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chapter 43
Evening.
The Belzert Mansion was shrouded in silence. Perhaps it was because of the owner hearing Rinka’s story about a “guest.”
The setting sun’s light streamed through the large windows, casting long shadows across Ananta’s study.
Knock, knock.
A quiet knock.
Ananta knew exactly who it was.
“Come in.”
As expected, the person who entered was Rinka. As if he had been waiting for her, the documents that had been scattered across Ananta’s desk were now neatly arranged.
Rinka paused at the closed door with a soft click before stepping inside.
I never get used to coming here. Maybe it’s because seeing a captain, who seems so carefree on the ship, actually working is strange…
Or maybe it’s because this study reminds me too much of the captain’s cabin.
“You called me.”
“Yes. By the way, is that dress new? It’s beautiful.”
“No, wait. Don’t change the subject.”
The pale yellow loungewear she wore was also a gift from Ananta. Apparently, she had earned enough on this voyage that it was fine to buy her something.
“I chose it, but it suits you.”
“Alright, thank you. But why did you call me…”
“And I heard a guest came today.”
“…So it’s come to this.”
From Ananta’s perspective, it was certainly a bothersome matter. It wasn’t just once, but repeatedly—an inconvenient guest who kept visiting.
“I was actually about to tell you. That guy—no, that man… not even that. He might contact the Duke’s family.”
“Ah. To see you?”
Ananta’s face still carried a smile, but Rinka could now tell—it wasn’t a genuine smile.
“Well, to be precise, it’s to confirm whether the rumors are true.”
“So why him?”
“Ah, McCard Cadder has seen my… ability before.”
Ability? Or should she say power? It was ambiguous.
Everything Rinka had shown on the ship was a mermaid’s ability—or more precisely, Pearl’s. But the “Command Words” were completely different. When she could use them or how far she could go remained unclear.
Ananta had never seen it, but there was no need for an exact explanation.
Fortunately, Ananta seemed to understand when the topic of abilities was mentioned. It was a power anyone would covet.
“So he covets your power, not you, and came to check if you are really my fiancée.”
“Something like that. But I don’t know why. That guy practically kicked me out of Cadder.”
“Well, maybe he regretted losing it. Or… maybe there’s something he really needs.”
Something he really needed.
Immediately, she thought of McCard begging for him to heal his scars, but she quickly dismissed the thought.
A scar that wasn’t visible and didn’t hurt. And he supposedly appealed to a common girl just to heal it? No way.
McCard Cadder wasn’t that kind of person.
“Anyway. If he comes again, I’ll have to pretend to be your fiancée, so I’m counting on you.”
“Of course. It’s your request, after all.”
Ananta rose from his chair and approached the sofa where Rinka sat, taking the seat beside her.
His soft silver hair brushed against Rinka’s cheek and shoulder. They were very close.
“Rinka.”
“Yes?”
“By the way… I have something to tell you today.”
“Go ahead.”
She already knew what it would be. Aside from McCard’s visit, there was probably only one thing he could say: that he would be leaving the mansion.
“I went to the palace, and if nothing happens, I’ll have to leave here in about two months.”
Have to leave, not will leave.
Rinka always found this strange. Why did the Duke of Belzert have to go to sea every time?
Ananta didn’t choose the sea out of love for it. Only after being forced onto it did he grow fond of the place—and the people on the ship.
Why, though?
Unable to ask, Rinka asked something else.
“Are you going back to the Ghost Ship?”
“Yes. That’s where I belong.”
“Not anywhere else besides the harbor?”
“Hmm… If there’s business in the territory, I’ll go, but elsewhere, I’m not sure.”
It still felt strange. Why did he speak as if he couldn’t go to any land outside his territory?
And why were the Ghost Ship’s crew only on the ship and the island?
But not now. This wasn’t the time to ask such questions.
“Then I should start looking for a place to stay too.”
At her words, Ananta’s gaze flickered slightly.
“A place to stay?”
“When the captain leaves, I have to leave too. We agreed I would only stay until then.”
“But Rinka—”
Ananta tried to say something but closed his mouth again. Rinka seemed to understand what he wanted to say.
He probably wanted to tell her it was okay to stay even if he wasn’t here.
But she couldn’t. Rinka Meribel couldn’t risk returning to a pirate ship, and as a normal person, she knew nothing about the nobles, let alone the Belzert family.
Being “the fiancée of the Duke of Belzert” was merely an excuse to allow her temporary stay.
“You know. We agreed on this from the start.”
“…I know. I just…”
I just want to keep you safe.
As if whispering so she wouldn’t hear—or maybe hoping she would—Ananta’s hand reached out, and Rinka smiled, holding it.
Why does his worried face still look so handsome?
“How many things could really put me in danger?”
“Still dangerous. Honestly, you’re too naive.”
“No, not naive, just unaware. Being kidnapped by monsters or mermaids shouldn’t count, right?”
“Whatever happened, happened.”
“Anyway.”
Ananta smiled faintly at her concerned expression and tucked Rinka’s hair behind her ear.
Rinka widened her eyes briefly but didn’t resist.
“I liked having you here.”
“Really?”
“Of course. I was busy with work, but coming back to find you here was quite enjoyable.”
“I guess… having you around wasn’t so bad either.”
“Not so bad? You mean it was actually quite nice.”
“I said it wasn’t so bad.”
They teased each other playfully. Rinka stayed seated, enjoying the silly conversation, talking about this and that.
Stories about Ananta’s first encounter with McCard and how he had to flee.
When she mentioned wanting to sneak a peek at her father’s inheritance in Cadder, he even offered to send someone.
“Rinka.”
“Yes?”
“I don’t want you to leave.”
For a moment, his sincerity burst out.
Rinka didn’t answer, merely gazing into his blue eyes.
For some reason, she felt uneasy, recalling eyes that had once seemed anxious over her at sea…
“Don’t leave. I won’t let you go anywhere. To anyone, anywhere. If not me…!”
A voice, belonging to no one she knew, struck her mind.
“Ugh!”
Rinka grabbed her head and lowered it.
What? Whose voice was that?
She had never heard it before. It wasn’t her memory.
“Stay here. Only in this sea. Far away places will only endanger you.”
The chaotic voice was stopped by the familiar, gentle voice of Ananta.
“Rinka. Rinka Meribel, open your eyes.”
In an instant, the intrusive voice vanished completely, leaving only his blue eyes.
Rinka blinked, feeling the headache vanish as if washed away, and reassured him.
“I suddenly… had a headache. Sorry.”
“Shall I call a doctor?”
“No, it’s fine. More importantly… we don’t have much time now.”
Leaning lightly on his shoulder, Rinka smiled softly.
“Shall we sleep together tonight?”
