The fisherman were convinced that the girl was not a thief.
A little distance from the fishing village, the other companions had set up camp and were waiting for their return. Philiana, spotting us, immediately rushed over.
“Welcome back, both of you. You must be tired from staying up so late. How was it?”
“Well, we got the supplies, and then we met this child.”
The merman girl, who had been following behind me, bowed her head. Everyone looked at her with curious expressions.
“It seems she has a ship, and might be able to introduce us to it.”
“Is that so? That’s good news. Come, sit here and have some tea.”
Prompted by Philiana, the girl sat down near the bonfire. Pauline offered her a warm cup of tea.
“Thank you. I’m so sorry for the trouble, even though you saved me. My name is Mizukazu. I’m sure you all must be wondering about me, so I’ll explain from the beginning. First, I am a merman, a Wajinryo, also called a half-fishman. I am in human form now, but when I enter the water, my legs become fins. And the reason the net was torn is because a monster has been appearing around here.”
Hearing the word “monster,” I had a bad premonition. I didn’t want to hear this news right before heading out to sea.
“The monster is a large shark-like creature with legs, called an Uduras, and it’s the one tearing the nets. I used to receive discarded fish that fishermen threw away from the sea. That’s why I was mistaken for a thief.”
“Hmm, and where is this Ududo-something now?”
Nina leaned forward, her arms crossed. Everyone’s gaze focused intently on Mizukazu.
“That… I don’t know. I’ve chased it away many times, but perhaps it’s breeding season, or there’s another reason. I don’t know.”
It seemed even the mermen were struggling with it.
“So, is the ship we’re taking safe?”
“That’s also questionable. They usually stay in deep water, so they don’t come up to the surface, so I think it should be fine. I believe arrangements can be made, though it might not be a luxurious journey. By the way, where are you headed?”
Even if it wasn’t luxurious, as long as it was safe, that was enough. I showed him the map and told him our destination.
“Oh, that’s quite far. I don’t think you can go there directly. It would be best to stop at Sheep Island and then take a different ship from there.”
I see. Looking at the map, it appeared to be a bit distant. Sheep Island, judging by its name, seemed like a peaceful place. It wouldn’t hurt to stay there for a day or two.
While we were talking, night had completely fallen, so I invited them to rest with us at the camp for the night.
