Chapter 66: A Mermaid Who Loved a Knight (1)

"Wow...!"

As if illustrated by the industry's best artist with meticulous care, the illustration displayed an ocean filled with liveliness and mermaids swimming joyfully in it.

Even just one illustration makes it worth opening this book.

Kai quickly became emerged in the book.

[...On nights when the full moon rises to its highest point, the mermaids enjoy coming ashore to sing their songs. They can feel the emotions of their comrades no matter how far they stray. Unlike the elves and dwarves, they are a playful and gentle race.]

After reading for a while, Kai tilted his head.

The more I read, the more it doesn’t seem like a fairy tale.

The book was more like a glossary guide than a fairy tale. Although he didn't know who the author was, it was detailed and well-structured.

It describes what the mermaids like and fear. It's incredibly detailed.

That wasn't all. It seemed someone who had excellent knowledge about them had written the book as it even mentioned their kingdom, Aquavera, and the characteristics of their predators, the nagas, in detail.

Kai's eyes sparkled simultaneously.

Could the author of this book have visited Aquavera before?

The book's contents were vast and detailed enough that it seemed hard to believe one person had imagined it all.

Kai quickly flipped through the book to check the author.

"Crawford Wonderfield."

After seeing the author's name, Kai began to wonder.

If this person is still alive and I could meet him...

Kai's gaze shifted to the fishing rod, which didn't move an inch.

If he could meet Crawford, he would be able to acquire scales far better than those of any steel tortoise.

Aquavera must have plenty of monsters that can't be found on land.

Their scales would be the best he could obtain!

But that wasn't all. Aquavera housed one of the three sacred relics that could unlock the true power of a Solaris Cleric.

With this thought, Kai immediately reeled in the fishing rod.

"Waiting patiently in a place like this isn't my style."

Kai was the type who worked hard, always running around on his own two feet!

As he returned to the Information Guild, he met the man who had given him information earlier, who furrowed his brows and said, "We need to make a living too. No refunds."

"That’s not why I came back. Didn't you say you'd give me a discount if I asked for more information?"

"That was earlier... but since you came back so quickly, I’ll do it for you. What do you need now?"

"I need to find someone."

"Oh, an adventurer?"

"No."

The man showed an intrigued expression at Kai's response.

"An adventurer looking for a person of this world... that's not common. So, what’s the name of the person you're looking for?"

"Crawford Wonderfield."

The man, who had been wearing a smirk, lost his grin. "The name of the person you’re looking for is Crawford Wonderfield?"

"Yes."

"Umm..." The rogue from the Information Guild, rubbing his forehead as if that would be troublesome, leaned forward and asked, "How did you even learn about him? That's not a name outsiders would know easily..."

"Outsiders? That means..." Kai picked up a hint from the Rogue's slip of the tongue and asked again, "Crawford has connections with Aquaveria, doesn't he?"

"Dang, you've got a sharp sense." The Rogue, realizing his mistake, clicked his tongue and extended his hand. "No comment. You know our terms, payment first."

"How much?"

"50 gold."

As Kai rummaged through his inventory, he glared at the man.

"Hey hey, don't look at me like that. It’s not like I’m out to scam you or something."

"If you're not scamming me, how does that price make any sense?"

"

Sigh

... listen, to be honest, we'd rather not deal with that information."

"What do you mean?"

The man pointed to the ceiling with his index finger. "It involves some important people and..." He pointed behind him with his thumb. "The lord of Aquaveria, here."

Kai stayed silent.

"You know, even a dog barks louder in its frontyard,[1] but... even for the Information Guild, that topic is a bit sensitive..."

At those words, Kai quickly placed the fifty gold coins on the table, raising his chin as if demanding the Rogue elaborate.

With a sigh, the Rogue pocketed the coins and stood up. "Wait here. I'll bring the documents."

Ten minutes later, he returned and dropped a massive stack of papers on the table with a heavy

thud

. It was much thicker than before.

"Crawford Wonderfield. He was originally a knight here in Aquaria. Skilled, virtuous, handsome, and young. In short, he had a bright future ahead of him."

The Rogue quickly flipped through the papers, showing photos to aid his explanation.

He’s definitely handsome.

Crawford Wonderfield had a sharp jawline, deep eyes, and a high nose, of which resembled a Western actor!

As the Rogue had said, he seemed like someone with a bright future.

"But you mentioned his bright future in past-tense... Does that mean he's not anymore?"

"Wow, our client sure catches on quick!" Impressed, the man shook the thickest bundle of papers and continued, "This is going to be quite a long story."

"I have plenty of time."

"Then I'll get into it..."

As he opened the papers, a message window popped up in front of Kai.

[Will you view the Story of Crawford? If you accept, you may receive a related quest.]

𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Yes.

Upon accepting, Kai's view changed as if he were watching a movie.

***

Crawford Wonderfield was the most promising knight in Aquaria. Young, skilled, and virtuous. Naturally, there were countless women who admired him, but he already had a lover he adored—secret lover he couldn't tell anyone about.

Splash.

"You're here."

In a cave by a distant coast away from Aquaria, Crawford smiled lovingly at the woman waiting for him. Her beautiful emerald eyes revealed that she wasn't just an ordinary person.

"Sorry I'm late. Have you been waiting long?"

"No, it’s okay. I just got here myself."

Splash, splash.

The slender woman, who had been splashing her feet in the puddles on the cave floor, stood up to embrace him. It was ten minutes before she finally pulled away from Crawford's broad chest.

"You always smell so good," Crawford said with a hint of disappointment. For him, even ten minutes felt too short.

Playfully pouting, she asked, "You're not teasing me for smelling fishy, are you?”

"What? Hahaha!" Crawford burst into laughter at his lover's joke, brushing her blue hair with his hand. "Not at all. You always smell amazing."

"I probably just smell like the salty sea..."

"No, you don’t. Do all mermaids smell as good as you?"

"I'm a little special."

The woman with a mischievous smile was a mermaid and her name was Helene.

As if it was destiny, the two had fallen in love when Helene had saved him from drowning. They only met once a month, but their love grew deeper with each meeting. It was a love that truly overcame species boundaries!

"Helene, I have good news."

"What is it?" Helene's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

"I think I'll soon be resigning from my position as a knight, becoming a free man."

"What? Is it... because of me?"

"No." Crawford shook his head with a bitter smile. "I just can't bring myself to stay loyal to the current lord. It has nothing to do with you."

The lord of Aquaria, Lord Bariton, had little respect for the honor of knights and was very greedy, and because of that, Crawford had become disappointed and wanted to leave.

"But why is that good news?"

"If I'm not a knight, I can see you every day." Crawford's eyes curved into a gentle crescent shape as he looked at Helene with eyes filled with love and took her hand. "When that time comes, will you marry me?"

"C-Crawford... is this a...?"

"It's a proposal."

"But I'm a mermaid... Do you think it’ll be okay?"

"It doesn't matter. No matter what anyone says, you, Helene, are the one I love most."

"Crawford..." With tears welling in her eyes, Helene nodded repeatedly. "I will. I'll marry you, Crawford."

Crawford's proposal was successful, and the scene changed as they shared a kiss.

***

"It has been an honor to serve you."

"Hm... are you really going to resign?"

"...I'm sorry."

Having taken off his armor and dressed in civilian clothes, Crawford bowed to Bariton.

Seeing the unwavering determination in him, Bariton clicked his tongue. "I guess there's nothing I can do. Thanks for your service. Take care."

"May you stay well."

Free from his obligations, Crawford stepped out of the lord's mansion and felt like a new man.

Now all that's left is to officially tie the knot with Helene and live a happy life.

He couldn't help but smile from ear to ear at the thought.

Moreover, he had also arranged to meet her at their usual spot tonight.

They used to meet only once a month to avoid being seen, but on this day, Crawford couldn't wait to be with her and insisted they meet.

Crawford then used his savings to buy a beautiful ring.

I hope she likes it.

With anticipation, Crawford waited for her at their usual meeting place that night.

However, days went by, and she never showed up.

***

Why...

A week later, Crawford returned to Aquaria with a pale face, dragging his feet.

It was the first time she had not shown up after promising to be there.

Unable to understand why, Crawford went to a bar and drank heavily.

The bartender, who knew his usual demeanor, asked quietly, "Did something happen?"

"Yes... I think I was... dumped."

"What?! What kind of woman would leave a guy like you?" The bartender, looking genuinely concerned, glanced around and then whispered, "Forget a person like that. And maybe check out the central square tonight."

"Why the central square?"

"You don't know? The lord is exhibiting a mermaid he captured a week ago. They say she's stunningly beautiful. Seeing her might help you forget your troubles."

"...A mermaid?"

The moment he heard the word, he used his Mana to sober up instantly.

His once clouded mind became sharp, and he asked the bartender, "Where did they capture her?"

"Huh? Well, I heard it wasn't far. You know the twin caves to the west? They said it was caught near there," the bartender, startled by Crawford's sudden intensity, stammered through his words.

Twin caves...

Crawford's eyes lit up.

Their usual meeting place was near the twin caves.

Could it be because of me? Did Helene get caught because I pushed for us to meet?

Crawford then hastily got up and returned home.

Clink, clink.

He geared up with the sword and armor he thought he'd never need again, and waited for nightfall.

***

Inside a massive and transparent tank resembling a swimming pool, the figure trapped inside avoided the stares from those looking at her with fear in her eyes.

Helene, Crawford's mermaid lover, wanted to retreat further into the tank but couldn't move much.

Clank, clank.

A tight collar restricted her movements and locked her in place.

I miss you... Crawford...

Helene, observed like an animal in a zoo by the gathered crowd, wept mournfully.

Then at that moment, a furious roar rang out, and the tank shattered.

As the tank shattered and water poured out, Helene also spilled out along with it.

Crawford, who had struck the tank and her collar with his sword, swept her into his arms and ran.

"Ahhh, Crawford! Crawford!"

"Hang tight for a bit. I'll get you back to the sea."

Baron Bariton was furious as he watched his prized possession get snatched away in front of hundreds of citizens.

"Isn't that bastard Crawford? How dare he lay hands on my property!"

Crawford, who was no longer his knight, had stolen his most valuable possession. And there was only one command Bariton could give in such a situation.

"Bring the mermaid back, even if you have to kill him!"

With the rage-filled command, Crawford's story ended, and Kai's vision returned to normal.

1. The Korean saying is ??? ? ????? ? ? ?? ???? which basically means that everyone feels more confident in their home; even timid people can tell their guests to get out since this is my house. ☜