Chapter 347: As Long As I Can Win Over Sister, I'll Sacrifice Anything (2)
The next day, when Shia saw Fafner again, she was in different clothes.
A pale blue loungewear set, the silky fabric draping elegantly over her tall frame.
Her fiery red hair flowed freely down her back, vivid as flame.
But it couldn't hide her icy aura.
She sat poised, like a snow lotus—noble, cold, untouched by the mortal world.
Lilith followed behind Shia, her eyes locking on her sister and never letting go.
Even though she stared, she could only do so in secret.
Admiration turned her timid and awkward.
She followed Shia step by step, her eyes glued to the goddess in her heart.
Then, without realizing, she grabbed Shia's sleeve, clenching it tight.
Her body tensed.
She could almost hear her own blood rushing.
Sister looked at her~!
What now? So excited. So nervous.
Was her outfit okay?
Lilith peeked down at herself to make sure she looked flawless.
"Lil' sis, are you feeling unwell?"
Fafner's voice was cold. Even concern sounded distant, her expression unreadable.
'She's worried about me!'
Lilith instinctively nodded—then quickly shook her head.
She rushed to explain.
"I'm fine. Thank you, Sister."
Then sadness crept into her heart.
She wanted her sister's attention—but not like this.
She didn't want familial affection.
Should she be happy just to be noticed?
Was it worse to be ignored—or worse to receive the wrong kind of care?
She didn't know.
"That's good. You don't need to be so tense in your own home."
Fafner gave a small nod, calm and graceful.
Even in casual loungewear, she radiated cool elegance.
That contrast was striking.
Lilith felt a sweet ache in her heart.
But what she wanted was love!
Her eyes dulled, her earlier hope now shadowed by disappointment.
Her gaze was pitiful, like a tragic heroine—a hopeless simp.
Shia watched coldly from the side, marveling to himself.
Truly, all green tea girls have the makings of loyal simps. That look... perfection.
She looked so pitiful—how could Shia, a good guy, just stand by and watch?
Of course he had to help her!
Shia leaned in close, the distance between them small enough for Lilith to catch his scent.
"Do you want my help?"
Lilith's eyes lit up.
Of course she did.
He was probably the only one who could help her with this.
She had put in so much effort—all for this very moment.
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she looked at him. She didn't nod, but her meaning was crystal clear.
Shia's lips curled into a smile. He reached out and wrapped an arm around her slender waist, pulling her into his embrace.
He buried his face in her neck, breathing in her soft, fragrant scent. One arm held her close, while the other hand slid down and grasped her black-stockinged thigh.
Being suddenly drawn in, surrounded by his warmth and scent, Lilith felt her heart skip a beat.
The heat on her neck made her dizzy.
The touch on her thigh made her panic.
She wanted to pull away.
Had she been tricked?
Was he just taking advantage?
Before she could push him away, Shia's voice murmured against her skin.
"If we act all lovey-dovey, maybe your sister will get jealous."
"Chasing someone with blind devotion won't work."
"That only makes her take your feelings for granted."
"You have to show her she's not your whole world. That if she doesn't look back, someone else will take you away."
"Only when she feels threatened will she start to fight for your attention."
Shia's voice was soft, the two of them pressed together intimately. It looked like they were whispering sweet nothings.
No one else could hear what they said, only see their closeness.
Lilith had wanted to struggle—but now she went still.
In a flash, she understood what he meant.
After all, when it came to playing hard-to-get, she was the master. Now the roles were just reversed.
So she quickly calmed down.
Snuggled in his arms, she was surprisingly obedient.
Even with his hand trailing along her thigh, even as her ears turned red, she only lowered her head shyly, looking flustered.
Like an innocent girl being taken advantage of by a rogue.
Her lowered head revealed a pale, delicate neck—fragile and beautiful.
She bit her lip, feeling the eyes on her, growing more embarrassed.
In front of her sister, she was getting this close to another man.
Even if he was her doggy—it was still humiliating.
Especially feeling his hand slowly caressing her body, her heart raced.
Blush bloomed across her cheeks, making her even more stunning.
Her dainty hands clutched at Shia's shirt.
This was going too far, wasn't it?
She felt conflicted.
But her body stayed obediently in his arms, not resisting.
Though her eyes were shut, she could feel it—the gaze watching her, igniting her whole body.
Her palms grew slick with sweat.
Yes—someone was watching.
Though their eyes focused more on Shia than her.
Unknowingly, Shia was devastating everyone around them!
Target #1: Fafner.
She heard the movement and turned, her cool gaze landing on the pair.
Still expressionless, her icy demeanor never changed.
But her eyes didn't leave them.
No sense of courtesy—just stared.
And in her gaze... a faint flicker of annoyance.
Technically, there was nothing wrong with Shia and Lilith being close. They were engaged.
As her sister, she should be happy for her.
But for some reason, she felt... bothered.
She didn't speak—only furrowed her brow slightly.
Target #2: Lady Sophia.
As Lilith's mother, she also should be delighted.
And her expression was smiling.
Mature, graceful, with a soft peach-like scent, her eyes full of joy.
Her shapely legs crossed, the tight black stockings digging slightly into her full thighs.
Elegant and gentle, the image of a perfect elder.
She looked pleased—happy for their closeness.
But then she gave a small cough, drawing attention.
Lilith snapped out of her daze, instinctively stiffening as she looked toward Sophia.
Shia's gaze also shifted calmly to her.
Even Fafner glanced sideways at her.
Sophia smiled, a little teasingly.
"You two are very sweet—but keep it in moderation."
Her tone was indulgent, like a gentle reminder.
Lilith might get flustered facing Fafner—but not her mother.
In fact, she felt a bit smug.
Even if you try so hard to go after my doggy, he's still closest to me!
Sophia's mood wasn't as great as her smile.
Before, she might've been unbothered by this scene.
But after that reckless, heartfelt confession from Shia, things had changed.
Now, seeing him close with Lilith stirred a jealous possessiveness in her.
She wanted to be the one at his side.
To make Lilith jealous. To see her get upset.
That feeling—it was addictive.
So now, seeing their intimacy, it bothered her even more.
Lilith had no idea her mom felt this way.
She cared more about one other person in the room.
Just as she turned her eyes away, they brushed past Fafner's direction.
It wasn't deliberate. Her gaze didn't linger.
But even just a glance made her heart falter.
Was this even working?
She looked back at Shia, her expression full of doubt and mild fury.
This plan was pointless, wasn't it?
Wasn't he just taking advantage of her?
And using this excuse to do it!
She'd definitely get back at him later!
She really had been too soft lately. Her doggy was getting way too bold.
Shia caught her glare, only smiled lazily.
He leaned in and whispered into her ear.
"What's the matter?"
Lilith pulled back slightly and shot him a fierce look.
Her expression mixed with annoyance and embarrassment.
They looked so close—like they didn't care who was watching.
Hmm?
Fafner finally noticed their interaction.
Her brows furrowed ever so slightly.
Her gaze swept toward them, catching everything.
Her movement was small, nearly invisible.
But Lilith, who'd been watching her closely, noticed immediately.
She froze—then joy lit up her heart.
It worked?
Fafner had shown concern earlier, but it felt more like sibling affection.
Now, this one glance...
This was the reaction she wanted!
And Fafner didn't look away quickly.
Her eyes stayed on Shia.
Since Sophia's reminder, Shia and Lilith had toned down the PDA.
But even their subtle exchanges were sweet enough to make people gag.
Fafner felt her irritation rising.
But she didn't show it.
Instead, she smiled faintly.
It was a soft smile—rare for her.
"Shia, I heard from Mother that you're studying at Seven Shields now?"
"Yes."
"That's a good thing. The stronger you become, the better you can protect Lilith."
"As her fiancé, it's your duty to have that strength."
Her words were a scolding—but spoken so gently, it felt like care.
Shia nodded, like a respectful student.
Fafner sat directly across from him, never once glancing at Lilith.
Even though she talked about protecting Lilith, it felt like... Lilith was just an excuse.
Fafner's side glance caught Lilith's expression.
Seeing how cooperative Shia was, her tone grew even softer.
"Recently I acquired a barbarian cultivation technique. It might help you."
Her voice and face were calm—but somehow, deeply moving.
Fafner knew Shia couldn't cultivate.
This technique clearly had been found just for him.
Shia's face lit up with perfect surprise.
"Really?"
Fafner nodded.
"The barbarians don't use magic. They refine their bodies through external forces."
She looked directly at him, serious and focused.
She understood how precious this opportunity was for someone who couldn't cultivate.
Of course, she had other ways to pressure him into agreeing.
"Would you try this technique—for Lilith's sake?"
"There are some secrets to it. I've studied it. I can teach you."
Even if it's not for me, as your adoptive sister—for my little sister's sake—you'll accept, won't you?
Only by becoming stronger can you protect her better.