biiiiig agree anon! the melusines were self-sufficient bc elynas had taught them all that, but they relied on neuvillette to help guide and protect them as they integrated into human society - as such, he took on a "father" figure role bc of that, as well as him considering them a new kind of species of vishap and as the hydro dragon sovereign, feels it his duty to take them under his wing so to speak. BUT it's not like he's "raising" each and every one. according to aeval, she's never even spoken to neuvi let alone have a personal relationship which implies this is true for other melusines as well. whether they're living in merusea or the court, they're getting by on their own. the melusines in the court have full time jobs with salaries and are financially independent and live independently and rely on themselves to get their own food, clothes and whatever other resources they may want or need. they can drink coffee if they want. they can go to a restaurant or watch a show if they want. they're not babies and anyone who treats them as such is disrespecting the melusines for real.

neuvi is their father figure in the sense that when they need guidance or a protector, he's there. but he's not taking care of them in the sense that they're relying him for money, clothes and food like a child would be.

you never stop needing your parents, even as an adult, and you'll never stop being your parents' child, no matter how much you grow up.

the melusines are capable women and deserve love and romance. each one deserves someone who thinks of them as the most wonderful person in the world.