Reaction to Aether's travels

Part 14

- Congratulations! - the shining sound of the voices of two various alcoholics broke the silence of the hall. They spread their arms wide, unashamed of their emotions, and headed towards Rosario, who blushed slightly from surprise. - How do you like our gift?

Rosario remained silent, her sharp gaze sliding over the faces of Keiya and Venti. They did not change their poses, but it was obvious - the guys were nervous.

- To be honest, I was pleased. - Her voice, though quiet, sounded confident as she closed her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest, - I'm counting on you this year.

The guys couldn't believe their ears when she thanked them.

At that moment, I felt the hot gazes shift quickly onto me.

- Iter, you don't mind, do you? - Venti said with great hope in his eyes. I opened my mouth to say "no," but Ninka interrupted me.

- How much do you charge for this gift? I would like to purchase it, - Ninka said, and at that moment, a shiver ran through my body.

- Agreed, I would like to place an order in advance, - Ayaka intervened, spreading her arms as if calling for change.

And then an incredible opportunity gleamed before the guys. Throughout their mundane lives, they had begged for monetary donations from others, but now it seemed a gold mine had opened beside them. Iter was adored by numerous girls - some were rich, others possessed incredible strength, and a few were even Archons. Here it was, a dream that seemed just to be beginning...

- Anytime...!

- Hey! I'm not some merchandise! - I shouted, unable to contain my emotions. This was definitely not a joke. Venti with his recklessness and Keiya with his cunning could start anything, and Ninka could cover it all with her power.

- Damn... - I expected to hear this from Venti or Keiya, but certainly not from Kaveh. All eyes turned to him, and Al Haitham looked completely stunned. Kaveh, holding his suitcase which contained a rope, a chain, various tubes of some unknown liquid, and a bag, suddenly put everything back and returned to his place. - So... what's next, are we going to watch? - he finished, as if nothing had happened.

The atmosphere in the hall changed, as if a new chapter full of surprises and light tension had opened before us. Each of us anticipated what would happen next.

"What is going on here?!" exclaimed Furina, her voice trembling with shock, like the voices of all the other Fontaine residents, except for Arlecchino.

"Nothing special," Tartaglia said with a smirk, glancing at Arlecchino, who sat calmly observing what was happening. "This happens every time. I think you'll get used to it soon, and some might even decide to participate."

"This is disgusting! How can you look at this so calmly? In that video, those two literally transferred the Traveler to Rosaria!" Furina pointed a finger at Rosaria but suddenly stopped, scrutinizing her. "What the hell?! She's a nun, a servant of God!"

"Barbatos had no objections," the overseer unexpectedly intervened in the conversation, his voice dripping with sarcastic interest.

"What?" Furina was completely baffled.

"Lady, please have a seat," Neuvillette attempted to calm the Archon, and surprisingly, it worked. Furina, still shaken by what had happened, obediently sat down in a chair.

"I think everything is settled, and we can continue," the Voice said, heaving a sigh of relief.

"Excuse me," a woman with white hair, one strand of which was black, raised her hand in an unexpected turn of events. "If it's not too much trouble, could you please fulfill my request?" She attracted Arlecchino's attention.

"I'm almost scared to imagine what you're planning, but I already pity the Traveler," Child said with a worried expression, while Signora merely shook her head in understanding.

"What are you talking about?" Linny asked in confusion, but his expression betrayed a concern similar to that of Lynette and Frème.

"Oh, so your 'daddy' didn't tell you about her parents? ~"

"Child, please, don't continue; they might misinterpret this," the very person in question interjected. "Linny, don't worry; nothing will happen to the Traveler. If you have any questions, you can ask me." Meanwhile, she shot Linny a menacing glance that made him even more nervous.

"Ahem," the overseer once again drew attention to himself. "So what is your request?"

"Oh yes, may I ask you to show us the future that awaits the Traveler and... me?" At the last part, Arlecchino hesitated, looking at me, to which I nodded uncertainly. I must admit, her intentions filled me with a sense of uncertainty. I understood that she wasn't entirely sane, but I couldn't figure out why I found her appealing. She was one of the few I didn't know, yet she tried to make me happy... perhaps. I decided to give her a chance and open my heart, even though I didn't feel tender emotions towards her like I did for others who loved me. I hoped that would change over time.