The days of the voyage passed steadily amidst the rising and setting of the sun.
The initial tension and sense of novelty gradually dissipated, and soon, an emotion called "boredom" began to quietly creep into Lovia's heart.
There wasn't much in her luggage for entertainment, except for some small writing supplies... But did she dare to write here?
If the esteemed Hydro Dragon King knew she wasn't recording serious observations but was instead compiling wild and even "disrespectful" unofficial history, would he think she was being too "un-Melusine-like" and throw her straight off the ship?
This thought made her shudder, and she shook her head vigorously.
Probably... maybe not? Fontaine seemed to have quite a bit of freedom of speech, right? And gossip tabloids were quite popular, which meant there were plenty of fun-seekers in Fontaine! There was even that street tabloid that dared to write that Neuvillette was a male Melusine! Even then, Master Neuvillette didn't "elbow" them into the Meropide Fortress, did he?
This suggested that Fontaine's tolerance... might be a little higher than she imagined?
One more Fictional Historian wouldn't hurt, right?
So, picking up the pen now was just to pass the time on this long voyage, and to make some "preparations" in advance for her future life in Fontaine!
Besides, she wouldn't necessarily publish it; she was just writing for fun! If Neuvillette saw it, so be it! At worst, she'd just suffer a bit of social death!
Right! Exactly!
Having convinced herself, Lovia picked up her manuscript paper and pen and began a burst of inspiration for characters from the next nation.
The tip of her pen hovered over the paper, hesitating for a moment.
What should she write?
Her first inspiration immediately popped up: that black-stockinged Magician sibling duo who had left a deep impression in the game.
[Shocking! Fontaine's famous Magician "Black-Stockinged Brother" practices Magic Technique offstage until he's obsessed; his breakdown screams of "Magic Technique!!" are often heard from the theater late at night.]
[According to his partner, "Black-Stockinged Sister," who wished to remain anonymous, her brother has been under too much pressure while researching new magic recently. He often repeatedly roars these four words at cards that won't flip out smoothly, suspected to be some unique stress-relief mantra.]
Writing to this point, Lovia stopped her pen and looked at the text. She couldn't help herself; her shoulders shook slightly as she laughed silently.
In her mind, she imagined Lyney's usually composed face becoming exasperated as he shouted, "Magic Technique!" (Note: Referring to the Qingque skill meme from Honkai: Star Rail)
The image was too much; she didn't dare think about it too deeply.
This opening seemed to have opened a strange floodgate. Since Lyney was already shouting "Magic Technique," what about the other characters?
Before she could continue her grand undertaking, she heard a knock at the door.
*Knock, knock, knock.*
Was it Neuvillette?
Lovia snapped out of her "creative" state. Her first reaction was to close the spread-out manuscript and quickly stuff it under her pillow to hide it.
She took a deep breath, trying to let the heat in her face subside, before hurrying to the door and gently pulling it open.
As expected, it was Neuvillette outside the door.
"Lovia," he began, his tone filled with concern, yet it made Lovia's heart skip a beat. "If it's convenient, there are some matters I would like to discuss with you."
Lovia: "???"
What? She had just finished an outline for a small inspiration, so why was the iudex coming to her door now?
However, Neuvillette's subsequent words put her mind at ease; she realized she had been overthinking.
While wondering if the stack of manuscript paper with "wondrous little inspirations" was safe, Lovia stepped aside to clear the way. "O-Of course it's convenient, Master Neuvillette. Please come in."
Neuvillette nodded slightly and entered the room. Then, at Lovia's gesture, he sat elegantly at a small table, his calm gaze falling on Lovia. He didn't show any inquisitiveness regarding her slightly nervous expression, only obvious concern, and didn't ask further.
"The voyage is nearing its end. Regarding your residence after arriving in Fontaine, I would like to hear your wishes," he said, getting straight to the point. "Considering your situation, I have two proposals."
He paused briefly, seemingly weighing his words. "I mentioned this to you in Liyue before; now it's a matter of your choice. First is Merusea Village. The environment there is quiet, and the residents are all Melusines, so you should feel more at ease. Second, I can arrange a relatively secluded residence for you in Fontaine, away from the bustling central area."
Lovia's eyes widened slightly. Faced with such a considerate Neuvillette, she was momentarily stunned.
"It's alright, Lovia. You can take your time to think; there's no rush." Neuvillette saw the bewilderment on Lovia's face and, understanding her, gave her a gentle nod.
"Thank you..."
Lovia felt she indeed needed to think about it.
Go to Merusea Village and live with other Melusines? That was the warm home of all Melusines and a secluded paradise... But... She thought about it carefully and shook her head inwardly.
She still wanted to write more interesting "stories" in Fontaine! If she lived in Merusea Village, how could she carry out her grand "Fictional Historiography" (strikethrough) literary creation career? Running back and forth? The Fontainian wilderness wasn't necessarily safe, and she didn't even have the ability to protect herself... Besides, although Fontaine meant more people, from her current perspective, that shouldn't be much of a problem anymore, right?
She had been working hard lately to get used to not wearing her Hood and cloak. As long as the people of Fontaine didn't keep staring at her, she probably... wouldn't be too socially anxious or afraid.
As for the crowds... even in her original world, she had to go out no matter how socially anxious she was. After coming to Teyvat, she often went out in Liyue (though she was very uneasy wearing her Hood and cloak), so it wasn't like she would become completely unable to face people in Fontaine.
Although she was socially anxious and a bit (very much) of a shut-in, she wasn't completely incapable of communicating and interacting with others.
Moreover, Neuvillette had specifically emphasized that the residence in Fontaine was secluded, so it likely wouldn't be a big problem.
She stole a glance at the serious and noble Hydro Dragon King before her.
"Thank you for being so thoughtful on my behalf, Master Neuvillette." Lovia looked up, her tone full of gratitude. "I... I want to live in Fontaine."
This answer seemed to surprise Neuvillette slightly; a hint of astonishment flickered in his deep eyes.
Lovia quickly explained, "I know I might not be good with crowded places, but basic socializing is fine. Besides, I want to... learn more about Fontaine and its people. Hiding in a completely comfortable environment all the time might not be the best choice."
She paused and added in a small voice, "And, going to Merusea Village... I might actually find it a bit hard to adapt."
After speaking, she observed Neuvillette's reaction with some trepidation.
Neuvillette was silent for a moment, then nodded gently. "As long as you like it. In that case, I will arrange a residence for you within Fontaine with a quiet environment and few neighbors. I hope you can find your own pace of life in Fontaine."
There was no questioning in his tone, only tolerance and respect.
"Thank you very much!" Lovia thanked him with a smile, her whole being suddenly relaxing.
Neuvillette nodded slightly, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over the few blank sheets of manuscript paper scattered on the table. He pondered for a moment, seemingly thinking of something.
"You seem to enjoy writing," he suggested in a calm tone. "If you are still interested in continuing after arriving in Fontaine and are willing to share your work with others, I can help you contact a suitable bookstore for publication."
Hearing this, Lovia's eyes instantly lit up like bright stars. She hadn't expected Neuvillette to bring this up on his own, let alone offer his help.
This was simply... wonderful!
As for being exposed... given the Hydro Dragon King's character, he certainly wouldn't peek at her pen name!
"Really? Thank you so much!" Lovia quickly thanked him, her voice carrying uncontrollable joy.
But then, she remembered something else and spoke somewhat bashfully, "Um... Master Neuvillette, is there a place in Fontaine where I can send letters to Liyue? I want to... write to my friends occasionally."
"Naturally," Neuvillette nodded. "Fontaine has postal exchanges with all nations; you need not worry about this."
"That's great!" Lovia was now completely at ease.
Being able to write, publish, have her own little home, and keep in touch with her friends in Liyue—the last of her worries about life in Fontaine vanished.
Neuvillette looked at her clearly elated expression, a trace of a gentle smile flitting through his eyes.
Noticing the Liyue fountain pen by Lovia's hand that had clearly been used for a long time, as well as the faint ink stain on her fingertip, he added, "Since you are so keen on writing, if you find handwriting tiring, there is a more convenient tool in Fontaine called a 'Typewriter.' It is more efficient; perhaps you will find it useful."
A Typewriter?
Lovia was stunned for a moment, then realized. Right, Fontaine was a country with relatively advanced technology; having Typewriters was perfectly normal! Using one to type would definitely be much faster than handwriting!
"I... I'll consider it! Thank you for the suggestion!" She nodded vigorously, already planning in her head to include purchasing a Typewriter in her plans.
Was a Typewriter like a keyboard from her original world? That would be so familiar!
Seeing that she had made up her mind, Neuvillette said no more and rose elegantly.
"Then, the matter of the residence is settled. The voyage is about to end; please be prepared."
"Thank you! Thank you for making the trip, Master Neuvillette."
...After seeing Neuvillette off, Lovia closed the door. Her heart was filled with anticipation and a slight sense of surreal daze.
Not only had she successfully chosen her preferred residence, but she had also received the Hydro Dragon King's support for her "writing career" (albeit in a broad sense), and even the issues of communication and writing tools were resolved!
Her gaze involuntarily drifted toward the underside of the pillow.
It seemed her path as a Fictional Historian could successfully set sail in Fontaine~
The smile in her eyes couldn't be hidden.
Life in Fontaine, it seemed, would not be boring; after all, her mind was already filled with many "wondrous little inspirations."
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