ᴍy ᴄʟᴇᴍᴀᴛɪꜱ [Scaramouche x reader]

4. The reception

Good morning! Before starting this chapter I would like to warn you that the description of the city of Fontaine was made before we knew it, this description is only my interpretation of what it could look like and the concepts made by artists. It might change in the future!

Good chapter!

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The day of the reception finally arrived. And god, it was impressive. You had traveled a long time before finally arriving at Fontaine, and the town was breathtaking. The architecture and the style of the city was so modern, with its elegant stone buildings, its spaced streets and its many fountains. The streets were lively, however a rather tense atmosphere was felt. This region was the region of Justice, and indeed, you felt it well with the number of guards inside the city, and the huge prison which was located on its outskirts. However, it was full of lit shops full of people, street performances and impressive technologies. At night, it was even more beautiful. For some unknown reason, Scaramouche had accepted Aleksey's presence with you, much to the surprise of his entire division. The latter was very excited at the idea of participating, and you were happy not to go completely alone, especially since Aleksey was particularly pleasant company. Which helped you a lot because the stress was getting heavier and heavier.

The reception was organized by wealthy merchants wishing to do business with the Fatui. Several Harbingers participated to celebrate this alliance, and to start thinking about a good exchange. The Captain, The Knave and The Regrator would take part in the negotiations while the Balladeer, Childe and La Signora would just make an appearance. Suffice to say that it was better to keep well with so many important figures in the same building.

All Fatui members had to wear a visible sign of their membership in the organization, and only officers had the right to remove their masks. You opted for your officer badge which you placed on your waist, the accessory wasn't very pretty but you couldn't find anything better. Surprised was you reaction when you saw that Scaramouche hadn't changed his outfit for the evening at all, and you knew you weren't the only one when you saw the grimace that Signora made when she saw him arrive. The Fair Lady was exactly as you had imagined, elegant, absolutely gorgeous, a cold beauty, with blonde hair that looked so soft to the touch. You also felt the rosy rise to your cheeks when she smiled at you after seeing you with Scaramouche. Aleksey also did not seem indifferent to this gesture. However, both of you had orders: Not to interact with important figures, not to gamble, and to stay sober.

The main hall was incredibly large, decorated with all sorts of artwork that was probably worth over three years of your salary. A buffet stood near the walls of the hall, with appetizers cooked by a renowned chef and a wine very popular among the nobles. Large windows allowed the light of the moon to enter the room, which made the party even more magical. Not once had your father managed to organize such an impressive party, and yet he was very snobbish by nature.

In the center, couples and friends danced to the music, played by a troupe of professional musicians. You wanted to dance, you had learned to do it when you were a child. But you had no partners, and most of the guests didn't want to get too close to the Fatuis, Aleksey, on the other hand, with his seductive temperament, was surrounded by young women, who seemed obsessed with everything he was telling them. Suffice to say that you could not count on him to dance with you. You gave up on that idea quickly and decided to stand back by the sideboard and people watch. For about 10 minutes, you were content to eat the delicious food provided and watch the guests in the center spin in perfect synchronization.

From where you were standing, you could see Scaramouche chatting with Tartaglia, or at least listen to him talk with a frown. He had this look of "your whole existence keeps me awake at night you annoy me so much".

"Are you enjoying your evening?"

A female voice surprised you while you were in your thoughts. When you turned, your eyes widened to see the real Signora, standing proudly before you with a glass of wine in her hand. Was she talking to you? Why would she talk to you? You were not allowed to interact with her, you had to politely slip away when you had the chance. She waited for your answer, impassive.

"Yes, the reception is very pleasant."

She did not react, she seemed deep in thought.

"You're lucky to be here, you know? The Baladeer doesn't like this kind of party, and even less when he has to bring his subordinates. How did you manage to convince him?"

She seemed to want to talk, despite orders you couldn't just refuse to talk to her.

"I promised not to be a burden and not to show off too much."

She nodded.

"I see."

A silence settled for a moment. Your heart was beating faster and you didn't really know how to act around her. Finally, she took a glass from the sideboard and filled it with wine, handing it to you.

"Care to join me for a drink?"

"Hmm... I'm not sure. The Balladeer forbade me to drink."

It wasn't exactly true, but you knew your resistance to alcohol was limited, and you didn't want to risk it. However, she didn't seem bothered by what you had just said.

"Just a drink, it's not much. Besides, it would be a waste not to taste it on such an occasion."

Your mind was racing to make a decision. Scaramouche still seemed to be busy tolerating Tartaglia. And then just a drink should go. You took the glass hesitantly. Signora took a sip from hers, while you soaked your lips in the red liquid. Unsurprisingly, it was excellent. You didn't know much about wine, but it goes without saying that this one was particularly successful.

"So?"

"It is very good."

"Isn't it? It comes straight from Mondstadt. It's an excellent wine."

Several minutes passed, La Signora didn't seem to want to leave your company, she was drinking her glass quietly. You did the same. To your surprise, her presence was rather pleasant even if it was very intimidating. From afar, Scaramouche looked increasingly pissed off, his arms crossed over his chest and his entire stance seemed to stare down his colleague, ironic enough considering his short stature. Obviously, Tartaglia must have said something particularly irritating to him for your superior to make such a face.

La Signora had also noticed their little exchange, her features tense, as if expecting something to happen. But quickly she regained her confident air and turned to you.

"Do you wish to dance?"

Her proposal left you speechless. Dancing with a Harbinger? Your mind raced on its own, unable to make a decision. Your cheeks must have been completely flushed with embarrassment and panic at this point. If Scaramouche saw you, he would probably try to break your neck. You couldn't take that risk. You tried to answer.

"I'm sorry, that's impossible for me. Besides, I wouldn't want you to be seen with a simple officer like me."

She smiled, amused.

"Dancing with officers happens more often than you think. Is it because of Scaramouche that you refuse my request?"

"Well, actually..."

"She won't dance with you, Rosalyne."

A very cold and very threatening aura had advanced near you without you noticing it. Scaramouche stood beside you, more irritated than ever. You felt panic going to your head, you were really screwed. The rule "not to speak with important figures" had been broken too much, especially since the alcohol did not help much to calm you down. The 8th Harbinger lost her smile to take on a bored head instead. Scaramouche grabbed your wrist violently and turned his back on his colleague to leave, dragging you with him.