A strong sense of apology welled up in Neuvillette's heart, but he did not show it directly.
This Little Melusine before him was so wary, perhaps not just because she had suffered something terrible. She must have faced many grievances during her days wandering Liyue, and perhaps even encountered unfriendly treatment, which was why she held such deep vigilance toward strangers.
Yes, it was for this very reason that he had come in person.
Neuvillette sighed inwardly, immediately reining in any aura that might feel oppressive, even deliberately calming the hydro element power naturally flowing around him. He slowed his breathing slightly and spoke in the gentlest Teyvat common tongue he could manage: "Please do not be afraid."
Lovia: "!!!"
His voice is exactly the same too! Deep, magnetic, and so majestic!
He looks so good! So handsome!
Wait, no! Does Neuvillette know her? No, that's impossible; she's a transmigrator! Then why is he looking at her like that?
Her mind racing with random thoughts, Lovia remained frozen, her fingers involuntarily picking at the wooden basin.
Seeing that she didn't immediately run away or scream, Neuvillette felt slightly relieved, but her silent fear pained him even more. He carefully took a very small step forward.
"I mean no harm," he emphasized, his gaze involuntarily falling upon the fish blood and stains on her hands and cheeks, as well as those... crude coverings that he truly could not bring himself to call "clothing."
A surge of bitterness and responsibility rushed through his heart.
"I am from Fontaine, and I am The Iudex of Fontaine," he introduced himself, attempting to establish initial trust. "You may call me Neuvillette."
Fontaine!
These two words were like a key, instantly flipping a switch in Lovia's chaotic thoughts.
Right, he's The Iudex of Fontaine; he protects the people of Fontaine, including the Melusines! So, did he... come looking for her because he sensed a Melusine's presence? But Liyue is so far from Fontaine, how is that possible?
Or was he notified by Elynas's lingering consciousness? Is Elynas really that amazing?
No, no, she's a Humanoid Melusine, so is this Hydro Dragon King here to catch her? Should she just make a run for it now?
Can she outrun him?
Countless thoughts flashed through her mind like lightning. She subconsciously took a step back, the wooden basin nearly slipping from her hands. The fish inside wobbled, and her trembling antennae betrayed the turbulent emotions within her.
Neuvillette took in her reaction, becoming even more certain of his judgment.
She actually felt fear toward "Fontaine." Hearing those words, her eyes seemed even more flustered (Lovia: I'm having a massive brainstorm). There must be some hidden hardship behind this.
Was it because she knew she was different from other Melusines? Or... had the people of Fontaine done something to her?
Neuvillette sighed in his heart, his tone becoming increasingly gentle.
"I know of your identity, and I know of your natural... difference from other Melusines." Neuvillette tried to soothe her, stating the reason he had come for her. "So, you no longer need to hide, nor do you need to be afraid. The purpose of my journey is to find you."
Neuvillette's gaze was warm and inclusive, sweeping over her unique blue antennae and wings, then over her distinctly humanized features, finally resting on her face.
"Do not be afraid. If... anyone has ever caused you DMG, I will uphold justice for you."
He knows her identity? He knows why she's different from other Melusines? He... came specifically to find her? And he wants to uphold justice for her? What justice?
A barrage of information left Lovia dizzy, but her fear indeed lessened significantly. At least this Lord Iudex didn't seem like he was here to throw her in prison; he even seemed ready to protect her.
And... he actually knows she's a rare natural Humanoid Melusine on the continent of Teyvat? As expected of dragon of all!
Lovia's eyes suddenly widened.
Does this mean that if she had run straight to Fontaine when she first arrived, she wouldn't have ended up in prison? Was she just scaring herself all this time?
So she was just being too cautious??
No, no, stop thinking about these useless things; dragon of all is still looking at her.
Lovia's lips moved, wanting to say something, like "Hello, Lord Iudex, my name is Lovia," or "Did you mistake me for someone else? Actually, I'm not a Melusine, I'm a human who turned into a Melusine," but her throat felt blocked, and she could only manage a trembling whisper.
Neuvillette took in her silence and helplessness.
He realized that mere verbal comfort might not be enough; he needed a clearer gesture to express his goodwill and purpose.
He slowly took another tentative step forward, closing the distance slightly while still maintaining enough space so she wouldn't feel oppressed. His gaze swept over the wooden basin in her hands—the struggling fish and the bloody water—the contrast with her slender and petite figure was far too stark.
"I see you are processing this food..." Neuvillette chose his words carefully, avoiding anything that might make her feel embarrassed. "...It seems you have been working hard to live on your own."
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