Chapter 42: Embers 2

A/N: I'll go release more chapters this week. I want to finish this arc before 5.3 starts.

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Before coming back to the hotel I tried to search for Polochko. I found him sitting alone in one of the rooms used to store food. He was fiddling with something that I didn't recognize.

I called out to him and shared with him my plans to stay the next nights at the orphanage which made him look worried.

"Young master I don't think this is a good idea."

"But you know the saying, keep your friends close and your enemies closer," I emphasized.

"Still, I don't agree with this." He clenched his teeth. "If something happens to you, I wouldn't forgive myself—or the people responsible."

In response, I put my hand on his shoulder and wore a serious expression.

"Polochko, I know it's dangerous, but I have to do this, or else all of this would be for nothing." I turned around. "I don't want to lose a friend."

I didn't see his expression, but his sighs were loud enough for me to hear.

"If you insist then I'll keep you safe even at the cost of my life."

I kept walking forward. Thanking him for his loyalty despite my rash decisions.

"Thank you Polochko."

***

Arriving at the hotel, I packed my bags and stuffed all my things inside. There are a few things I needed to bring such as clothes, utensils, a toothbrush and more. I didn't bring a pillow as I thought they had plenty of those.

After doing all of my preparations, I looked up at the sky and then at the clock. The time is 2:30 PM. So I thought. 

There's still time to buy toys and maybe some sweets and safety gadgets... if I find some that is.

Knowing that those types of gadgets are very expensive and are most likely not sold in the market, I roamed around without any expectations of finding anything usable.

"Just as I thought. Nothing good." I said aloud and gave my bags to the guards following me. Some of them took back my things to the orphanage while some stayed with me.

"Alright, let's go buy presents and some sweets."

***

Arriving at the orphanage I didn't see Mr. Schiel, he might have been on break or something happened so I ignored the rest of the watchmen on top of the watchtowers and went inside.

It's already afternoon and the sun is setting which is picturesque. It's one of the few things I won't get tired of seeing. The orange skies with a tint of red and the birds flying in flocks looked as if I was living inside a fairytale.

A few murmurs took me out of my trance as I entered the building. My eyes met a pair of girls gossiping about something. I raised my hand and waved at them but they avoided looking at my direction and left.

It must be the incident earlier dammit.

A few of my guards waited for me in front of a room as they bowed. they led the way toward the room that Clervie prepared for me and dropped me there as they unpacked their stuff. They are also staying with me here in case of emergency.

A knock on the door captured my attention. I opened it and saw Clervie waiting outside. Her eyes had a slight shade of red and her face was pale.

"Thank you for preparing me a room, Clervie," I said.

"It's my job to prepare for you a room. Also, Mother said we'll have a small feast tonight, she invites you to eat with us."

"Okay, I'll be there." She said her goodbyes and left. 

Remembering something, I called out to her and gave her a basket full of sweets and a few fruits.

"This is for everyone. Sorry there's no toys in there, I didn't find anything that I haven't bought yet so I just bought some fruits and sweets for the other kids to enjoy."

In response, she gave a smile, one that was not full of affection or bond. Instead, in her face I could see a hint of indignation and a slight disgust.

"Thank you, Leo, I will give this to them." She didn't say anything more and turned around then left in a hurry.

***

Night came and food was served on a large table that can occupy multiple rooms. Kids were seated on the right side of the table near the rooms where they slept. On the left are the Fatuus of the House of the Hearth and those who were mature enough to participate in a mission.

I and my guards are seated at the end of the table along with Crucabena, Clervie, Mr. Schniel, and Peruere.

"Now then, let us start this small feast, in the honor of our dear friend, Leo." Crucabena raised a glass of juice as she started the feast.

In response, all the kids chanted their thanks and welcomed me together. The Fatuus on the other hand along with the older children that were around Peruere and Clervie's age clapped their hands.

I can't help but feel uneasy. This seems too forced and knowing Crucabena, she wouldn't do something like this. Especially since she doesn't like me or Dad.

I stood up and with a bow, I said. "Thank you for having me, it's a pleasure to... uh,"

I looked around as if asking for help and my eyes landed on Clervie who was whispering something to me.

"S-stay here! Yes, I have been... uh taken good care of by everyone and I uh, hope! That we continue to get along well."

After giving my half-assed and not-so-serious speech, I sat back with a face as red as a tomato.

I could hear a few people chuckling as I gave my speech. It was not ideal and I felt like I made a fool of myself.

Crucabena had her hands on her mouth and I could see her trying to not laugh. Did I do something funny?

Clervie came close to me and whispered in my ear. "You didn't have to give a speech you know,"

I froze like a rock and I felt like burying my head underground.

"You should have told me that at the start!"

Everyone around couldn't hold it and a series of laughter filled the air.

This is so embarrassing.

The feast continued without any problems. The food they served was not as good as ours back at our mansion in Sneznaya, but I guess it could pass as a good restaurant if they build one. I didn't even know if this was all homemade or store-bought but eh.

Speaking of restaurants, that Chef with a god as her pet in Liyue. Maybe I could sponsor them and get some branches all over Teyvat. That would be nice.

The food was great and the kids ate happily. If you look at them now, you wouldn't suspect that they were all trained to be fighters or even murderers.

Moments like these where everyone can laugh and eat without worry will always be the ideal future...

I shook my head and released the thoughts inside. I knew that it would be an ideal world, but moments like these will never last. Our reality is far from that of common people.

My eyes became heavy and I started to doze off. My guards seemed to have noticed it and asked me to go first as they carried me back to my room. Inside, I slept like a log.

***

The night was shrouded with darkness. No lights were turned on and the alleys were pitch black. I was going on my way to find Peruere. 

I told her that we should meet later but I slept and wasn't able to fulfill it. So now I'm trying to find her in the middle of the night without a clue where. I felt so dumb for not giving a place or time to meet.

I searched the garden, the arena, and the training grounds but I couldn't find her. It was already hard to walk around with only the light from the moon as my guide and pair that with the way the Orphanage was built, it's almost impossible to see in the dark.

"There's only the cafeteria left."

I made my way towards the Cafeteria. The place was darker than the rest. I looked around and called Peruere's name but didn't get any response.

"It's a dud." 

With a sigh, I made my way back to my room.

On the way, I passed through the tree where I always saw Peruere and Clervie. The moon in the sky was big and bright. It shone like a dazzling gleam that made everything look majestic. The cold air along with the scent of snow felt endearing.

This was not something you see In Snezhnaya where snow covers the skies most of the time.

I approached the tree and as I made my way, there I could hear a sniffling sound. Curiosity struck and I decided to investigate. As I got closer the sound got louder and louder. Muffled cries and a voice very familiar to me toughed my ears. 

I realized that the origin of the cries could be heard behind the tree. I peeked out and saw Clervie. Her eyes and tears kept falling from her eyes like a waterfall.