The House of the Hearth was an orphanage run by Arlecchino, also known as "The Knave", a woman who was feared as much as she was respected. The one vital rule she enforced was loyalty, and those that betray would be punished by death.

You had met the leader of the house a few times, so you were on good terms. There was one thing she told you during one of your conversations -- "When you feel that the time is right, I hope you decide to lend your help to the members of the House of the Hearth."

That has been stuck in your brain for quite a while.

One day, you had came across Arlecchino at an abandoned battlefield, about to punish traitors. Just as the air was filled with their sobs, you noticed Lyney and his siblings, Lynette and Freminet, trying to yet again convince their "Father" to be lenient on them.

Her words echoed in your mind.

So, to everyone's shock, you decided to step in and help them, requesting for a one-on-one duel with Arlecchino. You had sparred with her in the past, and your strength is comparable to hers.

This was the deal: If you win, the children will be free, and if not, you would take their place.

It was a fearsome battle between you and Arlecchino. You would charge, and she would dodge. Your blades crossed countless of times, the powers from your visions crackled in the air. By making sure everyone was safe, Lyney and his siblings had the others evacuated to a safer place for the time being.

With a fearsome blow, Arlecchino soon managed to knock you out, the battlefield begrimed with smoke -- or so she thought. As she was taking a quick breather, you managed to leap at her from behind, swiftly pinning her down. A second later, you had a small knife pointed at her throat.

Arlecchino had never expected this from you. When you sparred with her, the one who comes out winning would always be the former.

"Well done," she says, gripping your hand with surprising warmth. "You're definitely stronger than you seem."