Mushoku Impact

Following Jean's departure, Paul returned Princess Andromeda to her original seat before sitting across from her. Then, deciding to cut to the chase, he asked, "What, exactly, do you want to do? Like, what is your end goal...?"
Though Paul had treated her swollen cheeks, Andromeda sniffled a few times as she answered, "I don't have an end goal...I just...I don't want to suffer..."
Exhaling a sigh, Paul ran his hand over his forehead and through his hair, his leaf-green eyes focused on the empty space above Andromeda as he asked, "And how do I help with that? I can shelter you for a few years, but I eventually plan to set out and explore. Unless I married you, your family could always recall you, or the Asuran Nobility could force you to return to the Capital..."
Lowering his eyes, Paul met Andromeda's watery grey eyes as he added, "I want to help you, Princess. Make no mistake. However, you are far from the only person I want to help. Unless you have an ambition...a vision that drives you forward, the only thing I accomplish by helping you is delaying the inevitable...if you aren't willing to fight, why should others be willing to fight for you? Because you're a Princess...?"
Though he felt like he could have put it better, Paul had a pocket ledger whose pages were filled with the names of people he wanted to help but couldn't. If he made an exception just because of Andromeda's status, he would be spitting the faces of every one of them. It was one thing if she had the conviction to fight, but he couldn't just shelter and provide for her 'just because.'
Hanging her head in such a way that her silvery-white hair covered much of her face, Andromeda became eerily quiet once her sniffles faded away. For a brief moment, Paul even felt as though the surrounding temperature had dropped, a tell-tale sign of extreme animosity as the monochromatic Princess muttered, "I want revenge..."
Before Andromeda could continue further, Paul interrupted her, asking, "How do you plan to achieve it? House Notos has tremendous authority, but the Milbots Region is a production region. It has a military, but we're in no position to invade a foreign nation..."
Leaning forward, Paul waited for Andromeda to raise her head, his eyes appearing to shimmer with flecks of gold and purple as he said, "Tell me, Princess...does tying yourself to House Notos aid in your revenge...?"
Realizing what Paul was saying, or at least thinking she did, Andromeda lowered her head and muttered, "No..."
Nodding his head in approval, Paul sat straight as he said, "That's right. Going through with whatever plan the people behind you came up with is nothing more than a compromise. You are searching for a place where you can be safe, expecting everything to be provided for you despite knowing full well how your status complicates the lives of whoever chooses to be your Benefactor..."
Hearing Paul's calm yet penetrating, Andromeda couldn't stop her body from trembling. She was sad, but the most prominent emotions she was experiencing were anguish and indignation. She wanted to shriek and ask Paul what he expected her to do in such a situation, but the words simply wouldn't form on her lips.
Fortunately for Andromeda, Paul wasn't simply virtue signaling when he said he wanted to help. He just couldn't afford to have someone leeching off of him without contributing anything to their cause. If Andromeda was willing to work hard, train until she was completely exhausted, and slowly work her way up to the Rank of a King or Emperor, he would be more than willing to help her. She just needed to be willing to take charge of her own destiny, not place it in the hands of others...
Breaking the long silence, Paul's voice gained a strangely resonant quality as he said, "Let's make a deal..."
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With the convoy prepared by his father arriving to pick him up, Paul found himself in the precarious position of sitting between Jean and Andromeda while Barbara, Xiangling, and Xinyan stared at him from the opposite side of the carriage. He had explained the situation to them and even received their consent, but Andromeda was still an 'outsider.' Barbara, in particular, didn't like seeing her sitting next to Paul...
Attempting to alleviate the growing tensions, Paul stared at Barbara until she gradually lost her grumpy expression and started to become bashful. When she did, he adopted a smile and said, "That's better...you look cuter when you smile..."
Though his comment caused a very different kind of tension to permeate the carriage, it was a kind Paul had already acclimated to. He still didn't understand what he had done to ingratiate himself to each of them, but even Xiangling had confessed to him a few months back. The only person who hadn't was Jean, but she would place a kiss on his cheek each night and first thing in the morning. Paul wasn't entirely sure she liked him, but he wanted to think she did...
Putting his theory to the test, Paul flipped over his right hand and moved it a little closer to Jean. He didn't touch her leg or make it apparent what he wanted, but she invariably laid her hand atop his after a few seconds had passed.
Adopting a faint but genuine smile, Paul briefly met Jean's cerulean gaze before looking towards the three girls seated across from him and saying, "Andromeda is just one of the first among many people we will be helping in the future. She is coming to stay with us for protection and training, not to compete or supersede anyone else's position. Even if she tried, I doubt Ningguang would give so much as a single centimeter of ground..."
With Paul bringing up Ningguang, most of Xiangling's and Xinyan's worries were abated. So long as she was present, they didn't have to worry about some random Noblewoman telling them what to do. They also knew first-hand how obstinate Paul could be, so unless Andromeda matured into a beautiful and voluptuous woman overnight, the possibility of her 'stealing' him away was slim.
Seeing the two girls regain their smiles, Paul's became more prominent as he shifted his attention to Barbara. She didn't really know Ningguang that well, so she had yet to be convinced. Fortunately, Paul knew a magic spell that would immediately improve her mood, his expression softening as he asked, "Will you sing for me, pipit? Just for a short while..."
Though she blinked a few times in surprise, an affectionate smile replaced Barbara's adorably grumpy expression as she softly replied, "Of course...I am my Lord's songbird, after all..."
Punctuating her words, Barbara brought her hands together as if she were about to pray. Then, after humming for a short while to warm up her vocal cords, she began singing in a soft and melodious voice that caused even Andromeda's eyes to widen. There were no words to her song, but it had a soothing effect that made people want to listen. Paul, in particular, had grown rather fond of hearing Barbara sing whenever she cleaned his ears or let him use her lap as a pillow...
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After a ten-day journey that felt more like five, the first two people Paul saw even before disembarking his carriage were Ningguang and Ganyu. When he did, his expression practically lit up as he questioned, "I take it things have been going well...?"
Wearing a far more expensive and custom-tailed dress than the one Paul had last seen her in, Ningguang returned a faint smile of her own as she answered, "Better than expected, but nowhere near where I would like to be."
With aspirations of overthrowing the Asura Kingdom or traveling East to create a brand new one, Ningguang wouldn't be satisfied so long as her movements were restricted to the Milbots Region.
Unsurprised by Ningguang's response, Paul mused, "That sounds about right..." before shifting his attention to Ganyu, his expression brightening even more as he remarked, "It's good to see you again, Ganyu..."
Lowering her head, a crimson hue spread through Ganyu's cheeks as she meekly replied, "Welcome home, Master..."
Though he would like to think Ganyu's reaction was to him, specifically, Paul knew the actual reason for her uncharacteristically meek behavior. She wasn't exactly fat, but she had clearly put on a bit of weight since he last saw her. While the other girls her age were between 20-22kgs, Paul imagined Ganyu was closer to 25, maybe more...
With Ganyu appearing as though she might break into tears any moment, Paul found himself extending his hand, gently caressing her pale, bluish-purple hair as he said, "You look adorable..."
"Master..."
While she was comforted by Paul's words, Ganyu couldn't suppress a slightly wry smile. She was well over three thousand years old, so she always experienced a jumble of emotions whenever Paul acted like she was a child that needed his care and attention...
Interrupting the 'tender' moment between Paul and Ganyu, Ningguang muttered an inquisitive, "Oh~? And who might this be...?" in regards to Princess Andromeda.
Retracting his hand from Ganyu's head, Paul looked around for a brief moment before turning back, gesturing for Andromeda to come closer so he could complete introductions. When he did, Ningguang only raised her right brow slightly before asking, "Is she on our side...?"
Making a so-so gesture with his left hand, Paul quietly replied, "A little bit of both. She seeks revenge, and I promised to help her obtain it. Can you lend a hand...?"
Though she gave Andromeda a quick once-over, Ningguang didn't have to consider her response before musing, "Of course. I wouldn't be much of a fiancee if I couldn't fulfill my future husband's requests..."
While her words were directed at Paul, Ningguang kept her wine-red eyes on Andromeda. The silver-haired Princess might only be a seven years old girl, but Ningguang knew better than to underestimate someone driven by sentiments such as revenge...
Interrupting the duo's impromptu staring contest, Paul asked, "Where are my parents? I can't imagine my mother abstaining from greeting me..."
Compartmentalizing her thoughts related to the Princess, Ningguang met Paul's worried gaze, an amused giggle emanating from her throat before she finally revealed, "Your mother is pregnant. She is currently resting in her room. As for your esteemed father, he has yet to return from his most recent survey of the territory. You might find this difficult to believe, but I have been placed in charge during his absence."
Though he was both excited and concerned by the prospect of having a younger sibling, Paul's most notable emotion was disbelief as he asked, "Are you serious? I knew you were capable, but...how?"
As eager as she was to reveal how she had uncovered the Chamberlain's shady dealings and increased the profitability of the Notos Estate by 18%, Ningguang suggested, "It is currently 5 degrees outside. Might I suggest we continue this conversation inside?"
With her new outfit resembling a tamer version of the garments she was known for during her tenure as the Tianquan of Liyue, Ningguang's legs were exposed to the elements. She had on a pair of thick black shorts, but they only covered the upper third of her thigh. Thus, while she would never allow herself to be seen shivering in front of others, she was very, very cold.
After casting a glance towards Ningguang's legs, a wry smile developed across Paul's face as he answered, "I believe that would be for the best." before holding out his left elbow and asking, "Shall we...?"
Nodding her head in approval, Ningguang linked her arm through Paul's. When she did, her brows raised ever so slightly as she noted, "Oh, my...it would appear you aren't just a pretty face. Your arms feel a lot firmer than before..."
Adopting a wry smile, Paul began leading Ningguang toward the entrance of his family's estate as he asked, "You waste no time, do you?"
Returning a smile of her own, Ningguang leaned her head against Paul's shoulder as she softly replied, "I try not to...however, if you keep putting on muscle, I'm prepared to set aside quite a bit..."
Though he had already anticipated Ningguang's behavior, Paul couldn't help exhaling a dry laugh before adopting a helpless smile and thinking, ("This damned minx is going to make me a criminal...")
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"Jesus H. Christ, Ningguang. Are you for real...?"
Though she had no idea who he was referring to, Ningguang giggled in response to Paul's words before asking, "Did I do well~?"
Seeing a diverse range of hundreds of people lining the hallway, each bowing respectfully as he, Ningguang, and Gany passed through, Paul had few words to describe what he was feeling. Ningguang mentioned purchasing a 'few additional hands' in the letters she periodically sent him. In actuality, she spent just under 9,000AGC to procure more than three-thousand Slaves. The ones lining the hallway were merely those helping to refurbish and maintain the estate.
"Just what have you been using them for...?"
Though she was a little disappointed that Paul hadn't praised her a bit more, Ningguang readily explained, "When they're not helping around the estate, those you see here are learning to read, write, and perform basic arithmetic. I'm planning to start a trading company in the next few years, and they will be instrumental to its success. As for the rest...well, I'm sure you've noticed my outfit...?"
Turning his head, Paul gave Ningguang another once over before asking, "You started a fashion line...?"
Before answering Paul's question, Ningguang stated, "I'm going to have Ganyu teach you how to compliment women. When a lady draws attention to her hair or clothes, it's a sure sign they're fishing for compliments. Keep that in mind from now on, okay...?"
"..."
Without waiting for Paul's response, Ningguang went on the explain, "One of the most valuable exports of Liyue was its silk. Upon learning that most of the silk in this region was imported from the Demon Continent, I asked your father if he could help me acquire a few domesticated Silkies, a type of spider-like fae. Ganyu has a natural affinity with all creatures, so it only took us a few months to have a production line set up. That is one of the reasons for your father's late return. You see..."
Pulling Paul a little closer to her, Ningguang stood on the tips of her toes to whisper, "We specialize in the production of women's undergarments, specifically high-quality brassieres and undertunics..."
Instead of being flustered by Ningguang's words, Paul muttered, "That explains how you convinced my father."
Exhaling a faintly exasperated sigh, Ningguang remarked, "I'm starting to regret not traveling with you to the Academy. You're no longer as easy to tease..."
Turning the corridor connecting to Paul's mother's room, Ningguang took a moment to organize her thoughts before adding, "Though our silk line is currently the most profitable, we're slowly ramping up the production of a more robust, polyurethane line. There is currently very little demand for it, but I imagine it will take off splendidly once people realize how versatile it is compared to cotton and wool."
Stopping mid-step, Paul looked towards Ningguang as if he had just heard she was pregnant, questioning, "Polyurethane? How the hell did you come up with that...?"
Turning her eyes up, Ningguang gave Paul a gentle pat on his forearm as she teased, "Patience, darling. We can discuss the details when we're in a more...comfortable setting. For now, there are far more pressing matters to attend."
Since Paul had stopped outside his mother's door, Ningguang gave Ganyu a curt nod. In response, the chubby Qilin girl bowed low before scurrying around the corner and disappearing into a servant's hatch. A minute or so later, the door to Valentine's room swung open as Ganyu, breathing a little heavily, welcomed them inside.
Resisting the urge to ask if such a performance was necessary, Paul made his way into his mother's room to find Valentine sitting atop a sofa in front of the room's hearth. She was wearing considerably more layers than he was used to, but the thing that stood out the most, at least to Paul, was her small yet noticeable belly bump.
"Mother..."
Though she noticed Paul's arrival, Valentine waited for him to call out to her before adopting an affectionate smile, looking over, and whispering, "My Little Sun...you've come back to me..."
Deciding to give Paul and his mother a bit of space, Ningguang offered a silent bow before she and Ganyu closed the doors and made themselves comfortable in the antechamber preceding the bedroom.
Hearing the sound of the doors closing, Paul took a moment to look over his shoulder before turning back to his mother and stating, "You're even more radiant now than the last time I saw you..."
Covering her mouth, Valentine stifled a melodious laugh before patting the cushion next to her and saying, "Come, take a seat. I can't see you properly in this lightning."
Unable to refuse his mother's command, Paul made his way over before taking a seat next to her on the sofa. When he did, she promptly pulled his face into her noticeably larger bosom, gently caressing Paul's hair as she said, "You've grown so much in just a single year..."
Without attempting to break free from his mother's hold, Paul nodded his head. His height had increased by nearly eleven centimeters since the last time he was home. He still had considerable room for improvement, but Paul was just happy to be taller than Jean and Ningguang...
"Paul...there's something I need to tell you..."
Releasing Paul from her embrace, an anxious look developed across Valentine's face as she prepared to tell him about her pregnancy. Due to the unique traditions of House Notos, many firstborn sons became angry or upset upon discovering they would have to 'share' their mothers with someone else. Valentine knew Paul was very mature for his age, but she still viewed him as her baby.
Seeing through his mother's concerns, Paul surprised her by placing his hand on her stomach and revealing, "Ningguang already told me...I can't even begin to describe how happy I am for both you and father. Truth be told, I was starting to get a little worried that I might become an old man before the two of you produced a baby brother or sister for me..."
"Mischievous scamp..."
Giving her son a light swat, Valentine attempted to adopt a chastizing look but failed due to the smile adorning her face. Then, with a naturally sultry look that caused Paul's throat to feel tense, she placed her hand overtop his before lowering it to the very base of her belly. Before, Paul's hand had been closer to her diaphragm, so Valentine repositioned it just above her womb as she said, "I know you'll be a wonderful older brother, but promise me-"
Interrupting his mother's appeal, Paul shook his head before adopting a serious expression as he said, "No matter what, I will always protect my family. You have my word..."
Feeling a mixture of relief and profound love, Valentine began to tear up as she whimpered, "Oh, Paul..."
Though he was prepared to comfort her if his mother started to cry, Paul became stock-still as she grabbed his head and pulled him in for a chaste yet passion-filled kiss. There was nothing like physical attraction or lust in the exchange, but Paul couldn't help feeling his heart racing as Valentine held her lips against his for nearly thirty seconds. Then, instead of letting him go, she held him to her bosom and cradled him for several minutes longer...
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After his mother released him, Paul was finally able to return to his wing of the Estate. When he did, Paul couldn't help feeling as though he was stepping into an all-girls school or a female dormitory. Nearly every room on the first and second floor was now occupied by ten or more girls, the vast majority of whom were in their tweens.
When Paul asked about it, Ningguang explained, "I might not surprise you to learn that the vast majority of younger slaves are female. Families who cannot afford their taxes or villages that are suffering from scarcity often sell their youngest children for a pittance. I also didn't think it would be a good idea to have pubescent boys working around a bunch of young and already exploited girls, so I converted the unused sections of your estate to a female dormitory. As for the boys, some are learning how to become soldiers and escorts, while those who managed to pass a few tests were entrusted to Kaeya and Rosaria for more...specialized training..."
Though he was distinctly aware that Ningguang was essentially training a child army, Paul didn't attempt to criticize her. The fate that awaited most slaves was much worse, so much so that it wasn't an exaggeration to say that Ningguang had saved them. Thus, even though he felt like they were approaching a very dangerous line, Paul allowed her to do as she saw fit. At the very least, he could trust her to make sure the people she acquired were both educated and adequately compensated for their services.
After making his way up to the third floor, Paul was pleasantly surprised to find everyone he had summoned lined up along the halls in their Maid outfits. There was also Lilia and a few girls he didn't recognize, but they were located closer to the end.
Taking advantage of Paul's silence, the two rows of Maids all bowed in concert as they said, "Welcome back, Master Paul~!" in contrasting yet melodious tones. The sight and sound were so pleasant to the ears that Paul couldn't help grinning like a fool as he replied, "I'm home."
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Though Paul had half-expected something like a welcome home party, most of the girls returned to their duties shortly after greeting him. The only people who stayed back were the group that had accompanied him to the Academy as well as Ningguang, Ganyu, and Ei. There was also a group of 'young' girls present, one of which Paul recognized.
"It's been some time, Lamilette. I was sad when my father initially told me you were sent to help harvest ore in the mountains. Welcome back."
Bowing her head steeply, the auburn-haired Dwarfette replied, "I cannot express how great an honor it is to be in Master Paul's employ once again. The days I spent as your attendant were among the most cherished of my days as a slave..."
Wincing at the reminder that Lamilette was, in fact, a slave, Paul looked to Ningguang as if she was the solution to all his problems. Fortunately, she had predicted this, readily explaining, "I have already made the necessary arrangements with your father. Though I anticipate most of them staying with us, most of the people we have contracted will have their autonomy restored once they have completed ten years of service."
Regaining his smile, Paul replied, "Great." before shifting his attention to the other three girls present, asking, "And these three are...?"
In response to Paul's acknowledgment, the three girls, two of which were nearly identical, bowed their heads. At the same time, Ningguang casually explained, "The twins are Rowena and Riannon. They are members of the Migurd Tribe, so, despite their adolescent appearances, they are well into their twenties. As for the girl with cat ears, her name is Minne, and, as you can very clearly see, she is a member of the Beast Race."
Immediately following Ningguang's explanation, the three girls chorused, "It is a pleasure to be of service to Master Paul."
Gesturing for the girls to raise their heads, Paul surprised them slightly by saying, "Glad to have you." before returning his gaze to Ningguang. When he did, she dutifully elaborated, "Rowena and Riannon were hired to help care for the Silkies. The Migurd Tribe has been rearing them for hundreds of years, so I reasoned they would be the most suited for the task. As for Minne, she is an escaped Slave that was discovered by Diona while trying to steal grapes..."
Thinking she was about to be punished, Minne's face and body tensed until Paul surprised her a second time by asking, "Have we tried getting in contact with someone from the Great Forest? Most of the Beast Race are enslaved illegally, so we should try and return her home."
Surprising Minne a third time in quick succession, Ningguang nodded her head, answering, "We have. However, due to the rainy season and several other factors, I'm not expecting a reply within the next year or two. That's the reason I decided to have her stay and apprentice under Diona. Due to the distance between Milbots and the Great Forest, it simply isn't feasible to hire someone to escort Minne home..."
Nodding his head in understanding, Paul shifted his attention to the grey-haired cat-girl before adopting an apologetic smile and saying, "Please be patient with us. It might not happen within the next few years, but we will eventually reunite you with your people. Until then, this place will be your home."
Since most of the younger members of the Beast Race could barely speak their own tongue, much less human language, Minne couldn't understand everything Paul was saying. She could, however, tell he was being sincere and kind, traits most humans seemed to lack. Thus, after staring blankly for several seconds, some rather large tears began to well in the corners of her eyes before she began bawling at the top of her lungs...
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As part of Paul's training, Augusta would periodically ask the Saint-Ranked Water Magic Instructor to lend him ten of her students. He would then have them encircle Paul and, every 3-10 seconds, fire low-powered Water Balls at him.
Due to a combination of envy and other negative sentiments, there were a substantial number of students volunteering to 'help' out in Paul's training. Many viewed this as their only opportunity to 'get even' with the 'arrogant boy' who frequently showed them up or humiliated them in virtually every class. Others simply viewed it as an opportunity to pelt a higher-ranking Noble with a Water Ball. Regardless of their reasons, Paul, Jean, Barbara, Xiangling, and Xinyan were never left wanting for training partners.
Fortunately, as petty and vindictive as the training appeared, Augusta wasn't wrong when he claimed it was extremely effective. The core of the Water God Style was learning how to read the Flow and intentions of your opponents. Once mastered, Flow would allow the user to redirect virtually any attack, magical or otherwise. For this reason, it was considered to be the heart, soul, and backbone of the Water God Style.
By being surrounded by people who radiated hostility, resentment, and a variety of other emotions, Paul and the others were training to avoid one of the most common pitfalls of swordsmanship, tunnel-vision. Few people prepared to confront multiple foes from the start of their training, so one of the most common causes of death for 'untempered' Saints and Kings was simply being stabbed or shot in the back while they were focused on someone else. Often by a complete amateur...
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"Is this the best you can do, kid? Or maybe this is just how Great Nobles take their baths...?"
Following Augusta's words, several of the boys surrounding Paul tittered and snickered in amusement. What they failed to realize was that Augusta was simply using their pettiness to both motivate Paul and provide him an opportunity to recover.
Snorting through his nose, Paul side-stepped a softball-sized Water Ball while simultaneously cutting through another. He ended up getting a fresh coat of frigid water, but his expression remained largely unchanged as he kept moving and weaving about within the circle he had been prohibited from leaving. Augusta had explained the purpose of the training to him, so while he couldn't help feeling annoyed, Paul took it seriously.
Feeling a chill spread through his body, similar to the feeling he would get prior to goosebumps, Paul spun around at nearly twice his usual speed to cut through a chunk of ice hidden within a Water Ball. The Noble who sent it at him turned pale but quickly relaxed when Paul didn't even bat an eye in his direction. Instead, he kept dodging the attacks of others without so much as a single break for ten minutes.
"Enough. You lot go and recover your Mana. The next round starts in half an hour."
Though a few of the older students wanted to stick around and boast, it was 'well known' that Sword King Augusta was a 'friend' of the Regional Lord. It was rumored he had come to Milbots Academy to help train Paul specifically, so, as 'sensible' young Nobles, the burgeoning Water Mages knew when to show restraint.
With the riff-raff tottering off, Augusta approached Paul with one of his characteristically wolfish smiles, stating, "You only lasted 628 seconds. With your strength and build, you should be able to endure nearly twice that amount. Stop performing big movements and swinging your sword around like an idiot. You aren't practicing Sword God techniques."
Despite his harsh words and severe expression, Augusta extended his hand to help Paul rise. The latter didn't accept it, but he also didn't bat it aside as he used to nearly ten months prior.
"I can stand on my own..."
Pushing himself to his feet, Paul did his best to stand tall as he made his way over to where Jean, Barbara, Xiangling, and Xinyan were waiting. The latter three were utterly exhausted after enduring a water barrage of their own, while Jean was her usual calm and stoic self as she proferred Paul a towel and said, "Welcome back, Master."
After receiving the towel, Paul took a moment to wipe his face as Augusta walked over and asked, "You ready for round two, goldilocks?"
Ignoring Augusta's words, Jean waited for Paul to finish drying his face before accepting the now damp towel and asking, "Would you like some warm tea or hot chocolate?"
Shaking his head, Paul answered, "Cocoa, please. It is a bit chilly with wet clothes."
Nodding her head in affirmation, Jean retrieved a thermos, merrily filling a cup for Paul while Augusta just stared at them with a sullen expression on his face. He frequently attempted to tease and provoke the girls in Paul's posse, but they largely ignored him. It was kind of freaky just how mature they all were.
"Anyways...there's something I wanted you to do for me, kid. Consider it a way to repay me for all the favoritism I've shown you and your little harem of prodigies these last couple of months."
Furrowing his brows, Paul turned to meet Augusta's gaze, asking, "What is it?" in an annoyed tone. Much of his hostility towards the man had waned over the past ten months, but they weren't on friendly terms. It didn't help that Augusta had knocked up the former Water God Instructor, Reva, four months prior.
Exhaling through his nose, Augusta took a moment to let Paul calm down before explaining, "When you get back to the Notos Estate, I want you to tell my wife not to come looking for me. Now that I have another wife and child on the way, I intend to travel up the Northwest coast and retire...for real this time..."
Though he was tempted to call Augusta a piece of shit, Paul had already come to terms with the man's situation. He also knew that he wouldn't be able to take back a woman that had been sleeping with someone else for the better part of five years. Thus, while he couldn't help thinking Augusta was a piece of shit, Paul couldn't really blame the man for wanting to start over elsewhere. He just hoped Augusta's next child was a boy.
"So be it...I will tell her..."
Nodding his head in approval, Augusta attempted to give Paul a firm clap on the shoulder, but the latter side-stepped it. This gave Augusta the urge to smack the young Noble on the head, but he held himself back. Instead, he adopted one of his characteristically wolfish grins and taunted, "Would you look at that...the Little Lord can actually dodge something..."
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A few days before his return to the Notos Estate, Paul was unsurprised when Jean entered his room to inform him that Princess Andromeda had arrived. The silver-haired Princess had been trying to get him to invite her for several months, so he knew it was only a matter of time before she got fed up and came herself.
Breathing a sigh, Paul gave Xinyan's head a pat as he lazily droned, "Show her to the Drawing Room and have Xiangling prepare tea and snacks..."
Bowing her head, Jean replied, "As you will, Master Paul." before promptly turning around to carry out Paul's orders. At the same time, Xinyan raised her head from his lap, hair down and with an adorably grumpy expression on her face as she groaned, "So much for my reward..."
Adopting a wry smile, Paul attempted to coax the cantankerous brunette by saying, "It shouldn't take too long. When I get back, I promise to help brush your hair...deal?"
Though she nodded her head in affirmation, Xinyan spread her arms with a 'severe' expression on her face. A defeated sigh escaped Paul's throat, but there was little to no reluctance in his actions as he gave Xinyan a firm hug before punctuating the encounter with a chaste kiss. He continued to refuse her periodic requests to make out, but tamer displays of affection had become increasingly common between him and all of the girls. As for how he justified it? Well, even his mom kissed him on the lips...
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While waiting for Paul's arrival, Andromeda stared directly at Jean with her perennially impassive expression. She was fairly confident in her own beauty, but she felt like Jean was in a league of her own. To make matters worse, Jean didn't appear to be wearing any makeup whatsoever. It was a little infuriating...
Maintaining a professional smile, Jean pretended to be oblivious to the fact Andromeda was practically glaring at her. She had long since grown accustomed to the envy and hate-filled stares of other girls, so, while it still bothered her, it was impossible to tell from her expression.
Fortunately, just as Jean was thinking of excuses to leave the room, Paul appeared, saying, "We meet again, Princess Andromeda. Tell me, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit...?"
Adopting a practiced smile that came nowhere near her eyes, Andromeda softly replied, "Heir Paul and I have been neighbors for nearly ten months. I thought on the matter for quite some time before concluding it would be rude of me not to visit at least once ere your return home..."
"Mmm...I see..."
Sitting on the sofa parallel to the chaise lounge Andromeda was seated on, Paul met the petite Princess's eyes for several seconds before asking, "And...?"
Closing her eyes, Andromeda took a slow and deliberate breath before exhaling, opening her eyes, and stating, "You must be very sure of your position to be this insensible...how enviable..."
Shaking his head, Paul refuted the Princess's words, stating, "That has nothing to do with my performance. I just don't go seek trouble when I can avoid it."
Furrowing her brows, Andromeda remarked, "So it truly was an act...how abhorrently uncouth..."
Shrugging his shoulders, Paul relaxed his posture, effectively dismissing with propriety as he said, "Given your circumstances, I would imagine you have first-hand experience with how troublesome politics can be. Though it is only a matter of time before I'm forced to act, my only interests right now are increasing my strength and taking care of my people. While I can empathize with your plight, I would only be inviting scrutiny unto myself if I played into your hand..."
Though he really did empathize with Andromeda's situation, Paul couldn't help her with his current status and power. It frustrated him to no end, but all he could really do right now was add her name to his list and hope her situation improved. The probability of that happening was minuscule, but that was just the way things were in Mushoku Tensei.
Interpreting Paul's words to mean he knew the exact circumstances of her situation, Andromeda's impassive mask cracked for the first time as she shakily questioned, "You would consign me to my fate with a smile on your face? It would appear I was wrong about you, Paul Notos Greyrat..."
Rising with a start, a layer of moisture could be seen developing across Andromeda's face as she stated, "You aren't better than the other Nobles of this Kingdom. You are much, much worse..."
Storming towards the door, Andromeda attempted to leave but found her exit blocked by Jean. Her face immediately became red as the tears in her eyes burst forth like a deluge. At the same time, she shrieked, "Get out of my way, you-!"
Interrupting Andromeda's scream with a crisp smack, Jean's expression hardened as she said, "You are not the only one in a precarious position, Princess. Master Paul is doing his best to make the entire world a better place. Don't you dare to compare him to those monsters in human flesh..."
Without paying any attention to Jean's words, Andromeda held her cheek and muttered, "You...you hit me..." in a sobbing tone. Almost immediately after that, however, unbridled rage appeared in the depths of her eyes as she reared back her hand and shouted, "How dare you strike a member of the-"
Smacking Andromeda on her unswollen cheek, Jean said, "Be quiet and sit down. We are going to get this matter cleared up before you leave. I don't care what your status is."
"Jean..."
Though he understood Jean's frustration, Paul couldn't help thinking she was taking things too far. Her country had effectively abandoned her, but Andromeda was still a Princess. It could cause an international incident if word got out that a 'servant' had struck a member of foreign Royalty.
Exhibiting a rare bout of anger, Jean looked towards Paul and said, "No. I won't let this ignorant...child..."
Realizing that Andromeda was only 6-7 years old, Jean's words gradually trailed off as the anger faded from her expression. She was so used to the notion that everyone in Paul's group merely resembled children that she had momentarily forgotten not everyone was like them...
Shaking his head, Paul began using Healing Magic on Andromeda as he whispered, "Go. I'll take care of things here..." before Jean could offer an apology. In this situation, an apology would only make things worse, so, even though he knew Jean was sorry for her actions, Paul compelled her to leave the room with a severe look that left no room for argument...
...
..
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Chapter 35: MI35: Dealings