eins_left_foot

MI47: Brazen

(A/N: Check attachments for Reida image.)

With a member of the Royal Family dying before things could get fully underway, none of the guests were surprised when Paul's 10th birthday celebration was promptly canceled. However, due to the suddenness of the Duke's death, they were forced to stay within the Estate as the entire place was put on lockdown. 

While it was apparent to most that the Duke had 'died of passion,' the colloquial term for a heart attack, Amarant could be tr...

MI46: Impropriety

"Time ta wake up, birthday boy..."

"Mmm...?"

Opening his eyes, the first thing Paul saw was Xinyan's face less than ten centimeters away from his own. She had one hand on his chest while the other could be felt directing his little brother to the entrance of a dark and steamy cavern.

"There we go..."

Having found the correct angle, a nasally pleasure-filled moan escaped Xinyan's throat as she slowly lowered her hips. Paul's little brother didn't make it very far before...

MI45: A Shift in Perspective

"I may have underestimated the genes of the Greyrat families..."

Even after several minutes had passed, Ningguang could barely retain her focus as she stared up at the ceiling with an absentminded expression on her face. She was covered in sweat, and, despite taking a medicine that was supposed to dull a person's senses, everything from her brain to her toes was tingling with a pleasant numbness.

Though he heard Ningguang's remark, Paul continued staring blankly into the hearth cr...

MI44: Breaking Point

Just as Paul was beginning to wonder if they had stayed in the bath a little too long, a young girl with pale purple hair, even paler skin, and vibrant, purple-pink eyes entered into the room, stating, "Master Paul, everything has been prepared."

"Right. Thank you, Qiqi."

"Nn..."

Having carried out her mission, Qiqi promptly departed the bath to return to the party venue. When she was gone, Paul returned his attention to the bronze-skinned girl seated between his legs, sayin...

MI43: Apprisal

Parting with his father, Paul was prepared to return to the East Wing but found his path blocked by a petite girl with cerulean blue eyes and muted, golden-blonde hair.

Though his body briefly tensed due to the girl appearing just after he left his father's room, almost like she had been trying to jump scare him, Paul quickly regained his smile as he said, "It's good to see you, Barbara."

Seeing Paul spread his arms, a bit of the severity in Barbara's expression faded away as she ...

MI42: Time Passes in the Blink of an Eye

"What troubles you, Master?"

"Can't I just be thinking about nothing...?"

"..."

"It was just a joke, Eula...please don't apologize..."

"I see...I'll remember that..."

"..."

Suppressing a sigh, Paul just closed his eyes, the soft feeling of Eula's inordinately developed thighs helping to calm his turbulent mind.

Nearly five years had passed since Paul was first given access to the Intersection of Fate. Since then, he had summoned a total of 33 out of a...

MI41: Burden

With Amarant's recent return and Ningguang not wanting to leave her projects untended for 8-10 weeks, Paul's scheduled tour of the Region was canceled. Instead, he spent his vacation much like his time at the Academy, primarily focused on training and interspaced by periods of borderline philandering.

When Amarant first saw Paul's progress in the Water God Style, he was genuinely surprised. Even the average Knight was only an Intermediate Rank Swordsman, so while Paul was technically st...

MI40: Bonds of Trust

Interrupting the long moment of silence that had set in between Paul and Ningguang, Zhongli entered the room to say, "We just received word from the scouts traveling ahead of the convoy. Lord Amarant will be arriving in the next hour."

Without raising her head from Paul's shoulder, Ningguang replied, "Thank you, Zhongli. Have everyone begin preparations immediately."

After a quick bow, Zhongli closed the door and headed off to carry out Ningguang's orders. Silence once again perme...

MI39: Indecision

"Master Paul...if it isn't too much trouble, I would like to go check on your mother..."

Though she didn't mind cuddling together in front of the hearth, Ganyu had gotten used to frequenting Valentine's room. She wasn't her servant or anything, but she proactively performed many of the same duties.

"Mmm..."

Raising his chin from Ganyu's head, Paul released her from his embrace as he said, "We'll go together. I'm sure my mother would enjoy the company."

Nodding her head...

MI38: Interpose

Waking early the following morning, just after 1 AM, the first thing Paul noticed was the top of Ganyu's head. Even without him asking, she had reverted to being his squishy and fragrant hug pillow of her own accord.

Unfortunately, the inevitable had finally happened as Paul's little brother had awoken before him. Ganyu didn't seem to notice or care, but Ei was currently poking at it with a curious look on her face.

"Don't even think about asking if I need help with it..."

H...

MI37: Decompressing

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 th...

MI36: Foundation

"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 ...

MI35: Dealings

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 focuse...

MI34: Awareness

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...

MI33: Angst

Unlike when Paul first entered the Academy, he didn't have to introduce himself. Instead, he just showed up to class with Jean, Barbara, Xiangling,  and Xinyan following close behind.

Seeing the 'Little Lord' of the Academy arrive with an even larger retinue of attractive attendants, a series of subdued groans and sighs could be heard around the classroom. The grumbling primarily came from the boys, envious of the quality of Paul's attendants, while the sighs originated from the gi...

MI32: Subtle Yet Drastic Changes

Though Jean would typically wake him up around 2 AM, their late arrival the previous night meant Paul could sleep in as long as he wanted. Well, nearly as long as he wanted. 

Much like when Paul had initially arrived at the Academy, Erinellis, the Elven Secretary of the Academy's Headmistress, arrived around noon to welcome him. When Jean knocked on his door, Paul opened his eyes to find the beet-red face of Barbara staring back at him. He had rolled onto his side in the night, so ...

MI31: Sowing the Seeds of the Future

Though it was taking Paul a bit of time to adapt to his new sleeping arrangements, the days that followed his third round of gacha were filled with fortuitous encounters and occurrences. 

The day following their summoning, Paul introduced Ningguang, Ganyu, Barbara, Rosaria, and Diona to his father. Amarant was a little concerned by the presence of even more young girls around his son, but his worries immediately faded when he learned that Ganyu could potentially treat his wife.

MI30: Desire to Protect

With Rosaria not being very talkative, it wasn't long before Paul found himself preparing for his final pull. As far as he knew, he was guaranteed to get a 5-Star ally or weapon during his next summon. The only question was, which one?

Seeing through Paul's thoughts, Xinyan asked, "Who do you want to get?"

Shifting his attention to the kissing demon sitting behind him, a wry smile developed across Paul's face as he answered, "My penultimate goal is to obtain someone who can treat ...

MI29: Continuous Hits

After an awkward yet comforting hug, Paul would be lying if he said he didn't feel a lot better. When Xinyan attempted to kiss him on the cheek, however, he politely refused, explaining, "I want to test whether or not you really are my lucky goddess. This time around, I'll roll without using my own luck..."

Though she felt a little awkward being refused after she had already puckered up her lips, Xinyan just smiled and winked as she said, "Sure. Just don't blame me if you end up regrett...

MI28: Goddess of Luck?

Before completely recovering from his stupor, Paul remarked, "I think I'm going to have another aneurysm..."

Surprised by Paul's words, Ningguang's eyes briefly widened before the smile on her face revealed a hint of amusement.

"I see our presence here hasn't provided you the satisfaction and peace of mind it was intended to. Please forgive me if my question was a little too forward..."

After blinking in surprise, a wry smile developed across Paul's face as he asked, "Peace ...

MI27: Tempting Fate

After opening the Intersection of Fate, Paul, more so out of curiosity than anything else, turned back to ask Lilia, "What do you see...?"

Confused by Paul's words, Lilia didn't immediately respond. Instead, she just stared at him for several seconds before asking, "Is there something out in the hallway...?"

"Right..."

Though he had already been informed that others could neither see nor interact with the Intersection of Fate, Paul was still a little surprised by Lilia's rea...

MI26: Increasing Tensions

Just as things were beginning to get uncomfortable within the dojo, Flute arrived, shocking both Paul and her daughter as she bowed towards the former and said, "Your Lord Father wishes to depart. Please make way to the entrance, Young Master."

"Mother...?"

Raising her head, Flute responded to Lilia without looking at her, adding, "You will be accompanying the Young Master from this point onward, Lilia. Make sure you listen and serve him well."

Though it had yet to be establ...

MI25: Compromise

Following Lilia, Paul and his group found themselves within a small dojo filled with wooden mannequins and a variety of different swords, shields, and faux armor. The room's dimensions were around 15x15m, with a floor covered in varnished wooden planks and walls constructed from a lower grade version of the magic bricks found at Milbots Academy. There were crates lined up on one side of the room, and, likely due to the presence of weapons inside, the windows were covered in thick iron bars re...

MI24: Invisible Hand

Heralded by his father and several of his most trusted bodyguards, Paul, Zhongli, Jean, and Xinqiu found themselves outside a two-story building that looked more like a house than a sword dojo. There was a small annex attached to the side, but there were currently no students to be seen.

"Hmmm...strange. I could have sworn this was the place..."

Turning to his Bodyguard, a Saint-Ranked practitioner of the Sword God School named Earhart, Amarant questioned, "Are you certain this is...

MI23: Accompaniment

With little else to do with the time his father had given him, Paul split his time between training, practicing with his newly acquired Vision, reading the texts in his library, and speaking with his mother. 

As tempted as he was to take the week off, Paul reasoned he wouldn't have much time to train while traveling with his father. With that in mind, he focused purely on swordsmanship between the hours of 3 and 7 AM. After that, he would eat before spending the period between brea...

MI22: Exasperation

As if her internal clock was more accurate than a genuine timepiece, the lids of Jean's eyes began to flutter at precisely 2 AM. When she opened them, her body briefly tensed as she noticed herself holding onto Paul as he slept precariously close to the edge of his bed.

Fearing she might knock Paul out of the bed if she released him, Jean did the exact opposite by scooching her body back and pulling him close. Her movements were more than enough to stir Paul, his eyes opening just as sh...

Maintaining the Balance: Ch. 37

"You're going?"

Though Kahn had been willing to leave without informing anyone of their departure, Korra felt it would be a little too rude to people they had just met. As a result, the two of them made a short detour to the underground warehouse to inform Akua of their departure.

In response to Akua's question, Korra answered, "Yeah, but we'll be back soon. Probably not tomorrow, but maybe in a day or two."

"Mmm, that's probably for the best. Having you loiter around here b...

MI21: Settling In

Though she was only around 108cm tall, Paul's body froze the moment he met the gaze of the purple-haired, amethyst-eyed girl staring back at him. Her long, singular braid and predominately lavender Maid outfit gave her a charming appearance, but her glowing purple pupils radiated an intensity that made Paul feel like a massive dragon was staring him down.

With Paul failing to respond to her question, the purple-haired girl looked past him to take in her surroundings. Everyone else prese...

MI20: Pity

"I'm going to continue summoning until I obtain a 5-Star or reach pity. For now, why don't you join the others?"

Prompted by Paul's suggestion, Xinyan looked past him to who else had joined their merry little band. When she saw Xiangling, her face lit up, but nowhere near as much as when she spotted Zhongli.

"Xiangling! And is that Zhongli? You make a pretty find girl, don'tcha?"

While Xiangling returned a happy smile, answering, "It's good to see you, Xinyan." Zhongli just ...

MI19: Responsibility

"Your da-I mean, Lord Notos really gave you all of this...?"

Seeing the medium-sized chest a group of burly servants had brought to Paul's private quarters, Xiangling couldn't help staring in disbelief. It was far from the largest chest she had seen, but it was filled to the brim with neatly stacked Asura Gold Coins. She didn't know how deep each stack was, but there were thirty-five across and twenty wide.

Guessing what Xiangling was thinking, Paul explained, "There are 70,000 As...