Volume 3 Chapter 161 Sarah Can’t Choose, But She Chooses When ♡
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Kian’s group departed the ancient temple under the cover of night. With them were five female Wolfmen warriors, three Guild staff members, and Demete.
Upon arriving in Ramsey, the Wolfmen and Guild staff split off to gather supplies for the larger party. Meanwhile, Demete made contact with Owl in secret, requesting clearance to use the dragonfly air route over the city and authorization for Umar’s party to teleport.
Back when Natra’s group crossed the Great Forest, they hadn’t been able to anchor a pin into the Spiritual Vein to stabilize its flow. That made crossing Izerland without risk nearly impossible. Ramsey became their only safe passage. Because Demete had the ability to open teleportation gates, he was selected as the negotiator.
Linca’s Nue was already packed—Guild staff, Demete, and two Wolfmen girls. The rest would ride on Kian’s Wing Cain.
Still, with their return trip in mind, it might be wise to increase the number of Wing Cains…
If they prepared twenty swarms, there’d be no problem carrying supplies. But controlling that many near the ancient temple might be too unstable under Kian’s current ability. In the end, they settled on a compromise—use ten, and have the rest of the transport managed by Demete and the others.
”Sir Kian, may I have a moment?”
After crossing the swamp and reaching a wide field, the group took a long rest. Natra approached Kian with a firm expression.
Morning mist drifted lightly as everyone found a spot to relax.
Kian stirred a pot of breakfast soup, glancing toward her.
”What is it?”
Natra placed a small magic stone lamp at her feet, then quickly scanned the area.
Demete was off speaking with Rufna. Sarah and Serena were practicing sword drills in a clearing. The Wolfmen girls were chasing each other, their laughter echoing faintly, while the Guild staff gathered under a tree, writing up reports for the Ramsey branch.
No one seemed to be listening.
”I have a report,” Natra said quietly. “It’s about what happened yesterday. In the courtyard.”
”The lady’s poison?”
”Yes. You’ve caught on quickly.”
”You seemed troubled about where she got it. I figured you might’ve investigated afterward. Someone like you wouldn’t let it go.”
”I did…”
”No one’s paying attention. Just tell me what you found.”
Natra stepped closer.
”The culprit is most likely Lord Umar.”
”What proof do you have?”
”None, directly. But one of the Wolfmen guards said that three days ago, an old warrior monk entered the hall where the lady was kept. Not long after, he heard her groaning in pain. While he hesitated to step in, the monk emerged. Since she was still alive, no one made a report.”
”If I were Yelmar, I’d have fired that guy.”
”I doubt he’ll return to that temple anymore,” Natra said with a shrug. “So I don’t really care.”
Kian scooped some soup into a small bowl and tasted it.
”…Lacking a bit of salt,” he muttered, then took a small bottle from his pocket and added a pinch.
”And the monk?”
”Two days ago, they tied him up and threw him into the gate. What came back… was only the cut rope.”
”Still, there’s no hard evidence. The guard’s story can’t be verified. So we can’t conclude Umar gave the order.”
”But Lord Umar is known for his poisons. In his youth, he gained wealth and status by trading them. If the lady had died, the Wolfmen might’ve shifted allegiance—to my side.”
”She died in a cage. The choice to drink the poison likely came from her own will. Calling it murder might not be accurate.”
When Kian said that, Natra shook her head.
”If it wasn’t a lethal potion,” she said, “then it might’ve been something else—something meant to calm her or help her think clearly. But if the message was twisted, she could’ve misunderstood it.”
”That’s speculation.”
”True. But… leaving Lady Serena behind and ensuring their own safety? That’s not what a parent would do.”
”Your mother—Lady Talarene—would never abandon you.”
”Exactly.”
Kian gently wiped the small tasting bowl and returned it to his travel set. Then he looked back at her.
”I understand what you’re saying. You’ve done well.”
”We’re not finished.” Natra’s eyes narrowed. “If the culprit really is Lord Umar—no, I’m certain it’s him—then he cannot be allowed to live.”
Kian fell silent.
”He wounds, tramples, and kills without hesitation,” Natra continued. “And he feels no remorse. The fact that he disposed of his old friend, the monk, like that… it’s twisted. No matter how weak he’s become, or how far he’s fallen, a man like that mustn’t be left alive. He must never meet with Princess Maribel.”
”He holds Jibril’s army by the throat. And he knows all the secrets of Vahid’s magic and insect arts. The princess values that knowledge. I can’t kill him based on my own judgment alone.”
”Still—”
”Still, after he passes his knowledge to Maribel and secures her a place in Izerland, there’ll be no more reason to keep him. Once we enter Ramsey, kill him the moment Demete steps into the inn. If we don’t remove Umar, we can’t move forward.”
”Should we let him board a dragonfly to Izerland?”
”Or have someone open a gate. You can ask a Guild staff member—or Natasha. Either will do.”
”…Understood.”
Natra gave a short nod and turned away. She called out to Rufna, and together they headed off into the wilderness, bows in hand, ready for deer hunting.
”It smells good.”
Demete, now alone, walked over.
Kian smiled faintly.
”Thanks. I’m not sure if it’ll suit elven taste, though.”
”I’ve had your cooking before. I like your flavor. It reminds me of home.”
”What about Umar? Did he remind you of that too?”
”No. He took me in after my homeland burned down. I was just a street orphan in Azrael. He let me into the community.”
”…I see. I have to admit, I don’t know much about you—or Umar.”
”Sir Umar was our hope,” Demete said softly. “Back when there were few shelters, the slums were all we had. He was the king of that world. A lonely and beautiful king. But he had nothing—not even luck. In that, we were alike.”
”Unlucky, huh?”
”Yes. Unlike you,” Demete said, “who had food, clothes, a roof. You even went to the monastery.”
He paused.
”…I’ve said too much,” he murmured, turning away. He still couldn’t force even a simple smile.
As a negotiator, he was painfully average.
Kian placed the lid on the pot and lowered the flame.
With nothing left to do but wait, he watched Sarah and Serena training while practicing mental sword forms in his mind.
”Sir Kian.”
”…Linca, huh?” he replied without turning. “The soup still hasn’t softened the root vegetables. Please wait a little longer.”
Kian glanced briefly at the Eastern beauty who had come in place of Demete. She wasn’t looking for Demete, but instead watched Natra, who was heading out for deer hunting with Rufna.
”Did something happen to Natra?”
”No… I was already told beforehand, but she looks exactly the same. I also talked with Ms. Rufna, and it seems she hasn’t changed inside either.”
Linca folded her arms under the white cloak wrapped around her. Her modestly larger breasts pushed against her black Eastern dress.
”In reality, it’s almost exactly the same. The Wraith’s spirit form mimics the original brain cells. Their thoughts, memories, everything—they’re so close only someone who knows them deeply would notice something off. Since they tend to instinctively like me, I might be the only one who can tell.”
”I feel kind of strange.”
”Sarah isn’t fond of them either. Well, hopefully, they’ll get along eventually.”
As he said this, Kian casually watched Linca’s face. She had been alone, feeding a raccoon from afar, so he thought she came to talk because she was lonely—but judging by her expression, that wasn’t the case.
As expected, Linca spoke again.
”What did you talk about with Ms. Natra?”
”Nothing important. I’ll tell you later if I want to.”
”Are you saying the person who poisoned the lady could be Sir Umar?”
”No.”
”It’s not that I’m trying to trick you…”
Linca gave a bitter smile and sat down right next to Kian. Although she wore shorts under her black mini-skirt, it was still quite eye-catching next to her. His mind almost wandered, but since this wasn’t the atmosphere, he kept his thoughts serious.
”I don’t oppose killing Sir Umar. In fact, it’s probably better to kill him.”
”Come to think of it, wasn’t your mission to kill Umar, who had escaped?”
Linca shook her head.
”Yes, but I no longer care about the mission. Regardless, Sir Umar should be disposed of the moment he becomes useless. Otherwise, both you and I will keep being targets.”
”That’s true. Umar knows I intend to kill him. And he’s not the kind of fool who would leave a dangerous enemy alive. —But Rufna and Sarah say Umar and I can understand each other.”
”Oh. Is that why Sir Kian has been looking so down?”
”…Did you notice?”
”Yes. I’m sensitive to such changes.”
Linca puffed out her chest proudly. She was quite large, even for an Eastern woman.
Kian casually started training with a wooden sword, floating small stones with it.
”What do you think? Setting aside whether to kill or not, do you think Umar and I could understand each other?”
”Heh, you already know. He harshly scolded you countless times in public since you were a child, and in private, he coldly ignored you. When you understood things, he offered you up as a husband just to control Nakash. Even then, he couldn’t hide his disgust, and in the end, he used Ms. Sarah to expel both your body and soul from Azrael. Is this what a parent would do? A monster, or maybe a demon.”
Linca continued.
”Sir Umar does not have a heart for people. He probably sees you as a broken tool or a thorn in his side.”
”So, saying that I cannot understand Umar is not just my own opinion?”
”We were persecutors and persecuted as children, and even when we reunited as adults, we hated each other. A seventy-year-old man and a thirty-year-old man—this isn’t a child’s quarrel. Normally, reconciliation is impossible. It’s like the Beastmen and humans fighting.”
”Does that mean Rufna and Sarah are wrong?”
Kian muttered, and Linca shook her head.
”From their perspective, reconciliation is possible. So within them, it is the right answer. I don’t know much about Miss Rufna, but I know Ms. Sarah. She was Sir Umar’s beloved disciple.”
”Beloved disciple? Of insect techniques?”
”Including insect techniques, she was his life’s mentor. Ms. Sarah came to Vahid’s house when she was eight and learned insect and golem techniques for the family. She did so until you were exiled. She was thrown into Vahid’s house suddenly, knowing nothing, and was helped a lot by the kind-faced Sir Umar. You also had a hard time, but Ms. Sarah did too.”
”I didn’t know any of that.”
”Ms. Sarah is wise. She must have realized, even as a child, that her betrothed and stepfather’s relationship wasn’t good. To avoid stirring your emotions and to be liked by Sir Umar, she maneuvered so skillfully that I, someone her age, cannot understand it. She was always careful not to let you find out about her relationship with Sir Umar.”
Linca stared intently at Sarah and Serena, training in the distance.
”Also, Sir Umar cared for Ms. Sarah like his own daughter. At first, she was just one of his cards to bring in Nakash, but gradually, his gaze toward her changed. Unfortunately, he began to see her more like a blood-related child than he ever did toward Sir Kian.”
”────”
Hearing that, a fierce anger boiled inside him.
It wasn’t just anger—it was jealousy. Jealousy over the love his father held for Sarah. And more than that, jealousy because Sarah’s affection for Kian was never whole.
Still, he pushed the feelings down right away. Except for Umar, he knew Sarah well enough.
Sarah wasn’t good at organizing, but that wasn’t because she was careless. She simply couldn’t throw things away.
Yes, she couldn’t “throw things away.”
She kept stuffing everything important deep inside her heart, over and over.
But a human’s capacity was limited. The more important people she had, the less love she could give each one.
Even as her feelings faded, she stayed bound.
That was exactly what she was doing by trying to mend the broken Nakash family.
Once, Sarah had tried to save Kian. But ironically, she never had the strength to do it. From that view, their break-up at fifteen was inevitable.
”Sir Umar first loved Ms. Sarah’s talents,” Linca said calmly, “Then, little by little, he was drawn to her earnest smile and her sincere efforts. If you ask me, there were other things he should have focused his love on.”
”So Umar was shocked when Sarah rejected his help.”
”Yes. That’s why Ms. Sarah defends Sir Umar. She doesn’t want to stir your emotions too much. She hopes you two can someday stand side by side.”
”I see.”
Linca’s understanding of Sarah was clear now.
But even if that was true, Kian had no choice but to kill Umar.
Sarah was different—completely different—from Kian. They would never truly understand each other.
”So, if that’s how it is, why don’t you forget about Sarah and live a life full of passion with me instead?” Linca teased.
”I can’t forget about Sarah. No matter who she is, I want her to be happy. That will never change.”
”After hearing my story, you still say that?”
”I’m broad-minded.”
”That’s a lie.”
Linca smirked and locked sparkling eyes on him.
”Sir Kian, you’re truly a mystery. The more I learn about you, the more fascinating you become.”
”I think I’m pretty boring, actually.”
”No, no.”
Linca’s smile widened, bright as white light.
”You show deep compassion sometimes, but other times you make cold, fair judgments without hesitation. When you decide to help, you never fail. And when you need to kill, you bring death without mercy. Now I understand why Sir Umar exiled you—you truly deserve to be a lord.”
”What do you really know about me?”
”Not much. But if I don’t know, I can learn.”
”You’ll never understand me.”
”Maybe. But I’m probably a better match for you than Sarah.”
Linca stood and stretched.
”Isn’t it time to get moving? Ms. Natra and the others seem to have hunted some prey for Wing Cain. Let’s have breakfast.”
* * *
After breakfast, he called Sarah and told her he planned to kill Demete. Then, her expression shifted quickly.
”No, you can’t do that.”
”I’m sorry, but I can’t let Umar live. To stop him, I have to eliminate Demete—he can teleport and escape.”
”No, absolutely not!”
While everyone tidied up quietly, Sarah approached, careful not to be noticed. Demete was heading to the restroom.
”If you do that, you’ll end up fighting Sir Umar.”
”That’s the plan.”
”Why…? He’s your real father. Yes, he says cruel things every time you meet, but that’s just an old habit. He’s too stubborn to back down now.”
”Sarah, do you really think your words will reach me? I am undeniably his victim.”
”…!”
Natra, Rufna, and Linca naturally stepped forward from those cleaning. Sarah looked at Rufna.
”Rufna, say something!”
”I’m not here to judge,” Rufna said quietly. “Master, you’re already prepared. Nothing I say will change that. Maybe this is how it has to end. It’s sad, but…”
”That’s… wrong!”
”Then leave the party.”
”Leave the party?” Sarah was stunned.
Kian nodded.
”If you carry regret, it will slow down future cooperation. But I will take care of you until the end, even if you leave. And if you want, I’ll keep your name on the list for points.”
”I told you, you need my power! So why… why?”
”Because you’re on Umar’s side.”
”────! I don’t really… I never meant it like that.”
”No need to apologize. Just tell me your decision.”
”…! Kian, what’s wrong all of a sudden?”
”I’m the same as always. I don’t know what you’re thinking, but this is just… Kian Vahid.”
”What do you mean?”
”You don’t know me well enough. If you want to be my woman, you have to understand my true self better.”
”True self? Kian is kind, emotional, sometimes cool──”
”…!”
Sarah dropped to her knees on command. Her mind was clear enough to resist, but if she fought, Natra and Linca would almost certainly hurt her badly.
She bit her lip and looked up at Kian, trembling under his dark, fierce gaze.
”If you choose a third option, my love for you will run out.”
”──Ah…”
”You won’t need to save the Nakash family anymore.”
”No—I will never forgive you for that!”
”Please.”
Kian glanced left and right. Linca bowed respectfully, and Rufna followed with a graceful nod, lowering her head to the future lord.
Natra, like Rufna, had doubted Sarah’s place from the start.
If Sarah left, they would revive Lyritisse, whom Rean had abandoned. Though her close-range skills were weak now, she was more than capable of taking Sarah’s place.
The promise with Sarah would be honored by lending her the development domain of Dacia.
Kian could give Sarah the economic foundation to reclaim her friends without needing to work—a true salvation, since she could never shed her massive ‘debt.’
For Kian, that was the greatest love he could offer her now.
”Sarah, choose like you did fifteen years ago,” Kian said, his hand gently stroking her cheek.
People nearby started gathering, but the conversation had already lost momentum.
”Umar or me—tell us clearly which side you’ll stand on,” Kian said firmly, his voice steady. “You only have one life. You can’t both lean on me for power and money to help Nakash and also support Umar as his beloved daughter. You have to choose.”
”…!”
”You’ve already made your choice, haven’t you?”
Sarah’s resolve snapped—just like it did fifteen years ago.
Even after becoming Azrael’s Death Sword User, she had kept bending to others. But now, she couldn’t pretend anymore.
”As I declared before you and Sir Umar, I will obey you,” Sarah said firmly, pressing a kiss to the back of Kian’s hand.
* * *
Later, when they arrived in Ramsey, Demete entered his inn room unaware.
Kian and Natra quickly tore off his limbs and crushed his throat with a single fist.
They left the final strike to Sarah.
Though she apologized to Umar, her lingering ties to the Nakash family made her take Demete’s life herself.
As she wept, feeling as if she had cut a part of herself away, Kian held her close and whispered, “I love you.”
”I’m here. You only need to look at me.”
At his words, Sarah clung to him tightly, burying her face against his chest.
* * *
Soft sounds escaped Sarah as she moved gently in Kian’s arms.
In the quiet room of the adventurer’s inn in Ramsey, Kian sat on the large bed, watching her carefully.
Sarah, naked, held onto him closely, her legs spread and hips shifting slowly. Sometimes, she drew him deeper with careful movements.
She clung to him warmly, the touch of her skin full of quiet urgency. Sweat shone on her, and the faint scent of honey soap filled the air.
Her eyes lost their usual fire, her breath uneven, and a small trail of drool slipped down. It reminded Kian of a faded picture he once saw—a warrior who had given herself over completely.
”It feels… good,” she whispered, clinging tightly.
Kian held steady, able to meet her endless need perfectly.
He took hold of the back of her head, pressing her lips to him. When he gently moved inside, she responded quickly. The fresh scent of mint reached him as a pale hand slipped around from behind.
”Hehe, Ms. Sarah, you look a bit worn out.”
”──! Stop it!”
”Even the ‘Azrael’s Death Sword User’ can’t compare to a true mark of strength. You deserve this.”
”…”
”Hey, Kian, why don’t you leave her and come with me? I’m tired of waiting.”
”──!? No! Please don’t go! Stay with me, Kian!”
”Looks like I’ve won.”
Linca’s smile grew, clearly enjoying Sarah’s broken spirit.
Irritated by Linca’s teasing, Kian decided to confront her too.
”Nyah.”
He pulled away from Sarah and set her on his lap, running his hand through her smooth black hair.
Behind him, he showed off confidently, his magic sword standing strong as Linca watched eagerly.
”Hey, Linca.”
”──────♡♡♡”
”Don’t just watch. Serve me too.”
”Yes♡”
”Winning or losing doesn’t matter. Both you and Sarah are my precious women.”
He looked down at Linca as she knelt eagerly between his legs.
Sarah slid from his lap onto the bed, leaning against his shoulder, silently asking for a kiss. She pressed her lips softly to his, exchanging gentle touches and warmth.
The closeness between them sent a quiet, familiar scent into the air.
Next were Natra and Rufna.
It had been a while, so he planned to give them careful attention.
Soft, muffled sounds came from Linca as she moved closer. Her face was focused, her tongue flicking gently. The shared sensations made her touch feel tender and familiar, as if they were perfectly in sync.
As he fought to hold back, his hips shifting slightly, Sarah caught his gaze again. Kissing her once more brought a small smile to her lips, and she met him with quiet eagerness.
”Kian, come here.”
”Y-yes.”
Sarah was in his left hand, Linca in his right.
Holding both of them, he pressed his fingers lightly against their soft curves. Linca sighed softly, leaning against him.
The three of them shared quiet kisses, their breaths mingling gently.
”Kian…”
”Sir Kian…”
Linca’s hands moved skillfully, while Sarah’s gentle touches encouraged him.
Linca’s skin was moist and warm, while Sarah’s was smooth with a lighter touch. Their subtle scents mixed in the air—Sarah’s more delicate and sweet, Linca’s a little richer and earthier.
Their breasts pressed against his chest, warm and soft, wrapping him completely in their embrace.
Without resistance, he let them settle over him as he reclined on the bed.
Slowly, his hands moved from their backs to rest between their legs.
Linca’s touch was full and lingering, while Sarah’s was light but precise. Kian rubbed gently at two delicate places, while his fingers traced softly inside, bringing quiet pleasure.
Soft, quiet sounds of contentment filled the space.
Sarah held back, steady, while Linca’s breathing grew heavier. Their warmth pressed from both sides.
”No… not yet…”
The first to reach release was Sarah, who quietly gave in to the moment. She gently squeezed Kian’s hand and leaned against his chest, breath catching.
Next, Linca shivered and moved softly, finishing beside Sarah with a quiet smile.
As they lovingly tended to him, Kian kissed them both in turn, feeling the long-awaited connection deepen.
Together, they shared a peaceful, gentle moment that marked their closeness.
Notes:
• Demete – A male dark elf shaman and a servant in the Umar household.
• Linca – Jibril’s favorite girl. High-ranking warrior monk woman from Shin, with strong abilities like ignoring attacks and poisons.
• Nue – A Shikigami summoned by Linca. It has the appearance of a monster with a tiger’s limbs and a monkey’s head. Nue is a powerful but dangerous creature that requires a skilled magician to control.
• Serena – Wolfmen Girl
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply