It could cost you your life."
"I’m ready to die!"
He leaned close and whispered, "Just say it, Darren. Don’t make me beg."
Darren raised an eyebrow. "You already knelt earlier."
Dragon: ...
To be continued...