Chapter 8: House of the Hearth 1

After I said it, his smile became devilish. It was the first time I saw him smile like that. Fear overwhelmed me, my whole body trembled as he approached me. I was paralyzed, I couldn't move my body.

He lays his hand on my shoulder and crouches to my height.

"That's good enough."

He then carried me out and left the room. 

****************

A day has passed. No matter how much I tried, I couldn't forget what happened yesterday. It was the first time in my life that I felt genuine fear. That night, Papa also said that I no longer needed to study. He said that he would teach me himself.

I don't know whether to be happy or scared. Happy, because I will be with Papa and the richest person in Teyvat will teach me himself. Scared, because a Harbinger would teach me. I fear for the things I will see from now on.

"Leo! Let's go! Papa is waiting!" 

It's our promised reward. Today we will explore the city. 

I'm still in disbelief that Leon managed to pass. I asked for his papers yesterday and I was so shocked to see that he has just got enough points to pass. I don't know if it's luck or luck. I bet it was luck. I refuse to acknowledge this.

Leon dragged me out and we reached the gates of the mansion. In there, Papa is talking with some Fatui agents.

"Is that so... I understand I will go immediately." 

I have a bad feeling.

"Papa! Let's go!" Leon hugged Papa instantly.

"Leo, Leon, I'm sorry but we can't go today. I have some urgent business with one of my colleagues. Maybe next time we can go, okay?"

"No! Papa you promised!" Leon complained with teary eyes. He attached himself on his legs like a monkey.

"I'm sorry Leon, but Papa really needs to go." Leon lets go of his legs and cried.

"..."

"Leo, maybe next time okay?"

"..."

I won't have this. Since Papa is going to teach me himself anyway might as well go.

"Papa, can't you take us with you?" I asked while holding my hands on my chest, acting cute.

I still can't forget the scary smile and the burning smell from yesterday, but I'm willing to bet that he won't hurt us.

"That's..."

He contemplated for a while. In my book, this is already a win. I waited for his response with bated breath.

"Alright you can go with me, but you must promise to always obey my words."

"Yes!" I replied happily.

"Really?! Papa will take us?! Yey!" Leon started jumping around.

"But you need to fulfill your promise, okay? No disobeying Papa's words."

"Okay! Papa!" We both Agreed.

****************

We came back into the mansion and the maids packed our clothes. I went back into the library and took some books with me. While Leon packed his toys and we got ready to leave.

Outside, Papa was already waiting for us with five carriages. The maids tucked the luggage into the carriage on the back while we took the carriage in front. There are also some Fatui agents coming with us and some food and water. From the looks of it, we we'll go to some faraway place. 

"Before we go put this in your clothes and don't forget to always wear this." He took out two insignia that resembled a mask and attached them to our clothes. 

"Remember, if you lose this, your life might get in danger."

He then handed us both a pouch of mora. For some reason, mine was heavier and bigger than Leon's.

"This will be your emergency rations. If you get lost you can use this to buy food and water. So don't lose it, okay?"

"But Papa! Leo has more than me!" Leon protested.

He chuckled. "That's my gift for Leo. Inside it has 200,000 worth of mora."

'Wait. He said "worth of mora" Does that mean.'

I opened the pouch and inside I saw different gems and minerals. My eyes widened. Why would you give a five-year-old gems? 

I stared at him in disbelief but his same smile never changed.

"Next is you should never leave my side during the journey, and lastly don't leave on your own."

"Okay! Papa!"

"Now, get inside and we still have a long way to go."

~~~~~~

I didn't know at that time, that this journey would have a significant result in my life forever.

****************

Three days have passed, and we're still traveling. The snowy terrain and cold weather are still there. I have no clue where we're going. 

This past three days we did nothing but travel. The horses get tired and the bumpy road makes it harder. The occasional wolves and treasure hoarders also add to the difficulty.

On our way here, we stopped by a town and changed clothes. Now, the whole caravan looked like a merchant company rather than a Fatui unit. I don't know why we changed but I have some guesses. 

It could be because of the enmity that the other nations have with the Fatui. But considering the current timeline, it's unlikely.

The other one could be because Papa doesn't want unnecessary attention or this should be a discreet mission. 

****************

Night came. We stopped in the middle of the road and made camp. One of the tires got busted and had to be changed. We will continue traveling after it's fixed, but it looks like it'll take some time.

Suddenly, the skies changed. Standing beneath a vast, starry sky where vibrant ribbons of green, pink, and violet dance with ethereal grace. The aurora unfurls like a cosmic silk curtain, shimmering and pulsating as if the heavens are alive. Each wave of light cascades across the horizon, reflecting off the icy landscape, transforming the world into a dreamscape of color and wonder.

"Wow~" It's the first time, in both lives that I see an aurora. The dancing colors were captivating in the eyes. I felt like nothing mattered anymore. I wished that time would have stopped there.

No one uttered a word; even Leon just stared at the sky dumbfounded.

My sight hovers towards Papa. 

For the first time, I saw a different smile. His usual casual smile was replaced by a soft, genuine, and tender smile. 

I found myself staring at him. My eyes locked on his figure. If anyone would have seen him at that time, they would instantly be captivated. 

I didn't see the manic, scary person I saw yesterday. In front of me was a picture of a loving and careful person.

I then thought, what could have driven him to join the Fatui. With his wits and wealth, he could have easily integrated himself into different nations. Perhaps I would not know the answer.

I then felt a tug on my sleeves. Leon held my hand tightly.

"Leo, it's beautiful."

I stared at the sky once again. Appreciating this very moment.

****************

Tomorrow came. We had no sleep at all. Leon is full of drowsiness and drooling on my side, while Papa doesn't look tired at all.

My eyes were so heavy and I couldn't think properly. My undeveloped brain is giving me alarm signals to go to sleep. But the bumps are keeping me awake.

I tried to distract myself and looked at the scenery outside. In there, the snow is slowly becoming thinner, and more greenery could be seen, but in front of us is still full of snow. 

My eyes locked on the carriage that carried our baggage, and I finally decided to ask where we were going.

"Papa, Where are we going?" I asked in a drowsy and low voice.

His answer made me wake up. It shook me, and I regret not asking before.

"Fontaine. We're going to visit my colleague The Knave; Crucabena."