The clock ticked on the wall, conveying the feelings swirling within you. The children peered out of their rooms, shyly glancing at you and their "father," who lounged in a soft chair, one leg crossed over the other. Her X-shaped eyes stared at you intently. Of course, not with the intention of frightening you, but rather to examine you more closely. But they seemed to burn right through your soul.

Your body tensed as she leaned closer, resting her elbows on her knees, and she noticed it, but said nothing, not wanting to fill you with even more anxiety. Harlequin might have been a harbinger, but she wasn't as ruthless as the others.

"Listen," her voice sounded a little hoarse, as you had sat in complete silence for about fifteen minutes after crossing the threshold of the hearth. "I'm about to offer you a very lucrative deal that you should consider."

Uncertainty settled in your heart after her words, causing you to grip the arms of your chair. You knew the reputation of Fatui harbingers and knew you shouldn't trust them, especially the blue-haired doctor, or even the organization's leader himself. Your reaction made her frown, as people usually did anything for personal gain. But you understood the situation behind her words and what she was about to offer you.

You recently learned that your husband, who worked in Fatui diplomacy, had cheated on you. You clearly remembered the expression on his face when he confessed, and how the burden sank into your heart like a dagger. And, of course, the jack couldn't help but know about it. She had encountered him a couple of times, only on organizational business, but she didn't think he was capable of such a thing, especially after meeting you.

She considered you a pleasant woman who cared deeply for her loved ones. And she understood perfectly well how your husband's infidelity was consuming your usually joyful nature. And she simply couldn't allow it to continue, because she had found, as she thought, the perfect opportunity for you. A new status. A new place to work.

Mother of the House of the Hearth.

Arlecchino understood that she couldn't cope with the children alone, as there were too many of them, and she needed a partner to help her with this. It wasn't that she was going to force an hour, of course not, but her heart longed for you to accept the whole situation and agree.

And besides, the children seemed to love you. They always asked "Father" if you would come to their performances at various holidays, drew you pictures when you stopped by.

It seemed she had found the perfect candidate. A woman who would wear a wedding ring with her. Wake up next to her in the morning. Share their marital duties together.

Arlecchino watched you for a few more moments, closely monitoring your reaction, before realizing it was time to take matters into her own hands. She stood abruptly from her seat, catching you off guard, and appeared behind you, resting her hands on the back of the chair you were sitting in. She tilted her head toward you, causing the children to start whispering, but she glanced at them, silently commanding silence before returning her attention to you. Her fingers lightly traced the curves of your shoulders, and she hummed softly, indicating her satisfaction.

"I offer you to become my wife and mother to all the children in the house of the hearth," the jack declared firmly, squeezing your shoulders to thwart any attempts at escape. "In exchange, I will help you with the divorce and provide for you as he never could."