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 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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