In the late morning, bathed in warm sunlight, Lucien Valois strolled leisurely through the streets of Fontaine.
Before long, he arrived at a spacious and elegant residence.
Evergreen plants surrounded the building, their lush branches and vibrant greenery filling the area with life and serenity, instantly lifting one's mood.
Lucien Valois stepped forward and pressed the doorbell.
Moments later, the door slowly opened, revealing a lovely cat-eared girl.
She was dressed in a black, form-fitting magician-style outfit that perfectly outlined her slender figure. Her long legs were wrapped tightly in black stockings. Her delicate face was fair and refined, and a small five-pointed star mark on her cheek added a touch of playful charm.
With a gentle smile, Lucien Valois said politely, "Hello, my name is Lucien Valois. I'm the deputy captain of the Gardes. I've come to visit the master of the House of the Hearth."
The girl looked him up and down, her expression cool.
"Wait here."
She turned and walked back inside.
After a short while, she returned, still indifferent.
"Follow me."
Lucien Valois nodded slightly and followed her inside.
The interior was simple yet cozy, filled with a warm, homely atmosphere.
As he glanced around, his attention was involuntarily drawn to the long, fluffy tail swaying behind her.
The girl's senses were keen. Noticing his gaze, embarrassment and irritation surged in her heart.
She silently resolved to teach this rude man a lesson someday.
Before long, Lucien Valois and Lynette entered a plainly furnished study.
Behind the desk sat a composed and imposing woman—the master of the House of the Hearth, Arlecchino.
Her presence was commanding. Her black eyes bore crimson cross-shaped patterns, radiating a dangerous yet captivating aura.
"Deputy Captain Lin," Arlecchino said calmly, her tone devoid of emotion. "What brings you to the House of the Hearth today?"
Lucien Valois replied meaningfully, "With your intelligence network, you should already have a rough idea of why I'm here."
Arlecchino narrowed her eyes slightly, a flash of icy light passing through them.
"It seems you know quite a lot."
She turned to Lynette, who stood obediently nearby.
"Lynette, make our guest a cup of coffee."
"Yes, Father," Lynette replied, turning and leaving, closing the door behind her.
The moment she left, Arlecchino said coldly, "The House of the Hearth will not interfere in your conflict with the Kappe Family."
Lucien Valois shrugged casually. "As far as I know, the House of the Hearth hasn't exactly kept its hands clean over the years."
"Are you threatening me?"
Arlecchino's gaze sharpened.
In an instant, an overwhelming pressure erupted from her, surging toward Lucien Valois like a raging tide.
He felt as though he were a lone boat caught in a violent storm, surrounded by towering waves that threatened to swallow him whole.
Clenching his teeth, he forced himself to endure.
"This isn't a threat," he said steadily. "It's a statement of fact. Once those things are exposed, the House of the Hearth will become infamous.
But if you cooperate with me, I can bury everything forever."
After a moment of contemplation, Arlecchino withdrew her aura.
"Go on. How do you propose we cooperate?"
Lucien Valois secretly marveled at how terrifying she was. That suffocating pressure earlier was likely only the tip of the iceberg.
He said slowly, "I'll support the House of the Hearth in multiple ways—funds, resources, even the futures of those children.
You know very well that not every child is suited to becoming a spy."
Those words struck a chord.
As the head of the House, Arlecchino had always worried about the children's futures.
Being a Fatui agent was a path with little hope.
Many never returned after their first mission.
After a brief consideration, she asked gravely, "And what do you want from us?"
"Your full support," Lucien Valois replied without hesitation. "Including yours."
She shot him a cold glance.
"You're not qualified yet."
Lucien Valois didn't mind. He maintained his composed smile.
"Then let's start with limited cooperation."
He took out a sketch and handed it to her.
"This outfit was bought on the black market by a Snezhnayan merchant. I need you to find it as soon as possible."
After glancing at it, Arlecchino put it away.
"Three days."
Lucien Valois nodded in satisfaction, silently admiring the Fatui's efficiency.
"Now," Arlecchino continued, folding her arms, "how do you plan to repay us? We never do business at a loss."
After a brief pause, Lucien Valois said, "Soon, I'll become captain of the Gardes. There will be an internal purge. When that happens, I'll reserve two positions for the House of the Hearth."
"Two?" Arlecchino frowned. "That's too few. I want five."
"Five?" Lucien Valois chuckled. "Aren't you afraid of drawing Neuvillette's attention?"
In the end, Arlecchino relented.
Just then, the door opened softly.
Lynette walked in with a tray carrying two steaming cups of coffee.
She placed one in front of Lucien Valois and the other before Arlecchino.
Lucien Valois took the cup, blew gently, and took a small sip.
Instantly, an intense bitterness exploded on his tongue, hitting his taste buds like a hammer. His brows furrowed tightly.
Lynette watched with barely concealed delight, a mischievous smile blooming on her face.
Arlecchino noticed everything at once, but pretended not to see.
Lucien Valois cleared his throat and calmly set the cup down.
"Lady Arlecchino, I still have matters to attend to. I'll take my leave."
With that, he turned and walked out.
"What a rude man," Lynette muttered softly as she watched him go.
Arlecchino glanced at her with interest.
"How was he rude?"
Lynette recalled the earlier scene. Her cheeks instantly flushed.
Lowering her head, she whispered, "He was… staring at… my tail."
Arlecchino fell into thoughtful silence.