If Fontaine found out their "vitally important" special being was surviving by catching her own fish in Liyue and had no way to earn Mora, only consuming what she brought from Fontaine... that image was too much; Ningguang preferred not to imagine it for now.
Furthermore, the Melusine herself seemed to be doing her utmost to hide her tracks.
However, complete denial or concealment was also not a good strategy. Since Neuvillette could precisely narrow his search to Liyue, he must have his information channels. A flat denial would not only be dishonest but could also damage the trust between the two nations.
More importantly, Ningguang needed to consider how to turn this matter into an advantageous opportunity for Liyue from the perspective of the Tianquan Star. A Melusine so valued by Fontaine's iudex staying in Liyue could itself become a special bond to deepen relations between the two countries.
After long consideration, Ningguang reached a decision.
She spread out some stationery, took a specialized brush, dipped it deep into the ink, and began writing her reply.
[To His Excellency Neuvillette, iudex of Fontaine:
I am honored to receive your letter.
Regarding Your Excellency's inquiry, I have already ordered a preliminary investigation.
Liyue Harbor is a place where many paths cross, and indeed, all sorts of people reside and pass through. Recently, there has indeed been an individual whose physical characteristics closely match your description, occasionally spotted near the Dock Area.
As her movements are quite elusive and she is reluctant to interact with others, our personnel have been unable to establish effective communication. Therefore, her specific identity, status, and intentions remain difficult to determine with certainty at this time.
According to our observations, this being has currently found a stable residence in the Dock Area. While her lifestyle is simple, she is free from hunger or cold and has not been subjected to bullying; her current situation is stable.
Given that she seems intent on keeping a low profile and her identity was previously unknown, we did not wish to disturb her rashly.
Now that we know she is an important being of your nation, Liyue will naturally extend its hospitality, provide necessary care, and assist in arranging follow-up matters according to Your Excellency's wishes.
Should you require further communication or action, I look forward to your reply.
With best regards,
Wishing you health and prosperity!
Ningguang, Tianquan Star of the Seven Stars of Liyue
(Seal of the General Affairs Department)]
The content of the reply confirmed the Melusine's existence and general situation, expressed Liyue's friendly attitude, and left appropriate room for whatever arrangements the other party might have.
Ningguang's wording was, as always, appropriate and thorough.
After finishing, Ningguang checked it once more to ensure the phrasing was airtight before sealing the letter and calling for Baishi, instructing her to send it to Fontaine's Opera Epiclese via express delivery.
Having dealt with the letter, Ningguang did not let the matter rest. She pondered for a moment before instructing Baiwen, who was standing by, "Go and invite Yelan to come over. Say... I have some new ideas I'd like to discuss with her."
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The Feiyun Commerce Guild's efficiency was extremely high, and Neuvillette's letter was soon rushed to the merchant ships at Liyue's headquarters. A few days later, this earnestly worded letter, bearing the private seal of Fontaine's Opera Epiclese, was placed on the desk of the Guild President—Xingqiu's father.
After reading it, although the Guild President was slightly surprised by the mention of a "special being, a Melusine" appearing in Liyue, his trust in the reputation of Fontaine's iudex and his valuation of international connections meant he did not dally. He immediately gave orders for the guild's informants and Shop Assistants everywhere to keep an eye out for anyone matching the description.
At the same time, he made a copy of the letter's contents and sent it to Xingqiu, who was practicing swordplay in the backyard. He remembered his second son was quite interested in such strange tales and might be able to provide some clues.
At this time, Xingqiu had just finished a set of sword techniques and was using a cloth to wipe the sweat from his brow when he saw a servant bring a transcript of a letter.
At first, Xingqiu didn't pay much attention, assuming his father had found some fragmented scroll of a supernatural legend to share with him. But when his eyes scanned words like "Melusine," "small stature," and "lost in Liyue," his wiping motion abruptly stopped, and his pupils contracted slightly.
[As of 10.6, 00:00, Gift Bonus Progress: 70%]
[Just a reminder, the maximum gift bonus is two chapters a day, meaning a maximum of four chapters updated in one day! The timing for gift bonuses is that I'll update as soon as I see the progress bar is full. If I don't see it, it might be a little later because I can't stare at the backend all day qaq.]
[Also, Fanqiao swallows comments, and I often can't see some of them. So if you have something to ask, it's best to @ me (like for fixing typos), otherwise I might not see it. Also, the update time might be a bit 'underworld' because the author has to work during the day and only has time to write at night, so updates are usually a few minutes past midnight, hahaha.]
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