Wonderland Space.
After returning home, Nolan immediately poured the more than thirty million EXP he had farmed into level-ups, pushing himself up two levels to 109. Then, he headed straight for Mona's room, intending to do a little "training" with her.
When he opened the door, he thought she'd still be awake, but the room was already dark—she seemed to have gone to bed.
Walking to the bedside, he saw Mona curled up, fast asleep.
Better not disturb her, he thought.
Nolan bent down and planted a gentle kiss on her cheek. He meant to leave quietly afterward—but the soft sensation on his lips made him lean lower, and before he knew it, his lips brushed against hers.
Mona, deep in sleep, noticed nothing.
Softly kissing her, he lifted away the blanket patterned like a starry night. Beneath it, Mona's body was clad in a white checkered nightshirt.
The buttons weren't fully fastened, exposing the smooth white of her chest and the soft cleavage in between. For comfort's sake, she hadn't worn any undergarments.
Nolan eased her from her curled position to lying flat, adjusting her legs so they wouldn't jolt against the mattress and wake her. Carefully, he straightened them, then moved on to unfasten her nightshirt.
Her delicate skin was revealed, white and smooth from chest to stomach.
He rested his face against her warm belly, savoring the gentle heat, like washing one's face in warm water on a cold morning. Then, translucent threads of spiritual energy slipped beneath her waistband, pulling it down.
Her hips and thighs came into view.
Noting she wore nothing underneath, Nolan lifted her legs, resting her knees on his shoulders, and pressed another kiss to her lips.
"Mm—!"
Mona stirred faintly, frowning in her sleep, fingers clutching the bedsheet—but soon relaxed again, not yet fully awake.
Ten minutes later, she blinked her eyes open, rubbing them groggily. Seeing Nolan over her, she bit his shoulder in embarrassed protest.
Unbelievable—taking advantage of me in my sleep!
But since he was already on top of her, there was nothing to do but let him finish… and then settle accounts later.
Nolan, seeing her shy, indignant gaze, only grew more excited and held her closer.
"You…" she started, but her protest was cut off as his lips silenced her again.
Half an hour later, Mona lay limp and breathless, too exhausted even to scold him.
"Come on, let's go take a bath."
Smiling, Nolan scooped her into his arms—one hand on her back, one supporting her hips—and carried her toward the hot spring bath on the second floor.
They trained further while bathing together, not returning to their room until after one in the morning.
By then, Nolan's progress had risen again by tens of thousands:
> Level: 109 (53,251 / 19,000,000)
Mona's level had also advanced through the cultivation. She had reached level 96, not far now from the archon-tier of level 100.
---
The next morning.
Nolan woke beneath the blankets with Mona still draped over him. Taking the chance, he once again pulled her into close practice.
This time, Mona woke after only a few minutes. She gave him a glare, then pushed him down and took control herself.
By the time they finally climbed out of bed, half an hour had passed.
The day before, he and Lumine had promised to meet a reporter from The Steambird for an interview. So after breakfast, Nolan, Lumine, and Paimon made their way once more to Fontaine.
It was about 8:20 in the morning—ten minutes before their agreed time. Perfect.
When they reached the front doors of The Steambird, Charlotte was already waiting for them.
Just as yesterday, she wore a rose-colored hat over long pink bangs swept left, partially covering the monocle on her eye.
A white sleeveless blouse was tucked into a rose-red suspender skirt that matched her hat. White legs extended from beneath the hem, ending in dark red boots.
The overall impression was one of lively, professional charm.
"Mr. Nolan! Miss Lumine! Miss Paimon! Over here!" Charlotte waved enthusiastically, her gloved hand beckoning as she jogged up to greet them.
"Hehe, good morning, Charlotte! No need for all the 'Mr.' and 'Miss'—just call us by name," Paimon grinned.
"That won't do! For people as accomplished as you, I must show proper respect—or else I'd seem unprofessional," Charlotte insisted, shaking her head.
"Uhh… okay. Just feels a little strange, that's all," Paimon muttered, touching the little crown floating over her head.
Lumine nodded quietly in agreement.
"It's fine," Nolan reassured her. "Since we met yesterday, we're already friends. Call us however you like."
Charlotte laughed, delighted. "Alright then! Nolan, Lumine—let's head inside for the interview! Afterward, I'll give you a tour of the Court of Fontaine!"
Beaming with excitement at befriending two legendary adventurers and their companion, she ushered them toward the building.
[Charlotte Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 360 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.4 (80/400).]
"Come on, let's go inside," she said cheerfully, leading the way into the newsroom.
Perhaps because word had spread that the famed adventurers were here for an exclusive interview, many people inside the newsroom peeked over curiously.
Some, like Charlotte, carried cameras at their side, and they shot her envious looks.
If only they could land such high-profile adventurers for an interview—if the article made waves, they might even have a shot at this year's Lavirel Prize!
Unfortunately, the opportunity hadn't fallen to them. After all, they weren't Charlotte. Only a reporter as skilled as her would have the connections to secure an exclusive with two legendary adventurers.
The others could only sigh and daydream.
Nolan, unaware of their thoughts, returned their glances with polite smiles.
Had he known what they were thinking, he would've told them it wasn't true.
He'd be thrilled to make the news. Even a chance meeting on the road—if someone asked for an interview and he wasn't busy, he would almost always agree.
These others had just been unlucky, not bumping into him first at Port.
Of course, Charlotte's success also came from her diligence. Few reporters would go as far as Lumidouce Harbor to chase a story.
Before the official interview began, Charlotte introduced them to The Steambird's chief editor, Euphrasie.
She was a graceful lady in a long dress, clearly delighted that her paper would feature two legendary adventurers. She personally arranged the interview room, then stepped aside to watch Charlotte begin.
Interviewing adventurers usually meant asking about the path that led them to this life, the hardships they'd faced, and the memorable moments of their journeys.
For Nolan and his companions, Charlotte pressed further: why travel all seven nations? Why intervene in crises like Stormterror or the ancient god Osial? What motivated them to risk so much for others?
And of course—how did they first meet, and why travel together?
Lumine didn't embellish. She simply said she was searching for her brother, and along the way wished to see the lands and peoples of the seven nations.
Nolan gave a similar answer.
As for their meeting, Lumine made sure to recount the incident where she had fished Paimon out of the sea. That earned her an indignant tug on the hair from the little companion.
Charlotte, meanwhile, looked thrilled, scribbling rapidly in her notebook.
Nolan half-suspected she was already brainstorming a sensational headline like: "Breaking News! Legendary Adventurer and Companion Fall Out—The Truth Revealed…" After all, that sort of title would grab attention.
Not that it mattered much either way.
The interview lasted more than an hour before finally wrapping up. Charlotte beamed as she rose to her feet.
"Thank you! The interview is complete. I have a feeling that once this goes to print, it's going to explode in popularity! After all, everyone loves a good story—and yours will be loved for sure!"
[Charlotte Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 380 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.5 (60/500).]
Nolan glanced at the panel and chuckled.
"I hope so. As adventurers, the more our names spread, the more commissions will come our way."
"Exactly," Lumine and Paimon agreed.
"Don't worry," Charlotte said confidently, thumping her chest. "In a few days, all of Fontaine—no, all of Teyvat—will know your names!"
The Steambird was indeed the most widely subscribed paper on the continent, with readers in every nation.
All of Teyvat, huh… Nolan could almost see the flood of "Spirituality" points waving to him already. Just what he needed for empowering his skills with new traits.
"Well then, as promised, now that the interview's done, I'll be your guide. Let's go explore the Court of Fontaine!"
Charlotte slung her camera across her shoulder.
"Great! Let's start with the food! Paimon can't wait to try Fontaine's cuisine!" Paimon exclaimed eagerly.
"Of course," Charlotte laughed. "I've covered nearly every restaurant in Fontaine. I know exactly where the best dishes are!"
"Then let's go!"
Leaving the newsroom, Charlotte led them through the city, chatting as they walked.
"Fontaine is divided into several districts: the Court of Fontaine proper, the Quartier Narbonnais District, the Liffey District, the Palais Mermonia, and the Fleuve Cendre.
"In Quartier Narbonnais there's the famous Debord Hotel. Dining there, you'll often see artists from across society performing live. It's one of Fontaine's most popular establishments. As thanks, let me treat you to lunch there."
"Eh? A restaurant with live artist performances? Sounds super fancy. Isn't it expensive?" Paimon asked, scratching her head.
Though a foodie, she didn't want her new friend footing a heavy bill.
"It's true the Debord is pricier—about twenty or thirty percent more than a typical place—but it's well within my budget," Charlotte reassured with a smile.
"In that case, we won't hold back!" Paimon gave in to temptation instantly.
Nolan and Lumine exchanged an amused glance.
"There's still some time before noon, but if we head over now, it should be just about right," Charlotte suggested.
"Sounds good," Nolan agreed.
Together they set off toward the Debord Hotel in Quartier Narbonnais, with Charlotte pointing out sights along the way—like the ever-present patrol automatons.
These machines, powered by fonta energy, replaced human soldiers for patrols, saving immense manpower. A true Fontaine specialty.
By midday, they arrived at the restaurant.
It was a grand two-story building with fountains flanking the entrance.
Outside stood a signboard announcing today's performance. Curious, they stopped to read it:
> "What secrets lie hidden within cards and coffee cups? Can you discern the truth beneath the magic?
> Fontaine's brightest twin stars will reveal it to you!"
(End of Chapter)
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