"Your costume is so pretty." Durin's eyes shine as he lets his fingers sink into the thick fur lining the collar of the jacket draped around Katsuo's frame.
Alice had been almost too delighted at the suggestion of allowing Katsuo to join in on the playacting even though for some reason Katsuo had been reluctant at first.
He was still making the half huffy expression that meant he didn't actually mind it, but also didn't want to admit he didn't mind it yet, so Durin wasn't too worried.
"I can't believe Aunt Alice let you be a Harbinger. That's a really important role in the Fatui, you know. They're like - um," He taps his chin. "I think they're like the Knights in Mondstadt." He's sure Katsuo has even less idea about the Fatui than he had when Alice had been explaining them, so it's only fair he explained as much as he knew.
"I didn't know they had such soft clothes though." He almost gives into the urge to bury his face in the fluffy coat, but just smoothes it down along Katsuo's shoulders instead.
"I guess I'm your guard now, huh." He felt a little proud of that. Even if it was just a pretend role.
Katsuo knew what that woman is plotting the second he saw the glint in her eyes, declaring she knows the perfect role "just for him." He's aware there's no malicious intent, but she tends to bounce off of ideas without a care in the world and free from restraints. Lucky her, he supposed.
He can't quite say it's nostalgic to wear the same heavy coat in his shoulders with his old clothing as The Balladeer. In the mirror's reflection, it's as if nothing changed, yet everything did โ and Durin standing behind him is what reels him back to reality, listening about his comments about the Harbingers and coats. For now, he'll tuck the idea of getting Durin a winter coat at the back of his mind.
" Knights, huh... " Katsuo scoffs. Far from it. " Knights are noble. The Harbingers are nothing but a selfish group chasing their own goals. It's all the Fatui are. " Him included. " I've had a few encounters with them during my field work in Sumeru. None of them were pleasant. "
He turns to Durin, carrying a disposition that a villain's role wouldn't suit him in the slightest. But with Durin sincerely putting in the effort, it's unfair if Katsuo won't do the same. It's a pain to deal with his disappointment and pleading eyes if they go out of script. He knows the mages are keeping an eye out.
" ... I suppose you are. Guard the key with your might. " As he recalled, the Harbingers didn't need a bodyguard of their own. At best, they were empty titles for lower ranks. In truth, they were assigned lackeys at their beck and call to use whenever they please. It's a mere play with a ridiculous premise, but Katsuo wonders if he should act like...?
The familiar static of Electro crackles in his fingertips as an answer. An "assistance" from the mages to sell the act, and for now โ that's more than enough.
