To Furina, who understood the workings of a nation better, a half-day work stoppage to mourn someone was already a considerable show of respect.
Furina felt that even if she, the Hydro Archon, were to die in the future, the nation wouldn't halt for too long—because the machinery of a nation couldn't afford to stop for extended periods.
However, in the story, "Pantalone" clearly had a different perspective, as the next panel focused on him.
Pantalone stood with his hands crossed in front of him, eyes slightly narrowed, his expression brimming with a gentle smile that felt like a spring breeze (though it didn't exactly scream "good guy").
His gentle demeanor, paired with half-frame glasses and chains dangling from the frames, gave off the air of a refined scholar.
But given his identity, it only amplified his "gentlemanly scoundrel" aura—that smile was practically that of a fox. Yet, some people were precisely into that vibe.
He spoke in a gentle, measured tone:
[Pantalone: "Merely half a day… They say the Northland Bank deals in blood, tears, and wails, but Mr. Mayor, your values are even more twisted than those of a banker like me."]
In reality, "Dark Healer" Pantalone read this part with a sly smile. He wasn't speaking out to defend Rosalyne—he wasn't exactly on great terms with her.
Pantalone knew what a half-day national work stoppage signified. He was simply taking a jab at his "dear colleague," engaging in some friendly banter to strengthen their camaraderie.
Surely, Her Majesty the Tsaritsa would be pleased to see them "supporting each other" so warmly.
Besides, Rosalyne was his colleague, after all. If he died someday, he'd likely receive the same treatment. Taking a shot now wouldn't hurt—maybe it'd earn him an extra half-day of mourning compared to Rosalyne.
If Tartaglia knew what Pantalone was thinking, he'd definitely approve. If he got an extra half-day of mourning compared to Rosalyne, he could taunt her about it in the afterlife.
In the story, just as "Dark Healer" (Pantalone) finished speaking, "Dark Eula" (The Knave) stepped forward, the panel zooming in on her face.
Her hairstyle was short white hair with black highlights, one side revealing an ear piercing.
Her sharp, phoenix-like eyes, accentuated by dark eyeshadow, exuded a melancholic queenly aura.
Her cold expression, combined with the red X in her eyes, gave off a "forbidden" vibe, instantly transforming "The Knave" into a "Queen."
[The Knave: "Rosalyne fell in a foreign land. For you merchants and politicians who lack empathy and only make excuses to cower in Snezhnaya, that's something you could never imagine, is it?"]
["So keep your mouths shut!"]
["Otherwise, the children will cry."]
"Hmm… quite stern, isn't she?" Pantalone continued reading with his usual sly smile, completely unfazed by The Knave's sharp critique.
If sharp words could kill, he, the "big capitalist," would've been taken out long ago.
Words were less effective than a sharp blade—maybe if they let Pantalone breathe in some toxins, he'd die a few years earlier.
As for the "children" The Knave mentioned, she was naturally referring to the children of the House of the Hearth.
Most of the children in the House of the Hearth were orphans—not just from Snezhnaya, but from all nations.
Trained from a young age, they carried out missions in foreign lands, where they could die at any moment in unfamiliar territory.
With "no past" and "no ties," dying in a foreign land made them somewhat akin to Rosalyne, which was why Arlecchino spoke out to stop the others.
Arlecchino didn't want "her children" to be disrespected after death.
But there was more to it. Rosalyne was genuinely kind—she was the type to send cakes and gifts to the children of the House of the Hearth.
If the children praised Rosalyne or spent time with her, she'd prepare cakes or gifts for them.
Though Rosalyne seemed haughty and unapproachable, she was actually easy to win over.
Flatter her a couple of times, keep her company, and even if she scoffed verbally, her actions were honest—she'd bring gifts, not caring if the flattery or companionship was insincere.
After Rosalyne's death, it was unlikely any other Harbinger would treat the children of the House of the Hearth the same way, which was why The Knave said, "the children will cry."
Rosalyne was like that relative who gave kids big red envelopes during the holidays—how could anyone not mourn such a figure's passing?
Furina hadn't expected Arlecchino to have a gentle side.
Lucian had told her about Arlecchino, describing her as someone who killed without blinking. Based on Furina's intelligence, that was indeed true, which was why Furina feared her.
She hadn't realized Arlecchino had a softer side beyond her intimidating nature.
But Furina wasn't naive—she could tell Arlecchino's gentleness was reserved solely for her children, so Furina still had no desire to interact with her more than necessary.
Back to the story, the panel shifted to Tartaglia, who had temporarily returned to Snezhnaya's capital.
His orange short hair, dull eyes, and refined features were accentuated by a single earring.
Wearing the Harbinger-exclusive cloak, he lifted one hand from his crossed-arm stance.
[Childe: "Hey, hey, even I can tell this isn't the place for 'fighting.'"]
This look caught readers' attention. Who would've thought the "duckling" had two sides to him?
But more readers were struck by the realization: Look! Even he gets it!
Rosalyne was getting angry. A half-day work stoppage was one thing, but couldn't they at least show her some respect at her own funeral?
And now, the one showing her the most respect was Tartaglia, that fool? How was she supposed to face him after this?
Even worse, all the other Harbingers got their moments in the spotlight, but what about her? Wasn't she the protagonist? Couldn't they at least give her coffin a close-up?
Her wishes went unanswered as the panel shifted to "The Marionette."
The brown, jellyfish-haired girl sat on the hand of a robot, looking small and delicate.
Though petite and cute, her words carried a cold edge as she sneered:
["Hmph, utterly absurd."]
In reality, "The Marionette" Sandrone wasn't reading the book. This "mechanical engineering" enthusiast was busy developing something in the factory.
It wasn't that she didn't read the prophetic book—she'd get to it after finishing her work, just not in time for the "hot" release.
Then the panel shifted to The Captain, his handsome helmet obscuring his face.
The helmet's faceplate was hollow, yet it was pitch black, revealing nothing of the face within.
The chains dangling from the helmet swayed, proving there was no obstruction at the face.
[The Captain: "Though her methods tarnished honor, Lohefalter's sacrifice remains regrettable. Her departure will not halt our progress."]
Rosalyne's grip on the book tightened, nearly tearing it apart.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice: Rosalyne – About the House of the Hearth
"Hmph, a bunch of clueless kids daring to approach me, a Harbinger, so casually.
But since they're sensible enough to sing my praises, I'll give them the rewards they deserve."