Chapter 16 - The Mermaid Princess's Little Brother

Translator's Note:

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While Rito lived with Glen in the seaside mansion, his body slowly regained its strength. The springtime in the southern kingdom of Fyun was hot, making it possible to swim both by day and night. Concerned for Rito's well-being, the prince only allowed him to swim when they were together. Watching Glen cut through the waves with ease, as though he were a merman himself, Rito always held back, using only a fraction of his true power, hiding the depths of his abilities though he longed to unleash them.

 

"Lady Lina, you might get sunburnt if you stay out here," called a maid from the garden as Rito strolled along the beach, resisting the urge to dive into the water.

 

Rito was supposed to die in prison, so the servants, aware of his true identity, referred to him as Lady Lina. When he left the mansion, Rito took care to wear neutral clothing—garments that concealed his form, making it difficult to discern whether he was a man or a woman, much like the clothing often worn by children.

 

"It seems there's a carriage approaching… yes, there it is again," Rito pointed from the sandy shore towards the forest on the opposite side. Although it was called the opposite shore, it was really a continuation of the same land, stretching out and cutting the crescent-shaped beach in two. On the road leading towards the palace, a carriage drawn by horses could be seen in the distance.

 

"Ah, so it is. How swiftly they've returned," commented the elderly, kind-hearted lady-in-waiting as she emerged from the garden above the beach. "Surely, His Highness wished to see Lady Lina as soon as he could." Though these words caused Rito to blush, he was secretly pleased that Glen had returned earlier than expected. No matter how much the prince threatened his family to gain more freedom, he could not entirely abandon his royal duties. From time to time, he had to return to the palace and fulfill the obligations of a prince.

 

"I'll prepare tea right away. Would you like to sit on the terrace?" the maid asked kindly.

 

Rito smiled and nodded, replying, "Yes, please." The servants in the mansion, including the guards, were all carefully chosen by Glen. They were discreet and friendly, as only those with kind hearts and a strong sense of loyalty, often retired from the palace, were selected to serve in this haven.

 

For Rito, this place felt like paradise—a heaven granted to him while he was still alive. Each morning, he would awaken to find the prince beside him. They would read together, swim in the sea, and ride through the forest on Rito's favorite horse. Though Rito feared hunting, Glen would tell him about the seasonal flowers and herbs, and together they would gather them until their basket was full.

 

With the ladies-in-waiting, they would weave garlands from the flowers, while the herbs were given to the cook, and together they would decide what to prepare, using a well-worn cookbook left by the previous owners. Though the meals were not grand feasts, the simple home-cooked dishes, crafted with care and born from their joint collaboration, were delicious in their own way.

 

"Lady Lina, trouble! That's not His Highness's carriage!"

 

"What?" Rito's heart sank.

 

Into the joy of these peaceful days, an unfamiliar carriage suddenly intruded, one that Rito had mistaken for Glen's due to its resemblance. The black cabin adorned with golden patterns looked much like a noble's coach.

 

"Lady Elsa? Why are you here?"

 

Everyone, including Rito, who had come to greet the unexpected guests, as well as the maids and servants kneeling a few paces away, were stunned at the sight of Elsa emerging from the carriage. Glen had mentioned little about her, other than that she had returned home after their engagement was broken.

 

"Please forgive my sudden visit," Elsa said softly, her voice tinged with sorrow. "I've spent some time in the provinces… searching for a way to ease the burden on my heart. I hoped we might talk."

 

Dressed in a black gown that resembled mourning attire, Elsa appeared thinner than before. Yet, to show that she was not in mourning, she had adorned herself with ruby jewelry—a necklace and bracelet—and a red ribbon entwined in her hair. As beautiful as ever, she caused the maids and servants to hold their breath in awe.

 

"I would be honored to receive you," Rito replied. Instead of answering, Elsa remained silent, standing as still as a statue. He had not seen her face to face since the day she had returned the broken brooch to him. Over a month had passed since that moment, but Rito had never spoken her name, neither during his time of suffering nor afterward.

 

Leading her through the terrace, Rito offered Elsa the tea that had been prepared for Glen. As they approached the table and dismissed the servants, Elsa's soft voice broke the silence. "Bring me mint leaves," she said. She didn't ask the servants, but addressed Rito directly: "Bring them yourself." Obediently, Rito did as she requested.

 

"This is the same tea they serve at the palace," Elsa noted. "Did you order it specially?"

 

"Yes," Rito replied. "It's Lord Glen's favorite. When we first arrived at the mansion, we brewed a different blend, but Her Majesty sent us this."

 

After making the trip to and from the kitchen, Rito returned to his seat, silently placing the mint leaves into their cups. Though he preferred his tea with just a touch of sugar, he had no strong objections.

 

"I have lost the Queen's favor, but you are fortunate. His Highness would risk his very life to protect you... You're lucky. Though, truthfully, you should have been executed…" Elsa's words were sharp but laced with a quiet resignation.

 

"You speak of the suspicions that I might be a spy?" Rito asked carefully.

 

"That, and more. But foremost, you are a thief, are you not? You betrayed the trust of both His Highness and me by attempting to sell that brooch."

 

"That is not true!" Rito protested. "I was merely trying to have it repaired, just as you asked me to, Lady Elsa."

 

In truth, Rito had long wished to have a conversation with Elsa—especially about the brooch. Without even tasting the tea, now flavored with the mint he disliked, Rito looked directly into her eyes. Elsa let out a soft laugh and glanced around the garden, ensuring no one was near.

 

"Then why did you never speak up before?" she asked, her voice smooth and low. "There was no proof that I gave you the brooch, and I intended to deny everything. It's truly disappointing…"

 

"You... deceived me?" Rito's voice wavered as realization dawned.

 

"Oh, it finally occurs to you?" Elsa said, her lips curling into a cold smile. "For someone who claims to read as a hobby, you are incredibly naïve—and not particularly clever. In the town near the palace, there are two pawnbrokers. And there is one shop that specializes in repairs. I don't need to explain any further, do I?"

 

The thought that Elsa had conspired with the pawnbrokers had crossed Rito's mind many times while he languished in the watery prison. But she had been betrothed to the prince—what would she gain by trapping him, a mere servant, in such a way? Even if she had some motive, he had wanted to believe in her. As someone who loved the same man, someone who genuinely wished for Glen's happiness, Rito had believed that Elsa only wished to repair the brooch. Perhaps, as the daughter of nobility, she had little knowledge of the workings of the city, and he had convinced himself that what happened at the pawnshop was a mistake. So, when Rito was caught and branded a thief, he had remained silent, despite the agony it caused him. He had only wanted to believe in her.

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