Genshin Impact: Frostburn

Everyone bowed in unison as the Tsaritsa left the room. Soon after that, they exited the room one by one after talking to each other.

Leo stood beside Pantalone, his shoulders tense but steady as Capitano and Columbina faced them. His nose twitched, catching a faint, nauseating scent—something eerily reminiscent of rotting, decaying flesh.

"I commend you for your bravery," Capitano said, his voice calm yet weighted with authority. "It is no small feat to stand against Crucabena and prevail."

Leo shifted awkwardly, scratching the back of his head as he tried to ignore the grotesque smell. "I just did what I thought was right... and I wasn't alone."

"Even so, it is commendable." Capitano's gaze lingered on Leo, sharp and appraising. "You possess the same courage that your brother has."

Their attention turned as an older man with white hair and a half-mask approached. His steps were measured and deliberate, and his presence immediately commanded the room.

"Your actions made quite the stir among the Fatuus," Pierro remarked, his voice cold and steady. "I trust you will avoid creating such chaos again in the future."

Pantalone greeted him with a practiced smile. "Peirro, it's rare for you to come to us yourself. Are you finally interested in my previous proposal?"

Pierro ignored the comment, his unchanging expression fixed on Leo. "No, I'm merely here to remind you that such actions will sow doubt among our soldiers." His sharp gaze bore into Leo. "Be warned, boy. You are protected by the Tsaritsa, but your actions carry weight among her subjects. Act recklessly, and you may find yourself in grave trouble."

Pantalone took a small step forward, subtly positioning himself between Leo and Pierro. "We shall keep that in mind, Director."

Pierro turned without a word and headed for the door. As he reached it, he paused, his voice deep and cutting through the tension. "And, Pantalone, I would advise you to cease feeding information to your "allies"."

Pantalone bowed slightly, his tone smooth and composed. "Of course. I will take that under consideration."

The doors closed as he exited the room. The eyes of the remaining Harbingers bore deep into Leo, each of them laced with hostility.

"I'll take my leave for now. But next time, I wish to talk longer. Your brother spoke highly of you, and I'm curious how your cursed power might aid our cause."

With a courteous bow, Capitano turned and made his way to the exit, followed shortly by Sandrone, elegantly sitting on her puppet's arm as it carried her out of the room.

"Dad, did you smell something... rotting earlier?"

"I did not smell anything of the sort, perhaps you were imagining things or maybe you are tired?"

Leo clutched the sleeves of Pantalone's cloak, his eyes tailing Capitano as the doors closed. What was that smell?

In the corner of the room, a boy with a distinctive hat quietly observed their exchange. With a deliberate motion, he adjusted his hat before approaching them. His steps were light, yet his demeanor radiated arrogance and an unmistakable sense of superiority.

He sneered and his hands reached out for Leo's shoulders. As he was about to touch him, his steady approach was interrupted by a melodic voice on his side.

"Hello Balladeer, what purpose do you have today?" 

Clicking his tongue, he searched for the source of the voice. "How thoughtful of you, Damslette." he sneered.

Columbina tilts her head slightly. The small wings on the side of her head flapped once and an unreadable smile appeared on her face. "Is it wrong for me to worry?"

Leo and Pantalone turned. "Oh? What business do you have with us, Balladeer?"

Scaramouche's eyes drifted towards Leo. "I just wanted to see the person who killed that woman." his voice laced with mockery as his hands folded on his chest. "Oh, how noble of you. Slaying such a 'great' figure in the name of the greater good... Tell me, does it feel divine, basking in the Tsaritsa's favor?"

A frown crept onto Leo's forehead as his thoughts churned. What is this guy even talking about? Is he really so lonely that he feels the need to pick a fight at every opportunity?

"I suggest you make haste, Balladeer. Leo here is not feeling well and needs some rest." Pantalone said as he looked at him intently. "But if you are only here to play a game, then I suggest you take your leave, our time is better wasted on meaningful things, Scaramouche."

Scaramouche glared at him, his teeth gritted as his gaze shifted towards Leo. "You better listen to Pierro's words, little, big cat." He spat, the mockery in his voice unmistakable.

Scaramouche glared at them one final time, his lips curling in a sneer before he turned on his heel and stormed out of the room. "What's with him?"

"It's better to ignore him," Columbina said. She came close and caressed Leo's head in a tender motion. "it's no use arguing with Scaramouche, he never shuts his mouth."

"She is right, bantering with Scaramouche will yield you no results." Pantalone exhaled. "Thank you for that, Damslette." 

"There's no need to thank me, I only did what the Tsaritsa ordered me to do."

Leo struggled in her embrace, he shook his body and released himself from Columbina's embrace.

Leo struggled against her, shaking off her touch. "I'm not a kid anymore," he muttered, his frustration and embarrassment bubbling in.

The corners of her lips curled warmly, she tried to approach Leo with her arms wide open but was dodged by him every time.

"Alright that's enough," Pantalone chuckled but the clear annoyance in his eyes was evident. "Let us go on our way. Leo, you still have to recuperate."

Leo exhaled in relief but his face was still filled with red. With a burst of speed, Columbina lunged towards Leo, trapping him in her embrace as he struggled in embarrassment, his limps struggling strongly to escape from her tight grip. "I'll see you later, I'll be there when you have your spar with Leon."

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A/N: So, I'm getting busy with work, and it will get way busier this year. Updates would be all over the place but I'll try to release one whenever I can.