"Father's" call and the deep-seated, inseparable longing for other Melusines and her home in Fontaine attracted her like a magnet.
With Father's answer, combined with the fact that Neuvillette might be able to help her (she was afraid of him before because she thought she was a human form changed by a potion), she... might not need to keep hiding her identity?
But, should she set off immediately?
A strong thought popped up: it wasn't time yet. (This time it wasn't out of fear of exposure.)
This wasn't just out of reluctance to leave her current easy life; another reason that made it impossible for her to just walk away surfaced in her heart: her attachment to the identity of "Lovia" in Liyue and her promise to Shopkeeper Sun.
She had just signed a contract with the Bookshop and received an advance on her manuscript fees. The story she was writing was only halfway through, she still had many Liyue "unofficial histories" she wanted to write, and countless readers (she optimistically believed there would be) were waiting for her next work.
That kind old gentleman had given her, this "mysterious author," trust and help. She couldn't just walk away, leaving behind an unfinished work and an unfulfilled contract.
She needed time.
More importantly, she faintly felt that her life in Liyue might be the best way for her to prepare for her "return."
Therefore, she would go back, but not now.
After making up her mind, Lovia concentrated her mind again and sent her clear and firm thoughts toward the direction of that grand consciousness: "I understand. Thank you for telling me."
"I have received your call, and I am very happy to hear your voice... I long to see my sisters, and I long to return to the place of origin."
"But, please allow me, I cannot set off immediately."
"I am doing well here; I've just settled down, and my body is recovering. I also have unfulfilled promises here. I will go back, please... give me a little more time."
She told him her reasons honestly, without concealment, only a sincere request.
This sudden so-called "paternal love" made Lovia feel at a loss; the part of her that was an orphan deep down was still watching warily.
Would He understand her? Would He respect a child's wishes?
Lovia had never felt paternal love, and at this moment, her heart was even more uneasy.
The thoughts were sent out like a stone sinking into the sea, receiving no direct response, but the faint connection lingering around was not cut off. The seawater remained gentle, and that "Song of the Deep Sea" seemed to turn into background music, no longer urgent but returning to its previous long and soothing rhythm.
A moment later, that distant voice rang out again, tinged with a hint of gratification.
"...Good..." Father's voice was full of understanding and tolerance. "...I... will... wait..."
This simple response was like a warm current, quietly soaking into the last of the unease and anxiety in Lovia's heart.
That unconditional acceptance and tolerance made her feel a strange bitterness, almost bringing her to tears. This feeling was too unfamiliar, and for a moment, she didn't know how to respond.
She didn't call Him Father, and He didn't blame her. She refused His call, and He didn't urge her, only lovingly indicating He would wait. That warmth originating from the bloodline was so real; she had never experienced such unconditional acceptance, making it impossible for her to fully resist.
Lovia hesitated for a moment, finally trying to respond softly in her heart: "Thank you... Father."
The title was still awkward, but it carried a tiny throb, making a certain someone's cheeks flush slightly red.
Lovia wanted to continue asking some questions, such as why her token was a quill pen instead of mechanical parts, why she would get "sick" if she threw the token away, and why she appeared in Liyue instead of Fontaine... Unfortunately, this exchange seemed somewhat difficult for Him. After Lovia gave her thanks, that massive consciousness began to recede slowly like a tide, soon leaving only a final lingering sound, as if the clear conversation just now was merely a deep dream.
Lovia listened carefully for a while longer; the call gradually became faint, drifted away, and finally disappeared, returning to silence.
She flicked her tail and swam in the sea with a complex mood for quite a while before surfacing.
The afternoon sun spilled warmly over her body, feeling very comfortable.
Some things had already changed.
She had a place of origin and a path home. Even if she still needed time to adapt to how to accept this sudden family affection.
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