The interior of the Fontaine Post Office was spacious and bright, with a line of people that wasn't too long. Lovia took a deep breath and stepped into the line at the counter marked 'Mailing Services.'
The staff members were very efficient, and it was soon her turn.
The clerk behind the counter was a young woman who skillfully took the letter Lovia handed over. "Sent to Liyue Harbor, correct? Alright, please wait a moment..."
As she processed the paperwork, she naturally looked up at Lovia and then, as if remembering something, said in a cheerful tone, "Oh! You must be the young lady who returned with Lord Neuvillette yesterday? Welcome to Fontaine!"
Lovia's heart skipped a beat, and she nodded somewhat helplessly. "Y-yes, thank you!"
A brief silence followed as Lovia stood on her tiptoes, curiously watching the clerk process her request.
After all, this was the first time in her life she had ever sent a letter, and it felt quite interesting.
A short while later.
"The procedures are all finished." The clerk took the Mora Lovia handed her and then passed back the receipt with a bright smile. "I wish you a pleasant life in Fontaine!"
The entire process was unexpectedly smooth.
Holding the receipt as she walked out of the post office and back into the bright sunlight, Lovia still felt a bit dazed.
She really... relied on herself, without wearing her Hood or cloak, to come out, ask for directions, and even successfully send a letter! (Even if she did get lost.)
There was no panic, no rejection, only friendly guidance and ordinary treatment.
She looked down at the receipt in her hand, then up at the clear blue sky of Fontaine. An unprecedented lightheartedness bubbled up from the bottom of her heart like fizzing soda.
She convinced herself not to rush home (actually, she was lost), then slowed her pace to leisurely observe the city where she would be living for a long time.
Although she had caught a rough glimpse of her surroundings yesterday, her state of mind now was completely different.
The shop windows lining the streets were filled with a dazzling array of goods, pigeons strolled leisurely by the roadside, and Fontaine's unique blue roofs glittered like gold under the sun.
All of this was no longer just symbols on a map or game scenes, but a reality she could touch.
Her tail began to sway gently behind her unconsciously, natural and relaxed.
Lovia was so engrossed that she walked aimlessly down the street, completely pushing the matter of 'finding her way' to the back of her mind.
It wasn't until her calves felt a bit sore that Lovia snapped out of it and looked around once more.
What met her eyes was still unfamiliar street scenery, with no overlap whatsoever with the path she remembered taking.
Why does everywhere look the same?
I'm clearly not someone with a bad sense of direction!!
Lovia wailed in her heart.
"Sigh..." Finally, she let out a sigh and muttered softly, "There really is a difference between games and reality..."
The real Fontaine was much larger than in the game, and the roads were more complex; it really wasn't friendly to a newcomer like her.
Fortunately, she had remembered the house number.
Just as she was hesitating whether to find someone else to ask for directions, a very pleasant voice came from behind her to the side: "...Eh?"
The voice was slightly familiar. Lovia whipped her head around and locked eyes with a pair of large, bright eyes.
"It's you!" the other party cried out in surprise, the antennae on her head swaying happily. "Lovia, right? I'm Kiara!"
It was actually the Little Melusine Kiara, whom she had just met yesterday!
Today she had changed into a light dress and was carrying a small basket, looking as if she had just finished shopping or was taking a leisurely stroll.
"Kiara!" Lovia recognized her too. Encountering a familiar friend of the same race while feeling so lost and helpless was like finding a savior. "W-what a coincidence!"
"Yes, yes!" Kiara's smile was radiant as she leaned in closer and asked with concern, "Eh? Are you out exploring the environment by yourself? How brave!"
Lovia pursed her lips a bit bashfully and confessed in a small voice, "Actually... I came out to mail a letter, but after I finished, I couldn't find the way home..."
Her voice grew smaller as she spoke, and even the tip of her tail curled up in embarrassment.
"Pfft—" Kiara couldn't help but laugh, but she immediately waved her hands. "Don't worry, don't worry! I used to get lost all the time when I first arrived! The streets of Fontaine do look similar sometimes. Do you remember your address? I'll take you back!"
"I remember, I remember!" Lovia nodded hastily and quickly recited the house number she had memorized that morning.
"Ah, I know that place! So that's where the new house Lord Neuvillette arranged for you is!" Kiara understood immediately. "It's not far from where I and Menthe live. It's very quiet over there. Come with me!"
With Kiara leading the way, Lovia felt much more at ease.
The two Melusines walked side by side down the street. Kiara had a lively personality, and even though Lovia didn't say much, Kiara kept introducing the scenery along the way.
"Look at that 'Café Lucerne' over there; their cakes are delicious! We can come here together next time!"
"That one is the 'House of Lumidouce Bell,' which sells many beautiful accessories and fabrics. Menthe loves to shop here."
"Turn the corner up ahead and you'll reach the Court of Fontaine Plaza; it's beautiful at night!"
"Let me tell you a secret, my memory is actually quite bad too!"
...With Kiara's enthusiastic introductions, a general outline of the surroundings gradually formed in Lovia's mind, and she began to look forward to playing at these interesting places with Kiara and the others in the future.
"You just went to mail a letter? Is it for a friend in Liyue?" Kiara asked curiously.
"Yes." Lovia nodded. Mentioning the letter made her mood lighthearted again. "Just to let them know I'm safe and tell them I'm doing well here."
"That's so nice!" Kiara said sincerely.
They walked and chatted, the atmosphere relaxed and pleasant.
With Kiara by her side, Lovia felt the last remnants of tension from walking alone on the streets vanish completely.
"Look, turn into that street up ahead and you'll be home!" Kiara pointed to an intersection not far away.
Lovia looked up and saw the now somewhat familiar street corner come into view.
Had she unknowingly walked that far?
She looked at the two-story house with the small courtyard, and a warm current and sense of belonging surged in her heart.
"Thank you so much, Kiara." Standing at her doorstep, Lovia thanked her sincerely. "If I hadn't run into you, I might have been wandering outside for a long time!"
"You're welcome!" Kiara waved her hand with a warm smile. "Friends are supposed to help each other! In the future, if you want to go out but are afraid of getting lost, you can come find me or Menthe anytime! We'd be happy to be your guides!"
"Our house is right over there!" As she spoke, Kiara pointed in a direction and told Lovia the address.
"Mm!" Lovia nodded vigorously, her antennae swaying along with her. "I will."
Lovia spoke up, saying the lines she had rehearsed in her head several times, trying to invite her new friend in to sit for a while: "Kiara, would you like to come in and sit? Have some tea..."
She invited softly, her antennae unconsciously leaning forward slightly, revealing her anticipation.
"Not today!" Kiara's tone was light, and she pointed to her small basket with a hint of regret. "I still have to help Menthe pick up something she reserved. The appointment time is almost here! Next time, I'll definitely come next time!"
Although she was a little disappointed, Lovia understood completely and nodded quickly. "Okay, then definitely next time."
"Mm! It's a deal!" Kiara nodded, her antennae swaying playfully. "Then I'll be going now! See you later, Lovia!"
"See you later!" Lovia stood at the door, waving vigorously at Kiara's briskly departing figure.
Only when that familiar figure disappeared around the corner did she turn and push open her front door.
The inside of the house was as quiet as when she had left, but Lovia's state of mind now was completely different from when she had stepped out.
A grounded and full sense of satisfaction enveloped her.
She had not only completed mailing the letter on her own but had also encountered friendly help when she was lost and made an appointment with a friend of her own race.
She carefully smoothed out the mailing receipt and tucked it into her desk drawer.
Just thinking about what Kiara had said to her made Lovia unable to help smiling, her tail swaying gently behind her with obvious joy.
Everything is stable!
"Next, it's unofficial history time!"
Lovia narrowed her eyes with pleasure and spread out her little notebook of inspiration next to the typewriter.
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