Yes, Lady Funina!

Before Richard came along, Funina was already on the verge of collapse. Although she remained radiant on the surface, her heart was already riddled with wounds.

It was Richard's sudden appearance, his irresistible intervention, that gave Furness a chance to catch her breath, allowing her inner wounds to stop worsening and even begin to heal.

Of course, this healing is not without its price. The wounds healed by Richard will inevitably bear Richard's mark. If one day Funina can recover completely, she will probably not be the Funina who just transformed from pure water back then. Her internal features will have already become someone else's.

"You don't mind?!" Upon hearing Ningguang's words, Funina's teasing expression froze, and she immediately felt terrible.

This made her feel like she had shot herself in the foot. If she really wanted to have it all to herself in the future, and Ningguang casually uttered such a sentence again, wouldn't the damage be doubled?

Boomerang belongs to yes.

Funina has narrowed her own path. She thought that Ningguang, a girl of such high status, would have emotional purity and would mind sharing her lover with others, but she didn't expect that Ningguang not only didn't mind, but was even... happy to see it happen?!

So, is it really true that 'I'm here to join you, not to break up this family'?

“Of course I mind, but does it matter if I mind?” Ningguang was very open-minded. Just as she couldn’t have Richard all to herself, she also couldn’t stay in Fontaine forever.

Moreover, if Ningguang really joins this family, it doesn't seem like she'd be at a disadvantage.

After all, from another perspective, since Richard has been in Fontaine, can we also assume that Frynn and the others are actively helping to take care of their men? Ningguang only needs to see when she is free to come to Fontaine and enjoy the same treatment as Frynn and the others.

It's like going to a resort; you can come whenever you have time, or not if you don't. You don't have to worry about anything else; once you're here, all you have to do is enjoy yourself.

My main point is that I have all the rights, but I don't have any obligations.

There's not even a need to worry about those women outside trying to provoke Richard, because Funina and the others will take care of that.

Thinking about it that way, it's like making a fortune.

"Faced with an opponent like Ms. Funina, and with Mr. Funina unable to leave Fontaine, how could I not understand the principle of being in a favorable position? With so many factors at play, even I don't see any chance of victory. In that case, it would be better to join you. Don't you agree?" Ningguang's analysis was clear, logical, and convincing.

"You're...right."

As for Funinna, she was being held high by Ningguang, and at this moment she had no choice but to bite the bullet and agree.

In fact, Frynn had the idea of ​​going it alone. The reason she joined forces with Lynette and the others was because Ningguang was putting too much pressure on her. Now, things are really messed up. Once she has the idea of ​​going it alone, she will not only have to face Ningguang, but even her own allies may betray her to the other side.

After all, when Clarinde proposed the harem theory, Lynette didn't object.

Based on the principle that no direct objection is tacit agreement, Fulina will also temporarily categorize her as a supporter of the harem theory.

Now, with Ningguang added to the mix, even if Frynn wanted to, she probably wouldn't be able to win. Not to mention that Ningguang alone would be enough to give her a hard time or even cause her to be defeated, if Lynette and Clarinde were added to the mix, in a three-on-one situation, Frynn simply couldn't imagine winning.

Not to mention Shen He, whose tactics are unclear. If the other side also supports this view, it will become four against one. What's the point of fighting then?

I ordered, what about you?

Seeing the changing expressions on Funina's face, Ningguang guessed that the water goddess in front of her also had her own little schemes.

At least it's not as the other party claims, that they don't mind sharing Richard with others at all. It's more likely that they actually mind, but because of their own presence, they're trying to leave a grudge in their hearts with this excuse, and then actively or passively withdraw from this emotional dispute.

But unexpectedly, being slightly off by half didn't leave Ningguang with any grudges; on the contrary, it gave her the 'ticket' to join.

You invited me here, I didn't suggest it myself.

However, since she had already gained an advantage, Ningguang naturally wouldn't rub salt into Frynn's wounds or offend her for no reason.

On the contrary, she had to find a way to comfort Funina, firstly to prevent Funina from becoming emotionally unbalanced, and secondly to ensure harmony in the family in the future.

Of course, this behavior can also be interpreted as 'slapping someone and then giving them a sweet treat'.

“Ms. Funina, it seems I should call you sister now,” Ningguang said with a smile.

"Sister, older sister?" Fu Ningna was taken aback.

"After all, you see, it was you who proposed this. If it really works out, I'll be indebted to you. Besides, your experience far surpasses mine, so I guess I'm the one who benefits from being called 'sister'."

Upon hearing this, as expected, Funina was moved by Ningguang's sincere words, and she felt lightheaded, having completely forgotten the little knot in her heart.

Lost herself amidst the repeated calls of "sister".

Judging from this appearance, it is clear that they have been completely controlled by a certain Tianquan star.

I feel like Richard and Ningguang could write a book together, and the title would be...

—From the "Frinina User Manual"

"Little sister, what are you saying? Hehe...hehe..." Funina waved her hand, trying to be modest, but in the end she couldn't help it, and the corners of her mouth turned up as if she had her own ideas.

From this point on, the relationship between Frynn and Ningguang took a qualitative leap, changing from their previous superficial harmony to becoming like true sisters.

They got along so well that even Richard was surprised.

Interpersonal relationships are bound to have ups and downs, let alone situations like Furyna and Ningguang, who both like the same man and are rivals for his affections. Even if they temporarily truce, their relationship shouldn't be this good.

Unless one party completely controls the other and achieves 'backward compatibility'...

Of course, it wasn't just about manipulating the other party. Ningguang made significant concessions, calling Frynn "older sister," which was a form of appeasement, or even, if you think about it more deeply, a sign of weakness.

For someone like Ningguang to submit, even if it's just nominal submission, is an extremely remarkable thing.

But based on Richard's understanding of her, Ningguang didn't actually think that much. In Ningguang's eyes, everything except Richard was a bargaining chip. Rather than suffering a verbal loss, Ningguang chose the tangible benefits that she could actually obtain.

Richard shook his head and chuckled at the thought, then refocused his attention on his work.

With the unfolding of cultural exchange activities, the people of Fontainebleau have gradually emerged from the many misfortunes of the past, such as the "serial disappearances of girls" and the "explosion of the Fontainebleau Academy of Sciences".

The previously somewhat oppressive social atmosphere was alleviated by this grand cultural and entertainment event, and Fontaine's economy gradually began to recover, naturally including the presence of a certain Liyue's richest man.

As far as Richard knows, during this cultural exchange activity, Ningguang not only established a friendly relationship with the Fontaine government, but also reached many cooperation agreements with various chambers of commerce and non-governmental organizations in Fontaine.

It's clear that this Tianquan star in Liyue is no longer content with Liyue itself and has begun to seek expansion, wanting to extend his business empire to Fontaine.

This is where Ningguang's advantage of calling someone "sister" comes in. Not only does she have a local backer in Fontainebleau, but she also doesn't need to look for a brand ambassador anymore.

Of course, this endorsement wasn't for nothing; Funina also received a share of the Fontaine Group's Ningguang business.

Originally, Frynn didn't want to, but Ningguang said that Richard also had a share in these businesses. Didn't Frynn want to be involved in Richard's business?

With just that one sentence, Funina couldn't find a reason to refuse and agreed to take on the job.

Ningguang didn't lie to Frynn. Although Richard didn't officially hold shares in the company, Ningguang had given him half of all her businesses. Richard also had a stake in the company and chamber of commerce she founded in Fontaine, though Ningguang was temporarily holding it on his behalf.

"Linette, do you think our Lady Furina has been getting a little too close to that Lady Ningguang lately?" Crolynde stood next to Linette, holding the documents.

Lynette took the document from Clorind, glanced at it, did a quick categorization, and replied, "Isn't this the brilliant idea you gave Frinina?"

“That’s true, but…” Clarind couldn’t very well tell Lynette that she had only said it casually at the time, and that Frynn seemed unwilling to compromise with Ningguang either.

But who would have thought that less than a day later, Lady Furina changed her tune again, not only accepting Ningguang but even seeming to enjoy it.

Could it be that Funina... took what she said seriously?

This theory is one thing, but putting it into practice is a whole different story...

Lynette gathered up all the documents that Klorinde had brought, poured herself a cup of hot tea, and seeing Klorinde staring at her expectantly, she finally poured her a cup as well.

"Thanks to you, our Lord Richard will truly have a harem from now on. At least two of them have already started to reserve their spots," Lynette said in a lukewarm tone.

But Claudia felt something was off about it, like a child who, having eaten candy, was sulking because other children had taken some of it from them.

"Aren't there three?" Clarinde looked at Lynette. "Don't you count?"

As far as she knew, Lynette had recently become quite close to Furnessa, and Lynette, who usually preferred peace and quiet, had started to occasionally participate in the afternoon teas organized by Furnessa.

It's worth mentioning that Richard wasn't among the members of the afternoon tea recently hosted by Furnessa, but Ningguang, Lynette, and Clarinde were.

Clarinde was focused on eating and drinking, genuinely there for afternoon tea, while Frynn, Lynette, and Ningguang used the afternoon tea to deepen their understanding of each other.

—It's like getting to know your future family in advance.

Lynette looked at Cloninder with a cold gaze, and without saying a word, took out another stack of documents from the cabinet and placed them in front of Cloninder.

Since tea can't shut you up, then get back to work. Instead of wasting your energy gossiping here, why not contribute more to the cultural exchange between Fontaine and Liyue?

"Wait...wait, this is way too much." Clarind let out a lament as she looked at the documents piling up in front of her, which were almost forming a small mountain.

"Is it a lot? It shouldn't be as much as you talk."

P.S.: One more chapter...

Volume 1: Chapter 123 The Reward for Clarinde

Compared to when Clorinde first arrived, the changes in this cold and aloof woman are quite remarkable.

Not only did he talk more frequently than before, but his temperament also gradually became more peaceful, no longer as sharp and outspoken as before.

Of course, this only happens inside the office. Once outside the office, or when there are strangers around, Clarinde remains the same aloof and unapproachable beauty.

I must say, this disguise was quite intimidating, deterring many 'elite' individuals who had previously been tempted by her at the banquet.

It's worth mentioning that after that banquet, a rather amusing little incident occurred.

A fellow who was clearly drunk or not very bright actually followed Claude back to his office at the Moman Palace, asking Claude to do him the honor of going to the Opiclie Opera House to see an opera.

Richard happened to be watching the show with great interest when Claurind rejected him. She then took her anger out on Richard, throwing a pair of gloves at him and challenging him to a duel.

This completely baffled Richard, who was just watching the show. No, it was clearly Clarind who rejected you, so why are you blaming me?

Why blame the road for being uneven when people are incompetent?

Richard didn't hold back and directly... had Clorind take the lead. "You want a duel? Fine, I accept, but I'll ask Clorind to be my duel proxy, is that alright?"

In Fontainebleau, it's possible to hire a duel agent to represent you in duels. This is a source of income for many duel agents, since not all duel agents can get official trial cases.

The less-than-ideal elite lost the duel decisively, being knocked down in a single move. He didn't even manage to touch a corner of Clorind's clothing before falling to the back of her sword.

The guy who lost the duel was clearly unwilling to give up, but he was quickly dragged out by security personnel who arrived shortly afterward, and was never seen again.

It is said that as soon as this talented young man returned home, his father broke his leg and sent him to Xumi overnight for 'recuperation'.

It was this incident that further solidified Clarinde's determination to wear only her uniform and not formal attire to banquets from now on.

Of course, it was precisely because of this incident that a rumor began to circulate in the martial arts world: that Clarinde had actually become the plaything of a certain important figure, which was why she was able to suddenly switch from being a dueling agent to becoming Frynn's personal secretary.

As for who that important figure was, no one went into details, but the finger was pointed at a certain unremarkable executive secretary-general, both openly and secretly.

After all, only Richard had the ability to arrange for Clarinde to become Furlina's personal secretary when Furlina did not have a suitable candidate.

However, thanks to this comment, Claudia's number of suitors decreased significantly. In addition, Claudia was often seen by Richard's side, chatting and laughing with him. This situation inevitably caught the attention of those with ulterior motives, thus confirming the rumors.

As a result, not only suitors, but even the matchmakers at Fontainebleau's matchmaking corner removed Claurind from their dating lists.

In this way, Clarinde successfully escaped the entanglement of suitors and matchmakers in an unbelievable way, and her life returned to peace.

If there was any price to pay, it was that her reputation was somewhat damaged, but she didn't care. This wasn't because Clarinde was magnanimous, but because she genuinely had feelings for Richard, or more precisely, for Richard's body.

Previously, some observant people saw her chatting with Richard frequently. Apart from work-related reasons, it was also because she was asking Richard for her legally owed wages.

After all, Richard hadn't settled the payment for the goods he hired her as his dueling agent!

The difference is that other duel agents ask for money, but Clarinde is different; she asks for sex.

Oh, don't get the wrong idea. Claudia wants Richard's photos, preferably of him wearing only a tank top or nothing at all. *slurp*

Richard obviously couldn't agree to such an unreasonable request. The whole thing started because of Clorind, and he hadn't even blamed her for causing him trouble, yet she still wanted to charge him an agency fee.

He is simply more capitalist than capitalist.

Besides, where would he get those kinds of photos for Claude? Richard doesn't have a habit of taking selfies.

Claudia immediately offered to take the photos, free of charge, and if they weren't good, she wouldn't have to pay!

"You're already very beautiful, so don't get your hopes up too high."

Unsurprisingly, Richard once again rejected Clarinde's 'demand for back pay' without hesitation.

“This time it’s different, I have other bargaining chips!” Claude was clearly prepared, knowing that her previous reason was too far-fetched and wouldn’t sway Richard.

But times have changed, and Clarinde is now fully confident that she can persuade Richard to grant her request.

"?" Richard slowly answered with a question mark. "No matter what your bargaining chips are, no means no."

"It concerns Ningguang and Frynn!" Clarind announced two names.

"What do you mean?"

"You must agree to my request first," Clarinde said directly, demanding that Richard make a guarantee first.

"Never mind then, I'll ask them myself later." Richard was clearly not one to back down, and he got up as if to go find Funina and the others.

Clarinde was dumbfounded; she hadn't expected Richard to pull this stunt on her.

“Wait, I’ll say it!” Clarind said quickly.

“Okay, go ahead and say it.” Richard sat back down.

Clorinde: ...