Opera Epiclese.
Neuvillette sat behind his desk, holding the reply that the Gestionnaire had just presented. The edges of the letter paper bore delicate patterns, exuding a faint, elegant aura.
It was a reply from the Liyue General Affairs Department.
The letter was intact, as if it had only experienced a harmless travel delay.
Neuvillette calmly unfolded the paper, his gaze quickly scanning the rigorously worded and elegant text.
The Tianquan Star's reply was exactly as he had anticipated: it provided information while retaining room for maneuver.
"The appearance and characteristics are quite consistent with your description... traces have occasionally been found around the Dock Area... their movements are quite elusive, and they dislike interacting with people... effective communication could not be established..."
"They have currently found stable lodging in the Dock Area. Although the living conditions are simple, there is no fear of hunger or cold, nor have they been bullied. The current situation is relatively stable..."
This information quickly pieced itself together in Neuvillette's mind.
It was confirmed: there was indeed a Melusine in Liyue, and she had found temporary refuge there.
This corresponded to the news from Elynas not long ago.
Half the weight in Neuvillette's heart dropped. At least, she was not living on the streets or facing danger.
However, the descriptions "elusive movements," "dislike interacting with people," and "effective communication could not be established" painted a picture distinctly different from the Melusines in Fontaine, who were usually happy to communicate with humans.
This confirmed the 'difference' and 'weakness' Mamere had initially sensed, suggesting that this Melusine, stranded in a foreign land, might have previously been in a state of unease, vigilance, or perhaps even injury, and had only recently improved.
Why did she avoid contact? Was she naturally timid, causing her to be filled with distrust toward her surroundings?
And how did she travel to Liyue alone? How did she survive in a distant foreign land?
The Tianquan Star stated in the letter that they "can assist in arranging follow-up matters according to your wishes." This was a very proper diplomatic phrase, returning the initiative to Fontaine.
Neuvillette tapped the desk lightly with his fingertip.
Continuing negotiations through official channels and arranging for personnel to travel to Liyue for the handover was certainly an option. But the process would be cumbersome and time-consuming. Moreover, the people sent might not gain the Melusine's trust, as she clearly harbored resistance toward human contact.
If handled improperly, it could be counterproductive, causing her greater distress.
The proactive warning from Elynas's residual consciousness, Mamere's perception, and this Melusine's potential 'difference' and 'weakness,' coupled with her dislike of human contact... all these pieces of information intertwined, making Neuvillette feel that this was not a simple matter that could be entirely delegated to subordinates or standard diplomatic procedures.
This Melusine was unusual and required cautious handling.
He stood up and walked to the window, gazing at the orderly streets of Fontaine and the distant, sparkling sea.
As the iudex, he bore the responsibility of protecting Fontaine and all its citizens, including the Melusines. This responsibility sometimes extended beyond rendering verdicts in court; it included personally offering assistance when needed.
Especially when a citizen might be suffering loneliness, anxiety, and hardship far away because of her 'difference.'
Coupled with the inexplicable delay of the letter... a decision that had long been forming gradually became clear in Neuvillette's mind.
This time, he did not hesitate. He turned back to his desk and pressed the call bell.
A Gestionnaire entered immediately.
"Make the arrangements," Neuvillette looked at him calmly. "I will be temporarily leaving Fontaine for a period."
The surprise on the Gestionnaire's face was undeniable.
The iudex traveling abroad personally was no small matter.
"Sir, will... will you require an escort?"
"There is no need for a grand display," Neuvillette rejected the suggestion. "This trip will be conducted in a private capacity and kept as low-profile as possible. Publicly, you may announce that I require a short period of rest or am handling a confidential matter. Routine official duties shall be handled by the standing institutions of the Opera Epiclese according to protocol. Emergency matters... will be entrusted to an authorized representative."
He paused, adding: "Also, go inform Mamere that 'there is confirmed news that she is safe and sound, and I am personally going to verify the situation,' to put her mind at ease."
"Yes, Sir!" Though surprised, the Gestionnaire immediately accepted the order and departed.
Silence returned to the office. Neuvillette began to quickly and methodically organize the documents requiring urgent attention and started writing the necessary authorization letters and instructions.
His movements were as steady and efficient as ever, but upon closer inspection, one could detect a hint of urgency and concern hidden deep within his calm eyes.
Liyue... a nation vastly different from Fontaine. Although the Geo Archon Morax had seemingly died, the spirit of contract and order he left behind still maintained the land's prosperity.
The Melusine mentioned in the Tianquan Star's reply did not seem merely timid; rather, her behavior suggested self-preservation based on instinct.
Perhaps she had experienced the trauma of non-acceptance while still in Fontaine, or perhaps she had encountered something during her long, unknown journey that caused her to fear all external contact.
Whichever the case, it meant her inner walls might be thicker than expected, and it necessitated his personal presence.
And the point about "effective communication could not be established" particularly worried him.
The Melusines' five senses and methods of expression inherently differed from humans. How could an individual filled with fear, potentially 'weak' and 'different,' struggle to convey her needs and understand the intentions of others in a completely foreign environment?
The loneliness and helplessness in that situation were inexpressible.
Elynas's warning and Mamere's perception also made him realize that this was far from an ordinary missing person case.
This Melusine's 'difference' might not just be behavioral isolation; it could involve certain unknown aspects of the Melusine race itself, perhaps even relating to Elynas's residual power.
If such a 'difference' required careful nurturing even in Fontaine, what kind of trouble would it bring her in a foreign land?
Official channels were certainly steady, but could diplomatic language and procedural handovers truly soothe a frightened and anxious heart? The envoys sent, no matter how friendly, would first represent 'officialdom' and'strangers' in her eyes.
He could not imagine how panicked the Melusine would be, trying to hide in a deeper corner when an envoy attempted to approach.
When conventional methods might fail to solve the problem, or even cause secondary harm, he had to step out of the Opera Epiclese and fulfill this commitment personally.
Therefore, going personally was both a responsibility and a necessity.
It was also his personal wish.
He wanted to confirm her safety with his own eyes, not through written reports. He wanted to try and understand her silence and avoidance, not through the conjectures of others, but by sensing it with his own heart.
He wanted to personally tell her that no matter why she was stranded, no matter how 'different' she was, there was still a home in Fontaine willing to accept and protect her, and she was not alone.
The itinerary quickly formed in his mind.
Documents on the desk were rapidly categorized, and the handwriting on the authorization letters was firm and clear. All his actions demonstrated the efficiency and organization of the iudex as always, but beneath the steady exterior, an emotion called 'concern' was driving everything. He had to finish these urgent official duties quickly to make time for this distant journey.
He was going to Liyue to find the stranded Melusine, confirm her status personally, understand her wishes, and... try to bring her home.
Regardless of why she was stranded, regardless of her differences, regardless of her weakness.
The time is set for...
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