These two books, from beginning to end, were written by Lovia alone!
"Part One" was her learning, imitation, and summary of human Liyue food culture, a proof of her attempt to understand the human group. Relying on some of her knowledge from Fontaine and her unimaginable observation and learning abilities, she had managed to write a culinary monograph capable of leading trends.
And "Part Two" was the "Melusine Gourmet Guide" she wrote after truly letting go of her inhibitions, based entirely on her own racial characteristics, a work used to showcase the Melusine concept of "gourmet."
Her fictionalizing of a "Fontaine Melusine Consultant" in the preface was precisely to provide a reasonable explanation for the "unorthodoxy" of "Part Two," directing potential attention to a fictional "other," thereby better hiding herself.
That Old Woman at the snack stall might have provided some convenience in purchasing ingredients, but she was by no means a core collaborator.
Her mention of a "Melusine Consultant" in the preface might not refer to someone else, but was a clever self-revelation, or to provide a reasonable explanation for the "unorthodoxy" of "Part Two," directing potential attention to a fictional "visitor from Fontaine," thereby better hiding herself.
The pen name "Housewife Cook," now that he thought about it, carried a subtle self-deprecation; "housewife" vaguely matched her secluded behavior pattern.
This deduction perfectly explained why the two books, although in the same series, had vastly different styles, and also explained why the author chose to be anonymous.
The dice in Yelan's fingertips spun steadily, and the sharp scrutiny belonging to an intelligence officer in his heart was gradually tempered by a more complex emotion.
Interesting.
A Melusine from Fontaine was actually trying to integrate into humanity, trying to touch and understand Liyue culture in such a unique way.
That "Part One" was clearly the antennae she had tentatively extended to touch Liyue culture. She was learning, understanding, imitating, and trying to contribute value recognized by humans.
And "Part Two" was the side of her true self she plucked up the courage to show after confirming her sense of security.
Yelan recalled several previous observations of Lovia.
That small blue figure always hurried past street corners, clutching purchased supplies and quickly disappearing behind the small courtyard gate, like a startled Round Sparrow.
At the time, he had only attributed it to the instinctive fear of a different race in an unfamiliar environment. But now it seemed that behind that hurried figure, there might also be a sense of focus. Lovia was rushing home, rushing to transform what she saw, heard, and felt into rigorous words and whimsical ideas under her pen.
This was also why that Little Melusine went out, either to buy ingredients or to help at the small stall (do you all still remember that Old Woman?).
"Not a threat..." Yelan confirmed this initial judgment again in his heart, but the weight was now different.
Before, it was "low risk not requiring attention," but now it was a "potential possibility worth appreciating."
Ningguang's teasing wasn't for nothing. Yelan felt no displeasure at being teased at this moment; instead, his interest was piqued.
Liyue Harbor is all-encompassing, accommodating countless merchants and immigrants from all over Teyvat. But someone like Lovia, who tried to take root in such a secretive yet profound way, was probably the first.
Yelan picked up the slightly cool tea and took a sip. He was used to controlling, planning, and using information to achieve various goals. But this time, facing this small figure hiding behind words, he rarely had a thought that deviated from his duties.
Perhaps, there was another way.
Go directly to the door and expose her? That would be too crude and would probably completely scare away this creature that had finally managed to stick out its antennae a little. Secretly exert influence and provide her with some well-timed "convenience"?
For example, ensuring her manuscript fees wouldn't be embezzled by the book merchant.
A faint curve formed at the corner of Yelan's mouth.
This sounded like a pretty good "long-term observation project." Perhaps, this could quietly provide an invisible protective umbrella for this little one trying to integrate into Liyue.
The dice vanished from his fingertips, and Yelan merged into the bustling crowd of Liyue Harbor. A gentle and secretive plan had quietly taken shape in his heart.
[Side Theater (Unrelated to the main text)]
Bookshop owner Sun Sanyu: Ye, Lord Yelan, you're saying... "Housewife Cook's" manuscript fees?
Yelan: Correct. Her manuscript fees must be paid on time and in full. Not a single cent less.
Sun Sanyu: Yes, yes, yes! How would I dare to embezzle the manuscript fees! (Muttering in his heart: That's Mr. Lovia! How could he possibly embezzle from him?)
Yelan: It's good that you know. I appreciate this author very much. If there are any obstacles in the sales of her books... Sun Sanyu: Absolutely not! I will definitely promote them vigorously! The manuscript fees will be settled on the same day, with no delay!
(A few days later, in the Bookshop's accounting room)
Accountant: Boss, "Housewife Cook's" manuscript fees for this month are settled. They're thirty percent more than last month.
Book merchant owner: We're making money... it's just that those recipes in "Part Two," the day before yesterday Chef Xiangling from Wanmin Restaurant almost got diarrhea from researching them...
-------------------------
If you enjoy this story, you can read 70+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
Webnovel will keep getting 1 new chapter every day but Patreon readers can stay far ahead.
Maybe it's not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
[email protected]/Greyhounds
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"