dmims Page 65
Page 65
Zelly might not understand what the relocation of the family residence meant for Mrs. Piltover, but Caitlin knew very well.
At Blue Smoked Estate, the size of a family estate is directly proportional to its location and the family's status in Piltover. Previously, the Giraman family, while not badly off, was barely considered middle-class.
This middle class is practically the pinnacle that most families can reach through their own efforts. In Piltover, the truly upper-class and top-tier families often control the city's lifeline. This includes land trade, sea trade, industrial lifelines like Hextech crystals (as seen with the Feros family), or a large number of patented technologies.
Under these circumstances, although the Gilaman family had been established for over a hundred years, it had no further progress after becoming a middle-class family and could only choose to become a vassal of the Firos family.
And now, in just one night, the Giraman family is about to become the new top family.
The Caennarlo family... if I remember correctly, they were the family that previously controlled the smuggling routes?
Caitlyn thought to herself—almost all the smuggling routes in Piltover were inextricably linked to Zaun. And the smuggled goods ranged from food and materials to people, Noxian weapons, alchemical poison gas, and Hextech equipment—virtually everything imaginable. It could be said that the Kahn-Naro family was the most affected by the changes in Zaun, hence the family that offered the heaviest bounty on Fain and others.
Then, inexplicably, all the family members disappeared overnight...
182·Wei's Concerns
Looking at the beaming faces of the family members busy moving their belongings, Caitlin's face also showed a mix of emotions.
For decades, the family had toiled tirelessly, only managing to linger in the middle ranks. Now, simply because they'd aligned themselves with the Farn family, all the other families silently shared their rightful profits, helping them become the new elite…
Although she had already realized to some extent what Farn had brought her through the changing attitudes of the trading nobles and Camille yesterday, witnessing this scene firsthand still left Caitlin, who deeply admired order and civilization, feeling deeply moved.
It was at this time that news of Caitlyn's return reached the ears of the rest of the family. Soon after, Caitlyn's mother, Lady Cassandra, arrived quickly. Initially, a slight reproach lingered in her brow, as she somewhat understood why Caitlyn had suddenly disappeared all night. However, upon seeing Fane behind Caitlyn, a look of understanding flashed across Cassandra's eyes. She then humbly and gracefully approached Fane, bowed, and greeted him:
"Greetings, Mr. Farn."
"You're welcome." Farn waved his hand, his expression not showing much concern. But Mrs. Cassandra didn't stop there. Instead, she said with a regretful look, "It's a pity we didn't know Mr. Farn would be here today. Otherwise, the Giramanen family would have held a grand ceremony to welcome him. As a result, you've witnessed the chaos and embarrassment of the Giramanen family's relocation. Please don't mind, Mr. Farn."
"It's alright, I was just passing through. I'm here to take care of other things."
Farn waved his hand, a hint of impatience flashing between his brows. Seeing this, Lady Cassandra quickly composed herself and said, "In that case, if there is anything you need, sir, you can have Caitlin convey it directly. Whatever the request, the Giramanen family will do its best to fulfill it. We will not disturb you any further, sir and everyone else."
Upon hearing this, Farn nodded, and Cassandra also glanced at Caitlin. Although they didn't exchange many words, Caitlin more or less understood her mother's meaning—to serve Farn well.
This left Caitlin somewhat helpless. After her mother left, she looked at Farn, who was standing to the side, shrugged, and said, "Obviously, my mom doesn't understand you either."
Although their time together hadn't been long, Caitlin had already gained some understanding of Fine's personality—mainly because Fine rarely hid anything, basically saying what he meant and nothing felt the need to conceal. This led to Fine being quite casual in most things. Caitlin had noted down his personality, hobbies, even his preferred sexual positions and the different ways he manipulated people during their time together.
In terms of daily life, Fain didn't have that aristocratic air that Caitlyn herself couldn't accept—Caitlyn found it hard to understand why those trading nobles had to imitate the old nobles in Noxus's Immortal Fortress or Demacia's Grand Capital, insisting on adopting a certain tone and speaking in a loud voice.
What could be said in a single sentence is instead taken in a roundabout way. Coming from a prestigious family, Caitlin knows very well that her future marriage will most likely be a political one devoid of any affection, and the thought of marrying someone who has been raised to have "class" makes her head spin just thinking about it.
Fortunately, at least in daily interactions, Fine is still behaving normally. In fact, he's quite to Caitlin's liking, because Fine's insights on certain issues always give Caitlin a fresh perspective. Caitlin guesses that this is probably because Fine is an outsider to the Twin Cities, so he has a clearer view of things.
As for the aspects that were harder to accept, such as his private life and his habits during intimate moments… when she first met him, Caitlin genuinely felt unable to accept it, felt repulsed, disgusted, and even nauseous. But now… she's almost used to it?
It's not just a matter of habit. Take LeBlanc's breakfast this morning as an example. Caitlin can even understand why LeBlanc is so keen on eating Farn's homemade yogurt toast... Of course, while she understands, Caitlin can only accept eating freshly squeezed milk directly. Yogurt toast that has undergone secondary processing is absolutely unacceptable to her.
Thinking about it, Caitlin looked troubled and doubtful—well, she definitely couldn't accept it now anyway. Considering the effects of the "happy factor," Caitlin had no idea how low her bottom line would be lowered by Farn in the future.
As for now...
Feeling Farn's large hands, which had somehow slipped under her skirt and were now grabbing and kneading her plump buttocks, Caitlin could only helplessly raise her buttocks slightly. She couldn't be sure about other aspects, but she had basically accepted Farn's occasional bursts of interest and was silently enjoying it with a touch of helplessness.
But then again...
"With so many girls here, do you really have to focus on me?" Caitlin looked at Farn with a hint of helplessness.
Behind Fine arrived Mrs. Piltover, along with Zelly and Seraphine, Riven in her standard bunny girl outfit, and Jinx, casually surveying the house's decor with her hands behind her head. Including Caitlyn, there were five girls with Fine. Caitlyn couldn't understand why Fine was fixated on her. It couldn't be just because it was her house, could it? This fetish was too strange…
“Since you happened to be nearby, it was a convenient thing to do.” Farn shrugged, then added, “But more importantly, you should be prepared.”
"Get ready? Get ready for what?" Caitlin asked, puzzled.
While Caitlin was still wondering, she suddenly understood why Farn had reminded her of that.
"Caitlyn! So this is you! I've been looking for you for ages, I'm so glad I found you!"
She ran in from outside, her face filled with worry. Caitlin was startled when she saw Wei, but then realized she wasn't too nervous. After a moment of surprise, she moved closer to Fain and blocked his arm from reaching under her skirt.
183. News from Bilgewater
Upon seeing Vi again, Caitlin found herself devoid of the unusual emotions she had expected. Instead, she felt mostly calm and a slight sense of melancholy. After all, just yesterday, she had been trying to fight against the mark that Farn had left in her body through the friendship she had forged with Vi.
Although only one night has passed, Caitlin can clearly feel that not only has her body lost feeling for Vi, but her mental feelings for Vi have also changed from the previous exuberance fueled by pleasure to a somewhat melancholic dullness.
This boredom doesn't mean Caitlin lost feelings for Vi; rather, Caitlin simply knew very well that Vi could never provide her with the same emotional and physical satisfaction as Farn… No matter how dashing Vi was, she was still just a girl. In the end, it was nothing more than fingers. Farn… in terms of scale, resources, skill, and that ice-cold pleasure, any one of these qualities was something Vi couldn't compare to.
Thinking this, Caitlin said calmly, "Good morning, Vi."
"Good morning? It's almost noon. If you don't come out soon, I'm worried you've been kidnapped by those people from Zuan again..."
As they were talking, Vi noticed Fane standing behind Caitlin as they got closer. She paused slightly, then said with some surprise, "Fane... what are you doing here? At Caitlin's house?"
“Caitlyn invited me.”
After giving a peace sign, Farn added, "And now there shouldn't be any place in Piltover that I can't go."
“That’s true…” Upon hearing this, Wei nodded in deep agreement.
As a law enforcement officer, Vi's situation differs from that of ordinary officers due to her status. However, thanks to her relationship with Caitlyn and Fine's attitude towards Vander's other adopted daughter, Jinx, Vi's life in Piltover is relatively comfortable. Aside from her daily duties of law enforcement and patrols, she doesn't face any harassment from others. Even before Fine arrived, Vi had already accumulated considerable merit and popularity through her partnership with Caitlyn.
Even though some people still harbor resentment because of Wei's identity, they dare not show it in front of Wei... Wei is truly ruthless when she takes action.
Because of the advantages her position afforded her, Vi was well aware that Piltover was essentially Fain's backyard, a place he could come and go as he pleased. In fact, this morning, Vi had even heard some things from other law enforcement officers in Piltover…
"Although I don't know how to express it, I'm still very grateful for everything you've done for Zaun and Piltover," Vi said with emotion. "This morning, an enforcer even said that if it weren't for your tacit approval, Piltover might have become the next Zaun, instead of a mutually beneficial partnership..."
Although Hilk has always wanted Piltover to pay the price, dragging Piltover into Zaun's misery doesn't align with Zele's thinking or Fain's interests—happiness is paramount. Therefore, the relationship between Zaun and Piltover has now returned to a cooperative, mutually beneficial one. However, this cooperation isn't equal—
“Then you’d better not let them be happy too soon.” Farn said nonchalantly, “Cooperation is cooperation, but the bad debts Piltover has committed over the past few decades still need to be settled one by one and paid off with interest.”
“They deserve it!” Upon hearing Fain’s words, Wei nodded in deep agreement.
But after staring at Fane and Caitlin for a while, Wei said with some suspicion, "Speaking of which... aren't you and Caitlin standing a little too close?"
Just as Vi said, to prevent Vi from seeing Fain's arms and hands that were reaching under her skirt, Caitlin was now practically leaning against Fain's side. Although her expression was calm, there was no barrier between them, and it was entirely Caitlin's initiative to press close to Fain, their skin touching.
“Caitlyn is indeed very clingy.” Farn nodded in deep agreement.
As Caitlin felt Fane's hand tighten its grip while he nodded, a hint of helplessness appeared on her brow. Although she knew Fane was doing it on purpose, Caitlin found it difficult to truly refuse his actions; in fact, she even felt a strange, inexplicable pleasure and excitement. However, considering that her relationship with Vi hadn't progressed to the later stages and remained merely a friendly embrace, Caitlin didn't feel too much of a sense of transgression.
This wasn't Farn's fault, nor was it Vi's. It was simply that Farn knew perfectly well that Vi couldn't satisfy him, not even his most basic needs… while Farn could do more than just satisfy; he could bring him joy, strength, and even happiness…
Thinking this, Caitlin shook her head helplessly, but instead of trying to pry open Farn's hand, she looked at Vi and said, "It's alright. The main thing is that I'm Farn's assistant in the Piltover area now... well, more like a secretary than an assistant. So a closer relationship is beneficial for the work."
Hearing Caitlin's explanation, Wei nodded in understanding. The usually oblivious Wei didn't think much of it, but still scratched her head helplessly and said, "Okay... I don't know why secretaries have to be so close, but since you put it that way, Caitlin, there must be a reason."
Nodding, Caitlin then asked, "Speaking of which, Vi, is there something you need from me?"
“Yes, it was Camille’s request,” Vi said from the side. “Originally, I needed you to contact Fan, but since Fan is here now, let’s go together. As for the specifics… it seems to have something to do with ocean trade.”
Having lived in Piltover for so long, while Wei may not know much about the city, as a law enforcement officer, she knows what she needs to know.
“You know, those guys in Bilgewater have always been eyeing the cargo in Piltover. Now that so much has happened in Piltover, I don’t believe they won’t react at all.”
184 Meeting
Upon hearing the name Bilgewater, the reactions of those present varied. Caitlin frowned slightly, a hint of surprise flashing across her face, but after a brief moment of astonishment, she showed little further surprise.
In contrast, Zeli and the others were in a similar situation, but they were still bewildered and confused by the unknown—mainly because they didn't know how to deal with it. After all, this involved another city-state, and before this, Zaun had almost never interacted with city-states other than Piltover.
Farn, however, looked curious and stroked his chin before asking, "Bilgewater? Whose fleet? Miss Fortune?"
"What Miss Fortune?" Upon hearing Fain's words, Vi glanced at Fain suspiciously, seemingly unfamiliar with the name. Then, she said nonchalantly, "It seems to be a guy named Planck. He seems to have come here for some purpose, but I don't know the specifics. You should ask Camille yourself."
"Set off."
Farn gently patted Caitlin's bottom, then withdrew his hand under the policewoman's slightly helpless gaze and said, "It's time to get down to business."
"Thank goodness," she muttered, then followed Fane on their way. But they hadn't gone far when Caitlin asked curiously, "Who's Miss Fortune? Do you know her?"
“It’s alright, just a girl. I know her, but she doesn’t know me.” Farn shrugged, showing no sign of nervousness at Caitlin’s question. Upon hearing Farn’s answer, Caitlin paused, then said thoughtfully, “You know her, but she doesn’t know you… which means you’ve met someone connected to her in the future.”
Fane's prophetic abilities are no secret, because he has basically never thought of hiding them—and he is not worried at all about people thinking he is a fraud.
Because he's a fraudster by nature and has no prophetic abilities whatsoever, his so-called prophecies are mostly inferences based on the League of Legends lore combined with information and data he's gathered since arriving in this world. Based on this, it doesn't matter if some people think Fahn is a fraud, because Fahn doesn't make a living from that at all.
However, judging from the current situation, it seems the less concerned Fane is with the veracity of this matter, the more people believe it. At this point, it seems that even if Fane himself were to step forward and prove that he is not a prophet and lacks prophetic magic and talent, probably no one would believe him…
Thinking this, Fain calmly said, "More or less. There's a blood feud between him and Planck. If you guys haven't even heard of him, he's probably just starting out."
"Is her future achievement remarkable?" Upon hearing this, Caitlin blinked and said, "To have you pay so much attention to her."
"The future queen of Bilgewater."
“The Queen of Bilgewater? That’s quite an achievement…” Caitlin’s eyes flashed with surprise upon hearing Fan’s answer. Fan shook his head and said, “Just a queen in name only. You know Bilgewater is a hellhole; it’s full of intrigue and outlaws. Not to mention those who outwardly obey orders, there are plenty of openly rebellious people.”
"So...you don't think she's a good candidate?" Caitlin asked, and her question made Fain turn his interested gaze to Caitlin beside him.
"What, you seem to care a lot about my opinion?"
“Of course, you are now the master of the Twin Cities.” Caitlin shrugged as if it were the most natural thing in the world, and then said, “Bilgewater and Piltover are only separated by the sea. If you think that guy called Miss Luck is worth it, then I will not let go of this good investment opportunity for both reason and emotion.”
Aren't you worried about investment risks?
Upon hearing this, Caitlin did not answer immediately, but stared at Fane for a while before continuing, "Although it sounds strange, based on my understanding of you, if this matter were truly risky, you would have warned me beforehand instead of just watching me fall into the fire."
Caitlin smacked her lips and then said with a hint of helplessness, "After all, I've already fallen into a deep pit from which I can't escape."
“That shouldn’t have anything to do with me,” Farn said calmly.
Caitlin rolled her eyes and didn't say anything.
After that, Fain simply stroked his chin and said, "Miss Unlucky is still a worthwhile investment. Invest with confidence; it will be a sure-fire way to make money."
"Then I'm relieved." Caitlin nodded in satisfaction.
Meanwhile, listening to Caitlin and Fain's conversation, Vi scratched her head and said with a suspicious look, "Wait a minute... why does this scene look so familiar? Are you guys secretly doing some kind of insider trading?"
If Wei remembers correctly, such information trading is strictly prohibited on the Piltover exchange. In particular, law enforcement officers and representatives of major families are legally prohibited from providing advance information or engaging in fraudulent activities in this area.
Caitlin glanced at Vi, then shook her head and said, "This kind of thing... never mind, you wouldn't understand even if I told you. Anyway, it's fine."
"Oh, okay." Although she felt there was something wrong, Caitlin said it was fine, so Vi tilted her head and didn't think much of it.
As they talked, the group arrived at the Piltover Council Tower.
Upon reaching the outer perimeter, the group spotted numerous onlookers and reporters among the crowd. As they approached, or rather, as some noticed Fain and his group, a slight commotion arose within the crowd. Fortunately, the law enforcement officers present had likely received strict orders before arriving, so before any disturbance could arise, each officer wielding a Hextech stun baton nipped any potential problems in the bud.
Upon arriving at the entrance, Fain and his group were led directly to the conference center by the reception staff. The huge circular conference room was filled with people from all over Runeterra, whose appearances and skin colors were quite different.
Standing in the center, Camille bowed slightly upon noticing Farn's arrival.
"Greetings, Mr. Farn."
"You're welcome." Finding a seat casually, Fane leaned back in his chair, propped his feet up on the table, and asked casually, "What's going on in Bilgewater?"
185. Corpse Disposal
Seeing Fane's casual demeanor, the people in the conference room exchanged glances, feeling slightly uncomfortable and dissatisfied. After all, as the highest power center in Piltover, even the Noxian ambassador would put on a show of respect. Unlike Fane, whose casual manner made it seem as if they were the ones who had arrived…
Even so, recalling the terrifying destructive power that Farn had displayed, people ultimately chose to remain silent.
Camille showed no discomfort whatsoever. After all, she had met Fane before and knew his personality well. She wouldn't be surprised if Fane, let alone just putting his legs up on the table, killed a few reckless fools on the spot.
Unfortunately, having witnessed Farn's power, the surviving intelligent people were not willing to risk their own and their families' fate.
After a brief moment of reflection, Camille said, "Planck has many demands. Mainly, given the recent friction and conflict between the two cities, and the complete withdrawal of the Noxian army, Planck has seized the opportunity to take control of the Anaconda Delta and the waterway in the Sea of Watchers. He's using this as leverage to demand the establishment of an island tax zone to collect protection money. Besides that, he also wants to notify all bounty hunting activities and establish a port trading zone that allows the sale of stolen goods, etc..."
Upon hearing Camille's words, Fann clicked his tongue in amazement.
It's safe to say that Planck truly lives up to his name; as the Pirate King of Bilgewater, his appetite and audacity are both extraordinary.
The Blue Flame Isles, also known as the Serpent River Delta, is located in the northeastern corner of Shurima. It's a dangerous archipelago riddled with reefs. The local Baru people are naturally fierce and possess their own culture, civilization, and religion. The most well-known is Illaoi, the Tentacle Mother and Sea Spirit Priestess. Illaoi is also the ex-girlfriend of Gangplank, the Scourge of the Sea. The Sea of Watchers is located in the southeastern corner of Valoran. Combined with the geographical location of Bilgewater, these three regions are linked together, effectively sealing off the other end of the Piltover shipping route.
While Hextech airships brought technological innovation to trade, each airship was extremely valuable, and the goods they transported were often high-value items with strict time requirements. Currently, maritime trade still accounts for over 50% of Piltover's total trade volume. Of the remaining 50%, nearly 40% is land trade. And the Hextech airships that truly made Piltover famous have not yet completely replaced maritime trade.
After all, many families make their living through maritime trade.
Thinking this through, Farn said, "Then let's accelerate our investment in Hextech airships."
Upon hearing this, many families involved in overseas trade immediately showed reluctance, as their lives and fortunes depended on these items. Thinking this, a family representative exchanged glances with the others, then stood up and said, "Respected Mr. Farn, please reconsider this order."
Farn tilted his head slightly.
Seeing that Farn didn't speak, the man breathed a sigh of relief, then stood up and said, "Ocean trade is of great importance. Almost the entire Piltover is built on the prosperity of ocean trade. Countless workers, sailors, and engineers rely on ocean trade for their livelihood. Many families have invested a lot in it. A sudden change would probably cause huge controversy and resistance."
Once the first person stood up, the others gained courage and echoed his sentiments.