Chapter Text
Working for The Tsaritsa is no easy job. Many veterans that once were under Her law secretly advised future spies, agents or even soldiers to think twice before taking the Oath of Allegiance. Of course, nothing escapes Tsaritsa's attention. Soon after, her loyal “dogs”, got rid of the traitors, the ones that betrayed Tsaritsa’s kindness and spread unforgivable lies to new recruits.
Whatever happens between the divine Goddess and the old hands she’s had stays in the Palace. Nothing, and I mean nothing , flees outside the wide, icy gates of Snezhnaya.
The Queen once spoke; sending shivers down her follower’s spines. She felt so betrayed by her people’s ignorance and unfaithfulness, her head clouded with raging thoughts. The Harbingers, seated in the same room as Her Majesty, could only expect the worst outcome.
But instead, She recruited three of the most faithful agents, intending to enroll them in the deadliest operation that has been requested in a while.
“Tartaglia, Fair Lady, Balladeer. Stand and line up,” Voice flat and monotonous. The three trustees follow their Queen’s orders shortly.
“Yes, Your Highness,” They speak, all at once. “How may we serve you, Divine Priestess?” The selected people utter, head bowed down, as it was taught by Tsaritsa’s servants.
The Tsaritsa stands tall, her regal posture emanating power and authority. She gazes at the three agents in front of her, a faint glimmer of approval in her eyes.
“I have an important task for you,” she says, her voice cold and unwavering. “One that requires the utmost secrecy and precision. You will be working together on this mission, and failure is not an option.”
Tartaglia, Signora, and Balladeer exchange looks, all three of them understanding the gravity of the situation. They know that anything requested of them by the Tsaritsa must be carried out with the utmost care and skill. “Your objective,” the Tsaritsa continues, “is to retrieve crucial intel that Sumeru is currently in possession of. You will creep into the wide Sumerian facility and retrieve the intel at all costs.”
The agents nod their heads in understanding, ready to carry out their mission.
“Remember,” the Tsaritsa says, her voice taking on a warning tone. “The success of this mission is crucial to Snezhnaya's future. I trust that you will not disappoint me.”
With a nod, the three agents turn and exit the throne room, already making plans and strategies for their dangerous task. Pierro is the first to shatter the undeniably uncomfortable silence the room has been left in. “My Queen,” He hesitated for a moment, encouraging everybody to hold their breath. “With utmost respect, why those three?”
Tsaritsa’s stance slightly grows weaker by the second. The silence hung heavy in the room, broken only by the faint sound of the Her breath. The Harbingers stood frozen, their eyes darting between their Queen and Pierro. For a fleeting moment, the tension in the air brought them closer together, despite their deep-seated animosity towards each other. They all shared the same hope - that Tsaritsa's answer would be in their favor.
"Pierro, my dear," the Queen's voice remained calm and authoritative. "There's no need to lose one's composure over such a straightforward decision." She paused, a faint hint of amusement flickering across her features.
The Harbingers' thoughts and remarks are held by the iced table in front of them. A faint, shiny, blue color spreads around the cold counter. Pierro’s eyes waltz over to the three empty seats in front of him.
“Might I add, my faithful devotees, that One’s three recruits have a notorious past?” Her graceful gestures convey an air of elegance and authority. As Tsaritsa speaks, Pierro can feel a shiver running down his spine, and he exchanges a quick glance with the other Harbingers.
Tsaritsa's gaze lingers on each of them before she continues, her voice carrying a hint of mischief. "They are known to be fiercely independent and rebellious, with a tendency to act impulsively. But above all, they possess a spark that I believe will be crucial to the success of this mission."
Pierro frowns slightly, trying to make sense of Tsaritsa's words. He knows that the Queen doesn't take decisions lightly, but he can't help but feel a sense of unease about the three individuals she has chosen. He wonders what kind of spark she is referring to.
As the silence lingers in the room, Pierro's mind races with questions and doubts. He knows that they have a difficult task ahead of them, and he can't help but wonder if the Queen's choice of recruits will ultimately lead them to success or failure.
Dottore is fast to picture the grand failure of the mission. The thought of Tsaritsa’s stabbing words towards her mighty recruits delights him. They aren’t invincible, after all. Tartaglia is the only one able to battle a handful of patrols - or at least, that’s what he’s noticed so far.
Pantalone seems to be the only Harbinger that unveils no emotion. Tsaritsa’s decision has no impact over him. His elbows rest on the chair’s arms, fingers intertwined, breathing steadily. The mysterious devotee only deals with Teyvat’s currency. And nothing else.
Across him, Columbina wears an elegant smile on her face, her head still bowed down slightly. In contrast to Columbiana’s angelic-like features, the Harbingers look rather tough, and worn trough. “My Queen,” she dares to speak, voice sultry and melodic. “I believe One has made the right choice.”