Teacher Zangxue Feng, I Still Remember You

"You're right, I'm not someone who cares about what others think." Rosalyne smiled. "I'm just very interested in you."

"Me? That would be a great honor for me." Xingsu chuckled self-deprecatingly. "I'm just an ordinary person looking after children at the House of the Hearth."

"You really like this identity, huh? But rather than being interested in you, I'm more interested in you and Arlecchino. The two of you remind me of a couple who truly loved each other in the past."

"Hmm?" Xingsu paused for a moment, then looked up at her.

"It's nothing, just some memories from my long life... It's just a pity they died so young."

"..."

Xingsu naturally knew who the lovers she was talking about were, but he was speechless for a moment and couldn't find the words to comfort her.

After a brief moment of awkwardness, Rosalyne changed the subject, "Speaking of which, you've never been to Snezhnaya, have you?"

"Indeed."

"Is it that you have no desire to go, or that you simply haven't had the opportunity?" Rosalyne looked at him and said slowly, "The Tsaritsa mentioned at the Harbinger meeting that she wanted to meet you. To gain the Tsaritsa 'Tsaritsa favor is an honor that countless people would rather die for."

"... I'll think about it some more. I don't have any grand ambitions. I just want to spend time with my wife and kids. The Tsaritsa's ideals and great achievements are too lofty and far-reaching for someone as insignificant as me. Compared to saving the world, I'm more concerned about what they've prepared for dinner since I'm finally going home."

"Alright, alright~ But I believe you'll come to Snezhnaya someday. You'll love Snezhnaya; the performances at the Krolvetzki Theater are absolutely on par with those at the Opera Epiclese Fontaine."

If there's a chance, maybe I can take you to see a ballet performance there.

"Okay, I've got it. I'll think about it carefully."

Knock, knock, knock—there was a knock on the door.

Your subordinate respectfully reports. "La Signora, we have spotted the Knave Servant's ship at sea and are ready to dock at any time."

"Understood, prepare for the handover." Rosalyne regained her efficient and decisive demeanor as Harbinger.

"Yes." The footsteps outside the cabin faded into the distance.

"Hmm... it seems it's getting late, so I'll ask you one last question: when are you planning to get married?"

The sudden question caught Xingsu off guard, and a faint blush instantly crept onto his ears. He hurriedly looked away, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the back of his neck. "Ah, ah? W-why are you suddenly asking this..."

"Was it sudden?" Rosalyne looked at his embarrassed expression, a faint smile appearing in her eyes. "I thought you had already thought it through."

"Ah... well..." Xingsu hesitated for a moment, then said, "I tried to subtly ask her about it, but..."

"You got rejected?" Rosalyne raised an eyebrow.

"Well... it's not exactly a rejection. It seems she wants to marry me after she's done something."

Rosalyne remained silent for a moment upon hearing this.

"... I understand. Every Harbinger joins the Fatui for their own reasons. Trust her."

As soon as she finished speaking, Rosalyne stood up from her seat, her dress brushing lightly across the floor with her movement. She walked over to Xingsu and patted him on the shoulder.

"Take good care of her. If I find out that you have done anything to wrong her, I will never let you off the hook."

"Um... don't worry." Xingsu scratched his head sheepishly, "If I really did something to wrong her, you wouldn't even need to lift a finger..."

Rosalyne gave a cold snort, "Hmph, you're smart to know what's good for you."

"Long time no see, Arlecchino. It's so nice to see you. By the way, you look a bit tired."

"I'm also very happy, Rosalyne. Fontaine and Snezhnaya have been very busy lately, and they haven't been getting enough sleep at night, so don't worry too much."

"Alright, hopefully he can help relieve some of your stress when he gets back, and by the way..." Rosalyne's gaze shifted slightly, a meaningful smile playing on her lips, "So you can get a good night's sleep."

"Ahem." Arlecchino coughed twice, choosing to avoid the ambiguous topic, and instead asked, "And you? How have you been lately?"

"The usual. Besides completing the tasks assigned by the Tsaritsa, I'll find some leisurely things to pass the time," Rosalyne said casually. "Unfortunately, I don't like the operas of Liyue, but I am quite interested in the food culture here. I brought you some tea from Chenyu Vale; I hope you like it."

"Thank you, Rosalyne. I also brought you a gift from Fontaine." Arlecchino handed Rosalyne a beautifully packaged perfume. "It's a creation by a renowned perfumer from Fontaine. I went to great lengths to get my hands on this limited edition."

"You're still so thoughtful, Arlecchino." Rosalyne accepted the gift. "Give my regards to the children at the House of the Hearth. By the way, how is that child?"

"Odette is training very hard, and I believe she'll be performing on stage soon. She's also made a new friend at the theater, the famous soprano Vodyanitsa. The two of them... well, it reminds me of Sandrone and Columbina."

"Hehe, then I'm relieved." Rosalyne chuckled softly, as if she had imagined something. "Thank you for taking care of the child. You know I can't play the role of a 'mother'."

"Perhaps you and she should have a good talk. When dealing with children, simply confronting them will only provoke their rebelliousness."

"Fine, let her hate me if she wants. There are plenty of people who hate me; I'm used to it. I won't try to control her like her mother did."

"But she's still a child. Managing children does require authority, but it also requires making concessions out of love. It's best to tell her directly about the dance and her attitude."

"Heh, we'll see," Rosalyne said, gazing at the distant sea. "If the plan goes smoothly, both she and I will witness Her Majesty the Tsaritsa's great achievements. At that time, I believe she will be at peace."

"My wife~Master of the house~"

Xingsu quietly appeared behind the two of them, gently wrapping his arms around Arlecchino's waist from behind, and resting his head slightly on her shoulder.

What are you talking about?

"It's nothing, just some things from the Snezhnaya." Arlecchino's eyes softened considerably.

"Alright, alright, I won't keep you two from reuniting any longer." Rosalyne waved her hand with a faint smile on her lips and turned to return to her cabin.

"Did you receive Sandrone's letter?" Arlecchino gently slapped away the hand that was trying to take advantage of Rosalyne's turn and climb up the social ladder.

"Received. Once I've collected Electro Archon's Gnosis, my work will be done. Then, let's make time to attend Sandrone's tea party together."