-174- Promise

 Kai'Sa opened her mouth, looking at Linwin, and said, "I've been living in Zaun for almost half a year, and I really, really like Zaun."

"Then why do you still want to leave? Is it because Powder bullies you?" Linwin continued, "Don't worry, I've talked to Powder. She doesn't actually dislike you; she just enjoys playing pranks on you."

"Bully me?" Kai'Sa was first stunned, then shook her head. "Powder has never bullied me."

"Then why do you want to leave?"

"Because I'm afraid that if I stay in Zaun any longer, I won't want to leave later." Kai'Sa took a deep breath and said to Linwin, "Linwin, my purpose in living is to kill those Void monsters, to save more people from Shurima."

"I also believe what you said, that Hextech weapons are powerful and can be used to repel Void creatures. But I'm afraid I'll become weaker."

"But even if you go back, you can't solve this alone."

"But if I can save one, then one is saved, isn't it?"

Linwin fell silent.

"And Linwin, you said you need my help, but do you really need my help? From the time I came to Zaun until now, the only thing I've truly done to help you is... to become an idol." Kai'Sa said, gritting her teeth.

She cast Linwin an unfriendly gaze.

This Linwin.

She thought she was here to fight.

She thought Linwin would experiment on her.

Just like those Black Mages, Kai'Sa had thought about sacrificing her blood.

But what was the result?

The result was that Linwin kept taking care of her, treating her with good food and drinks. The only time she was useful was to become an idol.

Dancing on the big stage.

Although Kai'Sa didn't dislike that feeling, and even found a nice hobby because of it, but the more she experienced, the more anxious Kai'Sa became.

Could she really be so happy?

Did she really deserve to be so happy?

During the time she lived in Zaun, she knew that her hometown was still being contaminated by Void monsters.

Since she couldn't help here, what was the meaning of her staying in Zaun?

Did she still have a reason to stay in Zaun?

For a more powerful Hextech weapon?

That was the initial reason.

But Kai'Sa didn't think she had any contribution to the development of Hextech technology.

She couldn't, no matter how hard she tried.

She was not intelligent.

Kai'Sa's anxiety was that she didn't know what reason to continue staying in Zaun.

Kai'Sa had been confused for a long time.

And now, she had decided.

After taking care of Linwin for this period, when Linwin's body recovered, she decided to go back to Shurima.

Linwin, who had thought so much, was sitting on the bed, holding his head, becoming anxious.

While Kai'Sa was looking at Linwin, she earnestly asked him, "You've been very kind to me since our first meeting, until now, why? Why are you so good to me?"

"I can't understand."

"I know in your eyes, I am not a monster." Kai'Sa paused for a moment. After coming to Zaun, she found many people who looked more like monsters than herself. Therefore, knowing the reason why Linwin wasn't afraid of her at first sight, Kai'Sa knew. But why did Linwin treat her so well?

Kai'Sa also asked this question, "But you must have a reason for being so good to me, right?"

"Or do you know me even before we met?"

Linwin stretched out his hand, forcefully scratching his head, unsure of how to explain to Kai'Sa.

How do one say this?

Should he say that because he had read her story, he knew what kind of person she was, so he was willing to believe in her, and he was very sympathetic to her past?

And the previous kindness was because he wanted to gain her favor, to get system rewards and become stronger?

Should he say that she is a five-star card, and she can make him stronger?

Yes, indeed, Linwin initially approached Kai'Sa for those reasons.

But now, Linwin knows that he is no longer being kind to Kai'Sa just to become stronger.

It's a genuine desire from the bottom of his heart to make Kai'Sa's life better, to bring her happiness.

It's not out of pity for the Kai'Sa in her background story that Linwin acts this way.

It's because of affection, the genuine liking that drives him to do so.

He has to admit it: he likes Kai'Sa.

So, Linwin spoke up, "Shurima is not a good place, and those people reject you. I know, even if I say this, you'll still want to help them. But Kai'Sa, there is no one living in that place now, right? You've driven away all the surrounding villagers."

"True, but Linwin, those monsters will go after them."

Regarding Linwin's statement that they reject her, Kai'Sa doesn't care anymore.

She has received enough care.

Zaun has accepted her, embraced her.

In Zaun, when people she met on the street asked her what she would do next, Kai'Sa could say, "I'm going home now."

In Zaun, she has a home.

She has been incredibly happy during this time.

So, Kai'Sa smiled at Linwin and said, "What I need to do is intercept them before they make a move."

"And, I also know Shurima is not a good place. It's poor, chaotic, and still has many bandits and Void creatures. But Shurima is also my home."

"I always have to go back home."

Linwin fell silent: ".."

Looking into Kai'Sa's purple eyes, seeing the seriousness in her eyes, all the previous romantic scenario in Linwin's head disappeared.

"Well, then, I'll accompany you when the time comes," Linwin suddenly lay back and loudly continued, "When you decide to leave, just tell me. I will accompany you to Shurima."

"."

Kai'Sa looked puzzled: "Are you sick or something?"

"What kind of talk is that?" Linwin first retorted unkindly, then sighed and said, "I know you want to stop those Void monsters, but Kai'Sa, the promise I made to you, I'll do my best to fulfill it. If you want to go back and take a look, then go."

"But I will never agree to let you go alone against the Void creatures."

"It's not that I don't believe in you; I believe you have the ability to fight them. But even so, I won't agree to let you go back alone."

Linwin said seriously.

Kai'Sa was stunned, then slowly got up.

Then, Kai'Sa sat on the edge of the bed: "Why? Since I have the ability, why don't you let me go?"

Linwin turned his head to look at the woman sitting beside him and said, "Kai'Sa, do you trust me?"

Kai'Sa nodded, softly responding, "Yes."

"Because it's not the right time yet, really not the right time. Just like you think, I know many, many things in this world, and in Shurima, the real crisis has not yet come. Those creatures you saw before were just the weakest Void creatures."

Linwin's tone was affirmative, "Bigger trouble is still ahead."

"To resist the Void better, we need the unity of the twin cities, an alliance with Demacia. Only with more and more people participating in this war can we truly achieve victory."

"So, if you go back now, it's not a good time."

Kai'Sa nodded at first, then said in a speechless manner, "I understand. But Linwin, I haven't decided if I really want to go back yet. Since you say so, I'll stay a little longer."

Kai'Sa sat up straight: "But when the time comes, you have to accompany me to Shurima."

"Okay, but after resolving the underground matters in Shurima, you also have to come back to Zaun with me. Promise me that first."

Kai'Sa was initially stunned, then smiled brightly and said, "Alright, I promise you. I will follow you back to Zaun."

As the atmosphere eased and Linwin calmed down, he realized he might have said some strange things.

He coughed, raised the blanket to cover his face, and loudly said, "Well then, that's it. I'm going to sleep now."

"Good night."

After quickly saying this, Linwin started pretending to sleep.

"."

Linwin closed his eyes, claiming to sleep, but various thoughts were running through his mind.

Thinking about how to better solve the problem.

Go back?

There's no way he'd let Kai'Sa go back alone.

Linwin could never allow Kai'Sa to go back alone.

What if she gets hurt? What if she gets bullied? What if she can't eat good food?

Even though Kai'Sa has promised Linwin that she will return to Zaun with him after resolving Shurima's issues, Linwin is still worried.

He needs to find a way to make Kai'Sa feel at ease staying.

Under the covers, Linwin, lost in thought, was suddenly startled.

Surprised, he quickly lifted the blanket and propped up his body, looking at the girl lying next to him. Then, he took a deep breath.

"What are you doing?"

"I want to lie here."

"Wait, lie here? If you want to rest, you have a room, a bed, and your bed is softer than mine."

"I mean, I want to lie here."

Kai'Sa repeated, blinked at Linwin, and her beautiful purple eyes flashed with a hint of cunning. She then asked Linwin, "I want to lie here. Is that okay?"

"."

Linwin lay back again, and after a moment, he suddenly said, "Do you want to get under the covers?"

"Can I?"

"If you don't mind, then, of course, I have no problem."

Kai'Sa immediately took action.

In front of the person she trusts the most, Kai'Sa wouldn't be polite.

She lifted the blanket and crawled in. Then, Kai'Sa sniffed.

There was a faint fragrance.

She had just smelled this scent.

One was the shampoo scent used when helping Linwin wash his hair, and the other was the foamy water used for bathing.

While Linwin, who was thinking about how to make Kai'Sa feel more at ease, stiffened like a robot feeling the warmth of the person beside him. Linwin could even feel Kai'Sa's breath on his neck. He stumbled and said, "Then, I, I'm going to sleep now."

"Well, if you want water or need to use the toilet, just tell me."

Kai'Sa nestled beside Linwin under the blanket.

The first time sleeping on the same bed with someone.

Kai'Sa felt an indescribable excitement.

She... seems to be able to stay in Zaun.

Even though it's somewhat forced.

But as long as Linwin needs her.

She's willing to stay in Zaun.

All she needs is a reason.

A reason to stay in Zaun.

And being needed by someone is the best reason, especially when that someone is Linwin.

As for the issue in Shurima.

She believes in Linwin.

Linwin promised Kai'Sa.

He will handle it.