No Longer Human | Arlecchino

Chapter 10: Who What Where Why

The bustling evening in Fontaine, full of life, was busy. Paimon, Rin, and Aether took in the view of Fontaine's evening life, people were laughing, making music, and talking. 

All of a sudden, one street act caught their eyes. A man in a suit was doing card tricks with great dexterity, he was full of confidence in his movements. He had with him a girl who was quite quiet.

"Oh, Aether, look!" Paimon said, tugging on Aether's arm. "They look interesting!"

The three approached, and the young magician spotted them immediately. His eyes sparkled as he greeted them with a winsome smile. He concluded his trick with a flurry of movement, fanning the cards out before snapping them back together, all in one motion.

"Well now, new faces in Fontaine," he said, his voice warm as he gave a slight bow. "You must be the Traveler." He held out his hand to Aether. "My name is Lyney. And this is my sister, Lynette."

Lynette nodded, her eyes calm and peaceful. "Nice to meet you."

Aether returned the handshake. "Nice to meet you both. I'm Aether, and this is Paimon."

Rin, standing beside them, offered a polite smile and a slight incline of her head. "Rin. It's a pleasure to meet two such talented performers. You carry yourselves with remarkable finesse."

Lyney's eyes would light up at the compliment, his whole demeanor brightening. "Why, thank you! Fontaine has a reputation for the dramatic, and we like to bring a little extra magic to our audiences." He glanced over at Lynette before he leaned in, as if to share a secret with her. "In fact, we are performing tonight at the opera house."

It promises to be an evening of illusion and wonder. We would be honored if you could attend.". Rin's interest was piqued, his face unmoving, yet his eyes lighting up with the slightest hint of curiosity. "A performance at the opera? I must admit, that does sound enjoyable."

"Yes!" Paimon beamed. "We'll be there for sure!"

Lynette's eyes settled on them, gauging them, but with a soft, friendly warmth: "We would be honored to have such distinguished guests in the audience.".

Lyney's smile broadened. "Then it's settled. We'll see you tonight. I promise it'll be a performance to remember." 

With a courtesy bow, Lyney and Lynette took their leave, vanishing into the crowd in preparation for the spectacle of the evening.

"Wait, isn't that Childe?" Paimon said, pointing in the general direction of a familiar figure in the bustle of the crowd.

Rin felt a surge of annoyance. If they made their way to greet Childe now, it was only a matter of time before that loudmouth managed to reveal something Rin preferred to keep under wraps. Keeping his tone neutral, he leaned toward Aether.

"Aether, I think I'll be taking my leave now. I need to meet up with my partner," said a smooth voice. "I'll make my way to the opera house later, if that's all right with you?."

Aether nodded, giving a reassuring smile. "Alright, see you there... Wait, you have a lover?!?"

"What!? No! Partner as in work!" Rin replied, flustered. He cringed at the thought, knowing exactly who Aether had assumed he meant. There was no way he'd ever consider that as an option, especially not with her, of all people.