Edited by: Priapus, Old man of the mountain, Immortal Spank

– Jean –

It wasn't surprising to see the investments into the Adventurers' Guild paying off, but she had to admit, they'd been doing an outstanding job recently. Many Hilichurl and Treasure Hoarder camps were getting wiped out left, right, and center, much faster than, say, when Dvalin was an issue.

It was honestly doing wonders for her mental state, because even though Crimson was a big fucking problem, at least she didn't have to worry about other concerns. With so much empty land, they could expand their farms and build new villages around Mondstadt, significantly improving their economy.

Of course, they won't be as rich as Liyue, who has the entire Chasm under their belt, but they don't need to be that rich. The fact that they already had the best alcohol in Teyvat was more than enough for their reputation. Expanding on that was the best course of action. Perhaps then they could actually import their products to Inazuma.

That would be good for them. They're already good friends with Liyue, Fontaine, and Sumeru. Jean was aware of the Shogun's rather… 'strict' way of ruling, but it couldn't be that bad. They would benefit a lot with her on their side. Probably.

More than that, Jean didn't have to dispatch more knights and stretch their numbers even thinner. She only has a handful of Vision Wielders within her ranks, and sending Visionless Knights to their deaths when they could be more useful inside the city wasn't particularly a good idea. Not to mention cruel.

The Adventurers' Guild was a godsend. They fixed so many of her problems by just existing. She didn't really know who the person who built the organization was—it was weird how there was little to no information about them—but she would literally kiss them for it. Jean wouldn't mind investing more in them, either. Their presence actually made her and even the civilians safer, which is all she could ever ask for.

All she ever needed to think about was how to improve the quality of life here in Mondstadt, which wasn't that stressful in comparison. That's if not for Crimson existence, of course, because she couldn't rest until he was gone. And she'd yet to figure out a way to do that.

Certain people weren't exactly making it easy for her either, causing her more stress.

"So far, he hasn't really asked for something that bad," Kaeya reported. "Honestly, he seems more interested in annoying Eula than doing anything actively malicious."

"Or he's luring her into a false sense of security," Jean said with a scoff. "I can't believe Eula would agree to this little deal of his. Can't she see how obviously manipulative it is?"

"That's just her way of trying to protect the region," Kaeya argued. "It isn't the best idea, but the moment she wins, we get rid of him permanently."

"You are assuming he won't go back on his word." The Acting Grandmaster narrowed her eyes. "What makes you think he won't just ignore her?"

He opened his mouth to say something but then closed it as he thought about it. Really, it's not like it was some legally binding contract, and even if it was, why would he follow the laws of this land when he can practically do anything?

It was clear that he was having fun with Eula, a stubborn girl who cared about nothing but her stupid pride. The moment he got bored, there was no telling what he'd do to her, but it was probably not something good.

Honestly, a part of Jean thought that Eula could possibly be responsible if ever he decided to just kill them all. She needed to stop that woman from dooming Mondstadt because her fragile ego couldn't handle a loss.

However, for the time being, Eula was posing as a distraction, so she couldn't just pull her away from him. If whatever Kaeya said was true, then Crimson enjoyed toying with her, giving them more time to come up with something.

Until he got bored, of course, and Jean didn't know how long of an attention span he had.

Yay, more stress.

"Regardless, the moment Eula starts to annoy Crimson, get her away from him." She said. "In the meantime, keep an eye out, but do not approach. We can't make a move unless we have enough information about him."

"So keep doing what we've been doing?" Kaeya asked, prompting Jean to nod. "That's really not doing anything, though."

Due to a multitude of reasons, including but not limited to stress and sleep deprivation, Jean almost threw her sword at him. She resisted the urge and instead ground her teeth together, hating to be reminded that they were utterly powerless against him.

"Kaeya." She said warningly.

"Leaving now." He got the idea, immediately exiting her office.

Once he closed the door, Jean's forehead touched her desk as she let out a long and winded groan. She was too tired and stressed, and for the first time, she hated being a knight. Why hadn't she listened to her mother and just become a nun or something? Responsibility of this magnitude sucked. Barbara must be having the time of her life in comparison.

She wasn't even given one hour of rest because she either couldn't sleep or would suffer from night terrors. It was even worse because it felt like she was the only person taking this threat seriously, and that was rapidly driving her to insanity.

Kaeya, the person who started all this, didn't seem to care as much as her anymore, prompting Jean to want to choke him to death. Eula was too goddamn childish with her stupid pride and thought she could come close to beating him in a fight when he had humiliated her the first time, and Lisa…

Jean raised her head and looked at the librarian, sitting on a chair on the other side of the office with a book in her hand. She didn't know what was going on in that woman's head, but her attitude regarding the situation shifted a few days ago.

It made Jean curious.

"I heard you were looking for Crimson recently." She started. "Care to explain why?"

"I simply wanted a chat," Lisa replied without batting an eye.

"Why?" Jean narrowed her eyes.

Her friend paused for a moment, as if she were looking for a way to phrase her response. It made the Acting Grandmaster suspicious, especially after she noticed the tiny flinch. What was that? That's odd for Lisa.

"He's a dragon, Jean. A being much older than either of us, possibly as old as Barbatos." The Librarian answered. "I'm only curious as to the extent of his knowledge."

"He's dangerous," Jean argued. "I think we've established that already."

"He's only as dangerous as you make him out to be," Lisa replied. "You haven't even had a proper discussion with him, have you?"

Jean didn't say anything, only intensifying her frown.

"I thought as much." The Librarian said. "Try talking to him. He's rather a pleasant conversationalist."

"So pleasant he got you running around the city looking for him?" Jean countered, which shut the librarian up. That only served to make Jean even more suspicious. "What did he do to you? I know you invited him to the library a few days ago. What did he tell you?"

"...Nothing," Lisa answered blankly. "It's as I told you; I was only curious."

Jean didn't buy that one bit.

"Lisa." Jean exhaled through her nose. "What did he do?"

"Jean, you're being far too paranoid, and it's been getting quite annoying." Lisa scowled, surprising the Acting Grandmaster. "He did nothing. I only had a talk with him. That's all."

The bastard did something to Lisa, didn't he? Something she isn't willing to talk about. She knew it, he was planning something malicious. First Barbara, then Klee, and now Lisa? One of her closest confidants?

What was he planning?

"Listen, Jean. I directly asked him about his motive." Lisa sighed, her scowl replaced with a worried frown. "He wants nothing other than entertainment. He isn't here to hurt anyone or break laws. He's like any other tourist. To an extent."

"And you just believe him?" Jean raised a brow. Was Lisa always this gullible? "Why do you take everything he says at face value?"

"Why would he lie?"

Jean couldn't answer that simple question.

"We've been over this already, Jean. He has no reason to lie if he's so powerful."

"So what you're saying is that he's doing all this suspicious behavior… because it's funny?"

Lisa visibly winced, realizing how unbelievable she sounded.

"...I-I know it sounds insan–."

"That is fucking insane!" Jean yelled, standing up from her seat and glaring at Lisa in frustration and a hint of madness. "I refuse to believe he's that irrational! There has to be some kind of ulterior motive—he must want something from us! He must!"

"Jean, you have to calm down!" Lisa said, raising her voice. "He wants you to lose your mind over nothing! That's why he finds it funny!"

"No, you've lost your damn mind if you think I'd believe a word he says!"

Before they could continue the shouting match, the door swung open, and in walked a panicking knight. Jean could already feel a pit in her stomach before he uttered a word.

"Grandmaster, Klee has gone missing again!"

"I'm going to murder him." Lisa muttered.

May the sweet release of death take her right this instant.

– Crimson –

Ah, there they are. It didn't take them too long to notice this time. They're getting better at it, I suppose.

With Klee in tow, I casually avoid every knight as we take a walk around the city, using my senses to locate where they are. The girl with me doesn't notice anything weird, happily eating her ice cream and humming in a pleasant tone.

I originally wanted to get lunch and then immediately go back to hunting and raising my level, but then Klee came to mind, and that plan changed rather quickly. So I broke her out through the window again and took her to the shores east of the main city. The same place I landed in.

Fish blasting was what you'd expect from this adorable and potential war criminal. Throw one of her bombs into the water, wait for it to explode, and then watch the cooked fish rain down on you from the sky.

Taste-wise, it wasn't very good. It was burnt most of the time, so I didn't enjoy it very much. However, while definitely not ethical or practical, it was an amazing spectacle. Klee clearly has experience; she knew exactly where to throw the bomb, catching a massive amount of fish easily.

I'm somewhat confused that she's able to enjoy the burnt fish, but I think she likes the 'blasting' part of 'fish blasting'. The fish part is probably just an excuse. It was fun, so I can't hold it against her.

So I was not satisfied when it came to hunger, but seeing her smiling and laughing was fulfilling enough anyway. So after having 'lunch', I discreetly took her back to the city for some dessert.

"Hey, Crim-Crim." Klee starts as we take a sharp turn, avoiding the knights.

"Hm?"

"Did you like Klee's fish?"

"It was the best I've ever had." I lie smoothly.

"Really?!" She looks at me with sparkly eyes, not expecting my positive response.

"Yes, really." I nod. "I'll always go with Klee on a fish-blasting picnic."

"Yay! Crim-Crim is the best!"

I pat her head and notice that she has finished her ice cream. My 'Big Brother' instincts kick in and I crouch down to her level, wiping her mouth with tissues I had in my jacket's pocket. And because I'm a good, kind, and very bored person, I offer her something else.

"Would you like more candy?"

"I-is it okay?" She asks. "Jean says too much sweets is bad for Klee's health."

"What? No, of course not." I roll my eyes, pretending whatever truths Jean told her were ridiculous. "Sugar is good for you. Besides, Klee deserves it anyway because she's been a very good girl today."

The child beams at me, whether because of my praise or the promise of more candy, I'm not sure. As I feel the presence of the Knights approaching, I pick up Klee and put her above my shoulders, quickly avoiding their sights by taking another sharp turn.

At this point, this feels like a game to me. Klee is too oblivious to notice the many turns I take since she's a child, but I manage to circumvent the knights looking for her skillfully. You know, for a faction that poses as the government, you'd expect many more knights than a handful.

There are maybe a bit under a hundred knights, but still. Isn't that too little? Are they having difficulties recruiting or something? Well, to be fair, why sign up to be some uppity knight rather than a free adventurer? One is stuck in one region, and the other can go anywhere without strict authority breathing down their necks.

Yes, the latter is most definitely not fun. Unless you act like a nuisance all the time. Watching my clan's Management have an aneurysm because of me will always be one of my favorite pastimes. I'm almost sad that I've retired. Almost.

Once we enter a candy store, I put Klee down and tell her to take as much as she wants. With bright eyes and an excited grin, she runs around the store at Mach speed, pointing at everything she gazes at.

As the store owner has trouble keeping up with the vibrating child, I take a quick look outside the window, watching the knights come and go, searching for Klee. I even see some I recognize, like that cute researcher I met at a bar.

I wonder what she discovered from the piece of scale I gave her—unless she didn't learn anything because it got confiscated or something. People with authority like taking stuff that isn't theirs, and it is very annoying when it happens.

But as I said before, if that happens, I'll give her more scales should we meet again.

Klee then pulls at the hem of my shirt, prompting me to look down at her and the massive bag next to her. I blink in surprise, not expecting her to fill this up this fast, and then look at the nervous cashier. Owner. Whatever.

"T-the price is, um…" She hesitates. "A hundred and fifty thousand Mora…"

…That is a lot.

I glance back at Klee, her big, sparkling eyes breaking down my defenses in an instant.

Oh, what the hell. I don't really need that much money anyway, and I can make double that in an hour if I put my mind to it.

"I don't have that much money with me at the moment," I admit. "But is it possible to put it on the Guild's tab?"

"W-what?" Her eyes widen, not expecting me to actually pay. "I-I mean, yes, of course. Name?"

"Crimson Amamiya."

She pulls out a pen and paper and writes down my name while I pick up the bag. Klee squeals in delight once she realizes I won't back down on my promise, hugging my leg affectionately.

"Thank you so much for your patronage, Mr. Adventurer." She bows, smiling at Klee. "And you too, Spark Knight."

"Bye-bye, miss!" Klee waves as we exit the store.

Unfortunately, there's no evading the knights now unless I put in some effort with my maneuvers. Too many of them in one place. But that's alright; I've had my fun with them, and I'm about to return Klee to her room now anyway. I have to make up for the price I just paid with a few missions.

So I casually let myself get caught, but in a very funny twist, the one that catches me is none other than Jean herself, her eyes going as wide as saucers the moment she sees Klee with me. I can almost smell the anger in her stride toward me, nearly making me laugh out loud.

I am not making anything easy for her, and seeing how much it's affecting her is just incredibly hilarious. I'm barely even trying, and she's already on the verge of mindlessly attacking me. It's even better than I expected.

Jean scowls deeply at me, having a very hard time keeping her composure. The trembling hand on the hilt of her sword tells me all I need to know. Klee also freezes in her presence, becoming very anxious. Right, she was told not to talk to me again, and now she's caught disobeying.

"Hm?" I blink, acting ignorant. "Is everything alright, Grandmast–"

Jean grabs Klee's arm and forces her away from me. I pretend that I'm surprised, taking a step back and putting my hands up in front of me in a defensive manner. This begins to attract some onlookers around us, wondering what's going on.

Realizing how aggressive she looks, Jean's scowl drops, replaced with one of terror as she looks at my expression of surprise. Hm, I knew she hated me, but to fear me this much? Do these silly pranks of mine really warrant such a strong reaction?

She has every right to accuse me of 'kidnapping' Klee, but it looks like she's too scared to do so. Is she afraid this might get me to start rampaging around the city? Even though I'm fully in the wrong. Huh, I suppose my plan worked a bit too much.

I expected Lisa to tell her about her conversation. That should have at least calmed her down a bit, right? Instead, it feels like it made everything worse, assuming she did tell her. Well, regardless, it also works in my favor, so I don't do or say anything for a bit, letting her make up her own conclusions.

Maybe this 'fear' route can get her to break faster. I should capitalize on it. I already decided to be nice to Eula, so I'll have to be extra cruel to Jean. Equivalent exchange. That's what it means, right?

"Easy on the girl, Grandmaster," I say with a slightly colder tone. "I don't know what's gotten you so mad, but you might end up hurting her."

Jean flinches and lets go of Klee, who looks more shocked than anything else. On the verge of having a full-blown panic attack, Jean addresses me, or tries to, with a fearful expression. Damn, woman. I didn't even do anything that bad yet.

Seemingly looking for an excuse for her frustration, Jean looks at the store behind me and the giant bag in my hand. She knows she'd look terrible otherwise to the audience and me. She is clever, but getting herself into this situation in the first place is stupid, so it cancels out.

She is of moderate intelligence.

"I-I didn't want you feeding Klee too much candy." She says, an excuse as flimsy as her posture. "That's all there is to it. She's had enough today and might have a stomach ache if she ate anymore."

"That's strange," I reply. "When I bought her some sweets earlier today, she said she didn't have any candy for days."

Jean clenches her jaw at that, getting visibly more terrified as I do what I did to Kaeya on my first day. I can tell that this was very effective on her, so much so that she unconsciously gripped her blade.

Hm, I haven't done much, but anything more might either make her pass out or trigger her fight or flight response. I should back off for now. If I'm too cruel, then I might stop my fun here for good.

Because if she actually tries to attack me, then all the other knights will most likely jump in to help her. That happens, and I might just decide to scrap everything I planned and wipe Mondstadt off the map. I lack the patience to try to diffuse a situation like that.

After all, there's always the next region.

"But sure, whatever." I shrug, raising the bag. "I did buy this much for her after all."

Jean pauses, realizing that I'm giving her a window to get out of this hole she dug herself into.

"Y-yes, that's what I meant. Definitely." She says, calming down a bit. "That's too many sweets. I can't let her take all of it."

"Awwww." Klee whines, too oblivious to notice the tension. "But it's Klee's and she wants iiiit!"

"Don't worry, I'll keep it safe for you," I tell her, turning her frown upside down.

"You'd do that for Klee?"

"I'd do anything for Klee."

The little sunshine gives me a big smile, but Jean obviously doesn't buy it. If anything, Klee's positive response made her visibly wince. However, she says nothing. She only gives me a glare, showing a bit of bravado, before taking Klee to the Favonius Knight's Headquarters, with Klee waving goodbye.

That was a bit abrupt.

Eh, at least I have other things to do. Maybe I should pay Barbara a visit.

However, I feel a tap on my shoulder, prompting me to turn around to see a very displeased Lisa looking at me. Right, she's technically part of the knights, so she was also looking for me. I might've gotten a bit careless, and now I don't have an excuse not to fuck her brains out again.

"Ah, Lisa. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

She says nothing, only crossing her arms.

"Three days have already passed," I say.

"And the first thing you do is immediately drive Jean further into insanity."

"You cannot complain about this." I shrug. "This is what we agreed on."

The fact that I've been avoiding her since was left unsaid.

"You're a scum." She scowls. "I'm getting more days off you right now."

"Sure, after I'm done with my job." I take the house keys out of my pocket and hand them to her before she complains. "Here. Wait for me in my room. First door on the left as soon as you enter. I'll see you in fifteen minutes."

Lisa blinks, and before she asks, I clarify.

"I've already decided to make up for the times I ignored you. I'm sure you're aching for a good time." I say, and she blushes profusely. "Plus, you won't have to hide your moans in my house."

Mona is probably still asleep, but the walls of the house are thin. We might end up waking her up, and honestly? That sounds funny. It was annoying and inconvenient for her, but funny for me.

Lisa pockets the key and clicks her tongue.

"You better show up."

I snort and walk away, heading toward the Adventurer Guild's desk.

– Mona –

"Mmhmm…" Struggling to open her eyes, the Astrologist groaned, stretching her limbs and accidentally kicking her blanket off her bed.

She blinked several times to adjust her vision, sitting on the edge of her bed as she rubbed her eyes tiredly. She didn't know how long she slept exactly but from the orange light cast into her room from the window…

The sun was setting, wasn't it? Unless the city was burning for some reason.

Mona paused in surprise at the morbid thought that passed through her mind for some reason and shook her head. She needed some caffeine in her system ASAP. Also, food, because she was starving.

She grimaced as she checked her wallet, in dismay at her awful financial skills. She was always so broke; whatever wealth she accumulated was used to invest in her research. What she has right now wasn't even enough for a salad…

She paused again when she suddenly heard someone's voice, blinking in confusion. Was Crimson here? But that sounded like a woman's voice. Did he invite someone over or something? The Astrologist rubbed her eyes as she put that aside for now.

She might have just enough for raw vegetables, and Mona had just enough skill in the culinary arts to make herself something actually edible. If not, she could always eat vegetables on their own. That was fine, right? Not like they were unhealthy.

Once again, she heard the voice of a woman. This time, it sounded like a moan, making her scratch the back of her head in confusion. What was going on here? Her curiosity getting the better of her, Mona exited her room, being stopped by the amazing smell that entered her nostrils.

Immediately, she was distracted by the several bags on the ground. She didn't know what this was, but it smelled delicious. Did Crimson get this? Was it for himself or for her? Not like he knew when she was going to wake up, right?

Yeah, it was probably his food. She couldn't ask him for this; it would be extremely rude. He's already done so much for her, and Mona didn't want to look like a glutton in front of him. She owed him too much already.

…But a little peek wouldn't hurt, right? She knew she shouldn't because that'll only serve to make her hungrier, but she was just starv–

"Mmfffuuuck!"

Mona froze in her tracks completely, her wide eyes slowly gazing at the door leading to Crimson's room. That voice…

"Oh gods, you're breaking me!"

"Lisa?" Mona whispered to herself, her face quickly turning red as she put two and two together. There's no way she was–

"Oh please, you say it like it's a bad thing," Crimson responded. "But we both know that's exactly what you want, right?"

With her thoughts confirmed, Mona's face became pure red. Her heart was threatening to leap out of her chest from how hard it was pounding. She didn't know what she was supposed to be doing—for some reason, the simple fact that Crimson could bring someone here to have sex with never crossed her mind.

What was she going to do? Should she complain about the noise? No, that'd be really disrespectful. It's within his right since it's his home, and he's letting her stay there for free. She couldn't act that entitled.

And to think it'd be the reserved Lisa of all people… How did that happen? She didn't know they already knew each other, much less that they were in a relationship. And Lisa never struck her to be the type to have random swings.

Mona shook her head. No, that was none of her business. She should probably wait in her room until they were done–

Another sharp moan from Lisa made Mona flinch. Gods, why was she so damn loud?! She'd never heard the librarian raise her voice that much before. Did it really feel that good? It couldn't be that pleasurable. Was Crimson that experienced?

"F-fuck!" Lisa screamed, making Mona rub her thighs together. "I'm cumming again!"

Mona bit her lower lip as her legs betrayed her. Instead of walking back to her room, she tip-toed closer to Crimson's room. This was wrong; she didn't want to be a creep, but with how vocal Lisa was–

"MMffffffhhhmm!" Her muffled moan only aroused the Astrologist even more.

Mona cursed herself when she started the audible smacks once she got close enough. Gods, this was so fucked up of her. And what bothered her most was the fact that this made her a bit jealous. She'd never thought that sex was so good that it could get even Lisa squealing like this.

Was it always this good, or was this a Crimson thing? She didn't know. Mona had never been interested in sex, not much at least, but after this…

Mona didn't know why she found the occasional, almost animalistic grunt from Crimson incredibly hot, but it was certainly doing things to her, like making her legs far too wobbly for her liking.

"Where do you want it?" Crimson suddenly growled. Gods, why did he sound so sexy? "Tell me, and I might just be nice enough to give you what you want."

Lisa didn't say anything, but she audibly tried to bite down a moan as Mona heard a loud smack. The astrologist could only imagine what was actually going on as she started to massage her own breasts, leaning against the wall.

By the Seven Archons, why was this so thrilling? Hearing them go at it set her core on fire. Her other hand slithered down to her wet entrance, pumping a finger in and out as she heard the two going at it like beasts.

Mona never felt something like this in her life before—sure, not the first time she touched herself, but to feel so damn aroused by something like this… it was as shameful as it was sweet. She wanted it to. She wanted her pussy to be ravaged like that.

"Still acting defiant? How brave of you." Her housemate chuckled. "Oh fine, I guess I'll have to just pull out and–"

"N-no, wait! You can do it inside me!" Lisa said, sounding strangely desperate. "I-I was just– Eeeeek!"

Her sentence was cut off as more smacks filled the room, with Crimson laughing in amusement. Inside?! He was going to—wasn't he afraid that he might get her pregnant? Were they that far in their relationship?

Mona bit down another moan as she imagined what something like that might feel like. Orgasming was one thing, but to feel her very womb be filled to the brim must be on another level of pleasure.

"That's what I thought." He said, seemingly increasing his pace. "Then here's your fifth load for today."

FIFTH LOAD?!

Lisa let out an incredibly piercing cry that may have made Mona unreasonably jealous and horny at the same time. The librarian was starting to sound like she was feeling an inhuman amount of pleasure. Mona had zero experience, but she didn't think regular sex actually felt that good.

Gods, she really wanted to feel something like that. It must've been heavenly to Lisa.

Once Lisa's moan died down, the Astrologist heard footsteps and flinched, quickly and quietly running back to her room before she was caught. She leaned against the door, trying to calm her pounding heart.

Mona grimaced as she saw the wetness down in her crotch and her finger, feeling immense amounts of shame. She couldn't believe what she did—this was messed up. It was wrong, a betrayal of trust, and it made her feel horrible.

But fuck if it wasn't extremely pleasurable.

She had to apologize, but how can she do that without looking too bad? She didn't want to be called a peeping tom and accused of voyeurism—she couldn't live with the shame.

She barely stopped herself from screaming in terror as someone knocked on her room.

"Mona, are you awake?" Crimson asked.

"Y-yes?" Mona responded and almost banged her head against the wall. Why didn't she pretend that she was asleep?!

"Ah, good. I just wanted to tell you that I brought you some food. I left it in the living room" He said, unintentionally twisting her heart. The food was hers… "And I apologize if the noises woke you up."

"N-no, it's okay." She responded. "Thank you for the food…"

"It's my pleasure."

Great, now she's groggy, hungry, guilty, and increasingly horny.

Mona seriously wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole.

But more than that, she wanted relief.

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