Chapter 88: 88
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\u003cLover's Grace\u003e - Genuine lovers of every background are blessed perpetually by the Goddess of Love, Era. As such, Healing effects to you are increased by 15%, and whenever you spend time with your lover, your Speech and Luck increases by 15 points.
That's the description that was given to Isamu by the System shortly after he received the blessing. After reading the blessing, the cat-folk dismissed the notification in favor of looking at Sarah, who is currently lying unconscious on her bed at her home moments later.
After a few minutes, Sarah's eyes slowly turn open, and the first thing that her sight greeted is her feline love-interest, who she has been secretly admiring for the past three months. Even after the cat-folk finished his farming duties in pursuit of his training with the orc Baron, Sarah visited him very often after work as she definitely enjoys spending time with Isamu after a long day of work in the fields.
"I-isamu." The brown-haired young woman stuttered in surprise as she initiated the conversation with him and smiled awkwardly with a huge blush on her beautiful face. "I just had a bizarre dream, hehe. It involves you practicing some love confession to old man Bren, and I was behind you two witnessing it all. Funny, right?"
"About that." Isamu looked away slightly a bit shyly with his appearance red. "It's not a dream. That confession is unquestionably meant for you."
"Oh!!" Sarah's reaction became even more flustered as she fidgeted her fingers timidly, unbecoming of her usual outgoing personality. "I…, I see. Old man Bren sure likes to make fun out of us, hehe. Oh my, is it getting hot in here?"
"Sarah." Isamu, at this moment, abandoned all reservedness as he looked at his love-interest with a stern look, much to the girl's utmost surprise. "I know that my confession was all too sudden, and I can understand your hesitance and reject me since I'm a cat-folk and of a much different race. But even so, I-"
Isamu was spared no chance whatsoever in finishing his statement as Sarah suddenly pulled him to her by his scarf and immediately wasted no time as she kissed the cat-folk to the lips right here and now.
Indeed, Isamu's eyes widen at this sudden and heart-stirring action as both of them shared the beautiful moment of their lips lovingly touching with one another willingly, closing their eyes in a state of sensational bliss.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end as both of them released themselves from the warm grasp that they find themselves in.
Sarah, with all her shyness and awkwardness finally gone, looked at the cat-folk straight in the eyes with a determined look, fitting for a strong woman such as her.
"Don't you ever say that." The young woman said firmly, causing Isamu to be taken aback by the serious look that she is displaying to him. "It matters not what race you are. I fell in love with you because of your pleasant company and personality, and my heart quivers uncontrollably whenever you are around with me. I love you too, Isamu, and that's the only thing that matters."
"S-sarah," Isamu uttered her name with the utmost affection. "You made me the happiest cat-folk, no… happiest mortal man here in Silverhart. I'm incredibly lucky and honored to have a lovely woman, such as yourself in my life."
"Isamu." Additional words were no longer necessary as both of them wanted to taste the sweet sensation of their lips touching once more. With passion burning right at their very eyes, the newly formed couple kissed tenderly as they found solace in each other's presence, wanting this precious moment to last indefinitely.
"Oh my!!"
An older female's voice was heard, causing the lovers' moment to abruptly stop as two figures made themselves known and interrupted the romantic scene.
One of the figures, someone that the couple knew all too well, was no other than Bren himself, the old farmer who contributed to the inception of Isamu and Sarah's relationship in a comical manner. Beside him is a woman on her forties with long brown hair styled in a ponytail. Despite her age, one is not so blind to see that she still possesses a significant amount of beauty and refinement.
"Haha, they made quite a loving pair, right, Hannah?" Bren chuckled as he witnessed them in an awkward moment.
"Why, yes." The woman seemed to have agreed with the old man as she chuckled heartily. "My daughter certainly has chosen a rather unique person as her partner."
"E-elder Bren, Ma'am Hannah!!" Isamu was beyond shocked upon seeing the two familiar figures interrupting them, most notably the woman Hannah, who is actually the mother of the lady that he was kissing a few moments ago. "Let me explain!!"
"Oh, you don't have to, lad." Bren snickered in response to the couple. "As a devout follower of Lady Era, I know very well about matters relating to the affairs of love."
"Right," Isamu answered in a sheepish voice. He then turned his attention to Hannah with a flustered look. "Your daughter and I, we-"
"No worries, young man," Hannah assured the cat-folk as she waved her hand in a dismissing yet friendly manner. "My daughter has been passionately talking about you non-stop whenever we came back home from work. Frankly speaking, it's rather getting old as I hear her speeches almost every night of how her heart greatly yearns for you and many other things. With her finally gaining the love of her romantic interest, I would be spared from all the restless talking, haha."
"M-mother!!!." Sarah voiced out her shame as she looked the older woman. "Stop embarrassing me in front of my beloved!!"
"Oh, beloved, now is it?" Hannah took joy in teasing her daughter even further. "My daughter truly has become a woman today."
Sarah simply held her bedsheets and used it to cover her flustered face in sheer embarrassment about the whole matter.
'W-wow.' Isamu blinked in delightful surprise about how Hannah reacted positively regarding her daughter's case. 'She's rather open-minded about this.'
"Why don't you two stay for dinner?" Hanna offered Isamu and Bren in a welcoming manner. "I would love to talk to dear Isamu here about why he chose a mischievous girl like my daughter."
"We don't want to intrude, ma'am." Isamu displayed his modesty as he politely disagreed.
"Nonsense!! I'm sure my daughter would be thrilled to be dining alongside you." Hannah insisted with a smile. "If both of you are ready to step out of this room, you may wait at the dining table. Daughter, be a dear and help me with the cooking."
"Yes, mother." Sarah merely shook her head and sighed at her mother's antics.
As soon as Hannah left to cook for dinner, Isamu and Sarah eyed Bren with an accusing look.
"You conniving old man," Isamu said with an amused grin. "You planned for this to happen, didn't you?"
"Haha, of course!!" Bren laughed earnestly as he playfully tapped the cat-folk's shoulders. "It's nice to see young people genuinely expressing their love with one another. As one of Lady Era's worshipers, it's my duty and pleasure to bring two lovebirds together in a relationship born out of sincere romance."
"I suppose." It was Sarah who spoke up as she got up from the bed and approached the two men. "As much as I prefer Isamu confessing directly in front of me, you both have our thanks for your contributions in making this relationship of ours a reality."
"Your very welcome." Bren nodded gratefully at the thanks that he received. "Well, let's go out now, shall we? We don't want to keep your mother waiting."
With that, Bren went out first as he left the lovers alone once more inside the room.
Isamu and Sarah turned to look with one another intimately as they affectionately held hands before following Bren behind.
Indeed, it was the start of a budding new romance for the cat-folk and human.
***
Around a week has passed, and no news, unfortunately, has still been discovered regarding the issue about the Alchemist who was responsible for the missing Guild members.
Instead of thinking about the dark issue too much, the cat-folk together with his beloved Sarah found themselves in the Fighter's Retreat this early afternoon of Septima for some quality time together as they sat beside one another near a table.
The couple is not alone however, as they were accompanied by Gray and Selena, who was sitting as well in front of them. It was at this moment where Sarah was introduced personally by Isamu to his friends.
Sarah was undoubtedly astonished when she found out that Selena is really a Sentinel, but Isamu, with the help of Gray, explained that the girl's situation. Of course, they tweaked the story a little to not accidentally reveal Gray of his Paragon status, stating that she was born out of a scientific magic experiment of some sort by the elf's master, Rarsu.
After some enjoyable chatting, the elf currently is witnessed to be laughing in entertainment when Sarah regaled the tale of how Isamu confessed his love to her as they got together.
"Buwahahahahaha!!!!" Gray failed to contain his merriment upon hearing the story as he almost spitted out the ale that he was currently drinking. "Isamu really did that?!! I never pictured him to be a romantic type, to be honest."
Selena raised an eyebrow in amusement as she looked at Isamu with mental amusement. 'Huh, way to go, Love Tiger.'
"P-please, just stop." Isamu palmed his head in slight embarrassment with a small blush on his furry face. He then eyed his significant other with a look of deadpan. "Was it necessary to tell them of that embarrassing moment?"
"And why not?" Sarah smirked at him in amusement. "That's the sweetest thing that anyone has ever said to me in my whole life. Besides, all of the farmers already knew of it, so why not the entire town as well?"
"She sure is a keeper, Isamu." Gray stopped his laughter as he was genuinely happy for his friend's success. "You're indeed a lucky man err… cat."
"Isn't he?" Sarah agreed with the elf. A fun idea suddenly struck inside her head as he then proceeded to reach out to her lover's chin and caress it adoringly. "And if you pet him here, you can see that he's no different to a lovable little kitten."
Indeed, Isamu's reaction was utterly unbecoming of him. They all heard him purr hilariously as a result of Sarah performing the tender act like how someone does to a typical housecat.
Gray cackled while clutching his stomach in comedic pain. Simultaneously, Selena, not capable of concrete laughter, expressed the emotion by assuming telepathy inside all of her companion's minds and giggled inside their heads instead. As a result, Isamu twitched his head in annoyance at being subjected to the friendly mocking of his companions.
"S-sarah, damn it." Isamu was weak on his knees as he eventually succumbs to the pleasure of being stroked to the chin by his dear woman.
A few moments later, Sarah was satisfied with her petting as she released her hand from Isamu.
"Kah, please don't do that again, at least not in public." Isamu reddened furiously in response, with his eyes closed.
"Sorry, sorry, I just couldn't resist. You're just so cute and cuddly when you look and act like that, hehe." Sarah tapped her cat-folk lover's shoulder playfully in response.
Isamu simply shook his head amusingly in response to Sarah's playful nature. After all, it's one of the qualities that he so loves about the girl despite not admitting it.
"Anyways." The cat-folk said to Gray as he decided to shift the topic of the conversation, more specifically, regarding a particular female druid. "Where's that sparrow girl that has been following you, by the way?"
"Right above us," Gray replied nonchalantly as he pointed up at a wooden platform in the ceiling where Lily in her animal form is seen to be perching in a relaxing manner while keeping an eye vigilantly on the group. "Apparently, she's not comfortable with crowded places and decided to watch us from a distance."
Isamu shrugged his shoulders in acknowledgment as the four of them continued their chat.
"Sir Gray Allister?"
While in their talking, a young man in his early teens wearing a long-sleeved white shirt and brown pants made his presence known to the group.
Young Man
Lvl 8 \u003cSilverhartian\u003e
Health: 912 / 912
Stamina: 670 / 670
Mana: 190 / 190
"Yes?" The elf said as he and his companions looked at the boy in acknowledgment, wondering what's his business with him.
The boy then conjured a sealed letter and from his Inventory and gave it to Gray. "I came here by the order of our good Count as he cordially invites you, Lady Selena Allister, and Sir Isamu Meiyo to the royal court inside his keep this afternoon today at 4:00 pm sharp. That letter shall serve as your Invitation for you and your companions so that the guards will grant you entry without issue."
"The Count?" Gray titled his head in puzzlement. "Can you kindly tell me his business with someone like us?"
"I don't know, good sir." The young man replied with a slight frown. "I only did what was instructed to me by our liege."
"Alright." Gray nodded as he eyed the young man in appreciation. "Thanks for the message."
With his task complete, the young man bowed down in acknowledgment as he respectfully took his leave from the group's table.
"Strange." Isamu voiced out his view about the matter. "I wonder what the Ruler of Chadena himself wants with us?"
"Who knows," Gray said as he took a sip from his glass of ale. "We might as well not dwell about it and find out by meeting him in person."
"Let's depart then right away." Isamu nodded in agreement. He then faced Sarah as he gave her a goodbye kiss to the lips. "I'll see you again tonight later at your home?"
"Yes." Sarah nodded happily at the loving gesture that she received. "Don't be too late."
After bidding farewell to Sarah, the trio, with Lily trailing behind to follow them, left the tavern as they made their way into the keep at the Administration District to meet up with the Count of Chadena in person.
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\u003cLover's Grace\u003e - Genuine lovers of every background are blessed perpetually by the Goddess of Love, Era. As such, Healing effects to you are increased by 15%, and whenever you spend time with your lover, your Speech and Luck increases by 15 points.
That's the description that was given to Isamu by the System shortly after he received the blessing. After reading the blessing, the cat-folk dismissed the notification in favor of looking at Sarah, who is currently lying unconscious on her bed at her home moments later.
After a few minutes, Sarah's eyes slowly turn open, and the first thing that her sight greeted is her feline love-interest, who she has been secretly admiring for the past three months. Even after the cat-folk finished his farming duties in pursuit of his training with the orc Baron, Sarah visited him very often after work as she definitely enjoys spending time with Isamu after a long day of work in the fields.
"I-isamu." The brown-haired young woman stuttered in surprise as she initiated the conversation with him and smiled awkwardly with a huge blush on her beautiful face. "I just had a bizarre dream, hehe. It involves you practicing some love confession to old man Bren, and I was behind you two witnessing it all. Funny, right?"
"About that." Isamu looked away slightly a bit shyly with his appearance red. "It's not a dream. That confession is unquestionably meant for you."
"Oh!!" Sarah's reaction became even more flustered as she fidgeted her fingers timidly, unbecoming of her usual outgoing personality. "I…, I see. Old man Bren sure likes to make fun out of us, hehe. Oh my, is it getting hot in here?"
"Sarah." Isamu, at this moment, abandoned all reservedness as he looked at his love-interest with a stern look, much to the girl's utmost surprise. "I know that my confession was all too sudden, and I can understand your hesitance and reject me since I'm a cat-folk and of a much different race. But even so, I-"
Isamu was spared no chance whatsoever in finishing his statement as Sarah suddenly pulled him to her by his scarf and immediately wasted no time as she kissed the cat-folk to the lips right here and now.
Indeed, Isamu's eyes widen at this sudden and heart-stirring action as both of them shared the beautiful moment of their lips lovingly touching with one another willingly, closing their eyes in a state of sensational bliss.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end as both of them released themselves from the warm grasp that they find themselves in.
Sarah, with all her shyness and awkwardness finally gone, looked at the cat-folk straight in the eyes with a determined look, fitting for a strong woman such as her.
"Don't you ever say that." The young woman said firmly, causing Isamu to be taken aback by the serious look that she is displaying to him. "It matters not what race you are. I fell in love with you because of your pleasant company and personality, and my heart quivers uncontrollably whenever you are around with me. I love you too, Isamu, and that's the only thing that matters."
"S-sarah," Isamu uttered her name with the utmost affection. "You made me the happiest cat-folk, no… happiest mortal man here in Silverhart. I'm incredibly lucky and honored to have a lovely woman, such as yourself in my life."
"Isamu." Additional words were no longer necessary as both of them wanted to taste the sweet sensation of their lips touching once more. With passion burning right at their very eyes, the newly formed couple kissed tenderly as they found solace in each other's presence, wanting this precious moment to last indefinitely.
"Oh my!!"
An older female's voice was heard, causing the lovers' moment to abruptly stop as two figures made themselves known and interrupted the romantic scene.
One of the figures, someone that the couple knew all too well, was no other than Bren himself, the old farmer who contributed to the inception of Isamu and Sarah's relationship in a comical manner. Beside him is a woman on her forties with long brown hair styled in a ponytail. Despite her age, one is not so blind to see that she still possesses a significant amount of beauty and refinement.
"Haha, they made quite a loving pair, right, Hannah?" Bren chuckled as he witnessed them in an awkward moment.
"Why, yes." The woman seemed to have agreed with the old man as she chuckled heartily. "My daughter certainly has chosen a rather unique person as her partner."
"E-elder Bren, Ma'am Hannah!!" Isamu was beyond shocked upon seeing the two familiar figures interrupting them, most notably the woman Hannah, who is actually the mother of the lady that he was kissing a few moments ago. "Let me explain!!"
"Oh, you don't have to, lad." Bren snickered in response to the couple. "As a devout follower of Lady Era, I know very well about matters relating to the affairs of love."
"Right," Isamu answered in a sheepish voice. He then turned his attention to Hannah with a flustered look. "Your daughter and I, we-"
"No worries, young man," Hannah assured the cat-folk as she waved her hand in a dismissing yet friendly manner. "My daughter has been passionately talking about you non-stop whenever we came back home from work. Frankly speaking, it's rather getting old as I hear her speeches almost every night of how her heart greatly yearns for you and many other things. With her finally gaining the love of her romantic interest, I would be spared from all the restless talking, haha."
"M-mother!!!." Sarah voiced out her shame as she looked the older woman. "Stop embarrassing me in front of my beloved!!"
"Oh, beloved, now is it?" Hannah took joy in teasing her daughter even further. "My daughter truly has become a woman today."
Sarah simply held her bedsheets and used it to cover her flustered face in sheer embarrassment about the whole matter.
'W-wow.' Isamu blinked in delightful surprise about how Hannah reacted positively regarding her daughter's case. 'She's rather open-minded about this.'
"Why don't you two stay for dinner?" Hanna offered Isamu and Bren in a welcoming manner. "I would love to talk to dear Isamu here about why he chose a mischievous girl like my daughter."
"We don't want to intrude, ma'am." Isamu displayed his modesty as he politely disagreed.
"Nonsense!! I'm sure my daughter would be thrilled to be dining alongside you." Hannah insisted with a smile. "If both of you are ready to step out of this room, you may wait at the dining table. Daughter, be a dear and help me with the cooking."
"Yes, mother." Sarah merely shook her head and sighed at her mother's antics.
As soon as Hannah left to cook for dinner, Isamu and Sarah eyed Bren with an accusing look.
"You conniving old man," Isamu said with an amused grin. "You planned for this to happen, didn't you?"
"Haha, of course!!" Bren laughed earnestly as he playfully tapped the cat-folk's shoulders. "It's nice to see young people genuinely expressing their love with one another. As one of Lady Era's worshipers, it's my duty and pleasure to bring two lovebirds together in a relationship born out of sincere romance."
"I suppose." It was Sarah who spoke up as she got up from the bed and approached the two men. "As much as I prefer Isamu confessing directly in front of me, you both have our thanks for your contributions in making this relationship of ours a reality."
"Your very welcome." Bren nodded gratefully at the thanks that he received. "Well, let's go out now, shall we? We don't want to keep your mother waiting."
With that, Bren went out first as he left the lovers alone once more inside the room.
Isamu and Sarah turned to look with one another intimately as they affectionately held hands before following Bren behind.
Indeed, it was the start of a budding new romance for the cat-folk and human.
***
Around a week has passed, and no news, unfortunately, has still been discovered regarding the issue about the Alchemist who was responsible for the missing Guild members.
Instead of thinking about the dark issue too much, the cat-folk together with his beloved Sarah found themselves in the Fighter's Retreat this early afternoon of Septima for some quality time together as they sat beside one another near a table.
The couple is not alone however, as they were accompanied by Gray and Selena, who was sitting as well in front of them. It was at this moment where Sarah was introduced personally by Isamu to his friends.
Sarah was undoubtedly astonished when she found out that Selena is really a Sentinel, but Isamu, with the help of Gray, explained that the girl's situation. Of course, they tweaked the story a little to not accidentally reveal Gray of his Paragon status, stating that she was born out of a scientific magic experiment of some sort by the elf's master, Rarsu.
After some enjoyable chatting, the elf currently is witnessed to be laughing in entertainment when Sarah regaled the tale of how Isamu confessed his love to her as they got together.
"Buwahahahahaha!!!!" Gray failed to contain his merriment upon hearing the story as he almost spitted out the ale that he was currently drinking. "Isamu really did that?!! I never pictured him to be a romantic type, to be honest."
Selena raised an eyebrow in amusement as she looked at Isamu with mental amusement. 'Huh, way to go, Love Tiger.'
"P-please, just stop." Isamu palmed his head in slight embarrassment with a small blush on his furry face. He then eyed his significant other with a look of deadpan. "Was it necessary to tell them of that embarrassing moment?"
"And why not?" Sarah smirked at him in amusement. "That's the sweetest thing that anyone has ever said to me in my whole life. Besides, all of the farmers already knew of it, so why not the entire town as well?"
"She sure is a keeper, Isamu." Gray stopped his laughter as he was genuinely happy for his friend's success. "You're indeed a lucky man err… cat."
"Isn't he?" Sarah agreed with the elf. A fun idea suddenly struck inside her head as he then proceeded to reach out to her lover's chin and caress it adoringly. "And if you pet him here, you can see that he's no different to a lovable little kitten."
Indeed, Isamu's reaction was utterly unbecoming of him. They all heard him purr hilariously as a result of Sarah performing the tender act like how someone does to a typical housecat.
Gray cackled while clutching his stomach in comedic pain. Simultaneously, Selena, not capable of concrete laughter, expressed the emotion by assuming telepathy inside all of her companion's minds and giggled inside their heads instead. As a result, Isamu twitched his head in annoyance at being subjected to the friendly mocking of his companions.
"S-sarah, damn it." Isamu was weak on his knees as he eventually succumbs to the pleasure of being stroked to the chin by his dear woman.
A few moments later, Sarah was satisfied with her petting as she released her hand from Isamu.
"Kah, please don't do that again, at least not in public." Isamu reddened furiously in response, with his eyes closed.
"Sorry, sorry, I just couldn't resist. You're just so cute and cuddly when you look and act like that, hehe." Sarah tapped her cat-folk lover's shoulder playfully in response.
Isamu simply shook his head amusingly in response to Sarah's playful nature. After all, it's one of the qualities that he so loves about the girl despite not admitting it.
"Anyways." The cat-folk said to Gray as he decided to shift the topic of the conversation, more specifically, regarding a particular female druid. "Where's that sparrow girl that has been following you, by the way?"
"Right above us," Gray replied nonchalantly as he pointed up at a wooden platform in the ceiling where Lily in her animal form is seen to be perching in a relaxing manner while keeping an eye vigilantly on the group. "Apparently, she's not comfortable with crowded places and decided to watch us from a distance."
Isamu shrugged his shoulders in acknowledgment as the four of them continued their chat.
"Sir Gray Allister?"
While in their talking, a young man in his early teens wearing a long-sleeved white shirt and brown pants made his presence known to the group.
Young Man
Lvl 8 \u003cSilverhartian\u003e
Health: 912 / 912
Stamina: 670 / 670
Mana: 190 / 190
"Yes?" The elf said as he and his companions looked at the boy in acknowledgment, wondering what's his business with him.
The boy then conjured a sealed letter and from his Inventory and gave it to Gray. "I came here by the order of our good Count as he cordially invites you, Lady Selena Allister, and Sir Isamu Meiyo to the royal court inside his keep this afternoon today at 4:00 pm sharp. That letter shall serve as your Invitation for you and your companions so that the guards will grant you entry without issue."
"The Count?" Gray titled his head in puzzlement. "Can you kindly tell me his business with someone like us?"
"I don't know, good sir." The young man replied with a slight frown. "I only did what was instructed to me by our liege."
"Alright." Gray nodded as he eyed the young man in appreciation. "Thanks for the message."
With his task complete, the young man bowed down in acknowledgment as he respectfully took his leave from the group's table.
"Strange." Isamu voiced out his view about the matter. "I wonder what the Ruler of Chadena himself wants with us?"
"Who knows," Gray said as he took a sip from his glass of ale. "We might as well not dwell about it and find out by meeting him in person."
"Let's depart then right away." Isamu nodded in agreement. He then faced Sarah as he gave her a goodbye kiss to the lips. "I'll see you again tonight later at your home?"
"Yes." Sarah nodded happily at the loving gesture that she received. "Don't be too late."
After bidding farewell to Sarah, the trio, with Lily trailing behind to follow them, left the tavern as they made their way into the keep at the Administration District to meet up with the Count of Chadena in person.
\u003cLover's Grace\u003e - Genuine lovers of every background are blessed perpetually by the Goddess of Love, Era. As such, Healing effects to you are increased by 15%, and whenever you spend time with your lover, your Speech and Luck increases by 15 points.That's the description that was given to Isamu by the System shortly after he received the blessing. After reading the blessing, the cat-folk dismissed the notification in favor of looking at Sarah, who is currently lying unconscious on her bed at her home moments later.After a few minutes, Sarah's eyes slowly turn open, and the first thing that her sight greeted is her feline love-interest, who she has been secretly admiring for the past three months. Even after the cat-folk finished his farming duties in pursuit of his training with the orc Baron, Sarah visited him very often after work as she definitely enjoys spending time with Isamu after a long day of work in the fields. "I-isamu." The brown-haired young woman stuttered in surprise as she initiated the conversation with him and smiled awkwardly with a huge blush on her beautiful face. "I just had a bizarre dream, hehe. It involves you practicing some love confession to old man Bren, and I was behind you two witnessing it all. Funny, right?""About that." Isamu looked away slightly a bit shyly with his appearance red. "It's not a dream. That confession is unquestionably meant for you.""Oh!!" Sarah's reaction became even more flustered as she fidgeted her fingers timidly, unbecoming of her usual outgoing personality. "I, I see. Old man Bren sure likes to make fun out of us, hehe. Oh my, is it getting hot in here?""Sarah." Isamu, at this moment, abandoned all reservedness as he looked at his love-interest with a stern look, much to the girl's utmost surprise. "I know that my confession was all too sudden, and I can understand your hesitance and reject me since I'm a cat-folk and of a much different race. But even so, I-"Isamu was spared no chance whatsoever in finishing his statement as Sarah suddenly pulled him to her by his scarf and immediately wasted no time as she kissed the cat-folk to the lips right here and now.Indeed, Isamu's eyes widen at this sudden and heart-stirring action as both of them shared the beautiful moment of their lips lovingly touching with one another willingly, closing their eyes in a state of sensational bliss.Sadly, all good things must come to an end as both of them released themselves from the warm grasp that they find themselves in.Sarah, with all her shyness and awkwardness finally gone, looked at the cat-folk straight in the eyes with a determined look, fitting for a strong woman such as her. "Don't you ever say that." The young woman said firmly, causing Isamu to be taken aback by the serious look that she is displaying to him. "It matters not what race you are. I fell in love with you because of your pleasant company and personality, and my heart quivers uncontrollably whenever you are around with me. I love you too, Isamu, and that's the only thing that matters.""S-sarah," Isamu uttered her name with the utmost affection. "You made me the happiest cat-folk, no happiest mortal man here in Silverhart. I'm incredibly lucky and honored to have a lovely woman, such as yourself in my life.""Isamu." Additional words were no longer necessary as both of them wanted to taste the sweet sensation of their lips touching once more. With passion burning right at their very eyes, the newly formed couple kissed tenderly as they found solace in each other's presence, wanting this precious moment to last indefinitely."Oh my!!"An older female's voice was heard, causing the lovers' moment to abruptly stop as two figures made themselves known and interrupted the romantic scene.One of the figures, someone that the couple knew all too well, was no other than Bren himself, the old farmer who contributed to the inception of Isamu and Sarah's relationship in a comical manner. Beside him is a woman on her forties with long brown hair styled in a ponytail. Despite her age, one is not so blind to see that she still possesses a significant amount of beauty and refinement."Haha, they made quite a loving pair, right, Hannah?" Bren chuckled as he witnessed them in an awkward moment."Why, yes." The woman seemed to have agreed with the old man as she chuckled heartily. "My daughter certainly has chosen a rather unique person as her partner.""E-elder Bren, Ma'am Hannah!!" Isamu was beyond shocked upon seeing the two familiar figures interrupting them, most notably the woman Hannah, who is actually the mother of the lady that he was kissing a few moments ago. "Let me explain!!""Oh, you don't have to, lad." Bren snickered in response to the couple. "As a devout follower of Lady Era, I know very well about matters relating to the affairs of love.""Right," Isamu answered in a sheepish voice. He then turned his attention to Hannah with a flustered look. "Your daughter and I, we-""No worries, young man," Hannah assured the cat-folk as she waved her hand in a dismissing yet friendly manner. "My daughter has been passionately talking about you non-stop whenever we came back home from work. Frankly speaking, it's rather getting old as I hear her speeches almost every night of how her heart greatly yearns for you and many other things. With her finally gaining the love of her romantic interest, I would be spared from all the restless talking, haha.""M-mother!!!." Sarah voiced out her shame as she looked the older woman. "Stop embarrassing me in front of my beloved!!""Oh, beloved, now is it?" Hannah took joy in teasing her daughter even further. "My daughter truly has become a woman today."Sarah simply held her bedsheets and used it to cover her flustered face in sheer embarrassment about the whole matter.'W-wow.' Isamu blinked in delightful surprise about how Hannah reacted positively regarding her daughter's case. 'She's rather open-minded about this.'"Why don't you two stay for dinner?" Hanna offered Isamu and Bren in a welcoming manner. "I would love to talk to dear Isamu here about why he chose a mischievous girl like my daughter.""We don't want to intrude, ma'am." Isamu displayed his modesty as he politely disagreed."Nonsense!! I'm sure my daughter would be thrilled to be dining alongside you." Hannah insisted with a smile. "If both of you are ready to step out of this room, you may wait at the dining table. Daughter, be a dear and help me with the cooking.""Yes, mother." Sarah merely shook her head and sighed at her mother's antics.As soon as Hannah left to cook for dinner, Isamu and Sarah eyed Bren with an accusing look."You conniving old man," Isamu said with an amused grin. "You planned for this to happen, didn't you?""Haha, of course!!" Bren laughed earnestly as he playfully tapped the cat-folk's shoulders. "It's nice to see young people genuinely expressing their love with one another. As one of Lady Era's worshipers, it's my duty and pleasure to bring two lovebirds together in a relationship born out of sincere romance." "I suppose." It was Sarah who spoke up as she got up from the bed and approached the two men. "As much as I prefer Isamu confessing directly in front of me, you both have our thanks for your contributions in making this relationship of ours a reality.""Your very welcome." Bren nodded gratefully at the thanks that he received. "Well, let's go out now, shall we? We don't want to keep your mother waiting."With that, Bren went out first as he left the lovers alone once more inside the room.Isamu and Sarah turned to look with one another intimately as they affectionately held hands before following Bren behind.Indeed, it was the start of a budding new romance for the cat-folk and human.***Around a week has passed, and no news, unfortunately, has still been discovered regarding the issue about the Alchemist who was responsible for the missing Guild members.Instead of thinking about the dark issue too much, the cat-folk together with his beloved Sarah found themselves in the Fighter's Retreat this early afternoon of Septima for some quality time together as they sat beside one another near a table.The couple is not alone however, as they were accompanied by Gray and Selena, who was sitting as well in front of them. It was at this moment where Sarah was introduced personally by Isamu to his friends. Sarah was undoubtedly astonished when she found out that Selena is really a Sentinel, but Isamu, with the help of Gray, explained that the girl's situation. Of course, they tweaked the story a little to not accidentally reveal Gray of his Paragon status, stating that she was born out of a scientific magic experiment of some sort by the elf's master, Rarsu. After some enjoyable chatting, the elf currently is witnessed to be laughing in entertainment when Sarah regaled the tale of how Isamu confessed his love to her as they got together."Buwahahahahaha!!!!" Gray failed to contain his merriment upon hearing the story as he almost spitted out the ale that he was currently drinking. "Isamu really did that?!! I never pictured him to be a romantic type, to be honest."Selena raised an eyebrow in amusement as she looked at Isamu with mental amusement. 'Huh, way to go, Love Tiger.'"P-please, just stop." Isamu palmed his head in slight embarrassment with a small blush on his furry face. He then eyed his significant other with a look of deadpan. "Was it necessary to tell them of that embarrassing moment?""And why not?" Sarah smirked at him in amusement. "That's the sweetest thing that anyone has ever said to me in my whole life. Besides, all of the farmers already knew of it, so why not the entire town as well?""She sure is a keeper, Isamu." Gray stopped his laughter as he was genuinely happy for his friend's success. "You're indeed a lucky man err cat.""Isn't he?" Sarah agreed with the elf. A fun idea suddenly struck inside her head as he then proceeded to reach out to her lover's chin and caress it adoringly. "And if you pet him here, you can see that he's no different to a lovable little kitten."Indeed, Isamu's reaction was utterly unbecoming of him. They all heard him purr hilariously as a result of Sarah performing the tender act like how someone does to a typical housecat.Gray cackled while clutching his stomach in comedic pain. Simultaneously, Selena, not capable of concrete laughter, expressed the emotion by assuming telepathy inside all of her companion's minds and giggled inside their heads instead. As a result, Isamu twitched his head in annoyance at being subjected to the friendly mocking of his companions."S-sarah, damn it." Isamu was weak on his knees as he eventually succumbs to the pleasure of being stroked to the chin by his dear woman. A few moments later, Sarah was satisfied with her petting as she released her hand from Isamu. "Kah, please don't do that again, at least not in public." Isamu reddened furiously in response, with his eyes closed. "Sorry, sorry, I just couldn't resist. You're just so cute and cuddly when you look and act like that, hehe." Sarah tapped her cat-folk lover's shoulder playfully in response.Isamu simply shook his head amusingly in response to Sarah's playful nature. After all, it's one of the qualities that he so loves about the girl despite not admitting it."Anyways." The cat-folk said to Gray as he decided to shift the topic of the conversation, more specifically, regarding a particular female druid. "Where's that sparrow girl that has been following you, by the way?""Right above us," Gray replied nonchalantly as he pointed up at a wooden platform in the ceiling where Lily in her animal form is seen to be perching in a relaxing manner while keeping an eye vigilantly on the group. "Apparently, she's not comfortable with crowded places and decided to watch us from a distance."Isamu shrugged his shoulders in acknowledgment as the four of them continued their chat."Sir Gray Allister?"While in their talking, a young man in his early teens wearing a long-sleeved white shirt and brown pants made his presence known to the group.Young ManLvl 8 \u003cSilverhartian\u003eHealth: 912 / 912Stamina: 670 / 670Mana: 190 / 190"Yes?" The elf said as he and his companions looked at the boy in acknowledgment, wondering what's his business with him.The boy then conjured a sealed letter and from his Inventory and gave it to Gray. "I came here by the order of our good Count as he cordially invites you, Lady Selena Allister, and Sir Isamu Meiyo to the royal court inside his keep this afternoon today at 4:00 pm sharp. That letter shall serve as your Invitation for you and your companions so that the guards will grant you entry without issue.""The Count?" Gray titled his head in puzzlement. "Can you kindly tell me his business with someone like us?""I don't know, good sir." The young man replied with a slight frown. "I only did what was instructed to me by our liege." "Alright." Gray nodded as he eyed the young man in appreciation. "Thanks for the message."With his task complete, the young man bowed down in acknowledgment as he respectfully took his leave from the group's table."Strange." Isamu voiced out his view about the matter. "I wonder what the Ruler of Chadena himself wants with us?""Who knows," Gray said as he took a sip from his glass of ale. "We might as well not dwell about it and find out by meeting him in person.""Let's depart then right away." Isamu nodded in agreement. He then faced Sarah as he gave her a goodbye kiss to the lips. "I'll see you again tonight later at your home?""Yes." Sarah nodded happily at the loving gesture that she received. "Don't be too late."After bidding farewell to Sarah, the trio, with Lily trailing behind to follow them, left the tavern as they made their way into the keep at the Administration District to meet up with the Count of Chadena in person.
