[Liu's POV]
So, a whole day's nearly over and we're no closer to locating Scaramouche. This lack of development has ticked off Signora even more. She's sitting across from me, staring at the sky, deep in thought, yet I can feel the air of intense dissatisfaction radiating from her.
For a few minutes, I've been trying to think of a good way to spark a discussion, but I feel like any attempt will just result in her snapping at me.
Signora sighs. "Perhaps I acted too rashly..."
Well, it's not like her to doubt herself, but I understand. I myself had expected to make some progress today.
Suddenly, she stands.
"Leo, staying here isn't going to solve anything." Her gaze is fixated on me. "We've asked everyone notable here in the Capital, but the brat may have gone somewhere else, like Port Ormos."
"Good point." I stand as well. "We could ask the Eremites on the way, they oversee the roads and paths. If he took the roads, they'd be bound to have seen him."
Signora nods. "Yes, the Fatui has already made deals with them, so we could call in that information as a favour."
A smirk from Signora appears. "He can't hide forever."
Seems that idea has rekindled Signora's motivation and confidence.
"Alright. Are we setting off now?" I ask.
"Of course." Signora replies. "Unless you have a reason why you can't."
"No, I was just thinking that maybe YOU might want to rest." I explain.
Signora's gaze sharpens. "I will not rest until I have requisitioned the Electro Gnosis and seen that midget despair by my own hands."
She's really passionate about this. Not that I blame her. Scaramouche used her as a scapegoat and almost caused her to lose her life. Looking back now, that was a sure sign he was going to betray the entire Fatui. No coalition can remain stable with the amount of distrust an action would sow.
Even so, I can't comprehend what the Tsaritsa is planning with the other Archons' Gnoses.
"Let's get moving, Leo." Signora snaps me out of my rumination.
"I'm on my way!"
[Later...]
The daylight's almost ran out. Luckily we found an Eremite camp to stay at for tonight, so we're actually calling in 2 favours. Signora's currently giving Scaramouche's description to the camp leader so he can contact the other Ermites all across Sumeru overnight to see if they do have any sightings.
"Hmmm...we can do that for you, Harbinger." The leader says. "But what about your escort there? He doesn't seem to be Fatui."
"What does it matter to you?!" I hear Signora almost yell in response. "All you need to know is that he is an ally, a devout one at that."
"Heh..." I didn't expect her to get that riled up while defending me.
Though, I guess we are...together now. That still feels so surreal. Especially with how she was with me when she first acknowledged me.
[8 Months Prior...]
I'm still getting used to the power of this Vision, after all, I was only granted it 2 weeks ago.
"Leo!" A voice calls out.
I turn to see Ivanisch again.
"Yes?" I reply.
"Lady Signora, called for your presence at the evaluation hall." The agent says. "I would suggest you don't keep her waiting."
"I understand." I sheath my rapier. "I have to ask, though, are you the new universal messenger here?"
He nods, clearly out of breath. "That is what it's beginning to feel like."
"Don't overdo it." I say before setting off towards the evaluation hall.
What could Lady Signora want with me? She's never even said a word to me before. There is no point in worrying over that, I'll soon find out anyway.
...I slowly push open the doors to the hall to see it completely empty, save for Lady Signora standing expectantly at the far end.
"Ah, Leo, your hear earlier than expected." Her voice echoes across the hall.
"I try to be punctual for you." I respond.
"Is that an attempt to flatter me?" She asks, but continues before I can answer. "No matter. I called you here because I keep hearing backhanded praises of your performance during operations."
I've accepted the fact that most people here are not a fan of my rapid promotions after enlisting here, but are they really gossiping that much?
"And so, I want to scrutinize your skills for myself." Lady Signora says.
I hear the doors behind me lock, indicating the hall is primed for a combat evaluation.
"What is it you want me to do, Lady Signora?" I inquire.
"Simple, duel me." She proclaims. "Of course, you don't have to agree to this, but I'll never be able to promote you above your current rank. It's your choice."
A Harbinger wants to fight me 1 on 1? Any normal soldier of the Fatui would be incredbily honored and/or terrified.
"... Very well, I accept this duel." For me this will just be more training.
"Good choice." The temperature drops quickly as Lady Signora prepares herself. "Remember Leo, you will not survive this trial unless you fight with lethal intent. I never go easy."
Is she serious? I mean, I don't expect to defeat her, but what if I get lucky or she makes a mistake? What happens then?
...I'll just have to trust her meticulousness.
"Now, let us begin." She readies her catalyst. "It's your move, Leo."
I draw my rapier,take a deep breath, focus, and charge.
She's quick! I couldn't even see her dodge my slash. A pain shots up my back as I'm launched forward into the wall, falling to the floor shortly afterwards.
"Agh..." That hurt...
I shake the pain off and begin to stand again, sword in hand. I see Lady Signora slowly walking towards me, a sly smile on display. She was right, looks like I will have to take this entirely seriously.
[20 Minutes Later...]
I'm almost...at my limit, and it seems Lady Signora is too. In the time we've been sparring, neither of us have managed to land any significant damage on the other.
"I...see..." Lady Signora says between breaths. "Most impressive..."
She gives a signal, and the doors unlock.
"Let's...end it here." She states as she wanders up to me.
I nod and sheath my rapier.
"That's probably...for the best."
We both spend several seconds leaning against the wall, catching our breath, before resuming our conversation.
"I must admit, I am impressed, Leo." Lady Signora says, the slyness gone from her smile. "You almost made me use all my power."
I wave her off.
"You must be exaggerating..."
"I am very much serious with what I'm saying, Leo." She gives me an approving look. "In fact, I'd go as far to say that you have Harbinger potential, in my opinion."
I've never heard praise from Lady Signora before, directed at anyone, apart from the Tsaritsa, so I'm surprised.
"I thank you, Lady Signora." I bow in gratitude.
"Hmph..." Lady Signora begins to walk towards the exit. "I will continue to watch you with intrigue, my new Staff Sergeant."
She just...promoted me on the spot. I smile to myself. Guess I'll have to work harder from now on.
[Present Day...]
Alot has changed since then. I became her right hand man, faked my death, saved her life, and now am in a relationship with Rosalyne Kruzchka Lohefalter. That still feels almost inconceivable. Almost makes me wonder if-
WAIT?! When the hell did I end up in a bed with her?! Damn, I must have been on autopilot during my reminiscing. Still, what kind of agreement is this?
Looking around, I realise the tent we're in is empty, so we're alone. Signora herself is laying close to me, eyes closed, but not asleep. I can tell due to her breathing.
How did it end up like this though?
"Liu, are you feeling alright?"
Signora suddenly has her eyes open, looking at me with slight concern.
"Y-Yes, I'm okay." I reply hastily. "Why do you ask?"
"You seemed a little out of it earlier." She explains. "You were responding to me, but it felt autonomous. As if you had some pressing matter on your mind."
"Ah, n-no I'm sure I'm fine." I reply.
"Alright, I won't pressure you." Signora rolls onto her back and stares a the top of the tent. "But just know that you can talk to me about any troubles you may have, and I'll see what I can do to help. Whether it be getting actively involved or just giving advice, I'll try and help you."
"...Thank you, Rosalyne." Well, that was out of the blue, but very welcome nonetheless.
"Don't mention it. You've already helped me through the darkest patch of my life. I'll do my utmost to repay you."
"Even though I wasn't actively trying to." I question. "And I kind of betrayed you, in a way."
"It matters not to me, your intention." She looks at me again. "The end result is the same. And I'm choosing to ignore your...transgression, so try not to bring it up in future."
"Right, I'm sorry."
"Forgiven." Signora faces me again. "Now, Liu, get some sleep, it's important we are well rested for our imminent confrontation with that spineless traitor."
"I understand." I sink into the pillow, now a bit more comfortable with the current circumstance. "Goodnight, Rosalyne."
"Goodnight to you too, Liu." She says beofre we both close our eyes.
