Chapter 71: House of the Hearth

Words : 923 Updated : Sep 19th, 2025

"Your Excellency, Supreme Bishop, you certainly know how to live in comfort." Charlotte sat on the sofa, glancing around the Supreme Bishop's "exclusive prison cell." She couldn't help but want to snap a photo and write a scathing editorial about it. "How is this even a prison cell? It's practically a luxury hotel!" The room was spacious, with a large, plush bed, a bookshelf, a sofa, a coffee table, a computer, a television... it had everything one could want. The only thing missing was any semblance of an actual prison cell. While the Fortress of Meropide didn't confine prisoners to their rooms like ordinary prisons, it still shouldn't have provided such lavish accommodations. Of course, given The Supreme Bishop's status, Charlotte wasn't entirely surprised. Even in prison, His Excellency remained His Excellency. He would never receive the same treatment as other inmates, especially since his imprisonment was merely a formality—he'd be out in a few days. "If you like it here, you're welcome to stay. I don't mind sharing the bed." "I mind!" Charlotte's face flushed crimson. The Supreme Bishop's teasing remark reminded her of a few dreams she'd had recently, suddenly making the atmosphere feel uncomfortably intimate. Especially after last night's dream... She quickly steadied herself and changed the subject. "Your Excellency, I'm here to remind you about your overdue manuscript. The incident during our interview made us both forget about it." "Overdue manuscript?" "The Steambird's mailbox is drowning in letters from readers!" Oh, right. Now that Charlotte mentioned it, Ye suddenly recalled. To accelerate Fontaine's cultural industry and earn some pocket money, he'd spent years plagiarizing works from his past life—novels, films, comics, animations... he'd "borrowed" from every medium. But as Fontaine's entertainment sector flourished, Ye gradually stopped. After all, his time was precious, and he lacked some "system" to justify endless plagiarism. His brief stint as a copycat had been driven more by mischievous whimsy (and a dash of proselytizing) than genuine ambition. Facing Charlotte's expectant gaze, Ye calmly continued playing Genshin Impact Brawl, using Astrea (nickname: Rea) to mercilessly crush an opponent named "Fufu." He replied airily, "Just announce the series is canceled. I've lost interest." "Your Excellency, I strongly advise against that." Charlotte's smile turned lethally sweet. "If our readers riot and storm The Steambird, I'll drag you down with me. I'll publish a front-page story claiming your five centuries of bachelorhood stem from a preference for men—and that Lady Furina imprisoned you repeatedly out of jealous, unrequited love." Ye shuddered. "Is it that serious?" "It's exactly that serious, Your Excellency." Ye glanced sideways at Charlotte's radiant, knife-sharp grin and promptly surrendered. "Understood. I'll keep writing. Anything else?" Fine. My typing speed's fast enough. Better safe than...stabbed. Charlotte's smile faded as she glanced at the door. Ye said flatly, "No one's outside." Only then did Charlotte continue, "Your Excellency, the House of the Hearth has executed Crohas. How should we handle his assets? Should we submit the evidence to the Maison Gardiennage for confiscation?" "The House is short on funds. Let Arlecchino handle it this time. After she's done, pass the evidence to the Maison Gardiennage." Arlecchino, formerly Peruere, the 4th Fatui Harbinger—and Ye's spy within the Fatui. Of course, the Cryo Archon was fully aware of this arrangement and unconcerned. In truth, whether Arlecchino served Ye or the Tsaritsa was ambiguous, as she carried out both parties' orders flawlessly. For over four centuries, she'd fulfilled her duties as a Harbinger while executing Ye's missions without hesitation. Over four hundred years ago, Ye had quietly assimilated the House of the Hearth, transforming it into an unofficial yet state-affiliated organization. Its threefold purpose: Espionage: Each generation's House Leader became a Fatui Harbinger. Despite Ye's control, the Cryo Archon allowed this tradition to continue—fully aware of the dual loyalty. Orphanage: The House's public identity, strictly enforced by Ye. Exploiting orphans as tools was banned; it became a genuine sanctuary, raising and educating homeless children across nations. Executioners: Though reformed, the House retained its shadowy edge. Under voluntary principles, select children were trained in combat and clandestine arts—even by Ye himself. These operatives became Fontaine's unseen executioners. Yes, Fontaine retained the death penalty... but Furina would never sentence a human to death. Her compassion mirrored Nahida's—even the vilest criminals like Vacher received life imprisonment rather than execution. Ye respected her divine mercy but disagreed. Some deserved death. Letting monsters live comfortably in Meropide only emboldened others. Thus, the House of the Hearth intervened, eliminating the irredeemable before trials. Officially, the House had no ties to Fontaine's government. Even those who suspected knew better than to expose it. As for Charlotte's role as messenger—did anyone think Ye underestimated media power? The Steambird, Fontaine's largest newspaper, belonged to Ye. Beyond reporting news, it served multiple functions, with Charlotte acting as his liaison to the House. Her Vision made her ideal for the role. Fortunately, while committed to truth, Charlotte wasn't rigidly dogmatic. She supported Ye's vision and excelled in her duties. As for Arlecchino? Initially, she'd been a Fatui plant within the House. Yet Ye molded her into its new leader, trusting her as a double agent. Whatever her allegiances, he believed in her. "Charlotte, after my release, deliver a new mission to Arlecchino..."

Chapter 71: House of the Hearth

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