Two weeks slipped quietly by amidst the dance of pen tips and the scent of ink.
A few fresh manuscripts had piled up on Lovia's small desk. She reviewed them from beginning to end, and after ensuring there were no issues, she carefully bundled them up.
Next, she took out the letter she had written two days ago.
The letter stated that these manuscripts could tide the shop over for a while after she left Liyue and during the period when she wouldn't be able to reply. She also informed Shopkeeper Sun that these manuscripts might be a bit "wild," so he should wait two weeks after receiving the letter before starting to print them.
Today, she planned to deliver these freshly baked "results" to Sanyu Bookstore. At the same time, she needed to start making specific arrangements for her journey to Fontaine.
Neuvillette had said she could ask at a Fontaine shop, but her mind hadn't been working properly at the time; she hadn't considered whether a shop owner would actually help her.
Just because she said she was looking for Fontaine's iudex?
She had no proof, and she was wrapped up tightly, making her look like someone who wouldn't be easily trusted.
Wait, unless... she took off her Hood and cloak?
Would that work?
Thinking of this, Lovia had a sudden realization.
It was probably because when she met Neuvillette before, she wasn't wearing her Hood and cloak, leaving all her features exposed. So, he likely assumed she would go out like that... A Melusine going to a Fontaine shop to ask the manager to send a letter to Neuvillette—thinking about it that way, there really wasn't any problem.
So, should she do that? Take off the Hood, just... just give the shopkeeper a secret peek once she reached the shop? It should be fine, right?
As Lovia made her plans, she donned her Hood and cloak as usual and pushed open the door to blend into the afternoon bustle of Liyue Harbor.
First was Sanyu Bookstore. As always, she didn't go directly. Instead, she found a clever child playing at the docks, gave him a few Mora, and asked him to deliver the two letters and the large stack of manuscripts to the bookstore counter.
Watching the child run into the bookstore, Lovia breathed a sigh of relief and turned to merge into the gradually increasing flow of people on the street.
Next, she prepared to visit the Old Woman, and then look for the Fontaine shop.
Lovia passed through the bustling market and expertly turned into a small alley next to Chihu Rock.
A small stall was set up at the alley entrance, steaming hot, with the aroma of food permeating the air. That white-haired Old Woman was sitting on a small stool, nimbly arranging the kneaded rice nests into a steamer. Her white hair shimmered with fine light under the sun.
Lovia's footsteps paused, a sense of Warmth and reluctance rising in her heart.
This kind grandmother had given her the first warm meal and unreserved kindness when she had first arrived in Liyue and was at her most lost and helpless.
Lovia took a deep breath and pulled at her Hood, ensuring her face was properly hidden before stepping forward.
She was afraid her appearance would scare the Old Woman. Even saying she was a so-called "Adepti" might make the Old Woman too excited.
"Granny," Lovia called out softly as she approached.
The Old Woman looked up, squinting to recognize her, and then a kind smile blossomed on her face. "Oh, it's little Lovia! Come here, come here. This steamer of rice nests will be ready soon. I'll give you the first one to taste!"
"Granny, I'm not hungry," Lovia shook her head, her voice carrying a hint of a smile. "I'm here to help you."
As she spoke, she naturally walked to the stall and picked up a rag to wipe the already clean countertop.
The Old Woman didn't stop her, just watched her actions with a smile, chattering away, "Business is good today. Just now, a few young men from the ships bought ten in one go..."
Lovia listened while her hands didn't stop, but in her heart, she was preparing her words of farewell.
During a small lull in the flow of customers, she stopped and took out a small object carefully wrapped in soft cloth from the small bag she carried.
"Granny." She handed the item over, her voice becoming even softer. "I... I might be leaving Liyue soon."
The smile on the Old Woman's face didn't change at all. She nodded slightly and asked with concern, "It's good for young people to go out and see the world. Where are you planning to go? Will you come back?"
"I'm going to Fontaine. The return date... isn't certain yet. When I come back, I'll definitely come to see you," Lovia told her truthfully. As she spoke, she rummaged through her small bag. "This is for you, to thank you for taking care of me all this time."
She guessed the elderly woman might refuse, so she directly stuffed the small parcel into her hands.
"May you be safe and healthy."
The Old Woman was stunned for a moment, then opened the cloth bundle. Inside was a finely carved wooden hairpins with an auspicious cloud pattern. The wood was warm and the pattern simple; it wasn't expensive, but it was very elegant.
"This... this is too much, child..." She was momentarily at a loss.
"Please, you must accept it," Lovia said sincerely. "It's just a small keepsake. I will miss you, and I'll miss your rice nests."
The Old Woman looked at the hairpin, then at the girl before her who was always tightly wrapped up but possessed a kind heart. Her eyes grew slightly moist.
She reached out a rough but warm hand and gently patted Lovia's arm (she wasn't sure if the other party was willing to be hugged). "Good, good child, I'll accept it. When you're away from home, you must take good care of yourself... If you have time, come back and visit."
"Mhm." Lovia nodded vigorously, her throat feeling a bit choked up. Fortunately, it was hidden by the Hood.
The Old Woman didn't ask much about what Lovia was going to do; she just repeatedly stroked the hairpin and then carefully tucked it into her bosom.
"Come back soon, I'll save some delicious food for you."
"Mhm," Lovia nodded hard, her voice already carrying a nasal quality. "I will, Granny. You take care of yourself too."
Then, she stayed with the Old Woman for a while longer until the next wave of customers arrived. Only then did she make an excuse and take her leave.
As she turned to blend into the crowd, her heart felt warm.
Having said her goodbyes to the Old Woman, the next step was to face the Fontaine matters.
Lovia turned toward the Dock Area. She remembered there was a Fontaine shop there. Its location was a bit secluded, which was perfect for showing her secret to the shopkeeper.
However, just as she was crossing a relatively quiet flagstone road, a crisp and pleasant voice that made her heart tighten suddenly rang out from behind her to the side.
"Yo! Isn't this that shy little friend from last time? Where are you running off to?"
That voice was full of vitality and carried a hint of playfulness. Lovia knew who it was the moment she heard it.
-------------------------
If you enjoy this story, you can read 70+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
Webnovel will keep getting 1 new chapter every day but Patreon readers can stay far ahead.
Maybe it's not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
[email protected]/Greyhounds
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"