48. Two sage

Noah looked at the three beauties, as if stepped from a painting, kneeling before him, heads bowed in remorse.

Lalatina spoke of the story I made up this morning. That's why this happened… No, even so, something's odd… Why are they dressed so beautifully… Could they be testing me about earlier…

Observing silently for a moment… looking at the three… Seems it's not exposed… If my lie's caught, I'd be eating dirt… Sighing.

"Lalatina, you mustn't spread that story recklessly, understand… I don't mind, but it's my personal matter…"

Lalatina bowed her head, voice clearly repentant.

"Manor Lord, this servant erred, it was my fault. Seeing my sisters misunderstand your honorable character, I spoke to clarify. Please forgive me."

Noah sighed, turned 45' angle to look at the sky

"I said no need for such formality. Past matters don't need revisiting. But this mistake can't go unpunished."

"I sentence each to three spanks. Come, lie face-down on the bed, one by one."

The three froze at his words. The Manor Lord wants to spank us. That stern face, not a hint of jest… Is it real?

Lalatina silent. Luna flustered. Liora bewildered, Why spank… Is that a punishment, like Brother spanking women in Lotus Blossom Court…?

Luna gritted her teeth, saying.

"Manor Lord, could you change the punishment? This one lacks dignity."

Liora chimed in.

"Manor Lord, why spank? I've never heard of such a punishment."

Lalatina, blushing, spoke.

"Manor Lord, the fault is mine. I'll take their punishments, but please change it."

Seeing Lalatina's flushed, peerlessly charming face, her hesitant yet unresisting tone, he sensed she wasn't entirely opposed to the spanking… Truly, the protagonist's charm is unstoppable. Change to what else…??

"No, you've erred, I must punish. Lalatina, do you understand what you just said?"

Lalatina's voice firm.

"Yes, I accept full responsibility. Please judge fairly."

Noah, waiting for this, ignored the others' reactions, proclaiming boldly.

"Very well, the total is nine spanks. But for your courage, I'll consider, postponing the execution. You now owe me this punishment."

"Any objections?"

With a flushed face, Lalatina raised her head, meeting the Manor Lord's gaze, devoid of lewdness. He remained so dignified. Indeed, this matter, neither big nor small. The punishment was fitting…

She shyly said.

"Many thanks for your leniency."

Noah nodded, turning to the other two.

"As for you two, if you speak of this, I'll punish more severely. Understood?"

Luna and Liora, seeing his seriousness, bowed fearfully, complying.

Noah silently watched Lalatina, blushing, head lowered obediently, nearly unable to restrain himself from rushing to embrace her.

Shaking his head, Too soon.

But this gesture, in their eyes, was the Manor Lord shaking his head in disappointment.

Noah.

"Alright, stand up."

Then, for the first time, three beautiful girls helped dress him. Some awkwardness was inevitable, but Noah inwardly chanted. In time, this will be routine. Protagonist's aura, peak of life, harem, world… I can't stray from the grand scheme for one flower. Must stabilize the manor first.

"Follow me to tour the manor."

The girls nodded respectfully, etiquette flawless. Come to think of it, these three were noble ladies, yet their manners impeccable. Truly, this otherworld differed—beautiful ladies, refined etiquette, all that. Unlike the modern world, full of partying, rebellious types…

Stepping out, head held high, food secured, clothing no issue, next was personal hygiene, daily tasks, and local information.

"It's been long since I went down the mountain. What's the situation outside? Can you tell me?"

The three exchanged silent glances. Finally, Luna stepped forward, saying.

"Manor Lord, war looms below the mountain. The world is split into two factions, each led by a Sage."

Noah, Sages?? Are there Sages in the cultivation world…?

"Do you know who these Sages are? Why do they conflict?"

Luna's voice, clear as autumn water, replied.

"The Sages are Stellar Nebula Daoist, master of celestial omens, and Mortal Dust Daoist, who sees through human hearts."

"They clash over differing beliefs. One advocates acting in accordance with heaven, the other, all lies with man."

Noah, hearing this, thought these Sages didn't seem so formidable. Isn't action about heaven, earth, and man… These Sages are odd.

"Don't they know war brings suffering to many?"

Luna, inwardly, Truly, the Manor Lord is great, with a compassionate heart.

"Manor Lord, Sages wield vast influence. Each has countless admirers. Their teachings spread widely, almost as truth. When a new Sage emerges with opposing principles, followers of the old can't accept the new, sparking conflict and war."

Noah sighed, so it's a fan war… otherworld edition… No, wait, they're Sages, how could it be so petty…

"Oh, do these Sages know? Do they intervene? They're Sages, surely not so shallow as to war over this."

Luna, unsure how to answer, paused. Lalatina stepped forward, continuing.

"Manor Lord, the conflict stems from these two. It drew in the Five Great Dynasties. Both sides are now at swords' point, ready to fight anytime."

Noah… ???

Oh, got it, political schemes of the Five Dynasties. No way a war of five nations over such a flimsy reason… This must be a mortal world, war for land, resources…

But this manor, with three beautiful maidens, can't be harmed by this senseless war.

"So, are you aligned with any side?"