20demayo Page 60
Page 60
Just like when she first arrived, Caitlin wasn't overly excited, but rather quietly absorbed the atmosphere. She could sense that the air, which had been filled with scrutiny, distance, and speculation, had completely shattered the moment Camille announced her identity.
As Camille finished speaking, the banquet officially began a new phase, and Caitlin, at the center of the storm, was almost immediately surrounded by a surging crowd.
The trading nobles, who had previously kept their distance, now scrambled forward, their faces beaming with unprecedented, almost obsequious smiles. Their eyes no longer held a trace of disdain or suspicion, only eager enthusiasm and a thirst for patronage.
"Oh my! Miss Caitlin! We knew you were something special! Look at your complexion, even more radiant than before you went to Zaun! Lord Farn's demeanor is truly extraordinary!"
"The Giramanen family is truly full of talented people! Miss Caitlin is so young yet she has taken on such a heavy responsibility; her future is limitless!"
"Does Lord Farn have any plans for Piltover next? Our family is ready to contribute everything to your grand vision! Funds, factories, talent—we'll provide anything you need without hesitation!"
Surrounded by the flattery and compliments of the crowd, Caitlin fell silent for a moment before giving a formulaic smile.
"I am merely an extension of Lord Farn's will. The future development of Piltover still requires our joint efforts."
162. Caitlin's Resolve
With Caitlin's identity as Fine's spokesperson in Piltover being made public, Caitlin could clearly feel the change in the attitudes of those around her.
Before this, the Giraman family, while not a small family at Blue Smoky Manor in Piltover, was certainly not a large one either. If one had to categorize them, they were somewhere in the upper-middle class—not the best, but not the worst either. But now, even those so-called powerful families from the past were going to great lengths to fawn over them when they came to greet them, fearing that the slightest disrespect would cause their entire family to lose their place in Piltover in the future.
Others may not know that she has achieved this honor, but Caitlin knows perfectly well that it all stems from the man who possessed her body…
Thinking this, Caitlyn's expression remained unchanged. As the head of the family, she had been expected to fulfill her duties since childhood, and Caitlyn knew better than anyone the responsibilities she bore. This responsibility fueled Caitlyn's ambition, but her innate kindness also prevented her from ignoring certain established norms of the past—whether in the Battle of the Two Cities storyline or in the original Runeterra universe setting, Caitlyn was a staunch sympathizer of Zaun.
Especially in Battle of the Twin Cities 2, even her own mother was killed by Jinx's cannon, but when it came to life and death, she was still willing to temporarily put aside her hatred and fight side by side for the future of the two cities.
However, this innate kindness is more of a burden and pressure for Caitlin than a reason.
Knowing it's wrong, but being powerless to change it—nothing in this world could be more cruel.
But now… Caitlin discovers that she seems to be able to change all of this. Or rather, she already possesses the ability to change all of this.
Fain didn't care about power. If initially he was personally involved in everything to ensure Zaun was on the right track and reaped enough happiness to make his first fortune in the spiritual realm, then now that Zaun was on the right track, Fain handed over the remaining tasks to Shuona and others without any hesitation.
Well, to others, this seemed like Fain selflessly relinquishing his rights. But in Fain's view, it meant finally getting rid of the mess and reaping the benefits, enjoying a life where he could continue to be happy even if he did nothing.
In this context, Caitlin became even more certain through their time together that while the people around Farn might not be pure idealists, they were definitely the 'good people' people would expect. Zelly, needless to say, decided to fight the Alchemist Baron so that her neighbors could have better working conditions and salaries.
The reason her mother, Shuona, chose to leave Hilc was because Zaun was getting worse. Although she was not a pure idealist, and even somewhat of a Zaunite, she was still kind-hearted. This can be seen from her internal policies during this period. With Fain having almost abandoned Zaun and allowed it to develop freely, the situation in Zaun could be said to be getting better day by day.
Of course, it's also possible that the foundation was too weak, coupled with the fact that Piltover, Zaun's biggest headache, was now silenced by Fain, which is why it developed so quickly. But regardless, in the past period of time spent together, Caitlyn was certain that neither Shura nor Zeli were developing Zaun with the idea of making it the next Piltover, and then making Piltover the next Zaun.
Instead, just as Fain hoped, he wanted Zaun to become better, but he didn't want Piltover to become as hopeless as Zaun had been in the past...
Thinking to herself that she could definitely fulfill her wish, Caitlin felt a pang of sadness in her heart. Noticing the change in Caitlin's expression, her mother Cassandra stepped forward and asked, "What's wrong? You don't look well. Are you feeling unwell?"
To this, Caitlin simply shook her head wearily—not feeling well? No, Caitlin could sense that she wasn't feeling well physically. The problem lay in her mind.
However, Caitlin did not say these words aloud, because it would be the same as becoming Fane's servant. Even if her mother knew, she could only feel powerless sadness and could not help her in any substantial way.
Not interested in the mother and daughter crying together, Caitlin thought for a moment and then said, "I'm going to rest for a bit... Mom, can I leave things here to you?"
Upon hearing Caitlin's question, Cassandra smiled confidently despite her distress. She looked at Caitlin gently, patted her daughter's shoulder, and said, "Don't worry, child. I am the auditor of the Giramanen family. With our absolute advantage, all the initiative is in our hands. Leave the negotiations to me. You can confidently handle those tricky matters that I can't help with."
As Caitlin's mother, Cassandra could easily see the inner turmoil Caitlin was going through. Since Caitlin didn't speak up, Cassandra wouldn't ask. She knew Caitlin was a smart girl. If Caitlin chose to hide it, it only meant she was useless in the matter, and her actions would only add to the sorrow. Therefore, she would approach it from a familiar angle, allowing her daughter to face the problem more easily.
Thinking this, Cassandra put her hand on Caitlin's shoulder and said, "But if you really feel desperate, then you might as well say it. You are my daughter, I am your mother, and I should share your burden."
Feeling the encouragement and affection in her mother's words, Caitlin couldn't help but take a deep breath, then nodded seriously and said, "I understand!"
With that, Caitlin washed her face, waved to her mother, and turned to leave the lavish banquet.
It might sound strange, but compared to when she arrived, Caitlin felt much lighter. Ultimately, she'd never liked the intricacies of social interactions… she hadn't liked them before, and she disliked them even more now.
But just as she left the manor where the banquet was held, before Caitlin could even decide where to go, a familiar voice came from the side.
"Caitlyn? What are you doing out here? I thought I'd have to wait a while longer!"
Turning her head, she saw none other than Vi, the girl Caitlin had been longing for.
163·Shopping
"Wei?"
Upon seeing Vi's appearance, Caitlin's face showed a hint of surprise. She then turned around and glanced at the manor where the banquet was being held, and then at Vi waiting outside. Almost subconsciously, Caitlin frowned.
"Why are you outside? Did they not let you in? Damn it, those bastards, I'll get you—"
Seeing Caitlin's indignant expression, Vi, who had been feeling a bit lost after waiting outside for a while, suddenly felt much better. Although she didn't show it on the surface, how could Vi not feel anything when her sweetheart was attending a lavish social dinner while she could only wait silently outside, without even the right to go in?
Having come from Zaun and spent so much time in the Cleanwater Prison, Vi had more or less become aware of the many injustices that existed in this world. Rather, it's more accurate to say that Caitlyn's ability to accept and embrace herself is one in a million in all of Piltover…
Now, seeing Caitlin's anger at her waiting outside, Vi felt a sense of relief and took a deep breath, saying nonchalantly, "Don't worry, I didn't want to go in, that's why I waited outside. And you know, I'm not interested in those so-called big shots at all. That luxurious smell inside doesn't suit me; it makes me cough."
Seeing Wei's nonchalant expression, Caitlin stared at Wei suspiciously for a while, but after looking for a long time without seeing anything, she simply looked away, crossed her arms and said helplessly, "You can't just stand outside and wait... Just tell me and I can arrange a place for you."
"Hehe, I'll definitely say it next time."
Hearing this, and sensing the deep concern in Caitlin's words, Wei smiled nonchalantly, then asked with a face full of curiosity, "Speaking of which, why did you come out now? I think the banquet has only just started for less than half an hour."
"It's alright, mainly because it wasn't my fault. My mom has way more experience in this area than I do." Hearing Wei's question, Caitlin didn't mention that her departure was due to a bad mood or a lapse in thinking. Instead, she blamed everything on her mother.
Like Wei, Caitlin didn't want the other person to feel uncomfortable or uneasy because of her thoughts.
Thinking this, Caitlin glanced around before looking at Wei Wen and saying, "It's been quite a while since we last saw each other... How about we go shopping?"
"Hmm... does this count as overtime patrol?" Wei stroked her chin.
Caitlin shook her head and smiled, saying, "No, it's just our vacation, going out shopping together... Come to think of it, it's been quite a while since we went shopping together, hasn't it?"
"It's because I can't stand you!" Upon hearing this, Wei immediately complained, "Is it because I don't want to? It's you who always takes me into those expensive-looking stores to try on clothes that make it hard to even walk. I just don't understand why skirts without a crotch can't even be used on the thighs, and I can only move little by little on the calves!"
“Because it’s a formal evening gown for women, meant for formal occasions.” Hearing Vi’s words, Caitlin recalled the incident when she took Vi shopping last time, and a smile involuntarily crept onto her lips. “Besides, that evening gown was custom-made to fit your figure. You kept stepping on the hem of the dress every time you took a step, which is why you couldn’t walk properly.”
"That's strange, it's not as comfortable as jeans." Wei pouted in disdain.
"You too, you have such a great figure, why do you have to dress so conservatively?" Caitlin teased, completely unconcerned by Wei's words.
"Your androgynous, tomboyish style is quite popular in Piltover right now. Especially since your muscles are so well-defined, with strong, masculine lines that aren't overly muscular, but rather you can clearly feel a unique feminine grace. Seriously, haven't you considered entering the entertainment industry? You're beautiful, cool, and capable—no one can compete with you!"
Unlike the cardboard cutout style of Vi in Twin Cities 2, the real-life Vi displays distinctly feminine features in her figure, physique, and lines. However, she possesses an added touch of unique strength and sharpness, exuding a consistently efficient aura. In Caitlin's memory, this is quite popular among young women in Piltover, especially in the entertainment industry. While there might be similar styles, none can truly match Vi's fighting prowess.
Wei simply waved her hand dismissively, "No one would want to go to a place like that. If I really had to go there, I'd rather go back to my ditch and live alone."
"Haha, just kidding, let's go shopping."
Seeing Vi's disgusted look, Caitlin felt inexplicably better. She then called the driver and took Vi to Piltover's busiest shopping street to soak up some of the crowds.
Although the commercial street appears somewhat deserted due to the recent changes, this desertion is only relative to its former bustling state. In reality, people naturally need various things to relieve their stress, and even though the entire city is shrouded in gloom, there are still quite a few pedestrians coming and going on the commercial street.
Following Vi through the shops of all sizes on the shopping street, Caitlin and Vi, having been apart for so long, didn't feel awkward from their brief separation; instead, they became even closer. At the same time, Caitlin could clearly feel her blood flow slightly quicken and her breathing become slightly faster. Even the mark on her lower abdomen began to radiate a comforting warmth.
Caitlin knew that this was the Pleasure Factor at work—before leaving Zaun, when Fane pinned her down on the bed and humiliated her, Caitlin did not become a mindless sex toy to be manipulated just because Fane's pestle filled her flower chamber.
Instead, after being played with by Farn and recovering her strength and mental state, she specifically inquired about the changes her body would experience. Among the happiness factor effects that Farn told Caitlin about, there was an ability to 'enhance happiness' or 'enhance one's perception of happy emotions'.
164. Resisting Farn
Strengthening one's perception of happiness sounds wonderful, allowing one to immediately discover whether they truly like something, a thing, or a person. But in reality, at the beginning, after noticing this strengthening within herself, Caitlin felt more confused and anxious.
Because of this ability, Caitlin could clearly feel that after Fane entered her body, along with the things Fane left inside her body and the marks he left on her skin, whenever she was near Fane, or even just thought of Fane, her body would involuntarily become active, excited, and happy.
Although physical changes and mental changes are completely different things, Caitlyn gained more than just the life essence from Fain during her time with him; she also gained a wealth of knowledge about the spiritual realm and other parts of Runeterra. This included the mutual influence between mind and body.
This made Caitlin worry that the changes in her body might distort her rational thinking, turning her into a puppet without her own will, for Farn to play with—although Farn admitted that he was more interested in the complete conquest of body and mind, in order to develop more positions, rather than being limited to a simple 1v1 wooden doll, and therefore had no interest in a soulless shell.
Even so, Caitlin still worries that along with the changes in her body, her spirit might also gradually and uncontrollably degenerate.
But now… she can feel herself genuinely happy. This has quietly eased some of the tension that had been building in Caitlin's mind.
Meanwhile, looking at Caitlin who suddenly smiled, Vi asked curiously, "Uh... what's going on? You seem a lot happier all of a sudden?"
Upon hearing Wei's question, Caitlin smiled slightly and then said with a relaxed expression, "Because I can feel that I'm happy when I'm with you~"
"Huh? What do you mean?" Wei asked, her face full of confusion.
“What I mean is, I’m very happy right now~” Caitlin’s brows furrowed in relief, as if she had finally unloaded the heavy burden that had been weighing on her shoulders for days. Wei, however, remained completely bewildered, somewhat unable to understand what Caitlin meant—which was understandable, since feeling even happier because being with you…it all sounded rather odd, and Wei deserved praise for her composure in not immediately requesting a Chinese translation.
But now that she's experiencing happiness, Caitlin clearly doesn't want to dwell on the matter any longer. Instead, she's eager to deepen that happiness, following this feeling of joy.
In the distance, standing atop a building, holding a monocular telescope, Jinx watched Caitlyn and Vi chatting and laughing. Her hands clenched involuntarily, causing the brass-cased telescope to creak and groan. She grabbed a hamburger and stuffed it into her mouth, chewing voraciously, but the vicious look on her face suggested she was devouring her enemy's flesh rather than enjoying a meal…
Meanwhile, Caitlin, enjoying the mental pleasure, knew she should strike while the iron was hot and seize this opportunity to completely suppress her physical desire and dependence on Fane. Thinking this, Caitlin pointed to the amusement park not far away and smiled at Vi, inviting her, "Would you like to go in and have a look?"
"Uh? I don't really have any ideas... but why do you suddenly want to go to the amusement park?" Wei scratched her head, a look of confusion on her face.
It's important to know that although Caitlyn is sometimes called "Little Cake" by Vi, she is actually a rather aloof person. Even in Vi's memories, the few times she has shown vulnerability were when she was injured during law enforcement or combat and temporarily incapacitated, requiring her protection.
In this context, an amusement park? That's completely out of character for Caitlin...
Thinking this to herself, Wei didn't say it out loud. She assumed that Caitlin wanted to do something to relieve her mental stress after living in Zaun for a while, so she simply nodded and said, "Okay, I've never been to an amusement park before, so I'll check it out today."
Amidst Jinx's gritted teeth and chewing sounds, Caitlyn and Vi began their nightly revelry.
Under normal circumstances, amusement parks hold almost no appeal for people like Caitlin and Vi. Caitlin, having received a comprehensive education from a young age, possesses a cool and aloof personality, and is uninterested in the sensory stimulation of amusement parks. Moreover, as law enforcement officers, if we're talking about thrills, nothing is more exciting than chasing a vicious murderer.
As for Vi, needless to say, she was born and raised in Zaun. The facilities at Piltover Amusement Park were less dangerous than the everyday environment in Zaun—and the amusement park had safety measures, which Zaun lacked. Jinx's secret base, for example, was built directly on the rusty, abandoned impeller of a ventilation duct that had been abandoned for who knows how many years. That thing creaked and wobbled with every step it took.
But when it comes to amusement parks, the facilities are secondary; what truly matters is who you go with. When you meet the right person, even an ordinary carousel can be transformed into a breathtaking spectacle through the lens of your own eyes.
If Caitlyn genuinely wanted to have fun, while Vi simply wanted to keep Caitlyn company, then, fueled by the emotions and atmosphere, even Vi herself eventually became engrossed and absorbed in the experience. In the end, these two renowned law enforcers spent a full three hours at the amusement park.
Having experienced all the rides in the amusement park, the two girls, still wanting more, sat side by side on a bench in the central plaza to rest. Feeling the vibrant joy coursing through her heart, Caitlin could sense that her body and mind resonated with happiness, completely energized. This made Caitlin even more invigorated, and looking at Vi, equally immersed in joy, Caitlin felt reassured—she knew her feeling was correct.
Because Caitlin could also feel that the mark on her lower abdomen had begun to activate, meaning that the mental pleasure she experienced while with Vi was enough to trigger the Pleasure Mark to react and counteract the dependence and instinct that Fain had left in her body.
As long as I can persevere.
165. Caitlin's Determination
Thinking to herself, Caitlyn took a deep breath and then looked at Vi beside her, saying softly, "At first, I only saw you as a way for me to understand Zaun. But slowly, as we spent time together, you made me realize that Zaun is not the lawless place filled with outlaws that people say it is. You also made me realize that truly noble souls can be nurtured on that land."
Upon hearing Caitlin's words, Vi's face showed a hint of embarrassment. She scratched her head sheepishly and said, "Really? Why are you suddenly saying these things? It's making me a little embarrassed!"
Caitlin simply smiled, her eyes gently falling on Vi. After a moment of silence, she said earnestly, word by word, "Vi... I don't want us to just be friends."
Upon hearing Caitlin's words, Vi paused slightly, then, as if realizing something, lowered her arm from her head. After a moment's hesitation, she said with some melancholy, "Uh... why are you suddenly bringing this up?"
As she spoke, seemingly realizing that her answer was a bit strange, Wei quickly waved her hand and said, "Of course, I don't mean I don't want to be just friends with you, it's just that I don't quite understand what you're saying... For example, if we're not friends, what are we going to be, or something like that..."
As Vi tried to speak, Caitlin kept her eyes fixed on her. This seemingly gentle gesture, combined with Caitlin's previous words, made Vi feel inexplicably nervous. As a result, towards the end, Vi couldn't express herself coherently anymore, only able to get halfway through before running out of things to say, staring at Caitlin with a nervous expression that suggested she wanted to speak but didn't know where to begin.
And Caitlin? Sensing Vi's tension, a slight sense of joy and pleasure also surfaced within her.
This was the first time she'd ever seen Wei so nervous—before, even when facing the most vicious criminals, Wei would bravely rush forward, unhesitatingly shielding her and providing her with a good space to fight back. This cool girl, who wasn't afraid of injury or death, was now showing nervousness and embarrassment because of her few words?
As a smart girl, Caitlin had already guessed some of Vi's thoughts from her reactions.
This made Caitlin feel relaxed, but also created a subtle sense of urgency.
If that's the case... then let's strike while the iron is hot.
Caitlin could feel that, with each passing moment with Vi, her emotional feelings for her were beginning to overflow, resonating with her body under her deliberate control… Normally, Caitlin wouldn't have rushed into a physical relationship like this. But the problem was, no matter how much Caitlin told herself to be reserved, no matter how much she told herself it was only to achieve her ideals, to use Farn's power and influence to ensure that the fairness and justice she believed in appeared in Piltover, Caitlin couldn't deny it…
That felt incredibly comfortable.
As a rational person, Caitlin doesn't think she would romanticize her so-called first time because of some inappropriate thoughts—even if what Fain did was exactly what Caitlin wanted to do, and even if Fain were replaced by Vi, Caitlin doesn't think she would actively romanticize the discomfort and pain she felt.
In fact, Caitlin did experience intense discomfort during the process of Farn entering her body.
Her body remained pure and untouched, her narrow valley tight and delicate. This was the first time something had entered, and what greeted her was Farn's enormous member, as thick as an arm, its outline even visible on her lower abdomen as it entered…
Caitlin still vividly remembers the feeling of being forcibly expanded to its limit, of her body being forcibly stretched to the appropriate size, of her soft flesh stretched to its limit and tightly pressed against the pestle, being scraped and rubbed by the uneven contours of the blood vessels.
But the pleasure that followed the pain was unforgettable for Caitlin. It doesn't need much explanation; initially, driven by her ideals, responsibilities, and desires, and influenced by LeBlanc's seduction, Caitlin reluctantly gave herself to Fane amidst hesitation and uncertainty.
After the intercourse ended, Caitlin, almost entirely driven by instinct, knelt before Fane and swallowed the precious substance into her esophagus. She felt the rich life essence slowly flowing into her flower bud, which had been expanded to its limit and could not even close for a short time. At the same time, she buried her head in the curly hair at the base, licking and cleaning it with fascination.
Even after realizing how despicable her behavior was, Caitlin found herself feeling only ashamed, but not at all remorseful.
This made Caitlin realize that Fine's confidence in his sexual prowess was not just empty talk, but a literal, irrational ability to give someone a pleasurable experience on the first try.
Along with dopamine and endorphins, a large amount of oxytocin is also secreted. Having some knowledge of this, and considering Zeli and Salafine's noticeably larger bra sizes recently, and the clear fluid overflowing from their nipples during their lovemaking at the Tower Manor, Caitlin knew very well that if she couldn't overcome the lingering effects of giving her virginity to Farn in a short time, then before long, she might become just like those girls…
Thinking this, Caitlin couldn't help but swallow.
Because when Caitlin thought about this, the words that came to mind weren't things like "degradation." Instead, it was about becoming like those girls... comfortable and happy.