chapter 11

Chapter 11: Praise from Arlecchino

"Rosaline, have you heard? The genius and the girl have a child."

Just as the Lady prepared to leave for Mondstadt, Arlecchino came to see her off. Of course, her visit wasn't purely for goodbyes—she also wanted to gauge the reactions of the other Fatui executives to a curious rumor spreading among them.

It wasn't the first time Rosaline had heard this gossip. The notion that Su Ran, the second seat of the Harbingers, and the mysterious girl might have a child together was an idea that had been circulating for a while now.

Still, Rosaline dismissed it. Su Ran's armed puppets never left his workshop, and the workshop itself was not open to visitors. While it wasn't as horrifying as Dottore's infamous laboratory, the atmosphere around it deterred even the boldest souls. Few had the courage to step into the creative domain of the second seat.

That ominous crater outside the city, left from an experiment three nights ago, was a stark reminder of why.

"What's wrong? You've taken to gossiping too?" Rosaline asked, intrigued by Arlecchino's apparent interest in the rumor.

Arlecchino gave her a look that piqued Rosaline's curiosity. Since when had the fourth—or was it the fifth?—seat of the Fatui become so interested in hearsay?

"I'm just a little curious," Arlecchino admitted. "After all, the identity of the girl..."

Though the Fatui executives each had their own agendas, there was still a sense of camaraderie among them. Neither Su Ran nor the girl were despised figures like Dottore. If they truly were together, Arlecchino saw no harm in offering her blessings.

"If you're that curious," Rosaline teased, "why not visit the second seat's workshop? You might find a pleasant surprise."

Rosaline smirked, knowing full well that Arlecchino, with her maternal instincts, would likely be enamored by Su Ran's creations. The orphans in Arlecchino's Hearth House adored her for her genuine care, not some façade. Surely, seeing those "little cuties" in the workshop would stir her maternal heart even more.

"Have you been there?" Arlecchino's sharp tone betrayed her surprise.

Rosaline's smug expression gave away the answer. "Of course. Su Ran is accompanying me to Mondstadt to retrieve the Heart of God. Naturally, I visited his workshop beforehand. Compared to the labs of others, it's surprisingly pleasant."

She shuddered slightly, recalling the horrors of Dottore's lab, filled with blood, corpses, and haunting wails. In contrast, Su Ran's workshop was clean, organized, and oddly welcoming.

The contrast even made Rosaline think of Su Ran in a slightly more favorable light. The "little cuties" in his workshop—his miniature creations—were endearing enough to make her want to return if only time permitted.

"Still, the genius is dangerous," Arlecchino warned. "He's powerful—stronger than even the Captain. And his disdain for Dottore's talents says a lot about his confidence. That kind of arrogance can make someone unpredictable."

Rosaline nodded but added, "At least he's not cruel like the Doctor, and the children seem to like him."

Two days ago, Su Ran had indeed visited Hearth House with gifts for the orphans, keeping his word from the other night. This simple gesture had softened Arlecchino's perception of him.

Compared to Dottore, who viewed orphans as nothing more than experimental fodder, and the Puppet, who ignored the world entirely, Su Ran's willingness to engage with the children made him stand out.

"You seem to trust him," Rosaline observed with a sly smile.

Arlecchino didn't deny it. "Hearth House shelters orphans, but many of them suffer from illnesses—especially those from Sumeru. The Doctor once studied the magic scale disease, but I would never trust him. If the genius can cure them, it would be a miracle."

Her tone softened as she continued, "Those children... they deserve a chance. If someone can heal them, it would not only save their lives but also earn their loyalty and gratitude. Hearth House would grow stronger for it."

Rosaline was mildly impressed. Arlecchino's devotion to the children was undeniable. Compared to the previous "Mother" of the Hearth House, Arlecchino seemed more like a perfect "Father" figure—kind yet disciplined.

"I see," Rosaline said, a note of amusement in her voice. "So you trust the new genius more than the Doctor, even though you've known him for far less time?"

Arlecchino shrugged. "I don't think someone who brings gifts for children and plays with them can be completely heartless."

As she finished speaking, she felt a weight on her shoulder. Turning her head slightly, she saw Su Ran resting his head there, a playful smirk on his face.

"I'm touched," he said dramatically. "So that's how you see me, Arlecchino? I had no idea I left such a good impression!"

Arlecchino's face darkened with embarrassment. Complimenting someone behind their back, only to have them overhear, was mortifying.

"Dear Arlecchino," Su Ran teased, "feel free to praise me more often. It warms my heart!"

"Don't call me 'dear'—we're just colleagues!" she snapped, pushing his head away.

Su Ran chuckled. "Such a shy girl. But don't think I didn't notice—you were just as eager for my gifts as the children were."

Though annoyed, Arlecchino couldn't deny his charm. Su Ran might be dangerous, but his kindness—genuine or not—was hard to overlook.