vncnus Page 59
Page 59
Ultimately, the reason Vi could speak so freely was that even if she didn't want to return to Zaun for fear of triggering painful memories or causing unnecessary trouble for the now-thriving nation, her heart was still with Zaun, and she considered herself a Zaunite. This led her to feel a secret, even smug, satisfaction upon seeing Piltover, once a powerful and prestigious nation, reduced to its current state. She simply refrained from expressing it directly, out of consideration for Caitlyn's feelings.
But Caitlyn is different. Born and raised in Piltover, specifically at Blue Smoked Estate, she received the best education. Given this background, Caitlyn truly considers herself a part of Piltover. Even her becoming a law enforcement officer wasn't entirely a family arrangement, but rather a genuine desire to uphold justice in this land and help the city prosper.
but now……
Caitlyn pursed her lips, remaining silent and unresponsive to Vi. This seemed to alert Vi, who quickly shut her mouth. Following this, Caitlyn, led by Vi, hurried to Piltover Garrison—Caitlyn wanted to go home immediately, but unfortunately, for Piltover at this moment, there were more important matters than getting Caitlyn home.
Upon arriving at Piltover Garrison, Caitlyn had barely entered when she spotted a familiar figure.
Sitting on one side of the round table, the person who came into view was none other than Camille, whom Caitlin had met once before.
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Everything, big and small, has been taken care of. The follow-up appointment at the hospital tomorrow won't take much time. I'll guarantee at least three updates tomorrow, and start updating more frequently the day after to make up for the updates I missed recently.
158. Caitlin's Confusion
Seeing Caitlyn return safely, Camille's face didn't show much emotion. She simply nodded indifferently to Vi and then said, "Vi, you should leave here first. I need to discuss some things with Caitlyn."
During Caitlyn's absence, Camille, though not publicly visible to the citizens of Piltover, had effectively become the uncrowned king in the eyes of the authorities, both within Blue Smoked Manor and within the system of enforcers, after Amystine announced she would no longer interfere in matters concerning Zaun and Piltover.
Well, the so-called uncrowned king is just that people regard Camille as the representative of Fane. The power that Fane possesses, combined with Camille's own meticulous thinking, status and achievements in the field of secret agents, has led people to accept this fact.
While ordinary law enforcement officers might not be entirely familiar with Camille, Vi was certainly aware of her identity. After all, during Caitlyn's stay in Zaun, Vi, who was nominally idle, was actually assisting Camille—given Zaun's current situation, no one else in Piltover dared to approach Vi, the former crown prince of Zaun, without authorization.
Camille, however, was different. While not as established as Zelie, who had been with Faen since its inception, Camille had already bet on Faen before the situation became clear. Therefore, although Vi was nominally under Caitlyn's command during this period, Camille was in charge in Caitlyn's absence.
Previously, Vi hadn't given Camille's orders much thought. After all, Camille had been focusing on repairing relations with Zaun, even commissioning scholars to begin a new round of research on Hextech pollution control—Zaun scholars were one thing, since they wouldn't have any psychological issues researching related topics for the sake of their homeland. But now the situation was a bit different, because many scholars from Piltover had also begun to join the research.
At first, Vi didn't quite understand this point, but later, when Camille's point was mentioned, she understood the reason behind it—treating it as something like a technological atonement scroll, wanting to help Zaun research pollution control methods to avoid some possible future reckoning issues.
Not paying much attention to these matters, Wei simply looked at Camille with some dissatisfaction and said, "Caitlyn just got back, why do I have to leave? Is there some issue that I can't be involved in?"
Hearing this, Camille glanced at Vi and said indifferently, "Caitlyn and I are going to discuss Piltover. You come from Zaun, and your identity is sensitive, so it's best if you don't get too involved."
Upon hearing Camille's reply, Vi opened her mouth, but then scratched her head helplessly and said to Caitlyn beside her, "I'll wait for you outside, Caitlyn. Don't be too nervous, we'll relax properly later!"
Seeing Wei's smiling face, Caitlin nodded with a somewhat complicated expression.
Caitlin saw and appreciated Vi's enthusiasm. In the past, Caitlin wouldn't have felt anything particularly special. She knew Vi was that kind of person. She always had pure enthusiasm for her friends, even if it was just a brief acquaintance. If Vi considered someone a good person, someone trustworthy, a friend, or even a brother, then Vi would entrust her with her life, even defending and protecting them with her own.
In the past, this purity made it difficult for Caitlin to simply view Vi as a tool or a competitor, just like her other 'friends'—due to her family background, Caitlin had few, or rather, no, close friends. Vi was the first person Caitlin encountered who genuinely wanted to be her friend and hoped she would do better.
This undoubtedly gave Vi a special and complex place in Caitlin's heart.
In the past, I would probably have felt relaxed and happy about this, right?
Caitlyn pondered this, but for some reason, the image of Fane suddenly surfaced in her mind again—although Caitlyn agreed with Fane's actions in changing Zaun and had witnessed the changes firsthand, she didn't actually feel any 'love' for him. Even now, with Fane's image appearing in her mind, Caitlyn could sense that this was not affection, but rather a lack of admiration or adoration.
Simply put, when Caitlin felt complicated because of Wei's thoughts, she could clearly feel that whenever she thought of Farn, her body would involuntarily undergo some strange changes.
Her full belly steamed with warmth, a subtle comfort and a yearning for submission spreading through Caitlin's heart. This made Caitlin involuntarily begin to compare... Could Vi do that?
I'm afraid not... After all, no matter how straightforward, honest, or forthright Wei is, she's still a girl, a female, just like me.
As she thought about it, Caitlin recalled the shadow cast by that enormous thing as she looked up at it, licked it, and served it, as well as the strong scent that filled her mouth, nose, and esophagus. Just thinking about it made Caitlin feel the soft flesh in her paradise twitch repeatedly, and her face lowered her eyelids, her throat instinctively swallowing slightly.
Noticing Caitlin's expression, Vi, though puzzled, didn't waste any words. Instead, she patted Caitlin on the shoulder and said, "Don't be afraid. No matter what, I'm on your side!"
Suddenly patted by Vi, Caitlin involuntarily shivered as if startled. Vi probably couldn't feel it, but Caitlin could clearly feel the gurgling and sloshing sounds coming from her belly, which had just been filled by Fain. This gave Caitlin a strange sense of shame and an unspeakable pleasure.
Especially looking at Vi's smiling face, and feeling the burning sensation in her lower abdomen, Caitlin clearly felt that if it weren't for the extremely possessive Fane using magic to block her lower body, she probably would have ejaculated immediately after Vi patted her just now, even though she was wearing a knee-length skirt.
As she thought to herself, a complex emotion flashed in Caitlin's eyes, but she then smiled at Vi and replied, "...Mm."
159. The Fox Borrows the Tiger's Power
Unlike the oblivious Vi, Camille noticed the complex emotions etched on Caitlyn's face. However, Camille didn't dwell on it much, only turning her gaze back to Caitlyn after Vi left.
“Although this isn’t our first meeting, it should be our first formal private meeting. My name is Camille, and I am the chief spy for the Philos family, as well as the current patriarch of the Philos family. If I remember correctly, you are also the chief of the Gilaman family. Therefore, compared to others, you should understand better what this identity truly means.”
Upon hearing Camille's words, Caitlin's eyes flickered, then she silently nodded and said, "Responsibility."
Caitlin's voice was calm and composed; she didn't care whether Camille thought her answer was right or wrong. Because Caitlin was simply stating her own answer, and whether Camille agreed or not was irrelevant to her.
But coincidentally, after hearing Caitlin's words, Camille also smiled, but this smile only lasted for a few moments before disappearing into the Cinderella's usual indifference and elegance.
"Different people may have different answers, but it seems we get along well, at least we agree on this point. Of course, it's only a superficial agreement."
Looking at Caitlyn before her, Camille initially expressed her agreement, but this quickly turned into a cool indifference. Compared to the naive Caitlyn, Camille had gone further and seen more. Even the same answer called responsibility could be interpreted in entirely different ways by Camille.
“Beneath the halo of responsibility lie shackles. Today you hunt others in the name of justice, tomorrow others will hunt you in the name of justice.” Camille said calmly, “Whether before or after Fane’s arrival, Piltover’s laws are always just a superficial facade, while the shadows are the true foundation of the city of progress.”
"It's like... when my brother Stevan decided to let that fire erupt from Piltover's defenses to maximize the panic among the citizens of Piltover. In the eyes of those trading nobles, wasn't this also maintaining order in Piltover? It's just that the methods of maintaining it are different."
Camille's face was calm: "The weak cannot bear too much responsibility, but sometimes, a fleeting opportunity can change the fate of a person, a family, or a city."
Camille looked at Caitlin.
After a moment of silence, Caitlin understood the meaning behind Camille's words. Although neither said it aloud, both were intelligent enough to exchange glances and understand each other's thoughts. Camille then spoke frankly:
"Now, whether it's Piltover or Zaun, all order and stability rests on that man's every whim. I believe you, who are always by his side, understand this better than I do."
Upon hearing this, Caitlin nodded.
Just as Camille said, no one in all of Piltover now understands Fane's power better than Caitlyn... This power, to outsiders, is largely comprised of brute force. But by Fane's side, Caitlyn's knowledge has been constantly expanding. Along the way, Caitlyn has come to understand that Fane's power is not merely an insurmountable force on the surface, but also includes much ancient and unheard-of knowledge.
Whether it's Janna's existence, the composition of the Darkin, or people from other regions or city-states of Runeterra... Fain always manages to quickly ascertain their backgrounds, thereby suppressing them militarily while also psychologically deterring them from confronting him.
After thinking for a moment, Caitlin nodded.
"If the opportunity to change your fate that you are referring to is Lord Fan... then unfortunately, with my abilities, it is already a blessing to be your servant as you are now."
Upon hearing this, Camille's eyes narrowed slightly, and a smile appeared on her lips, but it vanished in an instant. If it weren't for the fact that Fane had already given her a round of "development," and Caitlin was now able to perceive subtle emotional shifts, she might not have noticed Camille's slight change in emotion.
Having confirmed that Caitlin and Farn had reached a physical relationship, Camille's gaze softened considerably. She stood up, nodded, and said, "That's good... Then I won't bother you any longer. Your mother has been waiting for a long time, and I think you'd rather see her than talk to me. Besides..."
Before leaving, Camille looked at Caitlin and said calmly, "To celebrate your return, Blue Smoked Manor will host a welcome dinner. This will affect the future development of Piltover and the future positioning of the Giraman family in Piltover. If you have time, don't forget to attend. If you have other matters to attend to, please let me know so that we can arrange other times and attendees according to your schedule."
As she spoke, Camille gave a slight bow, and Caitlin nodded calmly in response. Camille then turned and left.
Although the conversation wasn't very long, and Camille showed him ample respect from the start, the change in her attitude after she learned he was now Fane's property...
Although it wasn't very obvious, Caitlin could sense that Camille's change was not just a flicker in her eyes and a fleeting joy at the corner of her mouth, but rather a shift and affirmation in her attitude towards Caitlin, her way of interacting with her, and even her attitude towards the entire Giraman family.
Is this what...the reward is after all the effort?
Lowering her head, Caitlin subconsciously placed her hand on her lower abdomen.
Although it was her first time, to be honest, Caitlin didn't feel much discomfort. In fact, nourished by the positive energy, Caitlin could clearly feel that her physical condition was at its best ever.
Although it was rough, and although each penetration would hit the deepest part of her body, messing up and stirring up the place where life would grow, and finally filling her up until her lower abdomen swelled up, revealing a pink mark similar to Salafine's, but slightly lighter in color... Caitlin could feel that her body not only did not feel rejection or fear, but instead became more and more eager and dependent.
Not only did my body change, but even how others perceived me and how they treated my family changed...
This prompted Caitlin to give a self-deprecating smile.
'This is what they call borrowing the tiger's power...'
160. When you're traveling, you give yourself your own identity.
Camille left, and while Katrin was still pondering her current state, a surprised voice soon came from the side.
"Caitlyn! You're back!"
Hearing the familiar voice, Caitlin turned around and saw none other than her mother. However, compared to before, the old lady Cassandra looked noticeably more haggard.
In the past, even in her later years, Cassandra, born into a prestigious family and known for her excellent maintenance, still exuded wisdom and elegance. But now, with her eyesight and observational skills enhanced by the "happiness factor," Caitlin could clearly see several new gray hairs appearing at her mother's temples…
Several clear wrinkles had appeared on her once well-maintained skin. Even with makeup on, Caitlin could easily see the age and fatigue in her mother's eyes.
As she thought about it, Caitlin felt a strange pang of sadness. She knew her mother was worried about her, afraid she would be treated badly, unfairly, or hurt in Zaun... But what was the reality?
Caitlin knew very well that she was doing well, even gaining a lot, and learning a lot of unknown history and secrets... Although she suffered great humiliation when she left, now that she looked back, did she really feel humiliated?
The answer might be no... because after witnessing Fane's power, Caitlyn abandoned those unrealistic fantasies. Coupled with LeBlanc's influence, when that day finally arrived, although her body was still somewhat inexperienced, Caitlyn's mind was already prepared.
Thinking this, a look of guilt and complicated emotions appeared on Caitlin's face as she softly said, "Mom... I'm back."
After saying this, before Caitlin could say anything more, Lady Cassandra had already rushed to Caitlin's side and hugged her tightly. She then cupped Caitlin's face, looking her up and down. At first, it was understandable, but later even Caitlin herself felt a little helpless. Struggling to pull her mother's hands away, she said with a helpless expression, "Mom! I'm fine! Calm down!"
Ignoring Caitlyn's words, Cassandra watched for a while, and only after confirming that Caitlyn was indeed unharmed, and even that her skin had become more radiant, did she breathe a sigh of relief, then lamented:
“You have no idea how worried I’ve been about you these past few days, fearing something might have happened to you in Zaun… Zaun is no longer under Piltover’s jurisdiction. Our informants have either been arrested, imprisoned, executed, or simply cut off all contact with us. I didn’t even have a way to find out about you…”
Looking at Caitlyn, Cassandra examined her carefully for a while. After confirming that there was really no problem, she nodded with relief and said, "But now it seems that my worries were a bit unnecessary... Come and tell me, Caitlyn, what have you been through during this time? I think it must have been a very extraordinary experience."
As she said this, a hint of curiosity also appeared on Cassandra's face.
Not only for Cassandra, but for most people in Piltover, Zaun has become incredibly mysterious. The main reason for this is that Zaun is currently dealing with its internal problems and has suspended all communication with the outside world.
Sensing her mother's curiosity, Caitlin didn't hide anything and began to talk about what she had seen and heard during her time with her mother.
Even for someone like Cassandra, Caitlyn's experiences during this period were far beyond her imagination. Especially after learning that Fain's power wasn't just what he displayed in war, but that beyond pure violence, he could even directly influence the thoughts of others in Piltover and Zaun, even Cassandra's eyes flashed with shock. She couldn't help but shake her head and sigh, "If that's the case... it seems that a change of power in the two cities is inevitable. How can one not know what the future holds for Bluegill Manor?"
Sensing the uncertainty about the future in her mother's words, Caitlin instinctively wanted to say something, but the words caught in her throat and turned into hesitation and indecision.
Seeing this, Cassandra asked, "What's wrong, Caitlin? Your expression... seems to suggest something's on your mind?"
Upon hearing Cassandra's question, Caitlin nodded, then after a moment of silence, said, "I am now... Farn's..."
Upon hearing this, Cassandra's expression subtly changed, as if she had realized something. After a moment's hesitation, Caitlin also realized that some things were better left unsaid for her mother. Or perhaps, knowing wouldn't do any good, only add to the trouble...
Thinking it over, Caitlin took a deep breath and said, "Is it some kind of informant...like one of Fane's in Piltover?"
Towards the end, even Caitlin's own voice carried a hint of disbelief. After all, with Fane's current power and abilities, what need did he have for informants? Just a whisper of information, and you'd see. Scholars, factory owners, and even the nobles of Blue Smoked Manor would be eager to add fuel to the fire and express their loyalty.
Not for anything else, not even hoping for further advancement, even just escaping the reckoning would be a sure-fire win... In the end, even those small and medium-sized families who were preparing to leave Piltover with their families were still filled with reluctance. After all, compared to the unknown Noxus, Piltover was the place they had been operating in for decades, even centuries.
Hearing Caitlin describe herself that way, Cassandra was taken aback, then shook her head and said, "Does Fane really need an informant? Caitlin, when did you start lying even to your own mother?"
Hearing this, and meeting her mother's complicated gaze, Caitlin pursed her lips, but still didn't reveal her true situation. However, her mind started working, and Caitlin realized that she couldn't deceive her mother, who had far more life experience than her. So, she said ambiguously, "Lord Farn doesn't want Camille to be the only one in Piltover who can relay messages to him when he's not around."
Upon hearing this, Cassandra's eyes immediately lit up.
161. The Result of Identity
As night fell, Blue Smoked Manor finally enjoyed another rare night of bright lights.
Ever since Farn officially came into the public eye in Piltover, Blue Smoked Estate had lost much of its former wealth. Now, sitting in the car, gazing at the scenery outside, watching the dazzling crystal chandeliers light up one by one as night fell, illuminating the dimly lit estate as if it were daytime, Caitlin could clearly smell the mixture of expensive perfumes, delicacies, and fine wines in the air through the car's ventilation system.
In the past, Caitlyn hadn't really noticed much. But life is a strange thing. After living in Zaun for a while, while Fain's manor didn't have the same foul alchemical fumes as the gutter, Fain also had absolutely no interest in fragrances or similar things. Fain wasn't someone who enjoyed hardship and was quite fond of indulging—but 'indulgence' is inherently a very personal matter. At least when it came to his resting environment, Fain preferred clarity and freshness, the complete opposite of the extravagance of Blue Smoked Manor.
This made Caitlin, who hadn't attended a noble dinner at Blue Smoked Manor in a long time, feel slightly uncomfortable—like someone accustomed to bland flavors suddenly eating something heavy and spicy. Although each has its own flavor, the first time one tries something new still creates a sense of resistance due to unfamiliarity.
Although it had been a long time since she'd been there, through her conversations with her mother, Caitlin knew that Blue Smoked Manor had been shrouded in gloom for some time. But now… melodious string music filled the hall, and everything seemed no different from its former splendor.
Of course, this was only an appearance, because Caitlin could clearly see and subtly sense that the people in the hall were not as relaxed and at ease as they used to be. On the contrary, the more relaxed they seemed, the more mentally exhausted they actually were. Standing there talking with old friends or even rivals, a hint of unease would occasionally flash across their expressions, and some even frequently glanced at the clock on the side, as if waiting for something.
It was at this moment that Caitlin, dressed in a gown meticulously prepared by the Giramanen family, made her official appearance. As she entered the venue, Caitlin could clearly feel that the previously noisy conversations subsided considerably the moment she stepped into the hall, and countless eyes were focused on her. These gazes were complex and difficult to discern: some were inquiring, some curious, some assessing, and even some undisguised indifference and aloofness.
As the only person in Piltover besides Camille who had made contact with Farn, Caitlin's return undoubtedly attracted the attention of many interested parties in Piltover. This meant that shortly after Caitlin entered the venue, many people rose to greet her and offer her drinks. At first, these were young ladies and wives from other families whom Caitlin had met a few times before. But gradually, some more powerful family leaders began to approach her, tentatively inquiring about her.
Perhaps it was Piltover's nature to do this, so these businessmen didn't rush to reveal their full value right away. Instead, they carefully ascertained Caitlin's true situation, fearing that their next investment would result in a useless, dilapidated ship.
Having not engaged in such social interactions for some time, Caitlin couldn't help but feel somewhat weary. But at least on the surface, Caitlin remained calm and wise, skillfully negotiating with the numerous ladies, young women, and family representatives around her.
As the banquet progressed, a bell rang, and Camille, the de facto leader of Piltover, quietly appeared and entered the room. Unlike Caitlin, Camille naturally exuded a convincing sense of control. Especially as the head of the secret service, Camille's appearance immediately commanded respect in the room.
Scanning the crowd, Camille gave a slight nod of greeting to Caitlyn when she saw her. This puzzled Caitlyn, as Camille only nodded slightly when she saw her—but compared to Caitlyn's confusion, some of the family representatives nearby quickly sensed something unusual, and their expressions changed slightly.
Before Caitlin could think further, Camille stood in the center of the stage and raised her glass to Caitlin, her clear, cool voice echoing throughout the banquet hall:
"Ladies and gentlemen, let us welcome back Miss Caitlin, daughter of the Giramann family and former representative of the Piltover law enforcement. At the same time," she paused deliberately, her gaze sweeping across the room, a seemingly meaningful smile playing on her lips:
"Miss Caitlin has been approved by Lord Farn and is honored to assume the responsibility of conveying Lord Farn's will and maintaining communication between the two cities in Piltover. From now on, Miss Caitlin is the extension of Lord Farn's will here. As for any related questions, you may ask Caitlin directly, instead of asking me."
Camille's seemingly simple words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake.
"Lord Farn's approval?"
"To convey the will of adults in Piltover?"
"She is... the representative of Farn's will?"
These words traveled rapidly among the nobles like an electric current. On the second floor of the banquet hall, Lady Cassandra, Caitlyn's mother, had already learned of the situation and had a premonition through her conversation with Caitlyn. However, Caitlyn's words at the time were rather vague, which left Cassandra, who was used to considering the worst-case scenario, with a lingering sense of probability—the name 'Cassandra' was meant to mean a prophet of doom.
But at this moment, upon receiving Camille's clear and public announcement, Cassandra's eyes also showed a mixture of shock and surprise.
In contrast to the emotional changes of those around her, Caitlin, at the center of the storm, unexpectedly remained calm.