chapter 12

Chapter 12: Arlecchino, You Don't Want Anything to Happen to Your Child, Do You?

"You're really too much. If you showed a little kindness, you might earn my favor and gain even more resources to help those sick children."

Ethan's voice carried a teasing tone—

But there was an undertone of sincerity.

He had been to Hearth House before.

The children there were unlike those recruited from Snezhnayan orphanages—

Stronger in loyalty and spirit.

For these children—

Hearth House was more than just a shelter;

It was their only home—

The only place where they could feel familial love.

---

The Struggles of Hearth House

Betrayal was rare among the children raised in Hearth House—

But that didn't mean everyone succeeded.

Even with Arlecchino's care and the more humane approach she had taken in recent years—

Competition within the Fatui was harsh.

The sick children, in particular, struggled to survive.

They were often overshadowed by their healthier peers—

Unable to compete or prove themselves in such a brutal environment.

As the Father of Hearth House, Arlecchino cared deeply for all the children.

She treated them equally—never favoring one over another—

But she couldn't ignore the struggles of the sick.

Despite access to abundant medical resources—

Certain illnesses remained untreatable.

Dottore might have had the means to cure them—

But she didn't trust him.

His methods were cruel and dehumanizing.

Ethan, on the other hand, seemed far more reliable—

Even if she couldn't fully trust him yet.

---

A Test of Trust

"If a little kindness is all it takes to gain the friendship of the genius,"

Arlecchino said—

Her tone light but pointed,

"Then you're welcome to use my shoulder as much as you want."

Ethan chuckled at her response—

Shaking his head.

"No need."

"I can tell you still don't trust me completely."

"You give me such high praise behind my back—"

"But you can't bring yourself to say it to my face."

"You're a very shy person, Arlecchino."

He winked at her—

His teasing earning a rare chuckle from Rosalyne—

Who was standing nearby.

Ethan's presence was undeniably unique among the Fatui Harbingers.

His ability to ease tension and bring levity to a conversation set him apart from the rest.

---

Earning Praise

"...If you want, I can praise you now,"

Arlecchino offered.

Her tone was neutral,

But her words were genuine.

Ethan raised an eyebrow—

A playful smile forming on his lips.

"Now that's rare!"

"But I don't think I've done anything worthy of your praise just yet."

"I need to go out and make a name for myself first, don't you think?"

Arlecchino crossed her arms.

"Killing one of the Doctor's segments—"

"And blowing a 500-meter-wide crater outside the city of Snezhnaya—"

"Doesn't count as making a name for yourself?"

Ethan smirked.

"Killing a useless waste, creating a giant hole, and waking up half the city?"

"I think those are all negative accomplishments, don't you?"

---

A Harbinger's Weakness

Arlecchino wanted to agree—

But held her tongue.

Her thoughts were focused elsewhere—

On the children.

Ethan's eyes softened as he saw her hesitation.

"Arlecchino—"

"You don't want those children to continue suffering, do you?"

Her body stiffened—

And her gaze met his.

The sincerity in his voice was disarming—

Almost priest-like as he extended his hand toward her.

"...Yes."

"Do you have any conditions?"

The children of Hearth House were Arlecchino's greatest vulnerability.

For their sake—

She might even consider betraying the Tsaritsa herself one day.

Ethan smiled at the contrast between her cold exterior and her tender heart.

This duality only made her more fascinating to him.

---

A Strange Proposal

"Don't you read light novels imported from Inazuma?"

Ethan suddenly asked.

"That stoic expression makes it hard for me to keep teasing you."

Arlecchino frowned, confused.

"Light novels?"

Ethan nodded.

"Next time, if we meet again, make sure you've read some."

"They might help you understand me better."

Rosalyne laughed softly at the suggestion—

While Arlecchino's expression turned thoughtful.

She didn't fully understand his intentions—

But decided she would look into it.

"Fine."

"I'll give it a try."

Ethan's smile widened.

"Good."

"I'll test you on it when we go to Fontaine."

The image of Arlecchino reading Inazuman novels—

And perhaps looking at him with the disapproving eyes of a scorned heroine—

Amused him greatly.

---

The True Motive

Yet, beneath the playful banter—

Arlecchino still sought answers.

"Genius,"

She began—

Her voice steady,

"We're both executives of the Fatui."

"We'll likely work together often in the future—"

"But I want to know—"

"Why did you choose to pledge loyalty to Her Majesty, the Tsaritsa?"

Her directness surprised Ethan—

But he appreciated it.

Without hesitation, he answered,

"Because she funds me."

"With my abilities, I couldn't exactly rely on chopping down trees for resources, could I?"

"The Tsaritsa provides funding quickly and generously."

"When I requested resources to build my workshop—"

"She approved a budget several times larger than I needed—"

Without a second thought."

---

A Shocking Response

His response was so straightforward—

That it left Arlecchino momentarily stunned.

"That's it?"

"Just funding?"

She asked—

Incredulous.

Ethan shrugged.

"Why not?"

"It's simple, efficient, and mutually beneficial."

Rosalyne—

Who had been quietly observing—

Suddenly interjected.

"What if someone else offered you the same funding?"

The thought hadn't occurred to her before—

But Ethan's loyalty seemed precariously tied to something as simple as Mora.

Ethan tilted his head—

Considering the question.

"It would depend."

"Could they offer me other resources I need?"

Arlecchino narrowed her eyes.

"What if they could?"

Ethan grinned mischievously.

"Then I'd take the Tsaritsa with me and leave."

His audacity was shocking.

But—

Arlecchino couldn't help but feel a strange respect for him.

He was unlike anyone she had ever met.