Twin Cities: Who says scientists can't be conquerors?

Chapter 29 Caitlin's Awakening

Legally, the Bridge of Progress is jointly owned by Piltover and Zaun, and there is no basis for prohibiting passage unilaterally unless both sides simultaneously declare martial law.

Jinx knows this better than Caitlyn.

Therefore, when she saw Caitlin want to continue arguing with the two law enforcement officers, and they deliberately pulled out their batons in a show of force, she already understood what the two men were trying to do.

Since I'm just killing time anyway, I might as well mess with these three guys from Zu'an.

After all, law enforcement officers like them don't have the guts to arbitrarily ban the bridge; but they do have the guts to deliberately make things difficult for the people of Zu'an under the pretext of banning passage!

"Don't argue with this kind of person. Let's take another route; we can get to Piltover without crossing the bridge."

Jinx pulled back Caitlyn, who was almost laughing in exasperation, and muttered something under her breath.

Normally, Jinx would definitely use all sorts of methods to retaliate against the two opponents, letting them know that Zaunites are not to be trifled with.

Unfortunately, Caitlin is watching right now.

Because of her conversation with Caitlin last night, Jinx now clearly understands Caitlin's inner resolve and her deep love for Piltover.

Just like Jinx always loved Zaun.

She certainly didn't want Caitlin to be caught in the middle and embarrassed if she actually did something to those two law enforcement officers.

And speaking of law enforcement officers...

"Come on, Kate, don't forget what you told me last night!"

Jinx tugged at Caitlyn again, looking somewhat worried, clearly aware of some of Caitlyn's secrets.

The reason Jinx was a bit absent-minded and deliberately avoided Caitlyn after waking up this morning was precisely because of this—

Last night, Caitlin did not visit Jinx's QQ space.

After believing she had rediscovered the beauty and kindness of the Zaunites, Caitlin seemed to be pondering something until she finally made up her mind when she went to bed that night.

She proactively showed Jinx a scar on her body and told her the story behind it:

The scar ran from the middle of Caitlin's right thigh, around her thigh, down to where her waist and hips met.

A quick glance at the scar reveals just how dangerous the situation must have been when the scar was formed—it was practically as if Caitlin's entire right leg was going to be removed!

Caitlin tells Jinx that the scar was from when she was chasing a criminal.

Five years ago on Progress Day, Caitlin's parents were also kidnapped, but this time it was much more serious than the kidnapping of Caitlin by Jinx.

Caitlin didn't elaborate on the details of that case.

But in the end, Caitlin pointed to the scar on her thigh and confidently stated that, based on the clues she had found so far, the criminal codenamed "C" was either in Zaun or hiding within the law enforcement!

Caitlyn's intention was to tell Jinx that she wasn't a rich heiress and that Piltover wasn't as glamorous as it seemed by revealing her deepest secret.

This would allow Jinx to lower her guard and eliminate the barrier between them caused by their different social statuses.

Unexpectedly, Caitlyn's comment, "Either in Zaun," still provoked Jinx.

Although Jinx could tell that Caitlyn was unintentional and that what she said was merely speculation, she couldn't help but keep thinking about it.

This resulted in Jinx being somewhat listless when she woke up this morning, and she even took the initiative to avoid Caitlyn.

However, Jinx has stopped being difficult now.

She understood the efforts Caitlin had made the night before to gain her trust.

While moved, he also took the initiative to consider Caitlin's feelings—wasn't there a suspicion that the criminal might be hiding among the law enforcement officers? Then they shouldn't clash with the officers on the bridge, lest they alert the criminal.

Anyway, taking a detour now would only be embarrassing, and Jinx really doesn't care.

She was actually worried that Caitlin was too concerned about saving face, and then...

"According to Article 12 of the Piltover Law Amendment, no organization or individual has the right to set up a checkpoint on the Bridge of Progress without authorization."

"Your behavior today is a blatant disregard for the laws of Piltover!"

Caitlin pushed Jinx aside, straightened her back, and sternly reprimanded the two law enforcement officers in front of her.

Unfortunately, her demeanor, which clearly indicated her intention to reason, initially surprised the two officers, but instead provoked them to even more blatant discrimination as they became enraged.

"Yes, yes!"

The tall law enforcement officer straightened his back, his face flushed, and refused to budge an inch.

He felt overwhelmed by the aura of a "Zu'an girl" and couldn't help but feel annoyed.

"You can recite the laws well, but those are the laws of Piltover! Let me tell you, only Piltover people can discuss Piltover's laws!"

"You peasant from Zu'an, stay out of our way!"

After the tall law enforcement officer finished speaking, realizing he lacked confidence, he simply had his companion stand with him, while simultaneously setting up riot shields and batons, clearly determined not to let Aaron and his group pass.

"Pittaro people can disregard the laws, but Zaun people are required to strictly abide by them...?"

Caitlin looked at the law enforcement officer in front of her, who, having lost face, had become even more aggressive and determined to block their path, and an inexplicable sense of absurdity welled up within her:

When she was in Zaun, she was often treated differently because she was from Piltover. But she still managed to meet people like Jinx and Aaron who were willing to discuss things objectively.

Now, she's being treated like a Zaunite by Piltover's enforcers, but she doesn't even have the chance to prove her identity; all she's left with is unreasonable discrimination.

The rumors that have circulated for years about how awful the people of Zaun are now, it seems, are the opposite...

"They're all the same."

"Both cities have good people, and both have criminals who escape justice, so why...?"

Caitlin didn't argue anymore, but instead, as if resigned to her fate, she muttered to herself and took two steps back.

The law enforcement officer thought she was frightened and was extremely pleased with himself.

They made it clear that they were specifically blocking Aaron and his two companions today, while indicating that the other civilians who were also blocked could pass.

"Tch, what are you pretending for?"

The tall law enforcement officer spat dismissively.

He had stopped Aaron and the others because they were dressed like typical Zaunites, and he was just looking for some fun.

If Aaron and his group were willing to back down and satisfy his desire for a superior position, the matter would be over.

After all, he wouldn't dare to actually block the bridge on his own.

Ironically, from the perspective of the law enforcement officer, there was Caitlin, this clueless and reckless young woman who didn't know the rules.

How dare you recite Piltover's laws in front of the Piltover people?

Then you can forget about getting anything today...

"Sir!"

The tall law enforcement officer was halfway through his smug thought when he suddenly heard his companion say something like this.

He looked back and saw a man with his hands behind his back and a serious expression standing on the bridge.

"Chief Marcos!"

The tall law enforcement officer was so frightened that his mouth trembled.

He quickly stood at attention and then saluted shakily, as if afraid that the other party would discover that he had just blocked the bridge without permission.

Although both bear the title of "sheriff," Sheriff Marcos, who is in charge of the entire Piltover law enforcement team, is worlds apart from the sheriff who investigated the cargo ship fire.

Since the once highly respected Sheriff Grayson died unexpectedly nine years ago, Marcos, who used to be Grayson's lackey, has now become a big shot in Piltover.

He didn't even need to say a word; his words were enough to silence the two arrogant and domineering law enforcement officers.

"According to Article 12 of the Piltover Law Amendment, no organization or individual has the right to set up a checkpoint on the Bridge of Progress without authorization."

Marcos remained silent for a moment, then began reciting legal statutes.

However, after he finished speaking, he quietly added, "This will not happen again," and that was it—he let the two law enforcement officers go.

Aaron and the others, who were standing still, naturally noticed Marcos as well.

However, unlike the other Zaun civilians who feared the law enforcement officers like tigers, the three had different expressions, but all remained calm as they met Marcos's gaze as he slowly approached.

After pondering for a moment, Aaron suddenly realized what was happening and even took two steps forward, extending his hand to Marcos.

"Nice to meet you, Sheriff."

"I am Aaron. I'm sure Senators Jess and Gilaman have mentioned me to you."

Aaron smiled and pointed to Jinx and Caitlin.

"Thanks to the Sheriff's help, my companion and I found Miss Caitlin in Zaun in just one day."

"I think we should go and share the good news with MP Giraman, shouldn't we?"