My eyes are locked on the two girls on the side of the woman. One of them has white hair with black streaks. Her eyes are also quite magnetizing, black irises with an X shaped pupils. I find myself captured by them.
The other girl has pinkish-red hair and a bluebell necklace that looks like a flower. She looks like the woman next to her. Upon closer look, there are some bandages on her body and some bruises. I can't help but feel pity for her. From my past life memory of the game she tried to fight against the darkness of the house but her efforts never paid off. Until her hopelessness made her decide to die at the hands of her best friend.
"Welcome, Regrator, we've been waiting for you. But who are these two young boys? Are they orphans? Our house still has room for more and we are happy to have them."
Crucabena's eyes landed on us. I don't like her at all.
"Hey! We are Papa's children! We're not orphans!" It looks like Leon got offended and lashed out.
"Hahaha that's a funny joke Knave, how could you mistake my sons for orphans? Don't we look very much alike?" Papa looks unbothered but his grip on our hands tightened.
"Oh my. My apologies Regrator, I didn't meant offend you."
"None taken. Now, who are these young kids?" He asked with a hint of curiosity.
"They're the most promising children in the House of the Hearth. As their mother, I am so proud of them."
"Is that so? Then would you mind if my sons would learn from them while we~ have a chat?"
"Oh! Good idea! Everyone, pls give our young guests a tour of our house, and remember to be kind to them." Crucabena asked as she gave a few keys to Clervie but my eyes noticed how Crucabena skillfully took out a key from the key holder.
"Yes, mother!" They all replied.
"Um, Papa?" I wanted to ask something but Leon grabbed my hand and dragged me in.
"Le-Leon! Slow down!" I pleaded.
"Come on Leo! Let's play!" This brother of mine can't wait!
As he dragged me toward the kids, I looked back at Papa and Crucabena before succumbing to hell.
****************
"Now, Knave. What was the problem." Pantalone sat on a table inside the office where Crucabena led him to and asked.
"Direct to the point, as always. Where was your, merchant tongue Regrator? I've heard you always speak differently in front of customers and buyers. But when talking to your fellow Harbingers you always seem to be in a hurry." Crucabena said as she pours tea for both of them.
"My time is precious, Knave. I don't want to make small talk if necessary especially now that things are getting busier." He said as he sipped his tea.
"That's rich coming from you, considering you bought your sons and even took a stroll inside the city before coming here." Crucabena retorted.
"That's different, they're an investment for the future. A long-term project of mine. I will make them the pillars of Sneznaya and no one, not even the gods can look down on them. They will open a new era where the influence of gods does not matter! I will turn them into idols of many! And one day, they will lead the fatui towards the realization of The Tsaritsa's dream!" Pantalone declared maddingly, his usual smile nowhere to be seen, replaced by a mad distorted smile.
"You with your monologue's tsk. Enough of that, I want to talk about..."
Time passed and they finally settled an agreement.
"Then I will send the funds over." Pantalone declared.
"That is most appreciated" Crucabena replied.
As Pantalone was getting ready to leave, Crucabena stopped him.
"Why don't you enjoy a bit more time drinking tea with me? It's been a while since we've talked outside of work. Plus, let your sons enjoy their time here a bit more." She suggested.
"Hmmm, I guess staying here a little longer will not hurt." Pantalone sat back down as Crucabena served them tea.
"How is affairs over at Sneznaya? I heard the Rooster was up to something again." She asked.
"I don't know what's he planning but he asked for more funds and some information about every nation. It was suspicious, to say the least, but considering his deep loyalty towards The Tsaritsa, it's probably nothing that will affect us negatively." He answered.
"You expect me to believe that? I know, Regrator that you have a hand on most of the decisions made. Just say you don't want to say anything and I'll back off." Crucabena said as she leaned on her chair with an amused look. But Pantalone doesn't show any reactions.
"Sigh, enough of Sneznaya, I've heard the Doctor has been active again." She asked.
"Oh, he's been taking kids with eleazar and he has been "Treating" them," Pantalone replied.
"I see so that's why he doesn't order much from me anymore. He's found some new toys to play with." She said with an unamused look. She then looked back at Pantalone.
"Say, Do you want to enter the organ business?"
"That proposal seems tempting but I have to refuse. I'm currently very busy and have no time to invest in such a risky business."
Crucabena smirked. "Don't tell me you're heart got softer because of the twins? Remember, you have been betrayed once, and emotions and such naivete will only make you, weaker."
Pantalone didn't reply.
Hours passed and it's now time for lunch. Pantalone and Crucabena left the room and goes to the VIP room where they will eat lunch. Pantalone called for the twins and waited for them before started eating.
"Leo, Leon, come let's eat." Pantalone gestured. "Hmm? What's wrong Leo?" He asked, noticing Leo's unusual behavior.
"Nothing, Papa, I was just, thinking of something." His sight downwards.
Pantalone could properly see his unusual behavior. Leo was always an unusual child; he took interest in books in such a very young age unlike his brother that's normal and wants to always play. He seemed to have a world of his own. But this is the first time Pantalone saw him dejected.
Pantalone then held his hand and took him to a private space. "Leo, you can tell me anything"
"..."
"..."
Silence came, no one uttered a word. Pantalone was about to say something when Leo replied.
"Papa, remember your promise to fulfill my request in the future?"
Pantalone was shocked. He didn't expect Leo to ask for it this early.
Pantalone still wore his usual smile and replied. "Yes, I do. Do you want to take it now?"