Hu Tao: "Hey, consultant, do you think Lovi has seen the special promotion for new and old customers that our WangSheng Funeral Parlor held not long ago?"
Zhongli: "..."
...Lovi walked through the streets and alleys of Liyue Harbor, feeling her heart beating violently in her chest. It wasn't just because she had encountered the two big bosses of the WangSheng Funeral Parlor, but also because of the run she had just made.
She subconsciously touched her chest, feeling the palpitations there gradually calm down.
Calm down, Lovi, calm down.
She said to herself in her heart.
It's no big deal. Although Director Hu Tao's enthusiasm is overwhelming, she's purely kind-hearted. As for Zhongli... he's the god of Liyue, and it's even more impossible for him to make things difficult for her.
Thinking of this, she was suddenly stunned for a moment.
That's right! Zhongli doesn't know her at all! Her masterpiece hasn't even been published yet, so why on earth is she feeling guilty!
This thought dispelled most of the gloom in her heart.
Moreover, she only now realized that although she had been somewhat overwhelmed by Hu Tao's enthusiasm just now, she hadn't panicked to the point of being almost unable to think, only wanting to run away or completely retreat into her shell like she did when she first arrived in this world.
Now, she could clearly analyze the current situation, make a response, and even politely say goodbye and slip away at the end.
Yes... Lovi realized that living in Liyue during this period, especially getting along with partners like Xiangling, Guoba, Xingqiu, and Master Mao, had subtly changed her.
The warm atmosphere of the Wanmin Restaurant's backyard, her friends' hearty laughter and silent care, had bit by bit nourished her parched and closed heart.
And... Neuvillette.
Thinking of that name, his steady voice, and the 'place to belong' he promised to provide, Lovi felt a bit more confidence in her heart. It was a very strange feeling, unprecedented, like a sense of security from having someone to rely on.
Even though Fontaine was thousands of miles away and she was still in Liyue, that promise itself was enough to give her courage.
She couldn't keep hiding like this forever.
If she wanted to go to Fontaine, she had to take this step.
Lovi took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, her clenched little fists slowly relaxing. She stood up straight again, adjusted her slightly crooked Hood, and her gaze became firm once more.
The goal remains unchanged: find that Fontaine shop!
This time, she didn't hesitate anymore. She identified the direction and walked towards the Fontaine shop in the Dock Area that was in a relatively secluded location according to her memory.
The closer she got to the docks, the stronger the salty smell of the sea breeze became, and the sounds of cargo ships honking and workers shouting reached her ears. Lovi followed her memory and turned into a relatively quiet side road, and sure enough, she saw the shop with the Fontaine-style sign hanging on it.
But... why isn't the owner here?
Lovi stood at the door and carefully peered inside, but although the shop was open, there was no one inside.
Where's the owner? Huh?
Does she have to call out for someone? She can't bring herself to shout!
Should she... try another shop?
Just as Lovi was hesitating and turning around to find another Fontaine shop, she suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure not far behind her.
That person stood quietly in the shadows of the crossroads behind her, tall and upright, dressed in luxurious clothes, looking out of place in the slightly messy dock environment, yet magically calming all the surrounding noise.
The sunlight outlined his silver-white hair and slender silhouette.
It's... Neuvillette?!
Lovi's eyes widened suddenly, and she almost thought she was hallucinating.
Hasn't he already left? Why would he appear here?
Under her shocked gaze, Neuvillette stepped slowly out of the shadows and came before her. His gaze first swept over her small face, which was slightly pale from tension, and then landed on the sign of the Fontaine shop, a look of understanding flashing in his eyes.
He crouched down to bring his eye level to hers, his voice steady as always, conveying a reassuring strength.
"It seems my 'departure' has caused you some minor trouble." His words were filled with concern.
Lovi opened her mouth but couldn't make a sound. She just stared at him blankly, her blue eyes filled with disbelief and the sense of grievance that came with sudden relaxation.
Seeing her like this, the softness in Neuvillette's eyes deepened, and he added softly, "My apologies, I am late."
This apology was gentle and solemn, not just a formality. In his heart, he truly felt a sense of regret for this brief "delay."
"You... you didn't leave?" Lovi finally found her voice.
"I did not go far." Neuvillette straightened up and looked towards the shop. "Since I promised your safety, I believed that waiting nearby was a more prudent choice."
He spoke calmly, as if this were the most natural arrangement.
Lovi understood instantly that this Melusine Patriarch was silently guarding her in a way that didn't hurt her self-esteem.
A warm current dispersed all her unease and hesitation. She shook her head vigorously, her eyes feeling a bit hot. "Thank you... Lord Neuvillette. I'm sorry for making you waste so much time waiting for me..."
And she had spent quite a while writing her book! She had actually wasted so much of Neuvillette's time!! Waaah!!
Neuvillette shook his head gently, his gaze falling warmly on her face, which had developed a faint blush.
"It is I who should apologize," he said in a low voice. "I did not previously perceive your true purpose in coming here. Had I known sooner, I could have revealed myself directly, sparing you this period of unease."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the little one's slightly trembling fingers, a flash of understanding crossing his eyes.
"So, Lovi, are you ready now?" he asked gently. "If you are willing, we can return to Fontaine together."
Lovi took a deep breath, feeling the familiar tension in her chest being replaced by a new kind of courage.
She looked up at Neuvillette's steady face and no longer hesitated, nodding gently. "I'm ready."
Neuvillette gave a soft "Mm."
Then, his gaze rested quietly on Lovi. She was still wrapped in that oversized hooded cloak, her entire being tightly bundled within it.
This attire was actually quite inappropriate for Liyue's warm weather; it was more like a subconscious form of self-protection, like a frightened small animal hiding in a nest it deemed safe.
A trace of imperceptible pity flickered in the depths of Neuvillette's eyes.
He thought for a moment and then asked softly, "When we return to Fontaine, would you be willing to take off this cloak?"
Lovi was slightly startled and subconsciously gripped the edge of her clothes. "But, but Fontaine's laws..."
A flash of surprise crossed Neuvillette's eyes, and he immediately realized what she was referring to.
He noticed Lovi's tightly pursed lips and began to soothe her gently. "In Fontaine, many Melusines live. Although you are slightly different from other Melusines, with me there, I will testify for you that you are of a natural humanoid form."
"That way, you need not worry about violating the laws of Fontaine."
Lovi was a bit surprised and nodded, but remained silent.
Neuvillette sighed inwardly.
He understood. Besides the law, she was also worried about the clothing itself. She was afraid that after taking off this "protective shell," she would have to face a brand-new environment, as well as those of her own kind who were similar to her, with an appearance she considered different.
Neuvillette thought for a moment and tried to explain the situation in Fontaine to Lovi: "In Fontaine, there are all sorts of living beings, and there are also Melusine kin similar to yourself. Please do not worry; no one will view you as an outlier. You do not need to hide yourself."
Seeing that Lovi didn't respond, a gentler ripple spread through his eyes, mixed with apology: "Forgive me, I was merely asking. You need not force yourself."
His voice was still so reassuring: "As for this cloak, if it brings you peace of mind, you may decide entirely according to your own will when to take it off, or whether to take it off at all."
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