The fluctuation of Garde's power had caught Saria's attention, leading her to suspect that Garde might have come to Ibut Lord Ameer Residency.
However, she didn't voice her thoughts in front of Kal'tsit.
Although they had endured hardships together before, Saria didn't have much fondness for Kal'tsit. She couldn't shake the feeling that Garde harbored a special affection for her.
Could it be that Garde liked someone like Kal'tsit?
Back in her room, Saria felt uneasy about the chaos outside. She was now certain that the turmoil had been caused by Garde.
The disturbance occurred at the location of the Ibut Lord Ameer's residence. Apart from Garde, Saria couldn't think of anyone bold enough to challenge the Ibut region—and not just one Lord Ameer, but three.
On reflection, it had been a week since they left the Hotlands. Given a courier's speed, a week was enough time for their message to reach Melun City.
So, did Garde rush here immediately after receiving the news?
A faint warmth spread through Saria's heart.
In this materialistic world, where people were cold and indifferent, only that Adakrys from the rainforest could bring her a shred of comfort.
Why would Garde go against the Lord Ameers if not for her? Could it be for that white-haired old Feline woman instead?
Sitting on the couch with her knees pulled up, Saria rested her cheek against her legs. Her orange eyes stared at the glowing Ascension Power in her hands, lost in thought.
One minute, two minutes… Ten minutes had passed since the commotion began, yet Garde hadn't come to find her.
What if the chaos wasn't caused by Garde?
What if it was someone else?
What if everything was just her wishful thinking?
Moonlight spilled into the living room through the balcony window.
Suddenly, a shadow blocked part of the light, appearing silently on the balcony. A soft knock came at the window.
"What's this, Ms. Saria? Thinking about me?"
Saria quickly turned her head. A tall figure stood at the window. Seeing her gaze, he grinned, revealing sharp, gleaming teeth.
At the sight of him, all Saria's doubts and anxieties dissipated. It felt as if, as long as he was standing in front of her, all her hardships melted away, like sugar stirred into a bitter cup of coffee.
"You're back."
Saria's personality wouldn't allow her to act like a young girl and fling herself into Garde's arms, but Garde had no such reservations.
As soon as she opened the window, Garde swept her up in a tight embrace, pulling her close to him.
"My dear Ms. Saria, surprised? Happy?"
Garde's intensely focused gaze bore into Saria's seemingly composed face, waiting until she finally averted her eyes and replied softly, "Mm."
Once in her room, Garde made himself at home as if it were his own place. Holding Saria in his arms, he sat down on the couch.
The couch, clearly designed for Terrans with tails, had a groove at the junction of the cushion and backrest for tail placement. But Garde's tail was too large to fit.
It didn't matter, though. Garde didn't need a place for his tail. Curling it around to the front, he used it like a hand, wrapping it around Saria's waist, holding her close in a face-to-face position, seated on his lap.
"So, tell me, my dear Ms. Saria, have those Sargon Lord Ameers been bullying you these past days?"
This level of intimacy was a first for Saria, and it felt unfamiliar. Yet, she quickly adapted, her fingers brushing against Garde's face.
"Do you think I'm someone who would let others bully me?"
Saria tilted her head back, her expression calm as she looked at Garde. He smiled.
"Of course not. But if anyone did bully you, I'd be very upset."
Garde wasn't a petty person. However, if Saria had suffered any grievances, he wouldn't let Elliot take credit for killing the Ibut Lord Ameer.
"How long will you stay here?"
"Maybe a month, maybe two. Until I get a definitive answer, I can't leave."
In his original world, even if it's across continents, communication would be just a phone call away.
But on Terra, long-distance communication relies entirely on couriers. From the Ibut region to Columbia, it would take at least half a month for a courier to deliver a message to its destination.
As the leader of this operation, Saria couldn't leave under such circumstances.
"What a hassle."
"Don't act recklessly!"
"I know, I know. I'll be studying there soon. If I get wanted as a terrorist, I won't be able to stay."
Garde held Saria in his arms, speaking calmly.
"Rhine Labs is your life's work. You protect it, and I protect you. There are many ways to solve problems in this world; I just prefer the simplest one."
Violence can't solve every problem, but it can solve most of them. If something can't be resolved, it's usually because the violence isn't sufficient.
At the very least, violence can ensure self-preservation.
Garde wasn't one to initiate violence, but if someone dared to provoke him, he wouldn't hold back.
"Sorry."
"Why are you apologizing to me?"
"If I stay here, I won't be able to accompany you to Columbia."
"I could stay…"
"No, I'm not so fragile that I need you by my side all the time."
Saria looked at Garde, her resolute gaze softening.
"You have your own goals to pursue."
She remembered what had happened before Garde agreed to go to the Hotlands: the arrival of the Seaborn, the Abyssal Hunters, and their eventual departure.
Garde hadn't gone to the Hotlands for her initially.
Saria didn't want to keep taking from Garde. She knew he had already given her—and Rhine Labs—so much. The only thing she could give in return was her love.
She liked Garde. From the moment they first met, she had felt drawn to him. Maybe it had started as curiosity, but the more time she spent with him, the more she realized that Garde was always at the forefront, always taking the most dangerous position.
It wasn't something he had to do, but he did it anyway—and did it well.
When had she started depending on Garde?
Rhine Labs was her life's work, so she protected it, no matter the cost. But who was there to protect her?
When she was struggling, in need of help, it wasn't anyone else who stood by her. It was Garde.
In the Hotlands, in the second life she had inside the Nightzmora dreams, in the ancient cities—Garde's presence was always there.
Even now, when the Sargon Lord Ameers had confined her, Garde was the first to rush to her side after hearing the news.
She didn't know when she had started to be captivated by him.
In the Nightzmora Knight's dream, even though she had come close to giving up on the real world and decided to live the fake second life as if it's her real one, it was Garde who ultimately came to her rescue.
From that moment, Saria knew she couldn't forget Garde.
It didn't matter if this crocodile man still had feelings for others. It didn't matter if he didn't like her or if everything he did had nothing to do with her.
Yes, she thought, perhaps she had fallen for him.
She felt sadness when she saw him with other women. She felt hurt when he ignored her.
Although she had once said that emotional outbursts were meaningless, she herself couldn't control herself.
Now, just when she had finally confirmed their relationship, she faced months of separation.
Saria couldn't bear it. She couldn't stand this weak version of herself.
If she were willing to abandon Rhine Labs, if she were willing to give up everything, she would follow Garde wherever he went.
But Garde had chosen her as she was.
Saria sat up on Garde's lap, her hands brushing over his chest as her body pressed against his.
"Garde, before we part, can you stay with me a little longer?"
Garde realized what Saria wanted, but he thought it was too soon. They should spend more time together before taking such steps.
However, Saria leaned closer, her pink lips brushing against his ear as she whispered in a commanding tone, "Garde, are you hesitating at a time like this?"
How could he hesitate?
Without a second thought, Garde flipped Saria onto the couch, pinning her down.
"How could one not eat meat that is delivered to their mouth?"
The crocodile man's sinister laughter echoed in the living room.
"Ms. Saria, I just hope you've cleared your schedule for tomorrow."
<+>
If you want to see more chapter of this story and don't mind spending $5 monthly to see till the latest chapter, please go to my Patreon[1]
Latest Chapter in Patreon: Volume 2 Chapter 56: Faith and Truth[2]
Link to the Latest Chapter: https://www.patreon.com/posts/butcher-of-126110418[3]
https://www.patreon.com/Thatsnakegirl[4]
[1] https://www.patreon.com/Thatsnakegirl
[2] https://www.patreon.com/posts/butcher-of-126110418
[3] https://www.patreon.com/posts/butcher-of-126110418
[4] https://www.patreon.com/Thatsnakegirl