A/N: Reupload because the chapter yesterday wasn't released it escaped XD I intended to click save but instead pressed publish. It's so embarrassing that some of you guys read the manuscript.
Also, I think I got the way I want to write. I was testing different writing styles and picked the one I liked the most.
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"Are you sure about this young master?" Polochko asked me in confirmation.
"Yes, a hundred percent sure."
Polochko and I were sipping tea and eating our breakfast in my room. I told him my decision to go to Liyue next as Fate decided. In truth it's really just my skill issue.
"Then I'll get everything ready, young master," Polochko said as he put down the teacup and got ready to leave.
"When can we leave then?" I asked trying to get an approximate date.
"Maybe around 1 week if nothing happens," Polochko said.
"Then I'll go say goodbye to the orphanage," I said as I finished the bread.
I should tell Clervie and Peruere about this.
***
On the way to the Orphanage, I bought some food and toys to give the kids. There was now a handful of toys in the orphanage as I always bring some whenever I come. It's probably the main reason why most of them cling to me and tried to get my attention.
At the orphanage gates, two guards stood on duty, along with towering watchtowers and a large bell. The whole setup made the place feel more like a high-security prison than a home for orphans, though I would say that it's quite the view from afar.
"Master Leo! Here to visit again?" A man with a beard, a worn-out Fatui uniform, and a musket greeted me with a smile.
"Mr. Schiel, yes I'm here again, but this might be the last for now," I said as I waved at him.
"Oh? Why is that? Don't tell me you're leaving the young misses behind?" He asked with a playful smile while stroking his beard.
Mr. Schiel was a nice person. He once helped me find my way back to the main building when I was lost and since then we always talked when I came.
"Ahaha, you're funny, Mr. Schiel. The truth is, I just need to go to Liyue soon, and I won't be able to visit for a while," I said, scratching the back of my head awkwardly.
He then got close to me and patted my back strongly which I didn't appreciate. "I see! I see! Then make sure you have some fun there!"
He then got close to my ear and puts his hand on my other shoulder and whispered in a playful tone. "I heard Liyue is full of Beauties, tell me if it's true okay? Or maybe you could get some yourself."
He then winked at me with a smile. Old man I'm just a kid, what are you implying?
"Hey! Enough of that! Don't let the young master wait!" One of my guards lashed.
"Alright, alright, geez, you grunts of Lord Pantalone are full of stuck-up people," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender.
My guard frowned and stepped forward with his gun ready. He might not liked the way he phrased it so stepped in and stopped him.
"Alright, that's enough," I said to my guards and continued. "We'll be going now Mr. Schiel, I hope you have a great day."
As we walked forward, my ears picked up some murmurs from Mr. Schiel and the other guard. I paused mid-step, not daring to glance back, as i tried to listen.
"Tell Lord Harbinger that Leo is here, and he might leave Fontaine. I'll go get the girl."
What are they talking about? I better be cautious. Then I continued forward not getting their attention.
***
I dropped the food and the toys to the kids which made them happy and hugged me. I knew that most of them were doing that to get more but that didn't change the fact that it made me feel appreciated. Is this the illusion of happiness?
I played with them for a bit until I saw a glimpse of Clervie's pinkish-red hair swaying as she passed the room with a glance. Curious, I followed her silhouette, my footsteps light as I crept along the corridor We reached a room where a few guards stepped aside, letting her pass. I stuck to the shadows, careful not to be seen or noticed by them.
'What's she doing there?' I wondered, leaning closer to the wall.
I waited for a few seconds hoping for the guards to leave so I could enter the room and see what was going on inside or at least eavesdrop, but unfortunately, they never left and stood in there, their eyes were observing the surroundings.
A frown creased my brow. There was no point in continuing to wait. I'd have to ask her later.
I returned to the room where the kids were playing and found a handful sleeping with food stuck to their mouth. They're just kids after all.
I heaved a sigh as I called for the Fatuus who was taking care of them and left the room.
I then roamed around the place looking for Peruere. The place looked the same as always, with murals lining the walls and countless empty rooms which is the result of the thinning of members because of the tradition inside.
Turning the corner, I spotted Peruere sleeping under a tree, shaded from the sun when I found her. Even in her sleep, she looked as sharp and alert as ever.
I approached her with questions in mind but a sudden weight on my back startled me, causing me to jump in shock and turn around in a hurry as my heart pounded.
"Leo, are you alright? You look pale." She asked with concern.
"Don't scare me like that Clervie, you almost gave me a heart attack," I said as I heaved a sigh of relief, but my hands still trembling.
She then replied with a chuckle, her voice carried a sense of warmth. "Sorry about that, I just don't want you to interrupt Perrie. She has been... working hard these past few days. She deserves some rest."
"I see," I said as I gave a glance at Peruere.
She leaned in closer, her back slightly arched. "Do you perhaps have something to tell her?"
"Actually yes, I will be going to Liyue soon so I want to say goodbye before I go" I said with a smile. "Oh by the way, I saw enter a room earlier. What was that about?"
I could see her eyes slightly widened but then it instantly returned to her usual expression. "O-oh it's nothing, I just had to report about the result of our recent activities and ask for a bit of break."
Break? As far as I know they don't really allow it unless there's something going on. "I see... So did they allow it?"
She gave a complicated expression as I asked the question. I don't know why but she seemed conflicted,
"Yes, mother allowed us to rest but next time we need to do better."
"That's good then..."
As I glanced at her again, I couldn't help but notice how her smooth, even skin radiated femininity. The dress she wore, adorned with delicate frills and intricately woven shimmering fabric, only added to her charm, making her look much cuter than usual.
Is it just me or does she look different than usual?
"What's wrong? Is there something on my face?" she asked, pointing to her cheek with a puzzled expression as she got close to my face.
"N-no, it's nothing," I stammered, as I tried my best to avoid meeting her gaze. "I just think that you look cute in that dress."
I could hear her soft voice that carried a sense of shyness as she replied.
"I-I see," She then murmured softly. "Thank the Archons he likes it."
Now that I look at her, is she wearing makeup?
Before I knew it, my hand moved on its own, reaching toward her face to confirm my suspicion. The realization only hits me when my fingertips were already brushing against her soft, warm cheeks.
"Ah! Sorry! I didn't mean to—" I jerked my hand back like I'd touched fire, heat rushing to my face. What the hell was I thinking? I probably looked like a creep dammit.
She blinked at me, her voice soft, almost hesitant. "N-No, it's fine... I don't mind." Her cheeks flushed a deeper pink—was it embarrassment or just her natural color?
The air between us grew heavy with an awkward tension. I glanced away, trying to find the right words. "I just... thought you looked different today. Prettier, I mean! Not that you're not always—" I groaned inwardly, realizing I was digging myself deeper.
I could feel the tension going around as we stayed silent for a few moments. God why do I have to be such a creep, this feels so awkward.
Clervie then said to me with her voice still carried a sense of shyness. "A-anyway, let's not disturb Perrie."
She then pointed towards a room on one of the buildings and continued. "Want to talk over at my room?"
My thought's ran around in circles and I wasn't able to find a coherent word to answer so I just replied. "Yeah, sure,"
With our faces still full of colors, Clervie led the way and I followed behind, my mind still trying to piece together what I was feeling.
This is too early for me to have a crush on someone. My junior isn't even active yet. I complained to myself, trying to sort through the mess of emotions in my head.
***
As Leo and Clervie conversed, Peruere sat in silence, her eyes closed, appearing to sleep, but her sharp ears caught every word. She was keenly aware of the way Clervie acted—there was something off about her, something she couldn't quite place.
When Clervie had returned from speaking with Crucabena, she'd been unusually quiet, avoiding any conversation about it. It was unlike her to be so secretive.
Now, watching the interaction unfold before her, Peruere's suspicions solidified. There was more to Clervie's behavior than met the eye, and it didn't sit right with her.
'Clervie... are you taking her side?' The thought lingered in Peruere's mind, her gaze fixed on Leo and Clervie as they walked away.