Genshin Impact: Frostburn

Upon arriving at Palais Mermonia, we were greeted by some Melusines.

They're the same height as Leon and me and very cute.

Inside there are tables and chairs on the side and a green carpet. There are two rooms one is Neuvillette's office and the other is for guests.

"Would you like to talk inside my office, Pantalone?"

"That would be my pleasure, Monsieur Neuvillette."

"I forgot to ask, what are the names of these adorable young lads?" Neuvillette asked.

"This bubbly and enthusiastic one here is Leon and the reserved one is Leo," 

"I see," He then called for some Melusines. "This Melusines here will take you to our guest room, feel free to request anything from them."

'He doesn't seem to be good at dealing with kids.' I thought as I looked at him from head to toe.

"Would it be fine if I were to take them there myself Monsieur?" Papa asked.

"I see no problem with that." He then gestured for the Melusines to guide the way.

The guestroom is a very comfy place to stay. The lighting and subtle decorations gave it a homely vibe. I could say that this is an elegant room, and from the way I see it, it is used by important guests.

"Leo, Leon, be sure to behave yourselves okay?" Papa said as he left.

After he left, I stood at the window using a chair to elevate myself and looked outside. I could see many more things from a high place like this. The whole City is stunning. I could see every part of Fontaine from up here, from Lumidouse port to Romaritine Harbor.

One thing I've noticed since we arrived in Fontaine is that the water level is not very high. There's still more land than I remembered in the game.

"Leo, what do you think about my appearance? Do I look good?" Leon tugged my sleeves and asked.

"..."

'When did you worry about appearances? Is having a crush on someone made you mature fast? Leon, as your brother I don't know if I should be happy or worried.' 

"You're fine," I replied as I gave him a knowing smile.

'Leon was never one to worry about what he looked like... I guess any kid these ages won't worry about appearances, but still... weird.'

I then decided not to pay any attention to Leon's worries. I just hoped he wouldn't be so heartbroken when she rejected him.

I got down from the chair and approached one of the Melusines standing guard at the door, asking for sweets.

"Hello," I greeted as I waved my hand.

"Hi, how can I help you?" The melusine waved back at me with a welcome expression.

"Do you have, sweets?" I asked.

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

At Neuvillette's office

The room has two long chairs facing each other and a table full of papers in front. There's a grandfather clock on the right side of the room and a few cabinets full of documents.

Pantalone and Neuvillette sat opposite each other as the smell of newly brewed tea filled the room.

"I must say, you seem to have a lot of work piled up Monsieur Neuvillette, I don't want to take a lot of your time," Pantalone said

"It's alright, most of the things here are already done, and the rest can be processed later and I'm sure you know, Pantalone, this meeting is also part of my duty as the Ludex," Neuvillette said as he picked up a paper that had fallen to the ground.

"You don't have to be so wary of me Monsieur, I really am just here for vacation," Pantalone said with his hands clasped in his chest.

"Then as you say, Monsieur Pantalone, if you are just here for vacation, why did you meet with Crucabena?" Neuvillette said as his tone shifted from a casual one to a more serious tone.

"Oh, can't I visit my colleague? Also, it's for my sons; they don't have any friends back at home, and I thought they could befriend the kids at the orphanage." Pantalone said nonchalantly.

Neuvillette frowned. Despite not understanding human emotions well, he knows that the Fatui is not an organization built on trust and friendship. Some of the Harbingers would stab each other's backs if it benefits them and Pantalone was no exception.

"I'm sorry if I am being nosy," Neuvillette said with his voice apologetic. "but my priority is Fontaine and its people's safety, I'm just making sure that no harm will befall this land." 

"Don't worry Monsieur Neuvillette," Pantalone said in assurance. "I will assure you that the Fatui has no plans on bringing disaster to Fontaine or any nation, contrary to that, we would like to be on friendly terms and seek cooperation in bringing peace for the world as the Tsaritsa wishes."

Neuvillette frown and replied. "I hope you back your words with action, Pantalone." 

"Then, let me give you an assurance," Pantalone said as handed an envelope to Neuvillette and continued. "This is the list of operations that have been done, and will be done by the House of the Heart for the upcoming years, I'm sure you know the importance of this." 

"This is..." Neuvillette was shocked. The contents of the paper did contain information on past operations done by the house, some of which, he wasn't aware of. It also contains the future operations that will be done inside and outside of Fontaine.

"Why would you give this to me?" He asked in confusion.

"Let's just say, it's a future investment." Pantalone's unreadable smile returns to his face making Neuvillette wary as he senses a dangerous plot happening. His intuition tells him to not get involved and to turn a blind eye.

"This is also my sign of goodwill, also, there's something I would like to discuss with you Monsieur, not as a Harbinger, but as a businessman." 

Neuvillette was still wary of Pantalone as he was one of the smartest ones among the Harbingers. Unlike others, he is not someone who boasts strength, his power comes from the amount of money he has and the connections he made, pair that with a brilliant, calculative, and manipulative mind, and he becomes one of the most dangerous harbingers you fight.

Neuvillette looked at him in the eyes and said "What is it..."

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

Back at the guest room

Leo's POV

We waited for half an hour now. Looks like Papa won't finish soon. 

The Melusines bought some sweets, tea, and some bread, I could recognize some along with the famous quaso. I mean Croissant.

There are also some Croquettes and a few pieces of candy and chocolate which I instantly devoured. The food was tasty and the sweets were heavenly, I wish I could eat this every day but Papa forbids us and only gives us a few candies a day.

Leon also stopped being nervous when the food came in. Now, he is busy stealing my few last pieces of candy. Of course, I won't let take it easily.

As he slowly sneaked his hand into my plate, I used the spoon that I was using to drink the hot tea and pressed it against his skin.

"Ouch! What was that for?!" Leon hissed as he blew some air into the area where I pressed the spoon.

"Your faults" I flatly replied.

"You didn't have to do that!" He replied with gritted teeth.

I ignored him and finished the remaining candy, stuffing them all inside my mouth. I would never share my sweets with anyone.

Leon started to grumble and throw a fit. The Melusines were quick, the moment Leon started to throw a fit, they instantly took some candy from their pockets and gave them to Leon. He instantly devoured them like I did and looked at me with hostility.

I then thought to myself. 'I won't steal your food, I'm not like that...probably.'

As we ate, the door of the room was slammed open and a lady with heterochromia entered. It was none other than Furina de Fontaine.

"How dare he let me wait! If he isn't the Ludex I would have already thrown him in jail!" Her loud voice echoed throughout the whole building.

"But if it's an envoy of a different nation I guess I could make an exception." Her voice was full of class. 

"Oh? Who is this young lads here, Gardes!" The lady said as he called.

The Garde rushed to the room and bowed to her.

"Lady Furina, what can we do for you?" They said as they bowed in front of Furina.

"Why did you let kids wander inside? Do your job well as it will reflect my own. Now, take them out back to their parents."

"Lady Furina, they're the sons of Lord Pantalone, a Harbinger in Sneznaya and the envoy that Monsieur Neuvillette is currently talking with." One of the guards said

"Oh, why didn't you tell me? Welcome to our nation young kids, I! Focalors, the Hydro Archon formally welcome you. You may rejoice in this." She boasted as she put a hand on her chest.

'This will be a long day.' I thought to myself as I imagined all the shenanigans she would make.