Chapter 333: Chapter 333: The Land of Dandelions
"Bang!"
Nolan flinched as Acting Grand Master Jean bit him again, using her familiar tactic. The sharp pain raised goosebumps on his skin.
Taking advantage of the moment, she pushed him out of the Acting Grand Master's office and shut the door forcefully.
Fortunately, since it was almost noon, the main hall was relatively empty.
If news spread that the esteemed Honorary Knight had been thrown out of Jean's office, how embarrassing would that be? Of course, Jean likely knew no one was outside, which was why she acted so boldly.
"Sigh, at least she went easy on me; I nearly couldn't speak…"
Nolan rubbed his cheek. Jean was too upset to approach her right now.
She was furious because he had kissed and touched her in the office; if someone walked in, it would tarnish her reputation as Acting Grand Master! There was no choice but to wait for her to cool down or find her during her break to rekindle their connection.
Approaching her now would only result in another bite.
Well, if Jean wasn't an option for now, there was still Lisa. If she hadn't teased Jean earlier, he wouldn't have spiraled into so many complicated thoughts.
He almost ended up confusing himself!
Luckily, his "heart" was resolute enough that the guilt didn't overwhelm him; otherwise, being surrounded by girls and unable to enjoy it would become quite problematic.
So, he needed to regain his confidence with Lisa!
With a newfound justification, Nolan glanced around and noticed two Knights of Favonius chatting as they approached the hall.
He adjusted his clothing slightly.
Acting as though he were just an ordinary visitor coming to borrow a book, he walked toward the wooden door of the library.
The sturdy boots of an adventurer made a faint thudding sound against the stone floor. Nolan reached the door, placing his hand on the handle and turning it gently.
"Click!"
The door opened…
Soft light illuminated the vast two-story library, which was filled with bookshelves and the books neatly placed on them.
—Due to limited sunlight filtering through the windows, even during the day, the library in the Knights of Favonius headquarters required candlelight.
Hmm… The upper floor was slightly better since it could get enough natural light when few people were around.
The lower floor, however, was a different story, as it was situated below ground level—essentially a basement "negative floor."
Thus, there were no windows.
Just as Nolan walked in and assumed that no one would be in the library at lunchtime, he spotted a few young boys and girls sitting near a window on the upper floor.
With his keen hearing, he realized they were studying and discussing something.
They were probably students from one of Mondstadt's schools.
In the gaps between the lower bookshelves, there were also two people engrossed in their reading, standing in place as they studied.
One of them was a young woman wearing glasses, whom Nolan recognized as Dr. Livingstone, a former client of his.
The other was a little girl. Though unfamiliar to him, she seemed to be reading a book on Hilichurls.
He guessed she was likely that Hilichurl linguist from the game—Ella Musk.
Both were scholars through and through. Despite there being chairs and tables nearby, they preferred to stand while reading.
Were they truly so… "dedicated" to their studies?
Nolan couldn't help but admire their level of focus. If he had had that kind of determination back then, he wouldn't have ended up as just an average college graduate.
There were too many people around at the moment, so there was no way for Nolan to do anything affectionate with Lisa.
After all, in a public space, he needed to be more restrained and mindful of both his and Lisa's image.
"Oh my~ Has our little adventurer already come to miss me?" Lisa, seated beside the reception desk, looked at Nolan with a glint of amusement in her eyes.
"Well, a little. So, Lisa, would I be honored to invite you to lunch?"
Nolan paused briefly before smiling and speaking.
"Hmm, since it's an invitation from our little adventurer, how could I refuse?
"A group of Knights from logistics recently visited Liyue for a culinary exchange with the Millelith, so the canteen's dishes now have a fusion of Mondstadt and Liyue flavors.
"Why don't we invite Jean along to try them as well?"
Lisa's lips curled into a slight smile, casting a soft curve on her fair face.
She could guess Nolan's mischievous thoughts, but she wasn't one to be so easily taken in like that naive Jean~
"Ahem, I did spend some time in Liyue Harbor, and the cuisine from my hometown is somewhat similar to Liyue's. Why don't you come to my place, and I'll cook for you all?"
Nolan cleared his throat, unwilling to give up as he suggested.
"Food from another world? I'm definitely interested, but if I go to your place, I'm sure you'd take full advantage of me, wouldn't you? Hehe… that won't do~"
Lisa lifted the brim of her wide hat slightly. The shadow that covered her face shifted, revealing the chestnut strands at her forehead under the soft light.
"Alright then."
Nolan scratched his nose, feeling a bit embarrassed now that Lisa had seen right through his intentions.
Since he couldn't act on his plans now, he would have to find another opportunity later. For now, he'd start by having lunch with Lisa and Acting Grand Master Jean.
[Lisa Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 200 Affection Points. Current Affection Level Lv. 8 (450/800)]
Seeing the little adventurer being so well-behaved, Lisa's impression of him improved slightly.
---
Afternoon.
Nolan wandered aimlessly through the streets of Mondstadt like a lost soul.
After lunch…
Jean and Lisa had sent him away, saying his presence would interfere with their work at the Knights of Favonius. Nolan felt they were being too harsh as he thought about it, somewhat dejected.
"Right, I haven't properly checked the skill I got when Jean's affection maxed out."
While Jean and Lisa were busy, Nolan also had things to take care of.
He remembered Ningguang mentioning that he should visit her to discuss the bicycle project, which suggested that his days of financial struggle might soon be over!
Feeling a hint of excitement, Nolan continued walking while opening his character panel to check the affection skill he had gained from Jean.
[Through Genuine Intentions And Unwavering Effort, Your Fates, Which Were Once Unrelated, Have Intertwined Deeply. Henceforth, The Stars Of The Maidens Will Shine Alongside Yours. Acquired Ability: Land Of Dandelions.]
Land of Dandelions? It sounded like an area-type ability… Nolan clicked on the skill for more details.
[Land Of Dandelions: Within The Territory Ruled By "Jean Gunnhildr," Or Within A 16,600-meter Radius Centered Around Her, Any Ally You Consider As Such Will Receive A 166% Increase To All Attributes (I.e., Ally Attributes Multiplied By 166%, Effect Does Not Activate If Combined Levels Of Both Individuals Are Below 100). Conversely, Any Entity Considered An Enemy Will Suffer A 166% Reduction In All Attributes (I.e., Enemy Attributes Divided By 166%, Effect Does Not Activate If Combined Levels Are Below 100). The Range, Number Of Targets, And Attribute Boosts All Depend On The Combined Level Of The Two Individuals. Attributes Include Attack, Defense, Resistance, Mental Power, Elemental Power, Vitality, Lifespan, Etc.]
"Damm~" Nolan gasped. As expected of Jean; this skill was game-changing.
(End of Chapter)
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