Genshin Impact: Frostburn

The bells rang as small sun rays seeped through the dark cloudy sky. Snow fell softly, as a lone horse pulling a carriage trotted steadily along the frost-covered path.

Yawning, Leo opened the door, the haze of drowsiness still clinging to him from sleep. In front of the mansion where the carriage waited, Clervie and Peruere waved at him merrily.

"Good afternoon," Leo greeted as he listlessly walked towards them. 

Clervie chuckled and replied. "Good afternoon, Leo. You didn't get a wink of sleep?"

As if I'd be able to sleep after what happened. Leo nodded in reply and glanced at the two, noticing the bags of goods and supplies, loaded onto the back of the carriage.

"Are those what Dad gave you?"

"Yeah, he gave us food, clothes, and mora to start over. He even offered to introduce us to someone who could help us rebuild the orphanage." Clervie added, "Your family has given us plenty of things, I don't know how we could repay you for this."

A small smile appeared at the corners of his lips as he looked at them kindly. "You don't have to do anything, we also benefited from this," he added, "But, if you want to repay us, maybe share with us your plans and we can help each other accomplish tasks."

Perurere returned his gaze and replied, "That would be great. " She added, "As it stands, we don't have enough influence to make our own decisions. Sorry, but we'll need to rely on you a little more."

"Don't sweat it Peruere, things happen, I'm sure you'll be back on your feet in no time!"

Perurere avoided his gaze and spoke shyly. "I would prefer it if you call me by the name the Tsaritsa gave me, Arlecchino."

Leo and Clervie glanced at each other briefly before smiling. "Forgive us, Lord Harbinger Arlecchino," Leon sarcastically said, bowing. "We deserve the most brutal punishment the heavens could give!"

Peruere's face remained unchanging, but the slight redness of her cheeks could not be hidden from the two.

"Lord Harbinger Arlecchino!" Clervie chimed in, "I beseech your guidance! Oh, how shall we—Ouch!" She was abruptly cut off as Arlecchino's fist landed firmly on her head.

As their playful banter continued, the door behind Leo suddenly burst open. They flinched as Leon appeared, dragging a heavy bag full of toys. The bag creaked under the weight, scraping noisily against the snow.

"I made it!" he exclaimed. Leon pulled the bag of toys twice his size and presented it to them. "Give these to the kids!"

Arlecchino briskly approached Leon and heaved the bag on her back, trying to escape the embarrassment her two friends induced.

A few more minutes passed. Pantalone arrived along with Polochko, and his bandages were still intact. Leo's heart was filled with gladness as he greeted Polochko.

"Are you feeling alright now?" he asked.

Polochko returned his greeting as he replied. "It's just a few burns, you don't have to worry young master."

Pantalone watched them solemnly. His gaze lingered for a moment before shifting towards Clervie and Peruere.

"I've gathered news about your siblings in Fontaine," Pantalone said, his smile firmly etched. "No need to worry, the Ludex is taking good care of them, as we speak."

Perurere stepped forward and bowed respectfully before Pantalone. "I am very grateful for your help, Lord Pantalone. One day, we shall repay this debt to you,"

Pantalone waved his hand dismissively. "I am merely doing what my son has asked me to do, if there's someone you should thank, it's him." he paused before adding, "But it seems like you have already settled it."

Pantalone briefly looked at Leo in approval before drifting his gaze toward everyone present. Finally, his gaze landed on Arlecchino. "Also, Knave, it would be improper for my colleague to bow before me. We, as the Tsaritsa's servants, are equal despite our differences in rank. It would be improper for us Harbingers to bow before one another."

Arlecchino surprised, lifted her head and heaved a sigh of relief before offering her hand. "Then, I look forward to working with you, Regrator."

Accepting her hand, Pantalone smiled briefly as he spoke. "The pleasure is mine, Knave."

The carriage rolled away, its silhouette fading into the snowy horizon as Leo and Leon waved goodbye

Pantalone said his goodbye before going to his office. He started the day with a full schedule of paperwork, leaving Leo, Leon, and Polochko alone.

"I'll go train now," Leon said as he walked towards the training area.

"Ah, yeah. Have fun."

Leo watched as Leon disappeared down the path, his enthusiasm evident even in his walking. The crunch of snow underfoot was the only sound left lingering between him and Polochko. A cold breeze swept through, prompting Leo to wrap his coat a little tighter around himself.

Polochko studied Leo for a moment before speaking, his tone light but carrying an underlying curiosity. "How have you been young master?"Leo exhaled softly, facing Polochko.

"I'm fine, what about you? I haven't seen you in a while... They didn't do anything to you, right?"

Polochko shook his head dismissively, "No, nothing like that. Lord Pantalone just asked a few questions. Aside from that, I was treated well."

Thank god. A sigh of relief escaped Leo. "That's good, I'm glad you're safe."

They walked through the mansion's corridor toward his room, shutting the door behind them. They sat in silence for a couple of minutes. His head hung low, struggling to say a word.

"I'm sorry," he started, voice full of guilt. "It was my fault that it came to that. I have no excuses to say."

His mind spun as he started to berate himself, but suddenly, an arm slipped behind him, gripping his shoulder."Young master, I am not angry," Polochko said, his voice full of warmth. "yes, it was rash, but I saw the way you cared about them. For me, that is enough to outweigh the process. And we won right? So, don't blame yourself, young master."

Leo''s hands tightened into fists, frustration building up inside. "But, next time, what if we don't succeed? I-I can't..."

With a sigh, Polochko knelt before him, his gaze settling on Leo's face, twisted with self-reproach. "Young master, you're still young and have a lot to learn," Leo lifted his head, meeting Polochko's warm, reassuring smile. "There's no need to rush—you have all the time in the world to reflect on your choices. If I may offer some advice, listen to others before making a decision. That way, you'll carry fewer regrets.."

Leo's chest tightened as he absorbed Polochko's words. He nodded absently, but the weight of his decisions still hung heavily on him. He wanted to believe Polochko—he truly did, but the fear gnawed at him. What if the next decision was worse? What if the next failure was something they couldn't come back from?

His thoughts were interrupted when Polochko gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Young master," he began, his voice more serious than before. "You've already taken the first step by recognizing your mistakes. That's something many never learn."

A dry laugh escaped Leo. "Stop with the compliments. You always spoil me, Polochko."

Polochko chuckled. "I am merely doing what Lord Pantalone tasked me to do, young master. As long as it doesn't interrupt our training, I'll let you have anything you want.... of course, anything dangerous would not be one of them."

A soft chuckle spaced, Leo as he jokingly said. 'Come on, if Dad doesn't know it's fine right?"

A dangerous smile flashed on Polochko's face as his hand on Leo's shoulder tightened. "Young master... please do anything of the sort."

"Alright, alright, I was just joking okay?"

A knock on the door interrupted them. Polochko stood up to greet the maid outside, calling for the snacks they ordered. As Polochko stood up, Leo crossed his small arms around his waist and hugged him.

"I'm glad you're back, Polochko."

Polochko caressed his head as he replied. "I'm also glad you're safe, young master.