Chapter 12: House of the Hearth 5

Spies could help me monitor the movements inside the house, it would also give way to letters that we can exchange. The only problem is whether Papa would agree. 

"Why do you want to put spies, Leo?" He asked with a frown.

I need to tell the truth. If I lie, It'll only make things harder for me.

"I want to save the kids."

Papa crouched to my height and looked me in the eye. "What will I gain? If I put spies here it will only make our relationship with The Knave sour. I fail to see any benefit in doing so." 

Papa is right. If the spies are caught, it will backfire on us and give The Knave a reason to pressure us and it might even lower Papa's influence among the harbingers. No matter how you look at it, the risk is too high.

"Papa, you promised. I know it would be more disadvantageous for us if this were to fail. But If this succeeds we can have more power amongst the other Harbingers." I reasoned.

"Oh? How did you know I'm a Harbinger? You even know about the others. Leo tell me what else do you know?" I can feel his cold gaze. Right now I can't afford to back down, even if I have to tell him more than necessary. 

"I heard from the guards here. I also know that you along with your colleagues are not the good guys." I decided to tell him this for now.

He stared at my eyes intently, as if trying to probe my deepest secrets. I couldn't handle his gaze and started wiggling from the discomfort. Soon he laughed.

"Ha ha... HAHAHAHAHAHA" His laughter echoed through the whole place. He laughed maniacally. His manic eyes returned, making me remember the time inside his office. 

"I was not wrong about you, Leo! You're way smarter for a child your age! HAHAHAHAHA!" He continued laughing without a care in the world. 

I became more tense and worried for every second that passed. Soon, Crucabena and the Fatui agents will flock here. I need to get his approval fast. 

"Papa! Please! I promise you, this will give us more than we'll lose!" He stopped laughing and calmed down at my words. 

"Leo, do you understand that by doing this, we will have to replace The Knave, and only members of the House of the Hearth can inherit the title?"

"I understand, that's why I'm asking for this," I replied.

"Then, I'll join in this, gamble, of yours." I finally got the answer I needed. 

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

We returned inside. We crossed paths with Crucabena and some Fatui agents on the way.

"Pantalone, what was that just now?" Crucabena asked.

"It's nothing. My son here just made a good joke that made me laugh. You don't need to worry." His usual smile is back on his face.

Crucabena looked at me suspiciously and then said. "I see, I guess everyone deserves a good laugh once in a while. The food is getting cold; I recommend you join us and eat now before it gets spoiled." 

"My pleasure." 

We followed her inside the room and ate in awkward silence.

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

"Will you go back to Sneznaya now, Regrator?" Crucabena asked as she escorted us to the gates of the house.

"We'll be staying here for a month. It's not every day that we will get to enjoy another nation's local attractions and specialties. Oh! Speaking of enjoyment, would you mind if I send Leo and Leon here from time to time during this one month to play? They seemed to have enjoyed their short time here. I wish to have them make friends with the promising children of your house." As he finished, his eyes landed on me.

I can see the reason behind this. He's telling me to "lay the groundwork" or something like that.

Crucabena frowned; not liking this sudden action of Papa.

"I thought you were busy, with the affairs back in Sneznaya. What's the sudden change of heart?" 

"It's a simple promise I made with the twins. I promised to spend time with them exploring the city. But, you called and I have to go meet with you. Plus, I also couldn't spend enough time with them during these past years. So this is my way of repaying my debt to them."

Crucabena suddenly became more suspicious. "I see. I guess even a heartless person knows how to pay their debts." She said with more hostility.

"Oh my, it seems like you don't understand me, my dear Knave. I am an advocate of fair exchange. I always follow my words with actions."

"Eh? Papa, we're going to stay here?! For a month?!" Leon said excitedly.

Papa just smiled at him and said. "Yes Leon, for this month, Papa would give anything you want."

"Then the Gardeme-"

"Not that one Leon, you have to beat my guards first if you want one."

Upon hearing this Leon grumbled but his mood was still sky high.

"But may I ask. Why let them come here to our orphanage? I'm sure they would like to spend as much time with you rather than with some kids they just recently met."

"Oh is that so? But I believe kids should still make relationships with other kids unless they become meek in the future. We can't have that now, can we? Especially since they will inherit my name and belongings." 

Crucabena's eyes widened. I can see that she never thought that Papa would proclaim someone as his successor this early. I was just as surprised as her. I don't know if he meant it, or he just threw those fancy words just to make her give up and accept this arrangement.

"I see... If that is so then who am I to decline? They can come anytime they want."

"I believe it's getting dark. We will go on our way now. See you later, Crucabena."

"Yes, See you later, Regrator."

We reached Hotel Debord and took the night's rest.

During the night I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about the things that would happen from now on. This decision of mine will alter the future. No, the moment I was born the future that I know has already been changed. I am not one of those protagonists in some novels that try to follow line by line from the game's script. 

The future might have changed. But that also means there's more opportunity to reach a better ending for everyone. The last regret of my past life rings louder and louder as time passes on. When I met Clervie and Peruere, it was the strongest time I've felt it. 

The more I experience things in this world, the more this sensation will remain. The only way I can probably silence this is by reaching a different but better end. I plan to follow through with the story of the original game. But I would make adjustments on the way.

The night wind pushed open the windows of our room. Fortunately, Papa and Leon did not wake up. I got up and used a chair to elevate myself to close the window.

Before I could close it, my eyes landed on one of the floors of Palais Mermonia. 

One of the lights was still up, and I could see a faint silhouette of a young woman. I could not properly see her, but for some reason, I knew she was crying. Her lonely figure was framed by the lights behind her, casting shadows across the walls. I felt an inexplicable pull to her as if I could feel her sorrow. Moments passed as my eyes locked o her. The reverberating sound from my soul was ever so loud.

"Leo?" I could hear Papa's voice from the bed.

"Ah, Papa, I was just closing the window," I said.

As I looked back at Palais Mermonia, the lights in the room were gone. I closed the window and went back to bed.