The Mermaid Asks for Love - Chapter 4

Gradually, the Mermaid became less restrained than before.

It no longer lingered within my sight, and sometimes I wouldn’t see it at all for half the day.

I worried it might lose its way home, so I hung a string of wind chimes under the eaves.

They were made from dead shells, sprinkled with magical potion.

When the sea breeze blew, they produced a crisp, clear sound.

The Mermaid had excellent hearing; when it heard the sound, it would follow it back home.

Sure enough, before it was even time for us to rest, it started swimming back as soon as it heard the chimes.

The magical potion I had been brewing for a long time was finally finished today. Once the Mermaid came ashore, I began applying the medicine to its ear fins and wounds.

Normally, I don’t like turning on the lights-the glow from the Magic Stone is enough.

But applying medicine is a delicate task, so I turned on a warm lamp.

The medicine was potent, but after all, making ruined things regenerate is always a bit troublesome.

I carefully applied the ointment. Growing new flesh tends to itch, but the Mermaid didn’t seem itchy at all.

Its face was red, its ears were red, even its body was tinged with pink.

Its tail trembled ever so slightly.

I asked, “Are those all your friends?”

It reacted strongly to my sudden question, but then, coming back to its senses, it saw several sea creatures peeking in from the waters outside the window.

Instantly, it lowered its head in embarrassment.

“Yes.”

I even saw a sea turtle stretching its neck at the window, trying hard to look inside.

The scene was so funny. This group of friends was quite loyal, as if they were afraid I might harm the Mermaid.

Thinking this, I said,

“Are they worried I’ll hurt you?”

“No, not at all.”

The Mermaid replied immediately, afraid I’d misunderstand.

Then, in a small voice, it said:

“They’re all envious of me.

Envious that I can be close to you.”

That was unexpected.

After all, in a world ruled by humans, these sea creatures are so weak. Once they sense humans aren’t kind to them, they should keep their distance.

While changing the bandages, I casually said, “Remind your friends not to trust humans too much.”

Although no one comes to this part of the sea, there’s no guarantee they won’t swim far away.

The Mermaid’s voice grew quieter and quieter, as if it wanted to bury itself in the ground.

“They think you’re different from other humans.”