The sun was setting over Teyvat when Aether, the Traveler, decided to invite Arlecchino, the "Knave" of the Fatui Harbingers, to his Serenitea Pot. The decision wasn't taken lightly; even Paimon, his ever-loyal companion, had protested vehemently.

"Are you sure about this, Aether?" Paimon hovered near his shoulder, arms crossed. "She's a Fatui Harbinger! She could be planning something!"

Aether smiled faintly. "If she wanted to do something, she wouldn't need to wait for an invitation. Besides, I have questions I think only she can answer."

Arlecchino's entry into the teapot was as enigmatic as her reputation. The Harbinger stepped into the serene world with a curious glance, her crimson eyes scanning the neatly arranged gardens and glimmering pools.

"So this is your little haven," she remarked. "Interesting. It's quieter than I imagined for someone so... active."

Paimon huffed, floating closer to Aether protectively. "Hey! No funny business, okay?"

Before Arlecchino could respond, footsteps echoed in the distance. Eula Lawrence, the Spindrift Knight, approached with her characteristic poise. Her icy gaze landed immediately on the Harbinger.

"Traveler," Eula began, "what is she doing here?"

Aether sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Eula, I invited her. There's no need to—"

Eula cut him off, stepping closer. "To bring a Fatui Harbinger into a place you consider safe? Do you have any idea how reckless this is?"

Arlecchino chuckled, her lips curving into a small smirk. "So, this is the famous Spindrift Knight. I've heard whispers about you, Lady Lawrence."

Eula narrowed her eyes, folding her arms. "And I've heard whispers about you, Knave. None of them flattering."

Arlecchino feigned a gasp. "Oh no, I'm heartbroken. Whatever will I do?"

Aether stepped between them, raising his hands. "Eula, Arlecchino is here under my invitation. This isn't the place for hostilities."

Eula's gaze shifted to Aether. "This isn't about hostilities, Traveler. This is about what's right. Do you really think I'd stand by and let a faker steal your trust?"

"Faker?" Arlecchino tilted her head, genuinely puzzled. "I'm afraid I don't follow."

Eula pointed her finger at the Harbinger, her tone laced with venom. "Don't play coy with me. You're a pale imitation, a shadow trying to steal the spotlight. You think you can waltz in here and replace me?"

Arlecchino blinked. "Replace you? I don't even know who you are to him."

Eula's grip tightened on her claymore. "I'm the one who has yet to exact my vengeance on him! And I refuse to let you, a glorified charlatan, get in the way!"

Arlecchino's bemusement gave way to a wry grin. "Vengeance? Over what? Stealing your thunder? If you're that insecure about your position, maybe the problem isn't me."

"How dare you!" Eula's voice rose, and her claymore flashed in the evening light as she unsheathed it. "I'll teach you not to trample on the Lawrence name!"

"Eula, wait!" Aether called out, but it was too late.

Eula lunged, her claymore slicing through the air. Arlecchino sidestepped gracefully, her movements fluid and almost feline. Aether stepped back, pulling Paimon with him.

"Why do things always end in fighting?!" Paimon cried.

Arlecchino retaliated with a series of swift, precise strikes using a blade that seemed to materialize from the shadows. The clash of steel reverberated through the teapot, each blow sending shockwaves through the tranquil environment.

"You're quick," Arlecchino admitted, deflecting a powerful swing from Eula. "But anger clouds your judgment, knight."

"Don't mistake anger for passion!" Eula countered, her claymore glowing with icy energy. She slammed the ground, sending a shockwave of frost toward Arlecchino.

Arlecchino leaped into the air, her agility rivaling that of a dancer. Landing behind Eula, she delivered a swift kick that sent the knight stumbling forward. "Passion, is it? How quaint."

Eula growled, spinning on her heel and launching into another assault. The two women exchanged blows, their battle an intricate dance of ice and shadow. Aether finally had enough.

"Stop this, both of you!" His voice rang out.

Eula froze mid-swing, her eyes locking with Aether's. Arlecchino lowered her blade, a smirk still playing on her lips.

"Aether..." Eula began, her voice softer now, tinged with embarrassment. "I just... I can't let someone like her take you away."

Arlecchino raised an eyebrow. "Take him away? Is that what this is about?" She laughed, a genuine sound this time. "You've got it all wrong, knight. I have no interest in your... vengeance partner."

Eula flushed, lowering her claymore. "He's not my—! I mean—!"

Aether sighed heavily. "Eula, Arlecchino isn't trying to replace you. And Arlecchino, you could've done more to de-escalate this."

Arlecchino shrugged. "You invited me into your teapot. I didn't expect a welcoming committee with swords."

Eula huffed, sheathing her weapon. "Don't think this means I trust you, Knave."

"Wouldn't dream of it," Arlecchino replied with a sly smile.