บท 6: Pantalone

Over the roads of Snezhnaya's Army District, an old man was sitting over a carriage surrounded by a mix of soldiers. He seemed to be in his sixties, with short hair, a long and carefully trimmed mustache, all his hair already having turned white due to his old age, with some facial wrinkles over his face, especially his forehead.

He wore a neutral smile that only hid his true feeling that created a great contrast with his eyes, a pair of fierce eagle-like eyes with a very impactful contrast with their shining bright purple almost pink color.

Overall, he gave a strong impression, his face exuding strength, trust and confidence, plus the high quality of his clothes, a black shirt and trousers with a red jacket over him and a black strapped tie, plus a golden purse over his hip, all of them made of the highest and most expensive materials, it was clear that he was an important person.

Of course, that was true. As he was Pantalone, one of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers, the highest Fatui's officers directly working under the Tsaritsa, having full authority over Snezhnaya. Pantalone's influence was even greater than the other Harbingers, having full control of Snezhnaya's economics policies, controlling most of the industries of the region. There was even a saying "If that Mora hadn't passed through Lord Pantalone's hand, it has to be fake." Showing the great control he had over the money.

Due to his work, he was a very busy individual, even when he was just returned from a revision of one factory, his work didn't finish, reports and documents flying over his hands, reading, checking and firming at incredible speed, making it difficult for even his four attendances to keep up his pace.

Suddenly, the carriage stopped, causing Pantalone to frown and lower the document in his hands "What happens?"

"Sorry, lord Pantalone." The horse coach apologized "It seems that there a 'challenge' at the gate. Would you want to be stopped?"

"Another rat trying to climb higher than he could" Pantalone sighed and gave the document to one attendance "It doesn't matter, let it be" .

Pantalone opened the curtain of the carriage and directly looked outside, seeing what seemed to be an Electro Warhammer Vanguard bullying a young boy with a wooden stick.

"Oh? A cryo vision that's quite rare" Pantalone's eyes directly went over the boy's shining vision before moving his gaze over a cheap sled with a young sickly girl on it that looking at her features, it made clear that she was related with the boy.

Pantalone's eyes squinted seeing such scene "Is he fighting for the girl?"

"Are you interested, lord Pantalane?" One attendance asked.

"I could have some uses for him." Pantalone answered, his gaze alternating from the boy and the girl.

Pantalone continued watching the combat, finally, the boy threw himself between the vanguard and the girl to stop the attack, unleashing his Elemental Burst, throwing himself away and destroying the vanguard's shield.

'Such dedication, care and despair' As he saw the vanguard going against the unconscious child, Pantalone finally acted, putting his hand over his purse, the jingle sound of coins ringing as he took out some Mora in his hand and clenched them strongly, a yellow glow surging from them and covered all his body..

At an incredible speed and agility, especially for his age, Pantalone jumped from the carriage, appearing in front of the boy just as the attack was about to hit him, stopping the Warhammer with his right hand.

"You did well." Pantalone smiled at the boy who couldn't keep up more, falling unconscious. Then, he turned over the vanguard.

"L-lord Pantalone!" The vanguard said shocked, clearly recognizing him, before throwing away his weapon and kneeling on the ground, lowering his head "I ask mercy for my audacity!"

Pantalone looked down at him with a piercing gaze, causing the vanguard to start trembling, sensing the strong gaze over him.

"Do not worry" Pantalone patted the vanguard shoulder, the vanguard lifting gaze "You were simply doing your work. I will not punish you for that."

"Thanks for your benevolence!" The vanguard said thankfully.

"What is your name, soldier?" Pantalone asked.

"I am Maksim Smirnoff, lord!" The vanguard said cheerfully, delighted to have been recognized by a Harbinger as he might be promoted by it.

"Maksim, eh?" Pantalone rummed, turning towards one of his attendance that quickly nodded, recording the name over a paper.

"I certainly will not punish you, but I advise you to prepare for him in the future" Pantalone grinned pointing at Joseph lying unconscious "As I will neither stop him."

The vanguard's face turned pale, realizing his meaning. The reason for his name was for the boy to know him and take his vengeance for today in the future when he is strong, possibly being permitted to even kill him.

"I will pass the bill later" Pantalone turned towards his attendance "Take them."

Pantalone calmly returned inside his carriage, focusing again on his reports while two of his attendance took Allen and Ellen.

The gates towards the Noble District opened, everyone passing through them.