"Mamere, you need not be overly concerned," Neuvillette's voice was steady and reassuring. "Since Lord Elynas can perceive that Melusine's existence, it means she is at least safe. As for being 'weak' and 'different,' perhaps it is simply because she is still in her growth period, or due to her environment."
He took out a handkerchief and gently wiped away the fine beads of sweat on Mamere's forehead from running: "Liyue is an inclusive and friendly nation. The Geo Archon governs effectively. If there truly is a Melusine there, she surely will not be mistreated."
Mamere's large eyes blinked, and his small hand unconsciously clutched Neuvillette's sleeve. "Then, then can we go and bring her home? She must be very lonely all by herself in such a distant place..."
"That is exactly what I intend to arrange next."
"I will begin handling this matter. First, I need to confirm this Melusine's specific situation and location. Liyue and Fontaine are far apart, and official diplomatic negotiations take time. Perhaps... we can try some more direct means."
Several plans quickly surfaced in his mind. Whether through an official diplomatic note or by leveraging the power of friends with international connections, he had to confirm that Melusine's safety as soon as possible.
Under Neuvillette's comfort, Mamere relaxed a bit more and let go of the sleeve he was clutching.
Neuvillette slowly stood up and sat back down at his desk. He tapped the smooth surface with his fingertip, producing a steady sound that matched his rapidly working thoughts.
"A direct means..." he repeated in a low voice.
Then, he looked at Mamere, who was still nervously clutching the corner of his skirt, and said gently, "Mamere, rest here for a moment. I will write the letters now."
Mamere nodded obediently, walked to the nearby sofa, and sat down, his large eyes still watching Neuvillette without blinking.
Neuvillette pulled out two sheets of exquisite stationery embossed with the emblem of the Opera Epiclese from the corner of the desk, took his usual quill pen, dipped it in ink, and after a brief thought, began to write.
He first wrote the letter to the Liyue General Affairs Department.
The tip of the pen glided across the paper, leaving behind elegant and clear script.
[To the Excellencies of the Liyue General Affairs Department:
I hope this letter finds you well.
I take the liberty of writing regarding a matter involving a special being within Fontaine's borders that may be related to your honorable nation. I write to inquire and hope for your assistance.
It has recently come to my attention that an intelligent being of wisdom, unique in form and humanoid yet non-human, may have recently become stranded within Liyue's borders. This being is known as a Melusine. They are gentle in nature, though their form may differ from ordinary people, and they may be in a weak state or in need of protection.
This being holds a special relationship with Fontaine, and we are deeply concerned for her safety and circumstances.
I kindly request your department's assistance in verifying whether any being matching this description has recently been discovered, taken in, or registered within your borders.
Should there be any clues, no matter how small, I hope to be informed.
This inquiry is currently being made through unofficial channels. Should the matter be confirmed, Fontaine is willing to negotiate the follow-up in a proper and friendly manner.
I await your favorable reply and wish your nation favorable weather and national peace.
Fontaine's iudex, Neuvillette
(Seal of the Opera Epiclese)]
After finishing, Neuvillette carefully checked the wording, ensuring it expressed the core request of finding the person while remaining sufficiently indirect to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on Liyue or drawing excessive attention.
Then, he spread out the second sheet of stationery and began writing to the contact person of the Feiyun Commerce Guild in Fontaine.
The wording of this letter was a bit less officially rigorous than the previous one, and more pragmatic and earnest.
[For the attention of the person in charge of the Feiyun Commerce Guild in Fontaine:
Greetings.
There is an urgent matter for which I need the assistance of your guild's extensive information network reaching Liyue. I hope you can lend a hand.
We urgently need to find a special being who may be stranded within Liyue. Her characteristics are roughly as follows: petite in stature, with a form similar to a Melusine of Fontaine (attached is a simple diagram for reference), gentle in nature, and possibly appearing weak due to youth or maladaptation.
This being is of vital importance to us, and her safety is a matter of great concern.
It is well known that the Feiyun Commerce Guild has an excellent reputation, wide connections, and is well-informed throughout Liyue. I earnestly request your guild to use your trade routes and connections in Liyue to help keep an eye out for any traces of such a special being.
Any relevant information, whether confirmed or not, is of value.
This matter concerns the safety of a weak being; I hope to receive a reply as soon as possible.
All necessary expenses and remuneration will be borne by the Opera Epiclese, and we will appreciate the friendship of your guild.
I look forward to your reply!
Neuvillette
(Attached Private Seal)]
At the end of the letter, Neuvillette indeed quickly sketched a simple diagram of a Melusine, highlighting her main features.
With both letters written, Neuvillette gently blew the ink dry, placed them into separate envelopes, and applied a wax seal.
He summoned a reliable Gestionnaire, regained his usual calm and authority, and instructed in a low voice: "Send these two letters immediately through the fastest and most secure means. The letter to the Liyue General Affairs Department should go through diplomatic Messenger channels, but mark it as an 'unofficial inquiry.' The letter to the Feiyun Commerce Guild should be delivered directly to their office at the Port of Fontaine, and must be handed to the person in charge."
The Gestionnaire took the order and left.
Once the Gestionnaire had departed, Neuvillette looked back at Mamere. Seeing that his small face was still full of unease, he beckoned gently, "Come here, Mamere."
Mamere walked to his side as told. Neuvillette gently patted his head, the movement slightly awkward yet full of comfort.
"The letters have been sent, Mamere. Now all we can do is wait patiently for a reply. I believe there will be news soon."
"You need not be overly concerned," Neuvillette reassured Mamere. "We will find her and ensure she receives proper help."
Mamere felt full of gratitude as he watched Lord Neuvillette take such swift and thorough action for his sake (and for that of his possible sister).
He nodded vigorously and revealed a smile. "Mhm! Thank you, Lord Neuvillette!"
Watching Mamere's small figure skipping away happily, Neuvillette sat back at his desk, but his expression gradually became solemn.
A special, possibly weak Melusine far away in Liyue... He pondered the deeper meaning that might be hidden behind this matter.
Why had Elynas's consciousness suddenly become so active? What exactly was so special about that Melusine stranded in Liyue?
In any case, Melusines were an inseparable part of Fontaine. No matter where that Melusine was, he would ensure her safety.
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