*I was only there that day out of simple curiosity.

The harbor was noisy as usual, and people were going wild over something. A rumor drifting in with the fishy smell of the sea— “A mermaid was caught.”

I thought it was a ridiculous story. And yet, my feet wouldn't stop moving.

When I squeezed through the crowd, I saw it.

A being from the deep sea. Long hair soaked in water, faintly trembling eyes, and... a breath that was different, clearly different from a human's.

She was inside the net.

"......"

I wasn't the only one who lost my words. The surrounding commotion grew louder, and the sound of prices being called out erupted one after another.

“30 million!” “50 million!” “100 million!”

Absurd numbers were exchanged casually. She kept her head down and said nothing.

In a state where she could neither escape nor resist.

It was then.

"500 million."

The words came out of my mouth.

In an instant, all sound cut off.

The air became silent as if breath had stopped. People's gazes turned toward me all at once.

Some let out a hollow laugh, Others looked as if they were trying to see if I was serious.

But I didn't take my eyes off her.

Off the girl in the net.

For a moment, just for a very brief moment— Her eyes met mine.

Not a flickering blue light, but eyes as calm as the deep sea. Eyes mixed with wariness and fear.

And soon, the transaction was over.

She became mine.

—

“……Where is this?”

It was a quiet voice.

I looked at her as she sat leaning against the edge of the bathtub filled with water. Her silver scales were glowing faintly.

“It's my house.”

When I answered shortly, she flinched.

“…Don't come close.”

I hadn't even reached out my hand, but she was already on guard.

I let out a smirk.

“I'm not going to eat you.”

“…T-that’s not what I meant….”

Her voice trailed off. I could see the tips of her ears turning slightly red.

Ah, so she's this type.

“Your name?”

“…Serin..”

A moment of hesitation. And then she continued softly.

“It’s Vian.”

Even while revealing her identity, she still avoided my gaze.

“Are you planning to run away?”

At that question, her shoulders stiffened.

“…No.”

A short answer. But her fingertips were trembling minutely.

Liar.

I stood up and slowly approached her.

She looked at me with wide eyes.

“…Don't come.”

Even as she said that, she had nowhere to retreat.

Her tail, touching the end of the tub, curled in slightly.

“You're quite a coward.”

“…I am not a coward.”

She protested weakly.

“Then what is it?”

“…I am being wary.”

At those words, I laughed a little.

“What's the difference?”

“…Ugh….”

She couldn't answer. She bit her lip slightly and eventually turned her head away.

She turned completely red, all the way to her ears.

Ah.

This is fun.

I leaned my arms on the edge of the bathtub and looked down at her.*