Genshin Impact: Sigewinne Ascension Materials

Profile

“Sigewinne’s the most unique out of all the Melusine friends my parents know. They say that she was a guest at our place a long time ago, and that she held my hand, supporting me when I had just learned to walk. Many years have passed since, and I’ve become an adult — she, on the other hand, is just as meticulous and enthusiastic as ever.”

— Emilie

The infirmary is the warmest place in the Fortress of Meropide, where the sun fails to shine.

Rumor has it that the head nurse, who manages said infirmary, is also its founder. The Fortress has changed hands in chaotic circumstances several times over the centuries, but there has always been a tacit agreement amongst all who live here not to harm the medical staff in any way.

The reason for this is simple — few doctors could endure treating criminals and staying in such a place for long.

Fewer still would be as clement, cute, conscientious, and considerate as Sigewinne.

There was once an inmate whose life Sigewinne saved after he had been gravely injured while causing trouble, who then proclaimed her to be an emissary of the heavens — an “angel of salvation” — sent to bring redemption to criminals, even saying that he would preach this far and wide on her behalf.

“That’s a bit much, isn’t it?” The head nurse shook her head, her horns bobbing along.

“I won’t ask what you did wrong before saving you, but you’ll still have to finish serving your sentence once you’ve healed up,” she said, hands on hips. “Flattery’s not getting you anywhere!”

Ascension Materials

Here are all items that you will need to ascend Sigewinne to level 90:

• 420,000 Mora
• 46 Water That Failed To Transcend
• 168 Romaritime Flower
• 1 Varunada Agate Sliver
• 9 Varunada Agate Fragment
• 9 Varunada Agate Chunk
• 6 Varunada Agate Gemstone
• 18 Transoceanic Pearl
• 30 Transoceanic Chunk
• 36 Xenochromatic Crystal

Talent Ascension Materials

Here is the total cost of fully leveling up for Sigewinne’s single talent:

• 1,652,500 Mora
• 6 Transoceanic Pearl
• 22 Transoceanic Chunk
• 31 Xenochromatic Crystal
• 3 Teachings of Equity
• 21 Guide to Equity
• 38 Philosophies of Equity
• 6 Lightless Eye of the Maelstrom
• 1 Crown of Insight

How to Obtain

Lightless Eye of the Maelstrom: Dropped by All-Devouring Narwhal in domain Shadow of Another World.

Teachings of Equity, Guide to Equity, Philosophies of Equity: Obtained from domain Pale Forgotten Glory (Monday, Thursday, Sunday).

Transoceanic Pearl, Transoceanic Chunk, Xenochromatic Crystal: Dropped by Fontemer Aberrants.

Varunada Agate Sliver, Varunada Agate Fragment, Varunada Agate Chunk, Varunada Agate Gemstone: Dropped by Hydro Hypostasis, Oceanid, Hydro Tulpa.

Water That Failed To Transcend: Dropped by Hydro Tulpa.

Romaritime Flower: Found in Salacia Plain, Fontaine.

Talents

Normal Attack: Targeted Treatment

Normal Attack

Performs up to 3 consecutive attacks.

Charged Attack

Performs a more precise Aimed Shot with increased DMG.

While aiming, the power of Hydro will continually accumulate on the arrow. After fully charging, Sigewinne will periodically fire slow-moving Mini-Stration Bubbles toward the target, dealing Hydro DMG. When released, an arrow imbued with torrential energy will deal Hydro DMG to the opponent hit.

Plunging Attack

Fires off a shower of arrows in mid-air before falling and striking the ground, dealing AoE DMG upon impact.

Rebound Hydrotherapy

Blows a Bolstering Bubblebalm that can stimulate blood flow and help patients drift off to sleep using a bubblegun specially made in the Fortress of Meropide.

Bolstering Bubblebalms will bounce between nearby opponents, dealing Hydro DMG based on Sigewinne’s max HP to opponents it hits. When it bounces, it will restore HP to all nearby party members except Sigewinne herself. The amount healed is based on Sigewinne’s max HP.

After bouncing 5 times, the Bolstering Bubblebalm will disappear and restore HP to Sigewinne based on her max HP value.

When no opponents are present, the Bolstering Bubblebalm will bounce nearby. Only one Bolstering Bubblebalm created by a Sigewinne may exist at once.

When Held, the Bolstering Bubblebalm can be boosted to an even bigger size.

Hold

Enter Aiming Mode to begin blowing an even bigger, even more breathtaking Bolstering Bubblebalm!

The Bolstering Bubblebalm will grow bigger the longer the skill is Held, until it grows up to two tiers in size. Each tier it grows increases its DMG by 5% and healing by 5%. When a Bolstering Bubblebalm bounces, it will drop down a tier in size, until it returns to being a normal Bolstering Bubblebalm.

After weaker opponents are hit by big Bolstering Bubblebalms, they will be imprisoned and will be unable to move.

In addition, 2 Sourcewater Droplets will be created near Sigewinne when she uses this Skill. Each Sourcewater Droplet Sigewinne collects will grant her a Bond of Life worth 10% of her Max HP.

When Sigewinne’s Bond of Life is cleared, she regains 1 Elemental Energy for every 2,000 HP worth of the Bond of Life that was cleared. Sigewinne can regain up to 5 Elemental Energy in this way.

Arkhe: Ousia

Bolstering Bubblebalms periodically call down a Surging Blade on the position they hit, dealing Ousia-aligned Hydro DMG based on Sigewinne’s max HP.

“What do you think? Not only can this kind of hydrotherapy stimulate the circulatory system, but it can also cheer patients up, ooh, and that’s not all, it can even help patients who ought to get some rest have a nice nap…”

Super Saturated Syringing

Takes out a special Fortress of Meropide-made syringe and assault the area in front with waves of kindness and medicine, dealing AoE Hydro DMG based on Sigewinne’s max HP.

In addition, Sigewinne absorbs up to 2 nearby Sourcewater Droplets within a certain range when she uses this skill.

“Hey, overdosing on medicine is no different from poison, you know, it’s real dangerous! But patients need care and concern, and nobody can overdose on that!”

Emergency Dose

While underwater, heal your active character over 2.5s when their HP falls under 50%. The amount healed is equal to 50% of their Max HP, and their All Elemental and Physical RES will be decreased by 10% for 10s. This effect can be triggered up to once every 20s.

Requires Appropriate Rest

Sigewinne grants herself the “Semi-Strict Bedrest” effect for 18s after using Rebound Hydrotherapy: Sigewinne gains an 8% Hydro DMG Bonus and 10 stacks of Convalescence. When the Elemental Skills of your nearby off-field party members other than Sigewinne deal DMG, consume 1 stack of Convalescence, and increase the DMG dealt by this instance of Elemental Skill DMG. Every 1,000 Max HP Sigewinne has above 30,000 increases the DMG by 80. The maximum DMG increase for Elemental Skills that can be gained in this way is 2,800.

Detailed Diagnosis, Thorough Treatment

When Sigewinne performs healing, the amount healed for this instance is increased based on the total current value of the Bonds of Life on all party members: For each 1,000 HP worth of Bonds of Life, the outgoing healing is increased by 3%. The amount of healing provided can be increased by up to 30% in this way.

Constellations

“Can the Happiest of Spirits Understand Anxiety?”

Rebound Hydrotherapy’s Bolstering Bubblebalm can bounce 3 extra times, and the first 3 bounces will not cause big Bubblebalms to become smaller.

The Passive Talent “Requires Appropriate Rest” is enhanced: Each Bubblebalm bounce adds 1 stack to her Convalescence tally, and the values for the Convalescence stacks’ DMG bonus will be modified to: Every 1,000 max HP Sigewinne has above 30,000 increases the DMG by 100. The maximum DMG increase for Elemental Skills that can be gained in this way is 3,500. You must first unlock the Passive Talent “Requires Appropriate Rest.”

“Can the Most Merciful of Spirits Defeat Its Foes?”

When using Rebound Hydrotherapy and Super Saturated Syringing, Sigewinne can create a Bubbly Shield worth 30% of her Max HP that absorbs Hydro DMG with 250% efficiency. The Bubbly Shield will persist until Sigewinne finishes using relevant skills.

Additionally, after Rebound Hydrotherapy’s Bolstering Bubblebalm or Super Saturated Syringing hits an opponent, that opponent’s Hydro RES will be decreased by 35% for 8s.

“Can the Healthiest of Spirits Cure Fevers?”

Increases the Level of Rebound Hydrotherapy by 3.

Maximum upgrade level is 15.

“Can the Loveliest of Spirits Keep Decay at Bay?”

The duration of Super Saturated Syringing is extended by 3s.

“Can the Most Joyful of Spirits Alleviate Agony?”

Increases the Level of Super Saturated Syringing by 3.

Maximum upgrade level is 15.

“Can the Most Radiant of Spirits Pray For Me?”

When Sigewinne performs healing, she will increase the CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG of her Super Saturated Syringing based on her Max HP. Every 1,000 Max HP she has will increase CRIT Rate by 0.4% and CRIT DMG by 2.2% for 15s. The maximum increase achievable this way is 20% CRIT Rate and 110% CRIT DMG.

Voice-Over

Hello

What’s wrong? Don’t be nervous, I’m Nurse Sigewinne from the Fortress of Meropide. Lemme take a look at you… Any pain here? What about here? …Oh, you’re not here for a checkup? Well, that’s great news, phew… You’re so adorable, make sure you take good care of yourself, okay? We don’t want anything happening to you.

Chat: Stickers

No… I didn’t put a sticker on your back.

Chat: Concern

Oh no! Did you bump into something? Well, if it hurts, just let me know.

Chat: Wellbeing

You only get one body, so you gotta take care of it. But it’s just as important to take care of your mind.

When It Rains

Oh… I wonder what’s on Monsieur Neuvillette’s mind right now…

When Thunder Strikes

What an amazing sound… You only ever get to hear it up here above the water.

When It Snows

I bought a pair of mittens to keep my hands warm. Look, my Melusine round hands came back.

When the Sun Is Out

Ding-dong, Romaritime Flower here with a little tip for anyone planning on going outside and enjoying this lovely sunny weather: Please apply sun lotion to protect your skin.

In the Desert

Make sure to stay hydrated. Monsieur Neuvillette loves drinking water. It’s a very healthy habit.

Good Morning

Good morning! Did you sleep well? Make sure to use warm water when you wash your face, it’s kinder on your skin.

Good Afternoon

Oh gosh, it’s almost lunchtime. I gotta leave for a minute… Shh, keep it a secret.

Good Evening

What time is it? I’ve been living underwater so long that I still have to check the clock to tell whether it’s daytime or nighttime… No, I don’t find it depressing at all. It’s not even that I’ve gotten used to it. I just… kinda prefer being in the dark.

Good Night

You’re having some trouble getting to sleep, huh? Hmm… Well, it doesn’t seem to be a physical condition… Oh, I know. Talk to me, tell me what’s on your mind. Whatever’s preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep, we’ll get to the bottom of it together.

About Sigewinne: Hands

I love human hands, they’re really handy for handling things. They make cutting bandages and picking up needles so much easier, and they fit my Tranquilizer Gun like a glove.

About Sigewinne: Romaritime Flower

“Romaritime Flower” is the pen name I use for writing in Beautes en fleurs. It was actually chosen by a vote. My Melusine friends and I put our heads together and came up with three options, then we put them up on the bulletin board and got everyone to vote on them. So that was proof that by human standards, Romaritime Flower fits better with a beauty and skincare theme than um, “Sternshield Crab” or “Bubbler Seahorse.”

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Us: Greetings

Hihi~ Hmm? You’re getting deja vu? Hee-hee, I guess you’ve met some other Melusines before, huh? That’s right, you lean a little bit forwards, quickly wave your hand… and then greet the other person in a friendly tone: hello, hello~

About Us: Trust

I remember that you once hid a potion and didn’t drink it because it was too bitter. Later, I gave you a box of candies… that had some pills mixed in, and a recipe change so they wouldn’t taste too strong. …Oh, they were still bitter? You could tell right away, huh… Well, you still took them, so thank you for trusting me. I’ll keep looking out for your health in the future. Just keep being a good patient, and take your medicine when you’re told to.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 6

About the Vision

Having a Vision helps me remove obstacles getting in the way of my work, which frees up valuable time to look after my patients. What kind of obstacles? Well, in my experience… sometimes, I get nasty characters trying to stop me from treating someone. And other times, it’s the patients themselves — some people can be really uncooperative… But those are extreme cases. Most of the time, I prefer using my Vision to make lots of floaty, colorful bubbles. They always cheer me up, and they liven up the atmosphere — I have loads of great photos of me and my Melusine friends surrounded by bubbles.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

Something to Share

Humans become very vulnerable when they get sick. I’ve seen lots of huge guys who boast about their skills in the Pankration Ring suddenly look at me like a frightened Blubberbeast when they find out they need an injection. I always make sure to bring plenty of candies and stickers to make them feel better when the waterworks start. It’s really effective — a little treat always wipes the doom and gloom away.

Interesting Things

Do you like going swimming? It’s really nice around the Fortress of Meropide, so dark and murky. I bet you’d love it too… Wait, your eyebrow muscles are contracting, which means you’re feeling uncomfortable… Okay, got it — let’s go diving at the Salacia Plain instead! It’s been so long since I saw the Leisurely Otters playing. I could watch them all day. But please make sure you don’t harm them, and don’t steal their shells.

About Neuvillette: Respect

Monsieur Neuvillette was the one who brought the Melusines to the Court of Fontaine and found jobs for us to do. Together, we integrated into Fontaine society and learned about the wonders of humanity. I have huge respect for him, and I really like humans too. Hmm? Who would I save first if Monsieur Neuvillette and a human fell into the water? Well, that’s easy. He’d definitely help me bring the human safely to shore.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Neuvillette: Familiars

We Melusines are Monsieur Neuvillette’s familiars, but that doesn’t mean he shows us any favor beyond what is fair and legal. I willingly accepted when he put me on trial, and I fully agreed with his verdict. I remember the day I left for the Fortress of Meropide, it was raining really hard. But I didn’t feel like the raindrops were cold at all. They were warm and gentle, just like the way Monsieur Neuvillette looks at me…

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Wriothesley

The Duke has the highest pain tolerance of anyone I’ve ever met. He wasn’t always big and strong like he is now, but even in the beginning, he’d always refuse an anesthetic injection when he came to the infirmary to get stitches. He’d say something about wanting to keep a sharp mind, or something. I thought to myself, wow, what an impressive little grown-up he is. He’s gone on to become an equally impressive big grown-up, too.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Clorinde

Miss Clorinde doesn’t make a lot of facial expressions when she talks. It’s pretty difficult to tell what mood she’s in from what her face is doing… She used the lipstick I gave her? Really? Hee-hee, I’m so glad she likes it! I knew that color would go great on her!

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Navia

The Fontaine Beauty Association holds regular meetings, and I really appreciate getting the chance to chat with everyone there. Most people, when I compliment them, just blush, lower their head, and try to brush it off. But Navia’s different — she’s always very happy to receive praise, and then she comes to shake my hand and take a photo with me as a souvenir. She’s like a shining yellow rose who lights up the world around her, and whether it’s daytime or nighttime, sunny or gloomy, she always looks dazzling.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Charlotte

I love looking at Charlotte’s photos. You get to see what everyone’s facial muscles do in all sorts of different situations: tensed up, relaxed, stretching up, drooping down… Hehe, I remember them all very fondly.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Lyney

I still feel sorry for firing that tranquilizer shot at Mr. Lyney… It was an emergency situation, and that was the least harmful way of incapacitating him… Thankfully, he was okay with letting me take care of Mr. Freminet once he understood that I bore them no ill will.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Lynette

Lynette is cute two times over: human-being-cute, and kitty-cute! After observing her a little bit, I noticed that her ears lean forward when she’s having tea and cake. Hee-hee, I just wanna stroke her on the head… You too? Why don’t we ask her for permission next time?

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Freminet

He made a point of coming to thank me after he recovered — what a lovely boy. He speaks so quietly, though… He probably doesn’t go out of his way to talk to other people much. But I could tell that he has a rich and detailed inner world, because he looked so captivated as he was looking through some Melusines’ paintings.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Chiori

Melusines have different bodies than human beings, so it’s hard to find clothes that fit. Even for me — I never know what to do with my tail when I’m trying on human clothes… But luckily, Chiori offers a Melusine tailoring service, so now all my Melusine friends have the chance to wear the pretty clothes they love.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

About Emilie

I always see Miss Emilie’s perfumes being recommended in beauty magazines. So I’ve hatched a plan. The next time I take a vacation, I’m gonna cut my visit to the Palais Mermonia a little short, so I can take some time to go shopping in the Court of Fontaine. I’m gonna buy loads and loads of Emilie’s perfumes to bring back and give to all the lovely little girls here, hee-hee.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

More About Sigewinne: I

In my infirmary, I don’t see criminals who deserve to suffer — I see patients who deserve a sickbed. Because whoever you are, you have to get healthy so you can serve your sentence and pay for your crimes, right?

More About Sigewinne: II

A lot of illnesses are things that build up over a long time, that’s why it’s so important to take good care of yourself day to day. Sadly, not a lot of people seem to understand that. Why do they force themselves to keep working in the production zone, when it’s obvious that they’re so tired they can barely keep their eyes open? I always sneak them some extra food, but beyond a point, if they aren’t gonna do what’s good for them and get some proper rest, they leave me with no choice. I have to resort to more extreme therapeutic measures, like my Tranquilizer Gun. *sigh* There’s more to life than Credit Coupons… People need to learn to go easier on themselves.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 3

More About Sigewinne: III

When work’s not so busy, I invite Ottnit and Menthe to the infirmary for tea. Sometimes we talk about recent criminal cases, other times we discuss the latest skincare products recommended in the magazines, but most of the time we do painting together. We paint things that we find cute, turn them into stickers, and then give the stickers to people that we also think are cute. …Oh, wait a moment, I have one here for you.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

More About Sigewinne: IV

Once upon a time in Fontaine, humans and Melusines didn’t get along like they do today. Some people feared and hated us because they heard that we were born from the body of Elynas… Others didn’t trust Monsieur Neuvillette, and by extension they didn’t trust us Melusines either… And maybe some of them were just subconsciously wary of us because we looked different… Back then, it was really difficult to make human friends. So I really treasured that one little girl who knew I was a Melusine but was still willing to hold my little round hand…

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 5

More About Sigewinne: V

My teacher’s golden rule was: “A doctor’s duty is to treat whatever ailments they can.” Doctors aren’t gods, I know that — even the best doctors will come up against incurable diseases in their time. But that’s okay. We Melusines have very long lives, so as long as I never stop studying medicine, the range of illnesses I can cure can only keep increasing, and the amount of suffering can only keep decreasing. I’ll always follow my teacher’s example, doing everything in my power to save the people I can reach… As long as it will help, and as long as I’m not harming anyone in the process, I’m willing to use any means necessary to treat my patients, whatever the risk to myself.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 6

Sigewinne’s Hobbies

Out of all the books I’ve ever read, The Meaning of Laughter is my favorite. Not only is it a fun read, it also helps me when I diagnose patients. Like, when someone comes out of the Pankration Ring and they’re laughing with their mouth but the rest of their facial muscles are all contorted, it means that they’re doing it to cover up the pain from taking a beating. If you ever meet someone doing that, you should subtly hint for them to come to me and get patched up. But remember, the subtlety is important. Otherwise, it takes away the meaning of their laughter, hehe.

Sigewinne’s Troubles

How strange. My storage room is running out of space — soon, I won’t be able to fit any more mechanical parts in there. I thought I was pretty good at storing things… Hmm, yeah, looks like I need to talk to the Duke some time about expanding the capacity.

Favorite Food

There are so many good ingredients, all with their own nutritional benefits… And I found a great way to combine them all into one meal. Wanna try my special-edition nutritious shake?

Least Favorite Food

Tea is great, but if you drink too much, it does your health more harm than good. *sigh* I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve told the Duke that…

Receiving a Gift: I

I can tell you used lots of fresh ingredients… Mm, I wonder if I could blend this up and add it to a nutritious shake…

Receiving a Gift: II

If Wolsey had a kitchen assistant like you, there’d be lots more tasty dishes to go ’round.

Receiving a Gift: III

You think I should eat more, huh? Thank you very much. Would you like to split it with me?

Birthday

Happy Birthday! From what I’ve observed, you’re always going from one place to the next. So, I made a special skincare set just for you that’s portable and practical. Come on, lay down and close your eyes, I’ll show you how to use it. First, I’m gonna apply a wet compress to your face — but you can just splash some water on there if you’re ever in a hurry… Next, we squeeze out a small amount of foam cleanser, gently massaging it in with a circular motion, following the muscle, before rinsing and drying… And lastly, we apply some moisturizer with Tidalga extract… And, we’re done! You look radiant, and now it’s time for lovely little you to go and enjoy your special day to the fullest!

Feelings About Ascension: Intro

Your job today is to carry on being cute. But don’t worry, I’ll help.

* Unlocks at Ascension Phase 1

Feelings About Ascension: Building Up

Yep, you saw it. Melusines give their tails a swish and a swoosh when they feel really satisfied. Thank you so, so much for everything you’ve given me.

* Unlocks at Ascension Phase 2

Feelings About Ascension: Climax

Oh wow… My Tranquilizer Gun feels much steadier in my hands now. I wanna see if I can shoot it with just one hand… Shall we go out for some target practice?

* Unlocks at Ascension Phase 4

Feelings About Ascension: Conclusion

Maybe humans and Melusines see the world differently, but I’ve always believed that we share the same feelings of friendship. That’s something that transcends race. Take my hand — can you feel that? It’s the warmth straight from my heart.

* Unlocks at Ascension Phase 6

Elemental Skill: I

Hold still.

Elemental Skill: II

Let’s see…

Elemental Skill: III

Calm down.

Elemental Skill: IV

Let’s blow bubbles.

Elemental Skill: V

Wibbly-wobbly~

Elemental Skill: VI

Floaty-woaty~

Elemental Burst: I

I swear, it’s for medical research.

Elemental Burst: II

Don’t be nervous! Just relax.

Elemental Burst: III

You might feel a little prick.

Sprint Start: I

Don’t slip and fall.

Opening Treasure Chest: I

Don’t smile too much, or your face’ll get tired.

Opening Treasure Chest: II

If there’s any mechanical parts, could I have them please?

Opening Treasure Chest: III

A very nice treasure for a very lovely person.

Low HP: I

I can treat that…

Low HP: II

Time for a painkiller.

Low HP: III

I’ll be fine…

Ally at Low HP: I

It’s time for some aggressive treatment…

Ally at Low HP: II

Help is here!

Fallen: I

But my patients need me…

Fallen: II

So cold… It hurts…

Fallen: III

My wounds are incurable…

Light Hit Taken: I

No.

Heavy Hit Taken: I

Now I’m mad!

Heavy Hit Taken: II

That wasn’t very nice!

Joining Party: I

Anyone need a health checkup?

Joining Party: II

Anesthetics… check.

Joining Party: III

Excuse me~

Story

Character Details

Within the huge undersea facilities of the Fortress of Meropide, Sigewinne’s infirmary is one of the few places open to all people at all times.

A guard might have a terrible bout of illness while out on patrol at night, and have to be helped over to the infirmary by his colleagues, only to find that a hot drink and a clean bed had already been prepared, awaiting his arrival. Or an exhausted inmate might collapse from overexertion at their lunch desk, then awake to find their meal by their bedside, snug within an insulated container…

As they made these discoveries, Sigewinne’s smile would also come into view, swiftly relieving both fright and fatigue, helping them to calm down and accept treatment and care.

All are in awe of her dedication, yet are also puzzled by the warmness of her heart.

To be consigned to the Fortress is a punishment in and of itself, and even the most youthful and energetic of guards must take a day off after consecutive days of work. Yet Sigewinne has taken precious few of these throughout Wriothesley’s entire tenure as administrator. The lights in the infirmary are always on, and it seems that they’ll never be put out… The motivation behind such enthusiasm may as well be an enigma to guard and inmate alike.

“Could it be that she is an emissary sent from the heavens to watch over us?”

What began as a single inmate mumbling away to themselves after seeing the wings on Sigewinne’s back was swiftly taken up others, until before long the vast majority were behind it. In this world without light beneath the waves, she had become their “sun,” bringing a radiant warmth to their dark, damp prison.

To repay this “angel” for her care, the guards have an “unwritten rule” beyond the many administrative systems already present — any who are rude to Sigewinne are punished extra harshly. The inmates, for their part, also have an unspoken agreement that any particularly wild and violent newcomers must receive a “warning” upon being admitted. After all, they had to be made aware that the community would brook no affront to their angel, didn’t they?

Sigewinne herself is blissfully unaware of all these customs that have cropped up around her, and simply serves her patients as she always has. However, there will always be some curious person who will ask:

“Head Nurse, why do you stay here to take care of us? Don’t you get tired or, y’know, annoyed?”

Whenever this happens, Sigewinne’s brows tend to furrow (a rare sight indeed), as though the question was absurd.

“Hmm… Have you ever had a pet cat? You take care of them, and watch them be cute in their various ways… That’s something that makes you happy in and of itself, isn’t it? Why would anyone ever get tired of something like that?”

Most who ask cannot quite believe their ears when they receive such an answer, and those they tell are even less convinced.

“Nonsense, if ever I’ve heard it! I’d sooner believe that angels exist!”

Character Story 1

In the days just following Sigewinne’s appointment to the post of Head Nurse, the Fortress saw many instances of inmates overworking themselves.

Even without being ordered to do so, many would persist in working when rest times rolled around. Perhaps they were simply looking for a faster way to get their hands on temporary luxuries to lavish upon themselves, or place another bet in the next boxing match — either way, the Credit Coupons caused many an inmate to sacrifice their health in pursuit of their desires.

Seeing all this confused Sigewinne, yet she was unable to do anything about it. The way she saw it, “exhaustion” was an “illness” that humans actively sought to afflict themselves with.

“But since it is an illness, I could come up with a cure, couldn’t I?”

So thinking, she began sourcing for ingredients, eventually coming up with a type of medicine that was to her satisfaction. Both packed full of nutrition and delicious, in her eyes it was a sure-fire winner.

Yet when she first tried to use it, the inmate she was treating blanched in terror at the sight and refused to take it.

Bewildered by this reaction, Sigewinne sought help from many sources, eventually receiving her answer from the inmate who served as head chef.

“Sounds like a piece of cake to me! We chefs can turn anything into a gourmet dish, even the ugliest-looking roots and rhizomes around.”

Though she found herself disagreeing with his definition of “ugly,” Sigewinne was grateful for the head chef’s help, and so she showed him the ingredients she had prepared.

There was a long silence as the head chef looked over the items before him.

“Head Nurse, I will do my best. Oh, and if you don’t mind, next time you send me the ingredients… Don’t let anyone see them, alright?

Sigewinne did not understand why he was so worried, but seeing his earnest gaze, she agreed. Afterwards, she was to give this medicine the official name of “Nutritious Meal,” and thus did it become one of the secret menu items at the canteen — one that would inevitably show up on an inmate’s tray the day after they overworked themselves.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 2

Character Story 2

After Sigewinne became Head Nurse, the fact that she looked like a human yet was actually a Melusine became an open secret, and the news spread even beyond the Fortress’s walls.

Some guessed that she might be a descendant of mixed human and Melusine blood, but any who discussed this possibility would receive a stern warning from the Marechaussee Phantom. Even Iudex Neuvillette would personally come out against such rumors, “with the intent to quash such inappropriate, discourteous canards.”

Some guessed that she might be wearing a special mask and gloves, postulating that this made it easier for her to blend in with humanity. But most quickly refuted this belief, for the time when humans had ostracized Melusines was now far behind them, and there was no need for Sigewinne to live in this way.

Newspapers quickly seized upon the selling power of this public curiosity, and many reporters were dispatched to the Fortress to interview her.

“Forgive me for asking, but might we know how you came to look the way you do?”

The reporters tactful approaches belied their urgency. Sigewinne, after giving the question some serious thought, began to tell a story woven from distant memories—

In the times when humans and Melusines did not yet trust one another, only one little girl was willing to make friends with a Melusine. Later, when she fell seriously ill, Sigewinne was the only doctor who was able to make it on time. But because she was a Melusine — and only because of that — the girl’s parents did not allow Sigewinne to enter.

To save her friend, Sigewinne looked for a frightening witch and begged her to help. Having ascertained Sigewinne’s resolve, the witch gave her a bottled potion of brewed sin. After using it, Sigewinne gained a human countenance, hands, and feet, and by so doing managed to save her friend.

Having listened to this story, the reporters glanced at each other.

“Head Nurse, this is a fairy tale, isn’t it?”

“It’s true, you know.”

They looked into the Melusine’s eyes, then back at each other. Each of them was among the elite of their profession, and they all believed that they could see through an interviewee’s lie with ease, yet there was no trace of falsehood in Sigewinne’s expression.

And so it was that they returned in vain, and perhaps there was consensus that the public would not be convinced by the story, for Sigewinne’s answer was never published.

Afterward, those around her came to believe that this was a matter she had no wish to discuss, and thus they privately agreed that no one was to ask her again. Perhaps only Sigewinne herself knows that she had hidden nothing, though she might not have understood the full truth at the time.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 3

Character Story 3

Ever since entering the Fortress, Sigewinne has maintained a correspondence with Neuvillette via letters.

She responds earnestly to every letter he sends, and out of concern for the possible boredom that he might have to endure in the Palais Mermonia, she sometimes even includes anecdotes about some interesting things that have happened at the Fortress.

“Dear Monsieur Neuvillette, I am doing very well right now. I received the medical items in a shipment a while back — thank you very much for selecting them and arranging for their arrival.”

“Something quite interesting happened recently. A newly arrived youngster brought down an old bully who’s been throwing his weight around for a long time now. He was injured in the process, though. He is very young indeed, but he’s tougher than any adult I’ve met so far. He even refused anesthetics when I was stitching his wound, saying that he wanted to keep his head clear…

Neuvillette’s reply that time came a good while earlier than usual. He seemed to have recognized the young man Sigewinne had mentioned, and requested that she took close care of him. Although he wrote in the same officialese as usual, Sigewinne could sense that he was following this young man with interest.

As such, matters concerning this young man would become a common feature of her letters to Neuvillette.

“Dear Monsieur Neuvillette, he has injured himself in a fight again, and refused anesthetics as always… I snuck some into his tea anyway, stitching him up after he fell asleep. He never cries out when I treat him, but I know how painful it must be for him.”

“Dear Monsieur Neuvillette, he still refuses to drink the milkshakes I make for him, even though they’d do him a lot of good…”

“Dear Monsieur Neuvillette, he has grown quite a bit. Perhaps he might even be a little taller than you are now…”

“Dear Monsieur Neuvillette, the medical supplies that I reported as missing in my previous letter have now been found, thanks to him. It seems that there are no longer any secrets that may be kept from him down here…”

“Dear Mr. Neuvillette, based on your previous instructions, I am to address him as ‘Your Grace’ now, yes?”

…

Many years later, after the young man named Wriothesley had become the new administrator of the Fortress, through some coincidence he discovered Sigewinne and Neuvillette’s status as pen pals.

“Just as I thought. Our dear Iudex placed a spy by my side.”

“Why do you say that? I only mentioned you in my letters because Monsieur Neuvillette was concerned about you.”

Wriothesley did not agree with this, but he did not refute it directly, instead choosing to talk about a certain encounter from before he went to prison. At that time, wracked with hunger, he had been flipping through a discarded newspaper, searching for some opportunity to make Mora. However, the one he had met was not the “concerned” Monsieur Neuvillette, but rather a warm-hearted Melusine officer. It was only thanks to the food she gave him that he managed to make it through at all.

“The Iudex does not… Or to be precise, he cannot show concern for anyone. This is one of the restrictions he must accept as the Iudex. Even his subordinates are freer than he is to show concern for others.

“Nonetheless, do continue writing to him about anything you like. I suppose that is one of the restrictions I must accept.”

Sigewinne, too, did not attempt to refute Wriothesley’s view, even as he left — for she had never imagined that he, despite everything he knew, would come to such an incorrect conclusion. Long ago, when the Melusines had just come up to the surface world, many of them would present gifts to humanity as gestures of goodwill. Yet this was exploited by evil folk, bringing danger upon many Melusines. Thus it was that Neuvillette gathered them all, strictly prohibiting such behavior. If it were not for Neuvillette’s express instructions, that Melusine officer would never have given Wriothesley any food herself.

After much deliberation, Sigewinne decided to pen a new letter.

“Dear Monsieur Neuvillette, I have finally found a secret that even he does not know…”

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

Character Story 4

As far as Melusines are concerned, humans aging, falling ill, and dying is as natural as the sunrise and sunset.

This is the first thing all Melusines understand in their attempts to understand humans, for it is the biggest difference between them. Many Melusines’ understanding of humanity also stops here, for what they faced when they came onto land was human wariness and rejection; so they returned to the waters, giving up on further investigation into the transient lot that is humanity’s.

Unlike these Melusines, Sigewinne’s curiosity bid her stay, and also alerted her to the magic of the science of “medicine.” It was said that this magic was quite marvelous, even able to change the natural law known as death by age and ailment.

Sigewinne wished to master this magic, believing that it might help bridge the chasm between Melusines and humans, allowing the former to blend in with the latter. Unfortunately, in the days when Melusines had first entered society, none among the humans understood her thought process, and even less so were they willing to impart medical skills onto her.

This persisted until a traveling doctor who the children called “the witch” encountered the Melusine, and heard her out.

“Seriously? What do you think medicine is? How childish.”

Sigewinne was expecting to be rejected even as she silently bore the criticism, only for the “witch” to scare off a few children who were looking to ridicule the Melusine, before waving for her to follow.

“Might as well come with me, then. I’ll show you what the real answer is.”

Thus did Sigewinne come to own her very own medical kit, learning medicine at the feet of this “witch.” The latter was an excellent doctor and a dutiful teacher alike. There was almost no illness that she could not cure, no technique she could not teach.

As their travels gradually took them all across Fontaine, Sigewinne had already learned how to prepare various medicines as well as scare off children with ghost stories, and she would also call this “witch” her “Teacher.”

One day, this traveling doctor of a “witch” would stop her wandering feet, and with a serious expression that seemed somewhat out of character, called Sigewinne over to assist her.

“What shall we use to cure this person, Teacher?”

“There is no cure. Just give them some painkillers.”

This was the first time Sigewinne had ever heard her teacher make such a pronouncement. Though shocked, she prepared the relevant substance nonetheless. Then, she watched as the suffering patient calmed down, said their farewells to their family members, before passing on peacefully.

In the night, the two of them would continue their journey.

“I didn’t know there were illnesses you could not cure, Teacher. Are there more of them?”

“Oh, lots. No matter how advanced medicine becomes, there will always be incurable illnesses.”

“Then why does medicine exist?”

“All humans will die. In which case, why do humans exist?” replied the “witch.”

Hearing her Teacher’s response, Sigewinne teetered on the edge of understanding. She thought back to the farewells they had seen earlier, rifling through her memories for an answer.

“For their smiles? Their tears?”

Her teacher, ever serious, suddenly gave her a rare, gentle smile.

“Let’s leave it at that for now. Once you’ve figured it out, not only will you understand medicine, but humanity as well.”

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 5

Character Story 5

“Fontainians were originally Oceanids, and their bodies will dissolve in Primordial Seawater.”

That great flood washed away the sins of all Fontainians and revealed the shocking truth at the same time. Of this matter, Sigewinne had a far greater understanding than most. After settling the inmates injured in the flood, she returned to the Fortress ahead of time and took out that letter, sealed securely in a bottle as it had been for hundreds of years.

“I assume that if you’re opening this letter, you’ve understood all those things I had doubts about, just as we agreed?”

“No matter. I know I need not worry. You’ve always done as I said, trusting me unconditionally. As such, allow me to open with an apology. I lied to you, even at the end.”

“The strange illness I discovered manifests as the dissolution of the human body. All bodily tissues and structures will dissipate, leaving behind a liquid that appears as close to pure water as might seem possible. Even by using myself as an experimental subject and forcing myself into a fatal impasse, I could not find the answer to curing the disease in this liquid. All I gained was one meaningless discovery — that if you mixed this liquid with some specific ingredients, you will obtain a face-changing solution usable by Fontainians alone. With this solution, they can change their appearance into anything they desire.”

“I originally thought it useless… until you found me, and told me of your dilemma, of being unable to save your friend due to being a Melusine. It suddenly occurred to me that it might also have some effect on a Melusine constitution, and that this predicament I found myself at may yet have some purpose.”

“That is why I tricked you. The bottle on the table is not some sort of mysterious potion, but the final gift I can leave you after I have dissolved myself.”

“Just take it as a sort of medicine — after all, didn’t I tell you that we had to be willing to resort to trickery to get children to drink theirs?”

Having finished reading the letter, Sigewinne returned to the place she had chosen to memorialize her teacher, now armed with the full truth.

There was no gravestone here, only an unremarkable water’s edge. Sigewinne had never found her teacher’s body, and so had set up a simple cenotaph for her. Hundreds of years later, the monument had in turn been swallowed up by the constantly rising waters.

Sigewinne did not begrudge her teacher that lie, for she could feel the “warmth” in it each time she touched her cheeks.

“Thank you, Teacher.”

And she laid that letter upon the waters, and watched it drift far away.

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 6

Melusine-Specialized Portable Integrated Medical Apparatus

In the days before the main body of the Fontaine Research Institute had yet to float in the skies, the researchers would also accept some research projects that lay outside the scope of their usual investigations as a way to repay their benefactors.

These projects were largely dry, uninteresting, but tolerable sacrifices for the sake of courting sponsors. Still, some would be outright ridiculous, to the point that the researchers might consider having their funding cut to be preferable to actually carrying them out.

One day, one such task appeared, finding pride of place on their announcement boards.

“Extra Urgent: Specialist Medical Device Development.”

“Requirements: 1. Portable, Small Size, Lightweight, to be carried with ease by a person with the build of a small child. 2. Needs to contain all needed medical implements for emergency calls (if present medical instruments cannot meet these requirements, a new complement of devices will need to be created separately.) 3. Contains a function with which to perform routine health checkups. 4. Must have a cute design.”

Those who had gathered around the board to read this began to scrunch up their brows as they did so, and finally, they could not contain their anger any longer.

“What sort of request is this? Never mind the how strict the requirements are — they’re self-contradictory, too!”

“A cute design? What are we, toymakers?”

But the person who had put up the notice was unfazed by their infuriated response.

“The commissioner is the Melusine head nurse at the Fortress of Meropide.”

At this, the researchers — who just moments before had been the very picture of outrage — fell utterly silent, until finally someone shouted out:

“We’re bidding for this one — no preferential treatment for those on shift! Also, anyone who complained just now is automatically out of the running!”

After just a single month, Sigewinne had received a most satisfactory product. From then on, this heart-shaped medical kit could be seen at her hip wherever she went, indeed becoming one of her calling cards.

If she had but one complaint, it would have to be its awful mouthful of a name — the “Melusine-Specialized Portable Integrated Medical Apparatus.”

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 4

Vision

Sigewinne is a most skilled medical practitioner indeed. Since entering the Fortress of Meropide, she has almost never encountered an illness she could not treat. And as the number she has saved has increased, so too has everyone’s respect for her. As long as it’s medical advice she gives, they will follow it to the letter.

Still, there was one exception.

This was an inmate by the name of “Oldstone,” whose real name no one knew. They knew only that he had been serving his sentence for many years already, coming to spend his twilight years beneath the waves on account of its sheer length. His body grew more and more frail, but he would always reject treatment from Sigewinne.

“Don’t bother me. No one can cure me.”

With such words he would refuse her each time she tried to give him a checkup. Eventually, she was forced to make use of her connections with the prison administration, calling upon the aid of several guards to drag those old stony bones into the infirmary. Thus did the long-overdue physical examination begin, but the result was one of despair — the old fellow’s condition had long since been terminal, and was not something that Sigewinne could treat, for all her skill.

“See? I told you so!”

Oldstone crowed in triumph as he looked into her defeated eyes, only for his laughter to turn into a bout of intense choking and bloody coughing, until finally he lost consciousness.

After this, the arrogant old fellow was rendered bedridden. And for the first time, Sigewinne found herself feeling trapped in that now so familiar infirmary, not knowing what to do aside from watch over Oldstone as his final days slipped away.

Still, she noticed that he would constantly stare at a specific date on the calendar, some strange light stubbornly lingering in those long deadened eyes of his.

“No matter how advanced medicine becomes, there will always be incurable illnesses.”

“Then why does medicine exist?”

Sigewinne remembered the question she once asked her teacher, and suddenly realized that she might now pen the final annotation of her answer. So she came to Oldstone’s bedside, and once again extended an invitation to him.

“My Teacher once told me that a doctor’s greatest duty is not to cure all diseases, but to cure the ones they can. So let me help you.”

“You’re saying there’s something wrong with me that you can treat?”

“That’s right. It’s your inability to last till that day comes.”

He stared back at her in shock, but was ultimately won over by the resolve in her eyes.

In the following ten or so days, despite his unwillingness, he drank every last concoction she gave him. His condition did not improve, and indeed his bloody coughing only increased in intensity and volume, but by some miracle he made it past the date of the death sentence his disease had passed upon him — made it to that day on the calendar.

On that day, a mother and her son showed up in the infirmary. The son had been plying his trade as a merchant in Liyue, and this was the earliest he could hurry back to Fontaine. He first upbraided Oldstone for his failures as a father, then, upon receiving the old man’s earnest apology, soaked the sickbed’s sheets with his tears, before finally sending Oldstone off with a smile when that final moment came.

…

After Oldstone’s funeral, Sigewinne received a box of thank-you gifts from that mother and son. Just as she was about to pass them on to her patients, her eyes came upon something shiny.

And what was it but a brand new Vision, as if the gods themselves had seen all her deeds, and sent her a gift of their own as well.

Still, she did not display too much joy or surprise, instead taking this as just another annotation for her answer.

How she wished her Teacher were here in this moment! That way, she could submit her answer at last:

“For the smiles and tears on their faces!”

* Unlocks at Friendship Lv. 6