Xiangling breathed a sigh of relief when she heard Lovia finally "give in."
"That's the spirit!" she cheered, looking as if she had just won a major battle.
After speaking, Xiangling patted Guoba, who was trying to reach Lovia's gently swaying tail with his nose, and continued: "Besides, my old man will definitely treat you as one of our own! Then, Wanmin Restaurant will become your base of operations!"
Seeing Lovia keep her head down in silence, Xiangling continued: "Look, in the future, you can come to the backyard to find me openly without worrying about being seen. We can research new dishes together. Your tongue is so sensitive, and you can sense those special flavors... Wow! We'll definitely be able to make even more incredible delicacies and give everyone a big surprise!"
"And once you get used to not wearing your Hood, you can slowly learn to take it off! Believe me, no one in Liyue Harbor will think you're strange!"
"You saw it that day, right? Shenhe is a disciple of the Adepti and speaks very bluntly, but the people of Liyue don't think she's strange at all!"
Imagining such a scene and remembering that Shenhe was also working hard to integrate into society, Lovia felt the Warmth in her heart surge even more. She looked at Xiangling's radiant smile and Guoba's adorable appearance, then nodded.
A breeze brushed over the hillside, carrying the scent of green grass and the distant ocean.
Xiangling stopped talking and looked toward the distant mountains.
Lovia pursed her lips, feeling Xiangling's unreserved acceptance and the comfort of her wings and antennae breathing the air freely as she pondered Xiangling's words. Gradually, the last trace of tension in Lovia's heart quietly dissipated.
freedom, it turned out, was not just about breaking physical shackles, but also this... feeling of being accepted, recognized, and even expected to show one's true self.
She looked down at her body, no longer covered by fabric, and for the first time felt that perhaps her Father was right—she didn't have to hide in the shadows.
She actually could have stopped hiding long ago; after all, her Father had said there was no need to worry about her identity. It was only because she felt a bit uncomfortable that she continued to wear that hooded cloak.
Looking at it this way... taking off the hooded cloak didn't seem as terrifying as she had imagined.
The thought made her feel a slight sense of dizziness.
So, Lovia didn't touch the folded cloak again. Instead, she followed Xiangling's example and leaned relaxedly against the tree trunk, letting her small tail sway gently behind her.
"Mm!" Lovia suddenly nodded vigorously.
There was a moment of silence.
"Sister Xiangling, why did you suddenly come out here..." The nasal tone was gone, and Lovia's voice was much clearer than before.
"Oh? That? It's because I ran out of Violetgrass and Qingxin, so I came out to pick some! I really didn't expect to run into you!" Xiangling said with a grin. "This is what they call fate!"
Lovia looked at her, nodded, and smiled as well.
Perhaps, in this unfamiliar world, she really could find many, many, many friends. Just as Xiangling said, they already considered her a friend, so it wouldn't be right for her to be so timid anymore.
Maybe she really could, bit by bit, stop needing that thick protective shell. And the first step was to treat Xiangling as a friend and start being her true self in front of her.
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The setting sun dyed the horizon orange-red.
Lovia and Xiangling sat side by side under the large tree, chatting for a long time.
Mainly, Xiangling excitedly shared her new ideas, occasionally asking curiously about the "functions" of Lovia's antennae or wings, such as "Can you smell things from further away?" or "Can your little wings fly?"
Lovia answered each of Xiangling's questions seriously.
Guoba rolled around happily to the side, occasionally coming over to rub his fluffy head against Lovia's hand or play with her fluffy tail, appearing very affectionate.
It wasn't until the sky grew dark and the lights of the harbor began to twinkle like stars that Xiangling slapped her forehead: "Oh, I got so caught up in chatting that it's already so late! I have to go back and prepare the ingredients for tonight! Lovia, do you want to go back together?"
Lovia looked at the hooded cloak beside her, hesitated for a moment, and decided to keep wearing it. Although Xiangling already knew and fully accepted her appearance, Liyue Harbor was full of people, and she wasn't ready to face everyone with her true face yet.
That would require more time and more courage. But at least she had taken the first step today.
"Yeah, I should head back too." She stood up, skillfully put the cloak back on, fastened the buckle, and pulled up the Hood, tightly covering her antennae and most of her face, leaving only her small chin visible.
Xiangling watched her quickly transform back into that mysterious little guest. She blinked and didn't say much, only giving an understanding smile: "Alright, let's head down the mountain together."
The two walked down the path. Just as they entered Liyue Harbor, Xiangling remembered something and pulled a small oil-paper package from her basket, stuffing it into Lovia's hand: "Here, this is a candy I tried making this morning based on your idea of a'sturdier cool feeling.' I added some crushed frostflower petals and a little bit of... well, you know, that shiny stone powder! I think you'll like it!"
Wow, it's feeding time from Xiangling! (Neuvillette: Feeding Melusines is prohibited!!)
Lovia took the slightly cool oil-paper package. Her eyes crinkled under the Hood, and her tail wagged happily: "Thank you, Sister Xiangling!"
"Don't be so polite with me! See you next time, Lovia!" Xiangling waved her hand and, with Guoba in tow, lightheartedly blended into the streets of Liyue Harbor.
Lovia watched her energetic figure disappear into the crowd, then tightened her grip on the cool candy in her hand and turned toward her own little home.
Back in her secure little nest, Lovia locked the door behind her and finally let out a long sigh of relief. She took off the Hood and cloak again and hung them on the hook behind the door.
She walked to the window without lighting a lamp. She opened the small oil-paper package, revealing several beautiful, translucent light-blue candies.
Lovia picked one up and put it in her mouth.
Instantly, a strong cooling sensation exploded on the tip of her tongue. Unlike the piercing cold of ordinary ice, it was a softer chill. Then, the fresh scent of frostflower petals spread, and that tiny bit of fine mineral powder brought a subtle sweet aftertaste and crunch.
Perfect!
This was a snack adjusted entirely to a Melusine's taste!
Lovia narrowed her eyes in satisfaction, feeling the wonderful flavor slowly flow through her mouth.
Today really was her lucky day! Although there were some scares, she was very happy!
In fact, today was not only Lovia's lucky day but also Mamere's lucky day, because he finally heard Father's voice again!
[Gift Update Progress: 67%]
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