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16. Shuona's Helplessness
Time passed in an unknown amount of time. As dawn broke outside, Zeli groggily opened her eyes.
Her mind was a bit muddled; Zeli felt like she was drunk and had forgotten what had happened yesterday. She got out of bed and stood there for a moment, then seemed to remember something and involuntarily swallowed. But looking at the neatly made bed and blankets, she began to doubt whether she had remembered correctly.
So, Zeli pulled back the covers, her gaze lingering on her slightly swollen lower abdomen with a complex mix of unease and anticipation. Since returning home, because she often needed to test the stability of the equipment under different emotional states, Zeli had been secretly doing some embarrassing things with Faen almost every day.
Even so, Zeli couldn't help but swallow hard... So this place can be used for that too? Doesn't Faen think it's dirty here? ...Oh, Faen seems to have cleaned it up for me.
Zeli pursed her lips, not wanting to think any further, and nervously reached out to touch it. This touch had an effect; with the movement of her body, what had been stored inside quickly flowed out. This made Zeli slightly flustered, and she hurriedly tried to catch it with her hand. The fresh milk, even after a night, maintained an astonishing moisture and viscosity, making Zeli quickly realize that the fragmented memories in her mind were not a figment of her imagination, and also making her feel a strange, slightly feverish sensation.
During this process, Zeli's facial expressions began to change rapidly. Sometimes tense, sometimes relaxed, sometimes uneasy, sometimes happy... In the end, it turned into a dissatisfied hum, silently clenching her buttocks, feeling the lingering sensation flowing through her body, and softly humming: "They're leaving already... Damn Fan, stinky Fan, bad Fan."
"Uh……"
A slightly embarrassed voice came from the side, and Zeli's body stiffened abruptly on the bed. Realizing something, Zeli's body instantly changed from the languid state of just waking up to an unnatural blush within a few breaths. Even though Zeli's face was not clearly visible from the side, Faen, who had already finished washing up, could still see Zeli's nipples quickly becoming erect with shame.
"Good morning?" Farn greeted him hesitantly.
Zeli, on the other hand, darted into the blankets with a whoosh and remained there for a while before peeking out with half her head, her face full of shame and indignation.
"When...when did you get back?!"
“From the moment you pulled back the covers.” Farn shrugged, approaching Zeli’s flushed face and wide eyes, then naturally slipped under the covers, ignoring Zeli’s token resistance and struggles as he pulled her into his arms: “How are you feeling? Are you alright?”
"No, not at all! It's terrible!"
Zeli retorted angrily, but soon fell silent as Fan's hands wrapped around her. After catching her breath, Zeli whispered, "It's...it's going to leak out...be gentle."
"don’t worry."
As he spoke, Fane placed his hand over her. Through manipulation of the water, the liquid that was flowing out quickly returned to Zeli's stomach, causing the small, flattened curve to rise again. The feeling of being filled surged through her once more, and Zeli, who already had little power to resist, became even weaker, lying in Fane's arms like a boneless ball of flesh.
"Don't you think..." Zeli rubbed her stomach and whispered, "It's dirty here...?"
In response, Faen chuckled and ruffled Zeli's hair, explaining, "Didn't I clean you up? So don't worry, there's nothing dirty in your stomach now except for milk."
As he spoke, Fain gently pressed on Zeli's lower abdomen. Although it was only a slight movement, Zeli could clearly feel the heavy life force pulsating within her.
But upon hearing Fan's words, Zeli blinked. After confirming that Fan was genuinely enjoying himself and wasn't forced to choose that spot to accommodate her, she relaxed and softly hummed, "Who said there weren't any dirty things? My stomach is full of them, isn't it? But never mind, I forgive you... Hmm, how did you feel last night? Were you comfortable?"
"...It feels so good."
"Liar." Zeli lightly bit the arm that Fan was playing tricks on in front of her. "How could I look so fine when I felt really good... Hmph, just you wait, one day I'll make you beg for mercy!"
"Alright, alright, beg for mercy." Faen rubbed Zeli's head, feeling the warmth of the jade in his arms, and, having tasted the sweetness, raised his head again.
Sensing the divine power emanating from directly behind her, Zeli's expression tightened with tension. Although she already knew that Faen was deliberately relaxing his guard to protect her, yesterday's events had occurred while she was not fully conscious, and now…
"Didn't we already do it twice last night?" Zeli said, her breathing slightly rapid. "How do you still have so much energy now..."
Sensing Zeli's nervousness, Fain didn't press the issue. Instead, he quietly rubbed against her, waiting for her decision.
Sensing Faen's meaning, Zeli hummed, then swallowed her saliva to suppress her panic, broke free from Faen's embrace, and lay on the bed, spreading her rounded breasts apart with both hands.
Feeling Faen's gaze, Zeli turned her head away uncomfortably, her mouth twitching a few times before she hummed, "Since you've been somewhat considerate of me—hmm!"
Before Zeli could finish speaking, Fain's army had already penetrated deep into their territory. While still conscious, Zeli felt this intense impact, and the words she was about to say were immediately stuck in her throat. All she could do was cling tightly to Fain's body, fueled by the powerful force of her movements.
An hour later, Fain was refreshed and had changed his clothes. Meanwhile, Zeli, who had used a dehydrating spray to clean off the sweat and dirt, pointed to her mouth at Fain.
Seeing this, Farn paused for a moment, then began to unbuckle his belt—this made Zeli nervous, and she quickly shook her head and said, "I'm just thirsty, I want to drink water!"
Farn shrugged and offered a clean ball of water. After sipping it to replenish her fluids, Zeli glared resentfully at the swollen mark on Farn's pants caused by her request, and said with resentment, "Are you an animal?! That's not what the biology textbook says!"
This has happened so many times already, and Farn still acts like nothing's wrong. While deeply hurt, Zeli also feels a slight tension and unease deep down…
"An'an, as you gradually become stronger, you will understand this feeling."
After ruffling Zeli's hair, Faen said, "Alright, it's time to eat breakfast. Don't keep your mother waiting."
"Oh."
Zeli nodded, then straightened her clothes and stretched a bit. A hint of surprise then flashed in her eyes.
"strangeness."
"What's wrong?" Farn asked Zeli.
Zeli stretched her arms a couple of times, then jumped around a couple of times, and then said with bright eyes, "I feel... I feel like I have inexhaustible energy! Especially since you're so inconsiderate of women! Why don't I feel any pain at all?"
"Because the nutrient solution here is still being absorbed, and the 'happy factor' also has a regulating and restorative effect on the body." Faen tapped Zeli's little belly: "But be careful to clench your fists tightly during activities, otherwise it might leak out!"
"As long as you don't do anything bad!" Zeli glared at her displeasedly, but then tiptoed and gave her a light kiss.
"Let's go and eat."
"Ah."
Shuona had been waiting at the dining table for some time. But looking at the breakfast that had been prepared, the robust Queen Shuona felt she had no appetite at all.
During this period, thanks to the "happy factor" acting as both a mental nitric acid booster and a muscle growth promoter, Shuna's muscles have reached a new level. She looks like a combination of Ana from Overwatch and a giant Reinhardt—now League of Legends truly has its own fortress.
Unlike Zeli, Shuona, as a veteran of Zaun, was truly knowledgeable and experienced. Naturally, Shuona was also well aware of the chaos in Zaun.
Shuona didn't want Zeli to repeat her mistake, ultimately choosing a seemingly brave but actually weak jerk. However, during her observation, Shuona had to admit that she had somewhat underestimated the impact of the happiness factor on Zeli.
No one knows a daughter better than her mother. Shuona knew very well that beneath Zeli's lively, straightforward, and enthusiastic exterior lay a delicate, meticulous, and somewhat sensitive heart.
This makes Zeli always very cautious when dealing with relationships, which also puts Shuona at ease in the past.
But this reassuring Zeli was so proactive yesterday… even though there were no outsiders present, only herself and Faen. Even so, Shuona had to admit that some of Zeli's reactions were beyond her expectations.
In other words, Shuona knew that the effect of the happiness factor wasn't addiction, but rather that it made people more aware of their deepest desires and more able to confront their inner hopes. Otherwise, even for the sake of her daughter, Shuona would have already turned against Faen long ago.
Just as Shuona was still pondering some complicated thoughts, a cheerful "Mommy~" rang out, and Zeli skipped and hopped over from the side of the house. Seeing Zeli's lively figure, and then seeing Faen walking leisurely behind her, Shuona nodded and said, "Let's eat... hmm?"
As they were talking, Shuona suddenly frowned.
Zeli smelled of Faen.
This scent isn't just a simple smell; it's a marker of the spiritual realm. Unless someone else has also taken the Fan's Happiness Factor, no one else can perceive it. Because it's less of a smell and more of a feeling… a feeling that belongs to Fan.
Although it existed before, now... it's far too strong.
Having gained some experience, Shuona knew that only the final unspoken understanding remained between Zeli and Faen. This was evident from the fact that Zeli always smelled of Faen every morning. But now, Shuona was certain that Zeli's scent was even stronger than in the past few days.
And the most intense smell wasn't from the upper body as it used to be, but rather...
Silent, Shuona looked at Zeli's lower abdomen, gazing at the curve of the bulging belly in the corresponding position. Shuona couldn't help but fall into self-doubt—could she be mistaken? After all, how could anyone have such a large amount of food?
"Mom, what are you thinking about?"
Seeing the suspicion on Shuona's face, Zeli blinked in confusion as well.
Shuona glanced at Zeli but didn't say anything. After Faen took his seat, she calmly said, "It's nothing, just the two of you. Did you cross the line last night?"
Upon hearing this, Zeli was taken aback at first, then shook her head and said, "No! Faen wouldn't be that bad!"
Hearing Zeli's words, Shuona breathed a sigh of relief—she didn't have too many doubts, because Shuona was just trying to ask.
Ultimately, Fain's physical abilities are what they are. As for Zeli's physical condition, Shuona, as a mother, knows it very well. Although she is relatively healthy compared to ordinary people due to the nourishment of magic, she is simply incomparable to someone like Fain, who has clearly put in a lot of hard work.
If Zeli really crossed that final line with Faen... according to Shuona's guess, even with the happiness factor to accelerate recovery, Zeli would probably be bedridden and unable to get up now.
as well as--
She knew Zeli's personality. If Zeli had really crossed the final line with Fain, then Zeli would probably be sitting there blushing, head bowed in shame, trying to figure out how to get away with it by chopping vegetables with a spoon...
Instead of pausing for a moment and then quickly denying it, as is the case now.
Thinking this, Shuona, who was sitting next to them, looked at the two of them and said while eating with peace of mind, "It's not that I don't want you two to be together, it's just that we still have a lot of things to do right now. And..."
After a moment of silence, Shuona sighed and said, "Besides, Zeli is still very young, and there are some things I haven't taught her yet."
“I’m not a child anymore. I already know what I need to know! It’s all in the books!” Zeli said, dissatisfied.
Shuona did not argue, but simply looked helplessly at Faen.
Farn expressed his understanding: "Parents always worry about their children, and I understand your concerns, but I also want to assure you that we have not crossed the final line."
Indeed, it wasn't crossed!
Farn's core principle is respect for women; they never force women to do things they don't want to do. They simply encourage women to confront their own feelings when they hesitate...
After receiving a response from Faen, Shuona nodded in agreement.
Based on their time together, there might not be much to say about other things, but in Shuona's opinion, Fain's character is quite admirable—at least much better than that of the locals from Zaun.
17. New Equipment for Fane and Zeli
After finishing their meal, Faen, Zeli, and the others began a new day.
Normally, Fain roams the various alchemy factories of Zaun every night as the Blue Demon. However, alchemy factories are impossible to eradicate completely. In fact, excessive destruction would harm the interests of the Zaun workers themselves.
In particular, Fan's high-intensity dispatches have attracted the attention of the Alchemist Barons, as well as some opportunists. Especially during the last two dispatches, Fan discovered that some workers were deliberately exaggerating the Alchemist Barons' evil nature and inducing Fan to attack them.
"I did a quick survey of them, and I'm pretty sure they're just opportunists." After breakfast, during the casual chat before officially starting work, Faen also talked about some changes in the workers after he distributed the flyers:
"Admittedly, a lot of happiness has emerged in Zaun during this period, but along with this happiness has also come a large number of opportunists. For these opportunists, it is a little difficult to rebel against the tyrannical rule of the Alchemist Baron, but there are plenty of opportunities to make a fortune in our name."
Upon hearing Faen's words, Shuona adjusted her posture slightly, and as her movement changed, the two soft mounds on the table underwent noticeable deformation.
As a true adult, Shuona is more complete in body, mind, and even values. It is precisely because of this that Shuona is well aware of just how serious the problem Faen raised truly is.
"In other words, our organization has already become corrupt before it has even been established..." Shuona said with a headache, "That doesn't sound like good news at all."
“It’s alright. Although I believe in the strength of the Zuan workers, I have never believed in people’s integrity and wisdom.”
Hearing Shuona's words, Faen leaned back in his chair and calmly said, "Humans were born in ancient times, and before the development of civilization, they competed with wild beasts for limited resources. Naturally, like wild beasts, humans have the imprint of authoritarianism and herd mentality etched into their genes. The ignorance and prejudice of the group can drown out the clear logic of the individual, a fact that was already proven a thousand years ago during the Rune Wars."
Upon hearing this, Shuona nodded thoughtfully.
The Rune Wars era is to Runeterra what World War II was to Faen. Even without detailed knowledge of that period's history, people growing up in that environment are still passively exposed to related information.
Zaun... or rather, the ancient Zaun of yesteryear, as the trading hub of Runeterra, was coveted by many. Although few Zaunites today have the precious leisure time to learn about that history, it still reaches the ears of those with lofty ambitions in various forms.
Among them, it was not uncommon for wise men to be killed by rioters because of betrayal, framing, and slander.
Although she was troubled by the state of Fain's relationship with her daughter, that didn't mean Shuona would question Fain's thoughts and beliefs. Like now, sensing that Fain seemed to have made a decision, Shuona asked, "What are you going to do?"
“I don’t have that much time to take things slowly,” Farn said. “So I will use my strengths to deter those with ulterior motives with violence.”
"You want to kill them?" Upon hearing this, Shuona hesitated for a moment before saying, "But violence cannot suppress the growth of greed in people's hearts."
“But it can be suppressed.” Farn was not surprised by Shuona’s hesitation, but said frankly, “The environment of Zaun is what it is. No matter what kind of reforms are made, they cannot avoid the violence that objectively coexists with this land. It is necessary to make an example of someone to warn others. The important thing is whether we can find professionals to handle matters related to Zaun after making an example of someone to warn others.”
As he spoke, he met Shuona's gaze. Sensing the hesitation in Shuona's eyes, he paused and sighed, "Aunt Shuona, I know you're reluctant. But please understand me. I'm a complete political idiot. The situation in Zaun is so complicated, and I can only think of two solutions for governance."
"Those two?"
"De-urbanization and de-ruralization".
Although she didn't know what Faen meant, from the tone of his voice, Shuona felt that it might not be a good thing.
Somewhat helpless, Shuona knew that Faen was telling the truth.
“Actually, I know you’re right.” Shuona’s spirits were somewhat low, even her muscles seemed a little dull. However, this low spirit didn’t last long, and the Queen of the Dragon Clan quickly rallied, saying, “Let’s do it your way… The fact that you can offer a reform plan proves that you are at least more reliable than me. I, this so-called adult, actually need to rely on a young outsider like you to make the decision to face this land that gave me birth and nurtured me…”
“You’re just fighting in your own way,” Farn comforted him.
"Really?" Shuona smiled self-deprecatingly.
"No?" Farn looked into Shuona's eyes and asked, "If you have truly lost all hope in Zaun and lost all faith, how could Zeli be so energetic, full of passion and determination?"
Upon hearing this, Shuona looked at Zeli, who, after hearing Fan's words, also looked at her mother, then made a big peace sign, as if to say, "Fan was great, wasn't he!"
She blinked, then a smile appeared on Shuona's lips as she nodded and looked at Faen with a sigh.
"Now I know why Zeli is so depressed... You really know how to comfort people."
“Thank you for your compliment.” Farn’s response was calm and natural: “However, in my hometown, this is more often seen as an extremely pessimistic person’s acceptance of minor hardships.”
Upon hearing this, Shuona was taken aback, then burst into laughter.
"Does it mean you can see the suffering in the future? That's quite a euphemism."
Aside from memories of his past life and other sensitive matters, Fain rarely tries to hide his secrets. Similarly, Fain usually confronts his desires honestly—but respects the other person's choices in the process, just as he did with Zeli.
This attitude is also one of the reasons why Shuona is willing to choose to believe in Faen.
Amidst laughter and conversation, the family chatted about everyday matters. After breakfast, they immediately got to work.
Perhaps because she had just received a full supply of supplies, Zeli seemed full of energy today. She made rapid progress in trying to connect with the new equipment, and the equipment, which was already mostly completed, was quickly finished thanks to Zeli's efforts.