Morning sunlight filtered through the cherry blossoms lining the shopping district of Musutafu.
Amanda walked alongside Nolan, drawing occasional glances from passersby - not because she appeared unusual, but rather because of her regal way of movement, like everything exists for her pleasure and displeasure - something she's gotten from her husband, Thragg.
"I still can't get over how polite everyone is here," Amanda remarked, adjusting her sunglasses as they exited a home goods store with several bags. "Back home, I'd have at least three people bump into me without apologizing by now."
Nolan nodded, his powerful frame making the numerous shopping bags he carried look like tissue paper. "Japanese culture emphasizes collective harmony over individual convenience. It's refreshing, though I suspect our presence still registers as somewhat unusual to them."
"You mean they can sense we're not exactly the average shoppers?" Amanda grinned, "And here I thought we were blending in perfectly."
"Your sarcasm has improved since our arrival," Nolan observed with a slight smile. "Thragg's influence, perhaps?"
Amanda laughed, the sound drawing more glances from nearby shoppers. "Please. If anything, I'm the one teaching him about humor. Though I'll admit, he's got a surprisingly dry wit when he lets his guard down."
They continued down the street, pausing occasionally to examine displays in shop windows. Despite the casual nature of their outing, both maintained a subtle awareness of their surroundings - a habit ingrained by years of experience and enhanced by their superior senses.
"Kitchen store next?" Amanda suggested, consulting the list on her phone. "Roberta insists we need proper knives, though God knows why when she can manipulate molecules directly."
"Perhaps the process itself holds value for her," Nolan replied thoughtfully. "The experience rather than merely the result."
Amanda considered this as they turned toward the kitchenware shop. "You might be right. She's been working hard to embrace more... human experiences lately."
"Indeed," Nolan agreed, his tone carefully neutral, as well in some ways still formal, as Amanda currently is in some ways the Empress of Viltrum,
though she has not received that title officially - Amanda herself as well having attempted to learn how to speak in this way,
to replicate Thragg a bit and show her status as well as take into consideration the uncomfortableness of some Viltrumites to be spoken with by someone of higher standing with such informality.
"She appears quite dedicated to her personal evolution."
Something in his voice made Amanda glance at him sharply, but his expression revealed nothing.
They entered the shop, the conversation temporarily suspended as they browsed through high-end Japanese kitchen knives and cooking implements.
After selecting several items that met Roberta's exacting specifications, they continued their shopping expedition, moving from store to store. It wasn't until they stopped at a small café for refreshments that Amanda returned to their earlier thread.
"So," she began, stirring her iced coffee, "what was that tone about when we were discussing Roberta's 'personal evolution'?"
Nolan took a sip of his green tea before responding. "I'm not certain what you mean."
"Come on, Nolan," Amanda chided gently. "We're family now - literally, thanks to Roberta's genetic modifications. You can drop the diplomatic act."
A hint of amusement touched Nolan's features. "Very well. I was merely observing that Roberta's efforts to become more... emotionally expressive seem particularly focused on one individual."
"Ah," Amanda nodded, a smile playing at her lips. "You noticed that too, huh?"
"It would be difficult not to," Nolan replied. "Her behavioral patterns shift noticeably in Thragg's presence."
Amanda leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. "She's had feelings for him for a long time, you know. Even before this whole interdimensional adventure began."
"I suspected as much," Nolan acknowledged, remembering the kiss she and Thragg shared in front of everyone. "Her dedication to his vision has always seemed to extend beyond mere ideological alignment."
They fell silent for a moment, watching the flow of pedestrians outside the café window.
"Speaking of interesting developments," Amanda said, changing the subject, "have you been keeping up with the conspiracy theories back home? Some of them are getting pretty creative."
Nolan raised an eyebrow. "I admit I haven't paid much attention to fringe perspectives. Anything particularly noteworthy?"
Amanda chuckled, taking another sip of her coffee. "Well, the latest one is that the Viltrumites are 'healing and fattening up humanity' because they want, and I quote, 'cattle they can reproduce with and literally eat.'"
Nolan nearly choked on his tea. "That's... imaginative."
"Isn't it?" Amanda grinned. "Apparently, all the medical advancements, disease eradication, and improved nutrition programs are just to make us tastier for the eventual Viltrumite feast."
"I'll have to inform my brother that his grand strategy has been uncovered," Nolan replied dryly. "Though I suspect the logistics of consuming eight billion humans might present certain challenges, even for Viltrumites."
Their shared laughter drew curious glances from nearby patrons, but neither paid much attention. These moments of levity had become more frequent as they adjusted to their new reality and the bonds between them strengthened.
"The interesting thing, though," Amanda continued, her voice dropping slightly, "is that the older conspiracy theorists - you know, the ones who were active before the takeover - they're actually supporting Viltrumite rule now."
"Is that so?" Nolan's interest was genuine.
"Yeah. Turns out the people who spent decades warning about the evils behind closed doors, the corrupt billionaires and shadow governments - they're looking at what Thragg's doing and thinking, 'Well, at least this tyrant is transparent and actually improving things.'"
Nolan nodded thoughtfully. "There's a certain logic to that perspective.
The previous power structures operated through deception and manipulation, maintaining an illusion of freedom while concentrating wealth and influence among a select few.
Thragg's approach, while undeniably authoritarian, is at least honest about its nature."
"Exactly," Amanda agreed. "And the results are hard to argue with. Global peace, disease rates plummeting, poverty being systematically eliminated...
Even the most dedicated freedom fighters are having trouble maintaining their resistance when life is objectively better for most people."
"The ideology is spreading, then," Nolan observed. "Acceptance growing even in communities previously resistant to Viltrumite governance."
"Spreading and evolving," Amanda confirmed. "People are starting to see that it's not just about power and control - it's about elevation, about becoming something better."
Nolan studied her for a moment, his expression contemplative. "Speaking as well of Viltrumite ideology," he began, his tone shifting to something more personal, "how are you holding up with recent developments? Roberta and Thragg have grown considerably closer."
The question caught Amanda slightly off-guard, though she maintained her composure. She took a moment to gather her thoughts, stirring her coffee absently.
"Honestly?" she finally replied. "At first, it was difficult. When Thragg and I first got together, I was... jealous at the mere thought of sharing him.
The first few months, I tried everything I could think of to keep his attention focused solely on me."
A slight blush colored her cheeks as she continued. "I won't go into specifics - that's private - but let's just say I was determined to be so perfect he wouldn't even consider taking another woman."
Nolan nodded, his expression free of judgment. "A natural response."
"Maybe," Amanda conceded. "But not a particularly healthy one. I was exhausting myself trying to be everything at once, and Thragg - being Thragg - noticed immediately."
"I imagine he addressed the issue with his characteristic directness," Nolan observed.
Amanda laughed softly. "You could say that. One day, he literally dragged me aside, sat me down, and said we needed to 'discuss my behavioral anomalies.'"
She straightened in her chair, adopting a serious expression and deepening her voice in a imitation of Thragg. "'Amanda, your attempts to monopolize my attention are both inefficient and unnecessary.
Your value is not determined by exclusivity, nor is my regard for you contingent upon the absence of others.'"
Nolan's lips twitched with suppressed amusement. "That does sound like him."
"Oh, it gets better," Amanda stated, then once again continuing her Thragg impression.
"'Your concern appears to be rooted in an irrational fear that the introduction of additional partners would diminish your significance. This perspective fails to account for the nature of emotional attachment as I experience it.'"
She paused, her expression softening as she returned to her normal voice. "And then he explained, in his incredibly logical way, that love isn't a finite resource to be divided and diminished.
That each person possesses unique characteristics worthy of appreciation, and that he is nothing if not thorough in his assessments."
"That's... surprisingly insightful," Nolan commented.
"It was," Amanda agreed. "Roberta later gave once again - the first time with me being too shocked by some things to really think about it -
this whole evolutionary psychology lecture about how female jealousy isn't as fundamental as male jealousy because of different reproductive strategies or something.
I'm not an expert on the scientific mumbo-jumbo, but it made sense in context."
She took another sip of her coffee, her expression thoughtful. "What I realized was that I wasn't really afraid of sharing him - I was afraid of being replaced, forgotten, loved less than someone else. And when I understood that wasn't going to happen..."
"The jealousy lost its power," Nolan finished for her.
"Exactly. Though I did get mock-scandalized and asked what he didn't like about me," Amanda added with a grin. "He just flicked my forehead - gently, of course - and said, 'Your assumption that I would ever cease to value you is your only significant flaw.'"
A comfortable silence fell between them as they finished their drinks. Amanda studied Nolan's face, noting the subtle signs of contemplation in his expression.
"So," she said finally, "what's the real reason you're asking about this? Because I know it's more than simple concern for my well-being."
Nolan hesitated, his fingers tracing the rim of his empty teacup. When he spoke, his voice was quieter than before.
"It's about Debbie," he admitted. "As a Viltrumite, particularly one of royal blood, I am expected to contribute significantly to our species' repopulation efforts. Thragg has granted us a grace period, but eventually..."
"You'll be expected to take additional partners," Amanda finished for him.
Nolan nodded. "Debbie and I have been... preparing, in a sense. During my visits home, I've taken her to meet other families where similar arrangements exist - where one man has multiple female partners. She's spoken with the women, learning what to expect."
"That's a good approach," Amanda encouraged. "Open communication is essential."
"Perhaps," Nolan sighed. "But she's been avoiding the subject when I try to discuss it directly. I can't tell if she's truly coming to terms with the idea or simply delaying the inevitable confrontation."
He looked up, meeting Amanda's gaze directly. "We still have some time - a couple of years, at least. But for beings with our lifespan, that's barely a moment. I need to know where things stand before it's too late to address any concerns."
Amanda reached across the table, placing her hand over his in a gesture of support. "It's a difficult adjustment," she acknowledged. "Especially for someone raised with monogamous expectations. But Debbie loves you, Nolan. That much is obvious to anyone who sees you together."
"Love may not be enough in this instance," Nolan replied, his voice carrying a rare note of uncertainty. "Human cultural programming runs deep, particularly regarding relationships."
"True," Amanda conceded. "But humans are also remarkably adaptable. More so than most species, in my experience."
She paused, considering her next words carefully. "You know, it's interesting - Thragg, Roberta, and I are essentially ageless at this point.
My curse, their control over their atoms... we could live indefinitely, barring violence.
And with Viltrumite technology advancing as it has, Debbie herself has become younger, hasn't she?"
Nolan nodded. "Yes. The Emperor prioritized making his close associates ageless and functionally immortal.
It's part of his long-term vision - eventually extending similar benefits to all of humanity, once they've fully embraced Viltrumite ideology."
"Smart atoms for everyone?" Amanda asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Eventually, perhaps," Nolan confirmed. "But only when loyalty is absolute. The Emperor believes that might take generations - waiting for the current dissenters to age and die while raising new generations who know only Viltrumite governance."
Amanda nodded thoughtfully. "A patient way of doing things. Makes sense too."
They fell silent again, each lost in their own thoughts as they watched the world pass by outside the café window. Finally, Amanda spoke again, her voice gentle but firm.
"Don't worry too much, Nolan. If you'd like, when we return home, Roberta and I can talk to Debbie. Woman to woman, so to speak. Sometimes it's easier to discuss these things with someone who isn't your spouse."
"You would do that?" Nolan asked, genuine gratitude in his voice.
"Of course," Amanda assured him. "We're family now, remember? Besides, with Thragg officially being of royal blood himself now, thanks to Roberta's genetic modifications, he might be more flexible about the timeline.
He might extend the grace period for you and Debbie, and even for Marcus and Evelyn."
"Marcus and Evelyn?" Nolan repeated, momentarily confused.
"They're dealing with the same issue, though Evelyn seems more adjusted from what I can tell.
I asked her about it subtly, and she seems to have come to terms with the idea. Probably because she's been thinking about it for a long time, even before getting together with Marcus."
Nolan nodded slowly. "I hadn't considered that they would be facing similar challenges. Perhaps I should speak with Mark -cus as well." Still adjusting a bit to calling his son by his full name (Marcus Sebastian Grayson).
"Father-son bonding over relationships?" Amanda teased gently. "Could be interesting."
"Indeed," Nolan agreed with a slight smile. "Thank you, Amanda. Your perspective is... valuable."
"Any time," she replied, gathering her purse as they prepared to leave.
They exited the café and continued their shopping expedition, moving through the crowded streets.
"I think we've covered everything on the list," Nolan observed as they exited the final store. "Shall we return home?"
"Yes," Amanda agreed, checking the time on her phone. "The kids should be finishing their entrance exam soon. I'm curious to hear how it went, though I have no doubts they all performed good."
"Of course they did," Nolan replied with quiet pride. "They're Graysons."
Amanda smiled at that, adjusting her sunglasses as they turned toward home. "Yes, they are. All of us are now."
------------------------
(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all liked the chapter.
Do tell me how you found Amanda and Nolan's conversation, as well as you know, their sometimes formal and informal way of talking and all that.
I believe it to be logical that Nolan still takes a more formal way of speaking with Amanda, Roberta, and Thragg present, since well, he is still respectful of etiquette.
Amanda herself I believe would also have noticed the uncomfortableness some Viltrumites would have if she adressed them in the same friendly, and approachable way she does normally,
that we humans have with each other, because of them being far more aware of status differences and all that, and would try to adjust with that in mind.
So yeah, hope you all enjoyed the chapter,
See you all later,
Bye!)