Soon, turning a corner, she saw the speakers.
They were two Melusines.
They wore dark blue uniforms. One's antennae swayed gently with her movements, while the other held several scrolls resembling documents, looking serious as they stood beside an ornately decorated fountain, discussing something in hushed tones.
When they noticed the approaching Neuvillette, they immediately stopped talking. Their large eyes lit up, and they greeted him cheerfully in unison: "Lord Neuvillette!"
Neuvillette's expression visibly softened. He gave a slight nod: "Kiara, Menthe, good afternoon."
Perhaps because Neuvillette was shielding Lovia behind him, they didn't notice Lovia at first.
Neuvillette slightly lowered his head and asked behind him: "Would you like to start familiarizing yourself with this place, and your kin, now?"
Lovia didn't think for long before quickly nodding, feeling both anticipation and a bit of nervousness about meeting unfamiliar kin. She took a deep breath and stepped out slowly from behind Neuvillette's tall figure.
Facing her kin, her heart involuntarily beat faster. She instinctively wanted to lower her gaze again, but seeing their clear eyes, she gave up the idea.
Sunlight fell on her without obstruction, clearly illuminating her appearance which blended human and Melusine features.
The two Melusines' gazes instantly focused on her.
Menthe, holding the documents, blinked her large eyes, her antennae swaying slightly in confusion. Kiara, however, opened her mouth slightly and let out a short, surprised gasp: "Ah!"
Lovia's heart leaped into her throat, her tail curling slightly as she waited for the expected questions.
However, Kiara then exclaimed in admiration: "So... so amazing!"
Menthe snapped out of it, her gaze also filled with friendliness: "It is indeed very unique. Welcome to Fontaine."
Holding the documents, she couldn't make large gestures easily but still tried hard to express goodwill.
The anticipated estrangement did not appear. Instead, there was curiosity and a sense of closeness between kin. Their focus wasn't "why is she different" but "she is so special and amazing."
A feeling of familiarity mixed with warmth welled up in her heart.
Lovia could even feel the tip of her tail behind her wag uncontrollably once, a small action she only had when feeling relaxed and happy.
"H-hello," Lovia said somewhat shyly, but her speech was already much smoother.
"I'm Kiara! I work at the Opera Epiclese!" Kiara introduced herself enthusiastically, waving a small hand at Lovia as she spoke.
"I'm Menthe, I also work at the Opera Epiclese!" Menthe tilted her head, looking at Lovia.
This recognition and acceptance from her own kind was more powerful than any words.
Neuvillette turned slightly, helping little Lovia introduce herself: "This is Lovia. She comes from Liyue and will live in Fontaine from now on."
After a moment of hesitation, Lovia mustered her courage and introduced herself: "Hello, I'm Lovia."
Then, Lovia felt the tip of her tail wag gently of its own accord. She pursed her lips, revealing a sincere and somewhat shy smile: "Thank you."
Neuvillette stood quietly to the side, watching the three Melusines converse naturally, his gaze gentle. He did not interrupt, merely providing a safe and inclusive space for this encounter.
"Is Lovia new to Fontaine?" Kiara asked with concern, her smile warm. "If you need any help, you can always come to us! Family should help each other!"
Family? Hearing this word from kin she just met, Lovia was a bit stunned. She didn't expect that upon arriving in Fontaine, she wouldn't make new friends first, but rather gain something akin to family.
Family... "Mm-hmm," Lovia nodded, her small hands involuntarily clutching at her clothes.
"Liyue is very far. The journey must have been hard! Did Lord Neuvillette personally go to bring you back?" Menthe blinked her large eyes, her tone carrying admiration. "That's wonderful!"
Kiara, noticing Lovia seemed a bit reserved, softened her voice: "It might feel a bit unfamiliar at first, that's okay. We were the same when we first arrived. It's very safe here, everyone is friendly."
Faced with her kin's unreserved welcome and kindness, Lovia's hands clutching her clothes relaxed slightly. She gave a smile and responded softly: "Thank you... I'm new here, there's still a lot I don't understand."
"It's fine, just take your time!" Menthe said enthusiastically. "Where are you staying? We can show you around Fontaine later!"
"Lord Neuvillette arranged a place for me to stay, in... in Fontaine," Lovia answered, instinctively glancing at Neuvillette beside her.
Neuvillette gave a slight nod and said to the Melusines: "Lovia is new here and not yet familiar with her surroundings. If needed in the future, I would appreciate it if you could look out for her."
"Don't worry, Lord Neuvillette!" they both agreed in unison, clearly very willing.
"We live nearby," Menthe added, her voice gentle and reliable. "If you're unsure about the area or need someone to guide you, you can come find us anytime!"
Kiara nodded vigorously, her antennae swaying animatedly: "Yes, yes! I know which bakery has the most fragrant butter cookies, and I know the best angle to view the Fountain of Lucine at dusk! I can take you to see them all!"
Their enthusiasm enveloped Lovia like a warm tide. That deep-seated connection from shared blood made her eyes grow hot.
"O-okay," her voice was slightly choked, but her smile grew even brighter. "I will definitely come find you."
After a brief conversation, Kiara and Menthe, as they still had work, bid farewell to Neuvillette and Lovia. Hand in hand, they skipped away. As they left, Kiara even turned back and waved energetically at Lovia.
"Goodbye, Kiara, Menthe." Lovia also waved, watching their figures disappear around the street corner.
As they continued walking, Lovia felt her steps had become much lighter. She secretly glanced up at Neuvillette beside her and said softly: "They... are very cute."
"Mm," Neuvillette looked ahead, his tone full of gentleness. "Melusines are an indispensable part of Fontaine, possessing pure hearts. Not just them, you will gradually discover that Fontaine has many beings willing to treat others with goodwill."
Lovia nodded vigorously.
"They are just as I imagined... no, even better than I imagined," she said quietly, her tone carrying relieved joy and excitement.
Neuvillette gave a slight nod. His gaze swept over her tail, which was no longer deliberately restrained but wagging naturally and slightly. He felt relieved, a trace of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
"It seems your choice to live here was the right decision."
"Mm!" Lovia nodded hard, her chest filled to the brim with "hope."
"Let's go," Neuvillette turned and resumed leading the way, his pace still steady. "Your new home is just ahead."
Walking towards her new residence, Lovia's mood was noticeably much lighter.
Witnessing firsthand how naturally Melusines were accepted within Fontaine, living harmoniously with other races, and personally feeling the care from her own kin, she gained more confidence in the future she had chosen.
Neuvillette led her to a two-story house with a small courtyard, located at a quiet street corner. It was some distance from the bustling main road, the environment tranquil, matching his earlier description of "secluded."
"This will be your residence from now on," Neuvillette handed her the keys. "Basic necessities are already provided inside. If you need anything else, you can acquire it yourself. If you encounter difficulties, you can come find me at the Opera Epiclese."
Lovia took the keys, her fingertips feeling slightly cool.
Looking at this large house (scratched out) big house that would soon be hers, and then at the Hydro Dragon King beside her who had arranged everything so thoroughly, her heart was filled with gratitude.
T-this big?!
"Really... thank you so, so much, Lord Neuvillette," she said sincerely.
Neuvillette shook his head gently: "No need for thanks. From now on, this is your home. Please settle in peacefully."
He paused, then added: "Well then, I won't disturb your rest. May you live happily here."
Having said that, he gave a slight nod, handed Lovia her luggage, then turned and left, giving Lovia space to familiarize herself with her new environment alone.
"Thank you so much, Lord Neuvillette! Goodbye! Next time, next time remember to visit me!"
"Mm, rest well. See you."
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