His voice became even deeper and softer, as if afraid of startling a deer in the forest: "But in Fontaine, we would never let any citizen, especially a Melusine, endure such hardships alone."
Neuvillette's gaze once again swept over her simple dwelling (which was actually quite cozy inside), the dirty wooden basin in her hands, and those "tattered" clothes. His voice carried an irrepressible pity and sorrow: "Everything you have experienced in Liyue... wandering, being abducted to this place, being forced away from your home, and even having to hide yourself—all of it will come to an end."
Lovia: "..."
Wait, Lord Iudex, have you misunderstood something?!
No wonder she felt something was off when listening to Neuvillette just now; not only that, but Neuvillette's emotions seemed off too!
She looked into his eyes, which were filled with a sorrowful "I understand, you've suffered" expression, then looked down at the fish in her hands and her "work clothes" that were convenient for labor. Finally, she realized with a start.
The Iudex, it seems, possibly, probably... has hallucinated a story called "The Hardship Survival of a Kidnapped Foreign Little Melusine"?!
She opened her mouth, her throat a bit dry, wanting to explain: "I..."
She wanted to explain that she was actually doing okay, that she was killing fish like this just because she thought it was fresher, and that she was wearing these clothes just because they were convenient for work and she wasn't afraid of getting them dirty... but Neuvillette didn't give her a chance to speak.
Seeing her become even more "unsettled" (actually just bewildered), he took a step forward. He bowed slightly and made an inviting gesture, his movements elegant and restrained: "I have come because I want to take you home."
"Now, on behalf of Fontaine, I extend an invitation to you. Are you willing to... return with me?"
"Of course, if you are unwilling, I will not force you."
"Your will is always the highest priority."
He paused for a moment, his gaze once again sweeping over her dwelling. The sorrow in his eyes was replaced by a deeper sense of responsibility.
"But in any case, since I have found you and know of your situation, I cannot turn a blind eye." His tone was gentle yet firm. "At least, please allow me to provide you with what help I can. Whether it be a safer dwelling, or more... suitable clothing and food."
His gaze lingered briefly on her "work clothes" with a look of disapproving concern, but quickly moved back to her face as he cautiously added: "Of course, all of this will be done in a way that makes you feel comfortable. You may see me as... a fellow countryman passing through, or a stranger willing to offer help."
Neuvillette looked at her eyes, which were slightly widened in shock, and at the wooden basin she still held tightly. The pity and responsibility arising from his misunderstanding intertwined even more strongly.
He guessed that her long silence and current daze were perhaps because the sudden care and long-lost kindness left her at a loss, not even daring to believe it easily.
But Lovia's actual thought at this moment was: Oh no, the misunderstanding seems to be getting deeper! He looks even more heartbroken! Is it too late to tell the truth?! Is it too late to say I'm just a foodie (self-proclaimed) who loves outdoor life?!
And... go home? Return with him?
These two words, coming from the Big Melusine before her, carried an intense warmth that almost broke through the defenses she had built for herself over a long time.
She looked at Neuvillette's outstretched hand—well-defined, elegant, and clean. The pity and solemnity in his eyes were so genuine that they left her momentarily speechless.
After a brief blankness, her brain began to race.
Go back to Fontaine with him?
This meant she would no longer have to hide or worry about others discovering her abnormality; she could live openly in a nation quite friendly to Melusines. Moreover, with Neuvillette's testimony, she wouldn't have to worry about being caught and judged!
Perhaps because her mood gradually calmed down due to his words, the previously ignored perceptions resurfaced. For some reason, since he appeared, she instinctively felt that this tall and imposing fellow before her was very... very approachable?!
This is clearly their first time meeting!
Is this the charm of a Big Melusine? Able to resist the power of social anxiety? I love it!
Combined with Neuvillette's explanation, Lovia finally confirmed that her previous guess was correct (Chapter 68). Neuvillette, this dragon of all, really can tell that she is a natural Humanoid Melusine!
No more living in fear, no more fearing Fontaine's laws and commoners. Neuvillette would testify for her that she was born this way... This is simply a pie falling from the sky—no, it's a luxury lifetime VIP sanctuary falling from the sky!
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