Just as she was wallowing in self-pity, nearly swallowed by despair—
A strange thought suddenly popped up, interrupting her low sobs.
"Wait..." Miss Luvia sniffled, her voice thick with nasal congestion as she analyzed the situation to herself, "Melusines... logically shouldn't get sick or catch colds like humans. Melusines are similar to elemental beings, right? This weakness and chills should be considered... energy loss?"
Her eyes were still watery, but the helplessness within them gradually dissipated.
The idea of "energy loss" gave her spirit a slight boost. If this wasn't "sickness" in the human sense, but rather a glitch in the energy circulation of her Melusine body, then it seemed... more reasonable? Maybe it wasn't so scary after all?
As long as it wasn't a disease, right? She couldn't very well go find the veterinarian Ifa, could she? Ifa is in Natlan!
"That's right..." The more she thought about it, the more plausible it seemed, and she even tried to support it with known information. "Melusines originated from 'Elynas,' making them an advanced form of elemental being. How could an elemental being catch a human cold... something must be wrong..."
She didn't care if it was correct or not; she forced this conclusion onto her situation and immediately felt much more at ease.
"So, I'm not sick." She sniffled and nodded forcefully (though not really), trying to convince herself. "I'm just... well, maybe I've been too absorbed in writing novels lately and consumed too much 'energy,' or... the elemental composition of this new batch of ore isn't quite right and can't supplement the nutrients I need!"
She glanced at the "raspberry mixed with ore" scattered on the floor, feeling regretful but no longer desperate.
There was something wrong with this batch of ore... she needed to go buy some more... "It's fine!" Miss Luvia wiped away her tears and tried to straighten her back, though her movements were a bit shaky due to weakness. "Energy loss can be replenished! It's wrong to just endure it; I must actively save myself!"
She was a Melusine! A wonderful race from the mysterious waters of Fontaine! How could she be defeated by a mysterious "cold" and crouch on the ground crying piteously?
If word got out, she would be laughed at by other Melusines!
She couldn't go to Mr. Baizhu, but she could find a way herself!
Studying her own racial characteristics was also an important part of survival! This time, she would treat it as... um... a valuable practical opportunity!
Miss Luvia glanced at the messy snacks on the floor and felt she had been too foolish.
She had to go out and buy some high-grade ore first to replenish her "ore" energy... there should be such a thing, right?
Whatever, get some ore first!
Miss Luvia began to cheer herself up, her tone optimistic, even teasing herself. She grit her teeth, trying her best to ignore the persistent discomfort from her body, and tried once more to gather her strength. Then, leaning against the edge of the table, she stood up unsteadily.
This simple action alone made her vision go dark, and she had to stop and catch her breath for a moment.
After much struggling, she finally wrapped herself back up in that thick hooded cloak, bundling herself tightly. Then, she wobbled toward the door.
With every step, her legs felt as heavy as lead. The threshold she usually crossed in a few steps now seemed unreachable. She even had to stop halfway and lean against the wall to rest.
"Come on, Lovia... you can do it... for the ore, for the energy..." she muttered under her breath, cheering herself on.
With great effort, she shuffled to the door and pushed open the wooden door that had suddenly become exceptionally heavy. The cool evening breeze immediately hit her face, making her shiver uncontrollably, her teeth chattering.
"S-So cold..." She hugged herself and looked out at Liyue Harbor in the night.
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