Lynette stared intently at Luna, her gaze unwavering.
The grip on Luna's sleeve was firm, but it was only a sleeve. A gentle tug could easily shake it off—as if trying once more to grasp the light she had failed to capture before.
Luna moved her fingertips and gently pressed down on Lynette's hand.
For a fleeting moment, Lynette's eyes flickered wildly, as if the sky were collapsing around her. But the next instant, Luna grasped her little finger.
"I'm sorry."
How much meaning was contained in that apology? Lynette couldn't fathom.
She only felt utterly bewildered, her fingertips frozen, nowhere to rest. A warmth welled up in her eyes.
Saying this now, after everything?
"Instead of apologizing, I'd rather—"
She'd rather Luna say something else entirely.
Lynette bit her lip, finally murmuring, "You're so cunning."
How could she possibly say anything after such an apology?
"...Let's go back. The arrangements aren't finished yet," she whispered, withdrawing her hand and leaving Luna alone in the backyard. She walked back into the corridor.
The lingering warmth remained on her little finger.
Just as warm as it had always been.
Lynette rubbed her little finger, her ears twitching slightly.
"Lynette? What's got you so cheerful?" Lyney asked, surprised.
Lynette's expression remained blank. "Nothing. I'm not happy."
"Alright, alright."
Lyney glanced at his sister's cat ears and tail. Both were clearly expressing her joy, but since she insisted otherwise, he'd take her word for it.
"The preparations for the magic show are nearly complete. We're going to give Luna the biggest surprise of her life!" he exclaimed with a grin.
The founding anniversary of the House of the Hearth coincided with Arlecchino's return and Luna's rare visit. Lyney had boldly suggested to Arlecchino that she be the star of the magic show.
Lynette had been terrified, her fur standing on end, how could he dare make such a request of "Father"? Yet Arlecchino had surprisingly agreed, stipulating that only Lyney and Lynette could know of the plan. Revealing it to anyone else would demonstrate a lack of discretion.
"Isn't it supposed to be a surprise for everyone?" Lynette asked.
"It'll be a shock for the others, but a delightful surprise for her. Still, it's astonishing that 'Father' agreed to this..."
A delightful surprise for Lulu? Lynette thought, feeling irritated.
Given that Arlecchino was the target, she shouldn't be feeling this way. Yet, from her perspective, even though Arlecchino showed no outward favoritism, she still regarded Luna as a special child. The evidence lay in the fact that Arlecchino had been personally teaching Luna various skills since long ago.
Combat, stealth, and tracking—it was all just a particularly rigorous training regimen.
Compared to the other children, Luna had spent significantly more time with Arlecchino, several times longer, in fact.
Was it because she never feared Arlecchino, always showing her affection?
Lynette still couldn't decipher Arlecchino's true intentions.
Yet even Luna had been subjected to her punishments...
What a contradictory person, Lynette thought again.
-
Night fell.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the children at the House of the Hearth, the banquet began right on schedule.
A gramophone played music as the dining table was laden with delicacies, including a massive cake large enough for all the children to share.
Everyone gathered around the fireplace, reveling in games and dancing.
This was a festival unique to the Snezhevich and Snezhevna children.
(spy- before anyone asks, these are the last names assigned to the orphans)
The main attraction, however, was the grand magic trick prepared by Lyney, Freminet, and Lynette. Freminet eyed the Magic Box, his brow furrowed in confusion.
He had prepared the mechanical contraption, but the true nature of the magic remained a mystery to him.
"Lyney, is this magic trick going to conjure a roasted pig?" one child asked curiously.
"Maybe it's a roasted chicken!" another chimed in.
"Roasted chicken! Roasted chicken!"
"Speaking of which, where's 'Father'? Wasn't she supposed to be back today?"
Lyney broke into a cold sweat.
"Ah ha ha... A Magician can't reveal the secrets of his tricks! Shh, just be patient. Let's dim the lights—it's time to witness a miracle!"
"What I'm about to present is the most precious 'gift' of our lives!"
Lynette gave a signal: "Drumroll, please!"
Paper cannons exploded with loud bangs, scattering confetti as the Magic Box sprang open automatically. And there, before everyone's eyes, stood a figure all too familiar.
It was Arlecchino.
All the children froze, utterly stunned. Who could have imagined Arlecchino emerging from the Magic Box?
Luna, however, wasn't surprised. She had faintly sensed Arlecchino's presence inside.
Arlecchino scanned the room, her gaze lingering on Luna's face for a few seconds.
"Excellent. It seems you've kept this secret well. Magic, after all, is nothing but deception, and you've mastered it perfectly. You deserve commendation."
Lyney wiped the cold sweat from his brow. "Thank you for the praise, Father."
Lynette nodded nervously. "Mm-hmm."
Arlecchino walked to the dining table.
"Today is the House's founding day. Relax and enjoy yourselves. A taut string snaps easily; only through balanced tension and release can true resilience be achieved."
She picked up a knife and swiftly divided the cake into many slices.
"Come and take your slice when your name is called."
The children exchanged glances.
Was it because today was the founding day? They sensed that Arlecchino seemed gentler than usual.
"Luna."
...And the first name called was Luna's.
No, "surprisingly" wasn't quite the right word. After all, Luna was the most outstanding child.
But that wasn't the case at all.
Lynette knew it was because Luna was Arlecchino's special child.
"Father..." Luna approached Arlecchino.
"...I can tell you have something you want to ask me. Come find me later."
"Okay."
Arlecchino offered Luna a slice of cake, which Luna accepted with both hands.
One by one, the children were called by name and received slices of cake cut by Arlecchino herself. Their faces were filled with disbelief, but they gradually relaxed.
Arlecchino herself took a few bites, but didn't eat much.
Her gaze swept over the children dancing together, the ones squatting by the hearth roasting marshmallows, and the ones gathered around drinking and discussing open business...
Casually noticing the necklace around Luna's neck, Arlecchino gently reached out.
Lifting the pendant, she murmured, "A very beautiful necklace. Who gave it to you?"
Lynette's eyes flickered toward them. She was curious to know the answer too.
"Furina did," Luna replied with a smile.
Arlecchino nodded softly. "Why didn't you invite her to join us?"
"She said she'd pass."
"Is that so? There's no need to worry so much. The House of the Hearth always welcomes her. Next time there's a tea party, let's invite her. It might help alleviate some of her... fear of me."
Whether Furina would even want to come remained uncertain.
As the banquet drew to a close, the lively atmosphere in the House began to fade. The younger children had already drifted off to sleep, and Arlecchino had returned to her office.
"Come here, Luna," Arlecchino said.
Luna nodded and followed her.
The door closed, sealing out the remaining sounds of the gathering. Arlecchino settled into her chair, crossing her legs.
"Now, what did you want to ask me?"
Instead of answering, Luna approached Arlecchino.
Before getting to the point, she had something else to do.
Luna leaned down, embraced Arlecchino, and gently kissed her cheek. "Let me greet you properly. It's been a while... I've missed you dearly."
Arlecchino closed her eyes, gently stroking Luna's hair.
"Did you think of me too?" Luna murmured, burying her face in Arlecchino's neck.
"Of course. Besides, news of Miss White Cat has even reached Snezhnaya."
Arlecchino gently patted Luna's shoulder, signaling her to stand up.
Luna straightened up and turned her gaze toward the doorway.
"Come in. There's no need to eavesdrop outside."
After a moment of silence, the door creaked open.
Lynette entered, her head bowed and ears drooping. "I'm sorry... I..."
"It's quite alright," Arlecchino interrupted. "I suspect you're curious about the same things Luna wants to ask."
As if seeing through Luna's thoughts, Arlecchino motioned for Lynette to close the door and come in. Then she rose and walked to the window.
"Are you starting to care about your biological parents?" she asked.
Luna nodded.
"I want to know who they were," Luna said. "You once told me my father was from Liyue and my mother from Mondstadt. Back then, I didn't care, but—"
Furina had been right after all. She still cared.
"...Do you know anything about them?" Luna asked.
Arlecchino replied, "Indeed, I know who your biological parents were and their identities."
"Then..."
"You have two choices before you," Arlecchino said calmly. "One: learn about your origins through my biased account; or..."
"2. Follow in your parents' footsteps to understand them."
Words can distort the truth. Even the most accurate descriptions fall short of conveying the essential emotions.
Why abandon her, yet name her "Luna"? This question might be beyond the first option's reach.
Luna fell silent.
Seeing this, Arlecchino continued, "You have plenty of time to consider. In the meantime, I can tell you part of your family history."
Luna looked up at Arlecchino.
"You are a descendant of the Knights of Favonius."
Knights... of Favonius?