Lyney and Lynette sat beside Arlecchino.
This was the first time the siblings had faced Lu Heng and Furina like this, seated together on a sofa.
Lyney felt a mix of nervousness—both from meeting Lu Heng and from being a Fatui operative in the presence of the Hydro Archon.
He knew exactly what "Father" intended to do.
Address the impending prophecy crisis in Fontaine… and seize Furina's Gnosis.
It wasn't just Furina who had noticed the rising water levels in recent years—the Fatui and even some civilians had observed it too.
Yet, aside from confident public statements, Furina appeared to be doing nothing to prevent the catastrophe.
To ensure Fontaine wouldn't drown as foretold, they had to investigate whether Furina had any preparations in place—and, if not, take her Gnosis after the disaster struck.
Furina possessed a gold-tier Insight Eye card. Though not widely known, it wasn't a secret either.
If she saw through their plans…
Lyney's palms grew damp. His grip on the teacup wavered slightly, spilling a drop of hot liquid.
"Don't be nervous."
Lu Heng glanced at him, offering a reassuring smile. "Just relax."
"My apologies, Mr. Lu."
Lyney snapped back to attention, steadying his hands. "I nearly wasted your kindness."
"I told you, take it easy. It's just a bit of spilled tea."
Lu Heng didn't seem bothered. He turned to Arlecchino. "Shall we begin?"
"Very well."
Arlecchino nodded.
Wait, were they already moving on to card draws?
Lu Heng and Arlecchino stood and walked to the counter.
The shift in conversation was so abrupt that Furina didn't even have time to dwell on the earlier tension—she simply followed, eager to see what would happen.
Lynette stepped closer to Lyney, poking him lightly in the back with a worried glance.
Lyney returned a look that said, I'm fine.
At the Counter
The Novice Card Equipment looked deceptively simple.
Arlecchino held it in her hand, examining it.
The materials were ordinary, yet it somehow harnessed the power of the cards—something beyond conventional understanding.
As expected, everything in this shop was shrouded in mystery.
"Would you like me to explain how it works?" Lu Heng asked.
"No need. The children have already described it to me."
After binding the device, Arlecchino immediately took out a hefty sum of Mora.
The House of the Hearth had its own financial resources—it wasn't solely reliant on the Fatui's funds.
Five hundred million Mora.
At first glance, such an amount might seem trivial for a high-ranking Harbinger.
But in reality, it was no small sum.
(Interestingly, Lu Heng had learned from Furina earlier that Fontaine's population hadn't even surpassed ten million yet.)
Arlecchino tapped the screen—a ten-thousand-draw.
A deep violet light flared.
No gold.
Her expression remained unchanged.
Lu Heng swept his hand over the three revealed purple cards.
[Moment of Tranquility]
[Tier]: Fourth-tier (Purple)
[Type]: [Skill Card]
[Effect]: [Soul Healing]
[Description]: Weary soul, embrace your moment of peace.
"Moment of Tranquility…"
Arlecchino murmured.
She already knew the truth of her origins.
Those consumed by her flames left behind "afterimages."
Sometimes fragments of memory, sometimes dazzling splashes of color.
As she grew stronger, more and more fell before her—and with them came voices.
Screams. Wails. Curses.
Sometimes, they woke her from sleep.
(Though by now, she was used to it.)
"Does this card seem useful?"
"I'd say so." Lu Heng nodded. "Activating this skill brings mental relaxation, healing wounded souls. Even without such needs, it guarantees a good night's sleep."
Arlecchino felt his words carried a subtle implication.
Of course. The owner of such a shop… He might have already seen through my soul.
"Thank you."
She pocketed the card.
Peaceful sleep… sweet dreams… She didn't crave them.
But not being jolted awake by nightmares?
That was appealing.
Arlecchino glanced at the remaining cards.
"Purchase more equipment. Bring back decent cards for the children who couldn't come."
"Yes, Father!"
Lyney and Lynette immediately set to work.
Arlecchino tapped the screen again—another ten-thousand-draw.
This time, gold light erupted.
"It seems my luck is holding?"
"So far, yes."
Lu Heng flipped the card.
After appraisal, the image clarified—a detailed diagram of the human body, veins and pressure points meticulously labeled.
[Absolute Control]
[Tier]: Fifth-tier (Gold)
[Type]: [Talent Card]
[Effect]: [Forced Adaptation]
[Description]: Even if you are a being of water, this card allows you to wield fire—and master it absolutely.
No further explanation was needed.
Arlecchino's eyes lowered briefly, lost in thought.
After a few silent seconds, she met Lu Heng's gaze.
"Mr. Lu, may I ask your counsel?"
"Speak freely."
The flames Arlecchino wielded were like a curse.
When her guard slipped, the abyssal power corroded her body—starting at her fingertips, creeping up her arms like scorched charcoal.
Since childhood, she'd sensed that if the darkness ever reached her heart…
That would be fate revealing its hand.
"If you were in my place… when fate finally confronts you, how would you choose?"
Furina and the siblings exchanged puzzled looks.
Lu Heng listened, then answered:
"If fate is kind, accept it. If not… resist."
His finger tapped the gold card lightly.
"Isn't this the means to resist?"
The others still seemed lost.
But Lyney and Lynette sensed it—Father carried some burden, some impending trial.
Arlecchino picked up the card.
Appraised, its golden glow had faded at the edges—but faint threads of gold still shimmered at its core, a testament to its rank.
"I've already prepared to sever it."
She tilted her head slightly.
"Fitting, isn't it?"
Furina's Thoughts
Her mindset had shifted over time—with growing power, with passing days.
Before, she could only wait passively for fate to arrive.
Now, she wielded strength on par with the gods.
She didn't know how the original "performance" was meant to end.
But now…
She was no longer powerless.
Arlecchino was ready to cut down destiny.
And Furina?
Perhaps it was time to take the initiative.
--------
T/N:
You'll also get 5 extra chapters just for being a free member!
Access 50 chapters in advance on my Patreon : [email protected]/furinaimpact
Chapter images are on Patreon ---join to explore the story further. Happy reading!