Just as the atmosphere had reached its peak tension, a measured round of applause drifted from the back of the audience seats.
Though faint, the sound carried clearly through the entire Opera House, drawing the attention of everyone present—Lumine, Fidelle, Velvet, Furina, and all others. They turned to look toward the source.
The newcomer advanced slowly, clapping deliberately with each step.
"Father!"
Lyney leaped to his feet from his seat in the audience, utterly astonished to see his father arrive.
The newcomer was none other than Arlecchino, Fourth Seat of the Fatui Harbingers of Snezhnaya, known as "The Knave"!
-
[The Knave! !]
[ "Is she really that beautiful? But she doesn't look like a good person..." ]
[ "Hmm, her dramatic entrance reminds me of Kaeya. But why show up now? Could there be more drama about to unfold?" ]
[ "The Fourth Seat... They say the Top Three Harbingers possess God-level strength. I wonder if we can even stand a chance against them." ]
-
Arlecchino's arrival shattered the tense atmosphere.
Furina, who had been leaning against the railing, swiftly retreated several steps upon seeing "The Knave," doing her best to minimize her presence.
Neuvillette: "Madam Arlecchino, your irregular appearance here at this hour demands an explanation."
Arlecchino's usually calm eyes, which carried an unsettling intensity even when at rest, shifted to Chu Xi. Chu Xi, unnerved by the piercing gaze, swiftly hid behind Lumine.
A faint smile tugged at Arlecchino's lips as she turned her attention back to Neuvillette.
"Naturally. I had no intention of interfering, but some people's actions are truly infuriating."
Arlecchino's words were cryptic. Someone's actions had angered her?
Who was she referring to?
"Famous Traveler, if I were you, I wouldn't so readily trust the one behind you. Do you truly believe she's still the Chu Xi you knew?"
"What do you mean by that?!" Lumine demanded.
Lumine didn't trust the Fatui, but instinctively, she began to silently scrutinize Chu Xi behind her.
Arlecchino: "I don't understand my colleague's motives, but his methods have enraged me so deeply that I had to intervene and halt his actions."
Lumine glanced at Chu Xi, whose normal right eye was slightly bloodshot. "Lumine..."
That single word dispelled Lumine's remaining doubts. This is Chu Xi. I won't mistake her!
"Tsk, I never imagined you had this side to you. You seem to enjoy acting, don't you, Dottore? Too bad it's not very convincing. Aren't you going to reveal yourself yet?"
Dottore?!
Tartaglia's expression twisted in horror. The Knave meant Chu Xi was Dottore?!
Neuvillette's eyes narrowed, while Furina leaned over the railing again, peering down intently.
"Dottore?"
Lumine swiftly pulled Paimon away from Chu Xi, her eyes fixed on the girl.
During their time in Sumeru, the Doctor had demonstrated his ability to transfer consciousness and possess bodies. Chu Xi had been modified by him... if she was Dottore...
It's entirely possible!
"Heh... How regrettable..."
Chu Xi abruptly stopped acting, as if everything before had been an elaborate performance.
Lumine: "You... you really are...!"
Chu Xi: "Oh, my apologies for deceiving you. It's a pity—we could have continued as friends for quite some time. But blame my dear colleague—The Knave Arlecchino."
Whoosh—
Lumine's longsword halted inches from Chu Xi's throat. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her eyes blazing with fury:
"Get out of Chu Xi's body—now!"
Chu Xi casually flicked aside the blade's Unrelenting Will with two fingers, a maddeningly serene smile on her face. She relished Lumine's expression—the burning resentment of someone who couldn't touch her, couldn't defeat her. Truly... utterly delightful.
Hmm, wait... Is this how the Doctor would act? Am I breaking character?
Never mind. Whatever. A beast like the Doctor is perfectly capable of such depravity.
Neuvillette's cane struck the ground once more. "Dottore, I demand you vacate Miss Chu Xi's body immediately. Failure to comply will be considered a personal declaration of war against all of Fontaine."
Chu Xi: "Whatever. As long as you're happy."
Tartaglia couldn't stand it any longer. "Hey, hey! If I remember correctly, provoking entire nations wasn't part of Her Majesty the Tsaritsa's mission, was it? Are you trying to disobey the Tsaritsa's orders with this stunt?"
Chu Xi: "Oh? Last-Ranked Tartaglia, are you presuming to teach me how to do my job? Do you really think you have the right?"
As she spoke, Chu Xi felt a shameful surge of genuine pleasure. Having the Doctor make enemies everywhere... this feeling is truly wonderful!
Chu Xi: "You siblings truly disgust me. Your sister is a Pure Soul—"
"Shut up!"
Tartaglia roared, cutting her off before she could finish. His eyes blazed crimson, like those of a lion poised to strike.
Family was his greatest treasure, and his sister was his Achilles' heel. He had always concealed her Pure Soul status, fearing that it would reach the Abyss's ears.
And this damned Doctor!
How dare he reveal her secret under these circumstances? He deserved to die!
"Doctor, what have you done to Chu Xi, you bastard?!" Lumine shouted, drawing Chu Xi's attention.
Chu Xi: "You mean her? Heh, don't worry, she's still alive and well. She's right here in this body. Unfortunately, she can't see or hear. You could say she's... asleep."
Lumine: "You tricked her! You're the one who made her like this!"
Chu Xi: "Hmm, yes, I did. No need to thank me, human. Such fragile creatures. I merely elevated her existence."
Lumine gritted her teeth, her eyes burning with hatred. "Doctor, I swear, I will kill you. No matter how many clones you have, no matter where you hide, I will find you and kill you!!!"
Chu Xi: "Many have sought my demise. One more makes no difference."
With that, Chu Xi turned to Arlecchino.
"This entire farce is due to your meddling. Sigh, what a pity. It seems the Plan will have to be postponed."
Arlecchino's gaze was equally hostile.
The Doctor's interference had disrupted her arrangements, causing the Fatui's reputation in Fontaine to plummet to an all-time low. This forced her to alter her plans, requiring a different approach to engaging with Fontaine's high command.
Moreover, due to her predecessor as "The Knave," Arlecchino had always harbored a deep animosity toward the Doctor.
Now, witnessing the Doctor conducting human experiments once again, Arlecchino felt compelled to intervene.
Chu Xi shrugged, preparing to leave as if no one else were present.
Fidelle and Clorinde stepped forward, blocking her path.
Chu Xi: "You dare move against me? Have you considered the consequences?"