Genshin Impact: Frostburn

"Are you sure about this young master?" Polochko asked in confirmation.

"Yes, 100% 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. 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.

***

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, imposing bell. The whole setup made the place feel more like a high-security prison than a home for kids.

"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.

"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. "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.

"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 but was stopped by me.

"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."

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.

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.' I thought to myself.

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 thought with a smile.

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 until we reached a room where a few guards made way for her and let her in while I stuck to the corners of the corridor and hid.

'What's she doing there?'

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.

With a frown, I decided to give up and ask her later. I returned to the room where the kids were playing and found a handful sleeping with food stuck to their mouth.

I heaved a sigh as I called for the Fatuus who was taking care of them and left the room.

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.

Peruere was 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 was grabbed by Clervie from behind causing me to jump in shock and turn around in a hurry.

"Leo, are you alright? You look pale." She asked with concern.

"Don't scare me like that, you almost gave me a heart attack," I said as I heaved a sigh of relief.

She then replied with a chuckle. "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."

As she spoke, I couldn't help but notice her skin looked more even and excluded femininity. Not to mention the dress she was wearing was full of frills and the shimmering fabric that looked intricately woven which made her look cuter.

Upon seeing her I can't help but blush, my mind racing with thoughts. 'Is it just me or does she look cuter than usual?'

"What's wrong? Is there something on my face?" she asked, pointing to her cheek with a curious expression.

"N-no, it's nothing," I stammered, as I tried my best to avoid meeting her gaze. "You... you look good in that dress."

Her cheeks flushed a soft pink as she raised her hands to cover her mouth, her voice barely above a whisper. "T-thank you."

We stayed silent for a few moments, unable to form any words as we found ourselves in this awkwardness. 

Clervie was the first to speak and asked me with her face still pink. "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 her toward her room.

'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 get my thought's in order.

***

As Leo and Clervie conversed, Peruere was silently observing them with her eyes closed. She heard everything they said and the suspicious way that Clervie acted. 

She had some doubts as when Clervie returned after talking to Crucabena she was silent and always avoided talking about it.

Now, upon witnessing the events that unfolded in front of her, her suspicions were now solidified.

'Clervie... are you taking her side?' Her eyes followed Leo and Clervie as they left.