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"Rosalyne, have you heard? The Genius and the Damselette have a child together."
Arlecchino had taken the initiative to see off Signora just as she was preparing to depart for Mondstadt. Of course, she was also curious to gauge the reactions of the other Harbingers.
Signora had already heard similar rumors countless times. The problem was that those mechanical dolls never left Su Ran's workshop, and his workspace was not exactly open to just anyone. While it might not be as soul-crushingly grim as Dottore's laboratory, no one in their right mind would dare step into the Second Harbinger's creative lair. The massive crater outside the city from three nights ago was still a fresh source of fear for many.
"What is this? Have you taken to gossiping now?"
Arlecchino's demeanor piqued Signora's curiosity. Was the Fourth—no, wait, the current Fifth Harbinger—actually this much of a gossip?
"I am simply curious. After all, the Damselette's status is..."
The Fatui Harbingers each had their own agendas, but they were still colleagues in the end. Neither the Genius nor the Damselette were the kind of wretched, hated creatures that Dottore was. If they were truly together, she wouldn't mind offering her blessings.
"If you are that curious, you could always go take a look at the Second's workshop. You would be in for quite a surprise."
At least in Signora's view, Arlecchino possessed more maternal instincts than she did herself. The Knave truly cared for the children in the House of the Hearth, and not out of mere pretense. If she were to see a miniature version of herself, perhaps those maternal instincts would be triggered.
"You have been there?"
Her comment quickly drew Arlecchino's full attention. The tone of voice confirmed that Signora had actually visited Su Ran's workshop. Didn't Signora despise those kinds of places? She called it a workshop, but in reality, it was just another laboratory.
"Don't look at me like that. The Genius is accompanying me to Mondstadt to retrieve the Gnosis, so I naturally paid a visit to his workshop. Compared to the other two, his place is actually quite pleasant."
Dottore's laboratory was filled with blood, wailing, and corpses. The Marionette's workshop was cluttered with obscure machinery and incomprehensible inventions. To her, the Genius's laboratory was the most unique; at the very least, it was the cleanest and most minimalist. It was precisely because of this that Signora's opinion of the Genius wasn't as hostile. Plus, with the presence of those few little cuties, she had even considered visiting more often, though she simply hadn't had the time. She wondered if he would bring them along when they went to Mondstadt to collect the Gnosis.
Arlecchino didn't press further upon seeing her reaction. If Signora could be that unbothered by the environment, then Su Ran's workshop was certainly worth noting.
"The Genius is mysterious and immensely powerful. Even The Captain is no match for him. Yet, he takes such pride in his own talent. He is a dangerous individual."
Since he could best The Captain, Arlecchino had concluded that the Genius was the true strength of the Harbingers. Coupled with his disdain for Dottore's specific talents, it all pointed to one thing: he was a more formidable version of Dottore. Research-oriented individuals could be exceptionally dangerous at times. Given Su Ran's strength and talent, he was likely ahead of the other Harbingers. Naturally, that made him a far more dangerous presence.
"But fortunately, he is not a cruel man like Dottore. The children like him."
Two days ago, after Su Ran did exactly as he had promised that night—arriving with gifts to apologize—Arlecchino's view of him had shifted significantly. Compared to Dottore, who viewed those orphans as nothing more than high-quality test subjects, or the Marionette, who couldn't care less about the outside world, a Genius who took the initiative to visit and interact with the children earned major points in her book.
Signora gave her a strange look.
"Is something the matter?" Arlecchino asked, noticing the expression.
"You seem very concerned about the Second."
Arlecchino answered Signora's curiosity without hesitation.
"The House of the Hearth is a sanctuary for orphans, but some children inevitably suffer from illnesses, especially those from Sumeru. Dottore has conducted research on Eleazar, but I do not trust him. If the Genius has a way to cure them, perhaps they can recover."
Even with Arlecchino in charge, the internal competition within the House of the Hearth was unavoidable. The Fatui was never a charitable organization. No matter how kind she was, the sickly children struggled to compete with the healthy ones. The ultimate result was always being weeded out. But if someone could cure them, it would be the gift of fairness. The House of the Hearth would not only gain a group of healthy children, but also their absolute loyalty and gratitude.
"You trust this newcomer Genius more than Dottore, with whom you have spent years working?"
Even Signora had to admit that this generation's Knave was excessively kind when it came to the children of the House of the Hearth. Compared to the previous "Mother," this one was practically a perfect "Father." It was no wonder that the Fatui recruits emerging from the House of the Hearth were of far higher quality than those selected from the common populace.
"I do not believe that someone capable of bringing gifts and playing with children could be a monstrous scoundrel."
Just as she finished speaking, Arlecchino felt her shoulder grow heavy. She turned slightly to see Su Ran's head resting against it.
"That is truly heartening. So that is how I am perceived in Arlecchino's eyes? I am so touched."
Arlecchino's expression darkened. She had been singing someone's praises behind their back, only to be caught in the act by the person in question. The situation was agonizingly awkward.
"Arlec-chin, feel free to praise me more. Even I can be very happy about such things!"
"Do not call me by such a familiar name. We are merely colleagues!"
Su Ran's excessive casualness left Arlecchino struggling to keep her composure. It reminded her of a friend from the past. She reached out and pushed his head away from her shoulder.
"What a shy girl you are. It is clear to me that you, just like the children, are looking forward to my gifts."
Although the hand that pushed him away was dark-skinned, Su Ran didn't mind. Aside from the color, that hand was no different from any other girl's.