Mushoku Impact

"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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With introductions complete, Paul and Ningguang spent a bit of time discussing the matter of Princess Andromeda before parting ways. Paul was mentally and physically drained after ten days in a carriage, so, even though it was only 4:15 PM, he decided to turn in for the night.
Since Jean, Barbara, Xiangling, and Xinyan had other things to take care of, Paul half-expected to be able to sleep alone for the first time in nearly a year. Instead, Ganyu followed soundlessly behind him, and the moment he entered his room, Paul found one of the three missing people from the Maid lineup waiting for him.
"Welcome home, Master Paul..."
Like when she first greeted him, Ei was kneeling on the ground, the tips of her index fingers touching to create a 45-degree angle as she bowed low enough to have her bangs touch the floor. More surprisingly, at least from the perspective of Paul, was the fact she was wearing a lavender kimono with accents of dark purple.
Recovering from his momentary stupor, Paul adopted a faint smile as he said, "It's good to see you again, Ei. How have you been these past ten months...?"
Raising her head, Ei maintained a neutral yet uniquely resolute expression as she cooly replied, "Though I have become increasingly indebted to our comrades, I have been well. Thank you for asking."
Nodding his head, Paul took a moment to look around his room. It hadn't changed much in the past ten months, but he noticed a very distinct smell present within. His bed was also a mess, a tell-tale sign that someone had been sleeping in it while he was away.
Inhaling the flowery aroma, Paul could feel his body beginning to warm up as he tentatively inquired, "Have you...been staying in my room all this time...?"
"Guh..."
Lowering her head in shame, Ei begrudgingly explained, "Since I can't do much else, I was given the duty of protecting Master's chambers...please forgive me..."
Shaking his head, Paul said, "It's fine..." before stepping forward to help Ei stand. The aroma that had permeated his room was a bit overbearing, but it wasn't unpleasant. It reminded Paul of the greenhouse he and his father maintained in his previous world. His mother, before her death, had really enjoyed gardening. After her passing, his father filled the greenhouse with all of her favorite plants and flowers, dutifully maintaining them even after two decades...
Feeling nostalgic and a little lonesome, Paul's expression softened as he looked between the two budding beauties as he asked, "Care to join me for a nap...?"
Answering before Ganyu, Ei thumped her chest with a bit of conviction as she practically exclaimed, "It would be my honor!" As for Ganyu, she had noticed the melancholy within Paul, so, even though she already had the intention of acting as his hug pillow, her smile became particularly tender as she replied, "Of course..." in a soft, soothing tone.
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Shortly after parting with Paul, Ninggung elected to take a brief respite in her office. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy conversing with Paul, but it often left her feeling fatigued. She wasn't used to prioritizing others or having to restrict her actions in accordance with another's views, so, every now and then, she needed a moment to decompress.
Though she imagined it would trouble Paul quite a bit, Ningguang reclined in her custom-made chair and took a long drag from an expensive, white and gold pipe. The bowl was predominately packed with processed hemp, but it had been laced with trace amounts of opiates and a few stimulating herbs to help keep her focused.
Exhaling a long and thin line of hazy smoke, the tensions in Ningguang's body gradually relaxed as she sunk deeper into her chair. Now that Paul was back, many of the plans she had been drafting could finally be set in motion. This was a good thing, but, at the same time, it meant she would be away from the estate for nearly two months.&nbsp;
While two months might not sound like an exceptionally long time, it may as well be two years from Ningguang's perspective. She was a genius at delegating responsibilities to others, but her burgeoning operations were nowhere near the level where she could place others in charge. All it took was a few people spreading negative sentiments and refusing to put in an honest day's work for an irreversible chain reaction to start...
"I need Keqing and Yanfei here...Zhongli is reliable, but she lacks common sense. And I can't leave everything to Ganyu and Xingqiu..."
Inhaling another lungful of smoke, Ningguang held it for a moment before exhaling through her nose and muttering, "At least Paul is sensible enough to give me free rein...his father though..."
Thinking of 'Lord' Amarant, Ningguang couldn't help rolling her eyes. The man wasn't nearly as bad as he could be, but the 'common sense' of the Asura Kingdom was deeply ingrained into the core of his being. He wasn't much of a 'threat' at the present moment, but Ningguang had noticed him observing even her with a thoughtful yet libidinous gaze. Had she and the others appeared in their original forms, it wasn't even a question whether or not he would harass or assault them.&nbsp;
Though she had no intentions of killing him, Ningguang knew she had to get rid of Paul's father sooner rather than later. Paul's sensibilities made him troublesome to deal with, but they also made him remarkably easy to convince. He would also have no choice but to travel in the future, so, as long as she could deal with Amarant, the entire Milbots Region would fall under her control.
"The problem is convincing my darling fiance to fulfill his responsibility at the appropriate time..."
Though she both understood Paul's and had apprehensions of her own, Ningguang would prefer they tie the knot and get to 'baking' as quickly as possible. Unless he ran away from home, jeopardizing everything she was currently working on, Paul's family would never allow him to travel before he had produced an heir.
One of the things Ningguang was currently worried about was Paul using their marriage as an excuse to delay things until he believed they were of an 'appropriate' age. That would severely inconvenience both of them, so even if Paul were against it, Ningguang would find a way to 'convince' him.
Fortunately, as much as she disdained them, Ningguang had the laws and culture of the world on her side. People also seemed to mature quite a bit faster than in her previous world, so much so that she had mistaken many 10-12-year-olds as 14-16-year-olds. Lilia was an excellent example of this, as, despite being just over seven years old, certain parts of her body were already beginning to fill out while others had started to contract.
*tok* *tok* *tok*
"Hmmm...?"
Since it was pretty rare for anyone to knock on her door, the faces of four people crossed Ningguang's mind before she called out, "Jean...?" without attempting to hide her pipe.
Leaving Ningguang feeling a little delighted, the door opened to reveal a somewhat surprised Jean standing outside, asking, "Were you expecting me?"
Before answering Jean's question, Ningguang inhaled from her pipe one final time before capping it off and placing it within a long silver container. Then, as if a switch had been flipped within her mind, the haze faded from her eyes as she cooly replied, "Of course. While I consider myself and the Archons to be the most dedicated to our cause, you are inarguably one of the most dutiful within our group. I would have been far more surprised if you hadn't sought me out to give a report."
Though she took a moment to observe the thick cloud lingering near the ceiling, Jean didn't say anything about it. Instead, she made her way over to Ningguang's desk before producing a small journal, explaining, "This is a record of events that took place at the Academy. While there are bound to be a few gaps, I believe it should suffice for your purposes?"
Accepting the journal, Ningguang took a moment to peruse some of the pages before nodding her head in approval and saying, "To be perfectly honest, this is beyond my expectations. I presumed the Grandmaster of the Knights of Favonius to be capable, but the concise yet detailed nature of your reports is beyond exemplary. If you didn't have such an important mission, I would have wanted to make you my Secretary..."
Setting aside the journal, Ningguang gestured for Jean to take a seat as she asked, "Speaking of which, how are things progressing between you and our Master? I assume you've written about it, but I've come to find that certain matters are better discussed in person..."
Having anticipated Ningguang's inquiry, Jean only hesitated for a brief moment before answering, "It's difficult to put into words...while I have developed a definitive affection for Master Paul, there is also a certain feeling of distance between us. I initially thought I was simply jealous of his burgeoning relationship with other girls, but the most recent incident with Princess Andromeda has caused me to reevaluate many things..."
"Oh? And have you reached any conclusions...?"
Though she was interested to know the specifics of Paul's encounter with the Princess, Ningguang was far more interested in Jean than some stray Royal from another country. Jean, at least in her eyes, was worth at least three, maybe even five Crown Princesses...
"I think we underestimated Master Paul's convictions...I'm not sure if it's because of something we did or because his confidence is increasing, but he appears to be changing into someone...different than the man I initially considered him to be. There is now a certain...gravitas about him...an aura that both distinguishes and elevates him above normal people..."
Blinking in surprise, Ningguang took a moment to look back on her most recent interactions with Paul. She had also noticed he was a bit strange, but, perhaps due to him deferring to her on nearly every matter, she just interpreted it as him becoming more mature.
"Do you think it will become a problem...?"
Though she wanted to shake her head, Jean's brows furrowed for a brief moment before she answered, "Perhaps...while I also believe it's a good thing, Master Paul's growing confidence and desire to help people might jeopardize our mission if he acts recklessly. I don't think it will happen any time soon, but I can imagine him declaring war on the Asura Kingdom at some point within the next ten to twenty years..."
Catching Jean by surprise, Ningguang remarked, "Oh, is that all? Then it shouldn't be a problem. The Asura Kingdom was bound to try and meddle with us. Master Paul's beliefs and convictions have no meaningful impact on that fact. So long as he doesn't go storming into the Royal Capital on his own, it's okay if he develops a bit of a hero complex. In fact, that's one of the reasons I decided to keep Minne. Once Master Paul matures, I plan to have him escort her back to the Great Forest. By the time he returns, I should have everything in place to either take over the Asura Kingdom or start our own..."
Overwhelmed by Ningguang's assertions, Jean found herself with her mouth agape and a completely stupefied expression on her face. She had heard rumors about Ningguang back in their world, but she never thought the woman was so...ambitious...
"It's no wonder Master Paul so readily placed you in charge..."
Squinting her eyes in satisfaction, Ningguang playfully mused, "You're going to make me blush..."
Contrasting Ningguang's words, her complexion was precisely as fair as it had always been. The only three things to ever make her blush were the first time she saw two dogs having sex, the first time she visited a public bathhouse, and the time Keqing walked in on her when she was feeling a little gassy.
Simply put, with very few exceptions, Ningguang only showed people the expressions she wanted them to see. Jean and Paul were no exception...
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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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Chapter 36: MI36: Foundation