Neuvillette wouldn't lie to her!
Probably?
A future that was acknowledged, where she wouldn't need to hide—this held an irresistible allure for Lovia.
But... what then? If she went to Fontaine, to a completely unfamiliar nation, what would she do? Although Neuvillette said he would protect her, what she feared wasn't just that... She was afraid of the unfamiliar, afraid of change.
Just imagining the countless new faces and new environments she might encounter made her feel waves of dizziness and panic.
Even though Lovia desperately, desperately wanted to agree right then and there, the social anxiety and timidity rooted deep in her nature firmly shackled her feet in place at this moment.
Thus, under Neuvillette's gaze, she subconsciously took another half-step back. Her blue eyes were filled with struggle, like a frightened young animal, both yearning for a warm nest and terrified of the unknown world outside. Her antennae drooped uneasily, trembling faintly of their own accord.
Neuvillette keenly sensed her deeper unease—it wasn't fear of him personally, but a natural trepidation towards 'change' itself, towards 'crowds'.
He immediately understood that mere verbal promises were not enough; he needed to construct a concrete, safe enough vision of an environment for her.
He thought carefully and had an idea.
Neuvillette maintained his outstretched hand, not urging her, just watching her with those calm eyes, his voice becoming even softer.
"I understand your worries and discomfort," he said slowly, each word carrying a convincing steadiness. "In Fontaine, near the Opera Epiclese, there is a quiet residence, far from the bustling streets. On ordinary days, aside from Melusines, no outsiders would disturb you. You can have a space entirely your own, without forcing yourself to interact with unfamiliar people."
"If you don't wish to interact with humans, I can take you to Merusea Village. Other Melusines live there; I think you would feel more at home."
Then, Neuvillette noticed her gaze seemed to brush over his ornate attire before she quickly looked down again, as if feeling ashamed of her own appearance. His heart clenched once more.
"As for all the necessities of life—clothing, food, daily living—you won't need to labor over these... rough tasks yourself." His gaze swept over the basin of fish and her 'work clothes,' his tone carrying an indisputable assurance. "I can arrange work for you. If it's unsuitable, don't worry. Even without work, Fontaine will provide proper care for you. This is the shelter you deserve as a citizen of Fontaine."
He crouched down slightly, meeting Little Lovia's eyes at her level. This gesture removed any sense of pressure from him.
"I promise you this in the name of the iudex."
"In Fontaine, you will no longer need to hide yourself, no longer need to wear clothes like these... Your differences will be understood and respected in Fontaine. And I will ensure your safety. I will not allow anything or anyone to startle you again."
His words were gentle, each one eroding the foundation of Lovia's defenses.
The picture he painted—quiet, cared for, no need to see outsiders, even promised safety and understanding—each point struck precisely at all her hidden desires and fears.
This was a future she hadn't even dared to hope for too much during her lonely wanderings.
This was a paradise for socially anxious people, yargh!
And so, after swaying violently, the scales within her heart finally tipped towards the tempting side.
But Lovia's lips moved a few times, yet in the end, she couldn't utter that simple syllable. She looked up at Neuvillette's patient, gentle eyes and spoke somewhat hesitantly, "Th-thank you... Lord Iudex."
She struggled to form her words, her fingers unconsciously plucking at the hem of her 'tattered' clothes. "The place you described sounds... very good. I... I want to go."
A glimmer of relief flashed in Neuvillette's eyes, but he didn't interrupt, merely listening quietly.
"But..." Lovia's voice grew even softer. "I need a little time, is that okay?"
She timidly lifted her gaze, her blue eyes brimming with unease, as if afraid this request might anger him and cause him to withdraw that rare kindness.
"In Liyue, I still have some... matters," she explained in a small voice. It wasn't an excuse.
She had been writing secretly; it was her faint connection to this world. More importantly, she needed a little psychological preparation to digest this sudden, enormous change, to muster the courage to step out of this small home that had given her shelter.
Moreover, she had just made a little friend in Liyue; how could she leave without a word... After saying this, Lovia had almost exhausted her strength. She lowered her head again, nervously awaiting Neuvillette's response, her heart pounding in her chest.
Would he think she was pushing her luck? Would he think her ungrateful? He had come all this way to find her, and yet she was hesitating... Looking at her like that, the last trace of doubt that had arisen in Neuvillette's heart due to her hesitation dissipated.
This wasn't a refusal.
A creature long in a state of instability, when facing a major turning point, would instinctively want to secure a buffer zone for themselves by clinging to something familiar.
Her 'matters' might be trivial, but her 'need for time' was a way of protecting herself.
Therefore, far from feeling displeased (which he generally wouldn't), Neuvillette felt even more compassion. What he could offer wasn't just shelter, but respect and patience.
"I understand," Neuvillette's tone remained gentle, even more soothing than before, carrying a reassuring quality. "That is a completely reasonable request. Sudden change can indeed be unsettling. You need time to organize things and say your goodbyes. We can take it slowly. Don't be nervous; it's alright."
He withdrew his hand, which had been outstretched all along, even though he very much wished this Little Melusine would place her hand in his, or at least put down that poor basin of fish.
Neuvillette's act of withdrawing his hand made Lovia relax slightly.
"I can stay in Liyue Harbor for a short while to handle some necessary official business." He thought for a moment and offered a concrete timeframe that wouldn't make her feel pressured. "In about three days, I will return here. If you are ready by then, we can depart for Fontaine."
He paused, looking at her still lowered head, tail, and faintly trembling antennae, and added, "Of course, if you feel three days isn't enough, I can return to Fontaine first. Later, when you are ready, you can send a message to me through any shop established by Fontaine. We can discuss it further. Everything will be according to your wishes."
He didn't force her, didn't set a deadline, even gave her the freedom to postpone.
This complete understanding and acceptance made Lovia want to cry.
So, this was the so-called "Fontaine's Great Melusine"?
Lovia lifted her head abruptly, her eyes filled with a mix of disbelief and relief.
Neuvillette clearly saw that those clear blue eyes were slightly reddened, and silent tears were welling up within them.
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