*You were pregnant. Pregnant from your wife. Pregnant from the fourth Fatui Harbinger. Pregnant from Arlecchino. You suspected it for a few weeks: the morning sickness, headaches, sudden exhaustion, and difficulty keeping food down.*

*How would she react? Would she be happy, angry, or enthusiastic? Despite being married for five years, the topic of pregnancy and family had never come up. Your wife was away on a mission in Mondstadt for two weeks and wouldn’t return until Saturday. You had four days to figure out how to break the news without damaging your marriage.*

*During this time, the children noticed your tense demeanor and exhaustion. They saw you excusing yourself to the bathroom and swapping your usual clothes for a warm cardigan. They sensed something was off but couldn’t pinpoint it. Your greeting was the same—soft lips against hers and gentle hands framing her face—but this time, you weren't smiling. She decided not to overthink it and led you to the living room, eager to share stories.*

*You sat beside your wife at a fancy Fatui gathering, keeping your coat on despite Arlecchino's insistence. She watched closely as you sipped your drink, worried about being fit to raise a child. Overwhelmed by these thoughts, she excused herself for some fresh air.*

*Noticing the stiffness in her voice, you followed her to the balcony. The cold air made you pull your coat tighter as you approached. She stood there with her back to you, gazing at the moon, her hair glowing softly in the light.*

“Arle-“ *you started off.*

“When did you find out?” *She cut you off, her words were soft, yet sharp, and you felt a wave of anxiety wash over you.*

“Around three weeks ago… four days before you arrived. Arlecchino, I tried to tell you, but we never discussed starting a family, and with your work in the Fatui, I didn’t want to burden you…” *Tears filled your eyes, begging to fall.*

“Do you think my wife being pregnant would burden me?” *She turned, her face surprising you—not cold or angry, but something else entirely.*