As dragon of all, Neuvillette's arrival in Liyue took only a matter of minutes.
After resolving the urgent affairs, he swiftly arranged the authorization protocols for his absence. Before long, his figure silently appeared on the west side of Qiu Fen Mountain.
Neuvillette did not choose to cross the sea directly on the water's surface, as that would be too terrifying for mortals, potentially causing unnecessary panic and contradicting his initial intent to act discreetly. He used a trace of his inherent power, merging his form with the water, and sensing the direction of Liyue. In just a few short minutes, he had quietly appeared on a secluded stretch of coast outside Liyue Harbor.
In the distance, the massive port city, built against the mountains and facing the sea, was prosperous and bustling. Its clamor could be faintly perceived even from this distance.
Neuvillette contained most of the elemental fluctuations around him, making him appear merely as an extraordinary foreign traveler.
According to the limited information provided by the Sea Gazers Pavilion, the Melusine was temporarily residing near the Dock Area. The Dock Area is a melting pot of people, hiding chaos. For a Melusine—who is different, weak, and dislikes interacting with others—this place is both easy to hide in and potentially fraught with more danger.
But he could not leave immediately.
Neuvillette suppressed the urge to follow the information and go there at once.
Power brings convenience, but it is not the sole principle for action, especially when he represents the highest will of Fontaine, even if this journey is undertaken in a private capacity.
His form shifted slightly, and elemental power flowed around him. The next moment, he had appeared in an inconspicuous corner near the grand and busy Sea Gazers Pavilion in Liyue. He straightened his robe, which had become slightly disheveled from the high-speed movement, ensuring he was as dignified and proper as ever, before taking measured steps toward the entrance.
Although he did not teleport directly in front of people, Neuvillette's appearance immediately drew attention.
His extraordinary demeanor and the exquisite Fontaine-style attire made him particularly conspicuous in front of the Sea Gazers Pavilion in Liyue. The moment he stepped out of the corner, the guarding Millelith soldiers cautiously approached to investigate.
The Millelith soldier's attitude was not rude, but very polite: "Sir, may I ask the purpose of your visit?"
"I am from Fontaine," Neuvillette introduced himself calmly, conveying his usual composure and authority. "I previously corresponded with Tianquan Star Ningguang regarding a certain matter. Having arrived in Liyue today, I have come specifically to follow protocol and make the necessary report. I trouble you to please notify her."
"From Fontaine?" Seeing the visitor's extraordinary bearing and hearing that he seemed to be an envoy from Fontaine seeking the Tianquan Star, the Millelith soldier's expression turned serious. He immediately bowed. "Please wait a moment, I will notify them right away."
The wait was not long.
Soon, a capable middle-aged man quickly walked out, his face showing an appropriate mix of warmth and respect: "An envoy from Fontaine has graced us with your presence! I apologize for not welcoming you sooner. I am the Receptionist of the Sea Gazers Pavilion in Liyue, responsible for receiving foreign guests. Please follow me to the reception room so we may speak in detail."
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Neuvillette followed the Receptionist through the busy corridors of the Sea Gazers Pavilion and entered an elegant and quiet reception room. The interior decoration combined Liyue's grandeur with practicality, and a faint scent of sandalwood permeated the air.
The Receptionist respectfully invited Neuvillette to sit and instructed an attendant to serve hot tea.
"Please rest here for a moment, Sir Envoy. We have urgently reported the news of your arrival." The Receptionist's attitude remained respectful, but a degree of caution was visible in his eyes. After all, a visitor from Fontaine claiming an appointment with the Tianquan Star, yet arriving without prior official documentation, required careful handling by Liyue authorities.
Neuvillette nodded slightly. He did not touch the tea, but sat upright, his posture impeccable.
"I appreciate the trouble."
They did not wait long. Steady yet slightly hurried footsteps sounded outside the door. Before long, the reception room door was pushed open again, and in walked a young woman with brisk steps, dressed in a magnificent purple gown.
Her purple eyes were sharp, and the moment she entered, her gaze fixed on Neuvillette, who was sitting upright.
"This is Yuheng Star Keqing, one of the Seven Stars of Liyue," the Receptionist quickly introduced, bowing, his tone even more deferential.
Keqing raised her hand slightly, signaling the Receptionist not to bother with formalities. Her voice was clear: "The Tianquan Star is currently occupied with important duties and cannot spare the time. Hearing that an extraordinary guest has arrived from Fontaine, I have come in her stead. I am Keqing, the Yuheng Star, one of the Seven Stars of Liyue."
She walked over and sat down in the main seat opposite Neuvillette, her posture elegant yet efficient.
"Sir, having traveled a great distance, Liyue naturally welcomes you according to protocol. However, forgive my directness, but the Sea Gazers Pavilion did not receive any prior official documentation regarding the formal visit of a Fontaine delegation. You claim to have corresponded with Ningguang—what was the subject of that correspondence? And why did you... arrive so discreetly?"
Her questions were direct and hit the nail on the head.
Facing Keqing's blunt interrogation, Neuvillette showed no sign of displeasure.
He calmly met her purple eyes and explained in a steady, gentle manner: "Yuheng Star, it is a pleasure. I am the iudex of Fontaine. You may simply address me by my surname, Neuvillette. My journey is not in the name of an official Fontaine delegation, but rather for personal reasons."
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