Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1693

"From that day on, the Punikon name will vanish from the Thyania martial arts world!" Punikon's grandfather's breathing was ragged, his eyes filled with panic. What Tarquin said was the truth. "What do you want?!" Tarquin said, "If you cooperate, I can spare you. We can even fight to a draw to protect your family's honor and allow you to maintain your standing in the Thyania martial arts community. After all, I didn't come here for your life, nor do I want to completely destroy you. I have no real grudge against your family." Punikon’s grandfather looked conflicted. "How do I cooperate?" Tarquin looked at him. "I want some information. Who was behind the plot to murder Jake all those years ago?" Punikon's grandfather froze. "Ja... Jake? Which Jake?" Tarquin's expression turned grim. "The Martial King of Zhinora, Jake Warner!" At the mention of that name, a storm of emotions crossed the old man's face. It took him a long moment to ask, "...Why are you asking about him? He's been dead for many years!" Tarquin's eyes were icy. "Just answer my question." Punikon's grandfather swallowed hard. "I... I don't know!" Tarquin narrowed his eyes, looking down on him. "If you really don't know, I'll just go ask someone else. And your Punikon family will be completely finished within a week. I'll give you one last chance. Think carefully before you answer. Who was behind the plot to murder Jake Warner?" Punikon's grandfather panted, staring at him. "..." The seconds ticked by. Tarquin lost his patience and stood up to leave. Punikon's grandfather quickly called out, "Wait! I... I know something!" Tarquin stood his ground, waiting for him to continue. The old man’s face was etched with suspicion. "Can I trust your word? If I give you this information, you won't kill me in the ring, and you'll fight me to a draw?" Tarquin replied, "I may not be a 'true' martial artist by your standards, but I always keep my word. I stand by what I say." After a moment's hesitation, Punikon's grandfather said, a grim look crossed his face, "I don't know who the ultimate mastermind was, but I know it had something to do with Nipponora and Koryon. Back then, to avenge his master, Jake Warner tore through the dojos of seven countries in a row. It was about to be our turn, and we were so worried we couldn't sleep at night. Jake Warner's fighting ability was just too terrifying; we were no match for him. We wanted to just forfeit, but we couldn't stomach the humiliation. But if we didn't forfeit, we'd just be waiting to get beaten! Just when we thought our world was about to end, the president of the Nipponoran association contacted me privately. He said he could help us get through the crisis, but it would cost us a lot of money. At first, we didn't believe him. After all, Jake Warner had already been to their country. If he couldn't even protect himself, what could he do to help us? Then he said we could sign a contract. He guaranteed Jake Warner would not come to Thyania, and if he broke his promise, he would pay us back double the amount. He even got the Koryonians to act as guarantors. We had no other choice at the time, so we agreed. Only after signing the contract did we learn they were plotting to kidnap Jake Warner’s junior disciple and his master’s wife to use as leverage against him. We later found out that Jake Warner was incredibly close to them, so the plan seemed solid. We finally breathed a sigh of relief. To show off our 'martial might,' we started trash-talking him all over the internet, even boasting that if he came, he'd never leave. We could say whatever we wanted because we knew he was never coming. You probably know what happened next. His student and mentor's wife were taken, and he traded his life for theirs. And just like that, a martial arts king was gone..."