What kind of philanthropist is this?!
Charlotte? Ah, that's fine then.
Initially consumed by grief over wasting his day's food allowance on Fonta, Lofan hadn't noticed the person who bumped into him was someone familiar.
Only after hearing her words did Lofan focus on her, immediately recognizing her.
Though Lofan hadn't read Fontaine's story, Charlotte had appeared in Mondstadt before, so he knew her.
Coming to the Steam Bird office, Lofan had mentally prepared himself for such coincidences, though he hadn't expected it to happen so serendipitously.
Though Lofan's mind churned with turmoil, his complete control over this body prevented any trace of his inner conflict from showing on his face.
"Well, little brother, won't you grant this sister a chance to atone? Please, I beg you!"
Seeing Lofan's lack of reaction, Charlotte assumed he might be wavering. To address his potential reservations, she employed flirtatious banter to preserve his dignity.
"Very well, the decision rests with you!"
"Huh?"
The abrupt declaration caught Charlotte off guard.
In truth, Lofan had prepared two plans for his visit to the Steam Bird. Having successfully connected with Charlotte and receiving her enthusiastic response, he activated one of these schemes. He subtly pressed the letter hidden in his coat deeper into his chest while offering Charlotte a disarmingly innocent smile.
"I meant to say, you're truly an exceptional person, Sister!"
"It's nothing, really. I should have been more careful while walking. Did I hurt you?"
"No, I'm perfectly fine. Thank you for your concern, Sister!"
Lofan's constant use of "sister" made Charlotte's heart blossom. She had initially planned to take him to a clean restaurant, but now she changed her mind and headed straight for Hotel Debord.
On the way, Charlotte bought Lofan a bottle of Fonta. Watching the boy drink it with such a contented smile, much of the gloom that had settled over her heart from the serial murder case began to dissipate.
Charlotte silently steeled herself. For the sake of preserving these innocent smiles, she couldn't afford to give up easily.
Soon they arrived at Hotel Debord. Seeing the opulence of the establishment, Charlotte realized Lofan had clearly never been here before. His jaw dropped in awe, and Charlotte couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.
Lofan's attention snapped back to her at the sound of her laughter. "Sister Charlotte," he said, "let's not eat here. It must be very expensive."
Hearing such mature words from a child his age, Charlotte felt both pleased and pained. How many experiences had it taken to make a boy this young so wise?
Charlotte told Lofan to eat freely, but noticed he seemed intent on leaving. With a resigned smile, she grabbed his hand and pulled him into a private booth.
The booth was spacious, but Lofan sat with visible unease.
Charlotte handed him the menu. After a long hesitation, he only ordered the cheapest dish.
Smiling, Charlotte patted his head before taking the menu back. She proceeded to order several signature dishes in quick succession.
When the food arrived, Lofan remained timid. Charlotte gently prompted:
"These dishes are already ordered, and the money's spent. Wouldn't it be a waste if you don't finish them?"
This finally spurred Lofan into devouring the food with gusto.
"It's absolutely delicious! I haven't eaten properly in three days!"
Hearing this, Charlotte paused mid-bite. She set down her utensils, picked up the menu again, and ordered two more dishes.
"Take your time. It's all for you."
Charlotte took only a few sips before setting down her utensils and urging Lofan to eat more slowly.
"Are you not eating, Charlotte?"
"I'm already full. Please enjoy your meal."
Hearing this, Lofan resumed devouring his food with renewed vigor.
What a kind person she is! he thought. She ordered all these dishes just for me. I must repay her properly!
Having no money, Lofan hadn't eaten for three days. Though he didn't feel hungry, there was an emptiness in his stomach that Fontaine's delicious food finally satisfied.
Charlotte watched him eat with a pained expression, already considering what kind of easy work she could recommend for him.
Soon, Lofan finished eating. After paying the bill, Charlotte led him away from Hotel Debord.
As if sensing their impending parting, Charlotte noticed Lofan growing distant and quiet.
Following Lofan's guidance, they soon reached the entrance of the Fleuve Cendre at Fontaine's edge.
Seeing where Lofan lived, Charlotte's heart ached even more.
"Go back, Charlotte," Lofan said, smiling as he released her hand. "This place isn't for you."
"That's a place where the sun never shines," he continued, "but you're destined to stand in the sunlight forever."
Charlotte stood frozen, watching Lofan walk away in a daze.
"Goodbye, Charlotte," Lofan called over his shoulder, his bright smile returning. "If fate smiles upon us, we'll meet again."
With that, he disappeared into the pipe leading to the Fleuve Cendre.
After a long moment, Charlotte clenched her fists. She knew exactly what the Fleuve Cendre was - the dark underbelly of Fontaine's glittering facade.
The Fleuve Cendre was a lawless zone where any horror could occur, where life meant nothing.
No. She couldn't let Lofan stay in such a place!
The boy was still so young, maintaining his pure nature even in this hellish place. She couldn't bear to watch this blank canvas of a youth be stained by the darkness of the Fleuve Cendre.
Without hesitation, Charlotte dove into the pipe. She sped up, determined not to lose Lofan.
Soon she arrived in the Fleuve Cendre, but a quick search revealed no trace of the boy.
With only one path ahead, Charlotte immediately broke into a trot.
Her swift decision paid off. Before long, she spotted a familiar figure around the corridor's bend.
It was Lofan!
Overjoyed, Charlotte quickened her pace. But in the next instant, her steps slowed as disbelief washed over her face.
In her line of sight, Lofan stood towering over an elderly man sprawled on the ground. The old man's tattered clothes and filthy body contrasted sharply with Lofan's sinister smile...
-
Made a discord if anyone is interested
https://discord.gg/BFW77h7XyS