Chapter 9

Chapter 9

The Seafolk, a profoundly insular race.

They are vast in number, adhering to the ironclad law of the jungle—"big fish eat small fish, small fish eat shrimp"—a brutal survival of the fittest. They revere the laws of the ocean and maintain a rigidly defined, top-down hierarchy.

This stands in stark contrast to the Federation.

Currently, the Federal Head of State wields only one-third of the authority; military jurisdiction rests with the Marshal, while the remaining power is distributed among the parliament.

The Head of State functions more as a symbolic figurehead on the political stage.

Faith fosters exceptional unity within a race, making it difficult to fracture through external forces. Since ancient times, the Seafolk have revered only the Sea Emperor, and their unwavering devotion to their ruler has long been a persistent headache for the Federation. Especially over the past millennium, no one has known the true nature of their revered Sea Emperor.

The Seafolk inhabits the Cerulean Star Cluster, composed of thousands of oceanic planets of varying sizes. It boasts the purest aquatic resources in the entire star domain, and for unknown reasons, the Bahai invasion bypassed it entirely.

Years ago, another advanced civilization once skirmished with the Seafolk over water resources. Not long after, that civilization was utterly annihilated.

Not just its inhabitants vanished—the entire planet was erased from the star domain without a trace, not even a speck of cosmic dust remaining.

No one knows what happened to that planet.

Though the Seafolk maintains its reclusiveness, this incident sent shockwaves through the entire star domain. Since then, no spacefaring civilization has dared to provoke them.

Now, just as the star domain recovers from the invasion, the Seafolk has announced their quest for their Emperor. What are they truly planning?

Is this a genuine search, or a pretext for war?

Helunen lapsed into deep contemplation.

Luo Ci blinked sleepily, unable to resist dozing off. When he woke, he found himself already in the hover vehicle.

How long had Helunen been talking earlier?

He really wanted to know what they were discussing.

Flexing his pins-and-needles tail, the little mermaid clutched the collar of Helunen's uniform with his soft little hands, clumsily climbing up to get his attention.

The Fin Veil, like frosted gauze, brushed against the man's chin and nose. When Helunen ignored him, Luo Ci inflated his cheeks, pouted, and slapped his tail right onto the man's face.

"..."

Just as Luo Ci read the warning signs and tried to flee, a large hand snared the tip of his tail with precise gentleness.

Helunen opened his eyes, his demeanor languid yet his gaze sharp and cold. "Growing daring, are we?"

The tail-tip tickled where it was held. A rosy flush bloomed on Luo Ci's pale, soft cheeks. Pretending nothing had happened, he hugged the finger and nuzzled against it, tilting his head up with liquid, luminous eyes—looking utterly docile.

"Mmmph~"

Who could bear to scold such an adorable little mermaid?

A hint of amusement kindled in Helunen's gaze as he gently smoothed the little one's disheveled strands. Comforted, the little mermaid nestled in his arms with contented burbles, his tail swaying contentedly.

"You really know how to act spoiled."

He banked his thoughts. Whatever the Seafolk was scheming, the Federation had to be prepared. Right now, he was merely deliberating the choice between war and peace. If the Seafolk truly sought battle, he was perfectly prepared to oblige.

Outside the window, shop lights reflected off the glass, dazzling and vibrant. Luo Ci lay across Helunen's lap, enjoying the scale-grooming session, his round eyes riveted to the scenery outside with keen interest.

Compared to the floating islands, the ground was packed with far more shops and markets, their colorful signs gaudy yet alluring.

But they couldn't linger outside today. Luo Ci had been out of water too long, and his tail scales were showing signs of dehydration.

·

Back at the estate, Luo Ci plunged into the basin with a splash, soaking his entire body as his tail happily slapped the water, sending droplets flying.

The mermaid pool was filled with rocks and seaweed. Luo Ci darted nimbly between them, blowing playful bubble streams. Wherever he swam, the scented kelp emitted a soft glow.

It was a hypnotic spectacle—like sunflowers forever turning toward the sun, the seaweed seemed to track the little mermaid's movements, their fronds stretching out as if drawn to him.

After returning home, Helunen immediately engaged a commlink. Once matters were settled, he hung up and called out, "Luo Luo, come here."

A mermaid's ear fins could pick up sounds even underwater. Luo Ci's ears twitched, and half his head breached the surface.

He saw Helunen holding a holocube in his palm. After setting the screen to public mode, the little mermaid could see the contents of the holoscreen too.

To his surprise, Helunen wasn't handling official business—he was browsing shops.

Selecting a promising one, he confirmed entry. After a few seconds of connection, a 3D projection of a shop assistant appeared before them.

Startled, Luo Ci buried himself in Helunen's collar, leaving only a pinkish little head peeking out.

"No need to hide," Helunen fished him out. "This is just a virtual projection. They can't see us."

Luo Ci tilted his head. "Bwuh?"

Upon closer inspection, he realized the assistant wasn't real—just a constellation of photons forming a hologram.

Earlier, Helunen had called Yivain to inform him he wouldn't be sending the little mermaid to the research institute. Regardless of Yivain's distress, Helunen had initially not planned to raise the little mermaid to adulthood. But now that he'd decided to take responsibility, the mermaid pool needed many more additions.

"Welcome to our all-in-one marine specialty store, offering leisure, shopping, boarding, and sales services," the assistant said with a smile. "I'm your dedicated shopping guide. Here, you can purchase aquatic habitat provisions, specialty seafood, custom aquarium kits, and more. We hope you enjoy your experience."

Luo Ci didn't understand a word of the chatter, his attention already stolen by the vibrant aquarium displays behind the assistant.

The section was filled with hand-span spherical glass aquariums, each like a tiny world simulating ecosystems from shallow reefs to deep-sea trenches.

Helunen glanced down. "Want one?"

Luo Ci was only drawn to the flashy colors. Once he realized the aquariums were no different from home, his interest quickly wandered elsewhere.

Beside the aquariums were bacterial cultures, water pumps, piping systems, and hideouts—all essentials.

His eyes instantly locked onto a pineapple-shaped hideout.

The little mermaid drummed the glass eagerly. "Pupu!"

He wanted this.

Though the pool already had several hideouts, it was big enough for a few more.

Helunen agreed. Considering the little mermaid's growth, he even planned to expand the pool. To the virtual assistant, he said, "Tag No. 12. Deliver to this address in half an hour."

The assistant replied, "Order confirmed."

As they moved forward, the holographic displays shifted, showcasing a dazzling array of goods. The little mermaid's eyes darted everywhere, looking at this and that.

Helunen told the assistant, "Send all of these over."

The smart clerk swiftly placed the order and then took out a jar of fin mask to show them, recommending, "Esteemed guest, this fin mask is very popular and endorsed by a famous celebrity. It's rich in fish oil—just apply it, wait half an hour before removing, and you'll have a shiny, lustrous tail. It also has hydrating and cooling effects."

Helunen didn’t care which celebrity endorsed it.

Just the moisturizing and cooling effects.

That was exactly what the little mermaid needed.

With this fin mask, she wouldn’t need to constantly soak in the mermaid pool to keep her tail moist.

And the fish oil would make up for her reluctance to eat raw fish.

Helunen: "How many do you have in stock?"

If it was limited, he planned to buy more from other stores.

The smart clerk checked the inventory and reported the number to Helunen.

"I'll take all of it."

"By the way, the physical and mental health of marine life is also very important, especially mental health. Imagine how pitiful it would be for them to stay alone underwater when you can’t always be by their side. This smart rubber ducky can provide emotional support, keeping them company when you're away."

"And when they see this duck, they’ll think of you."

That last part got to him, and he bought the ugly-cute rubber duck.

"Wah—"

The shopping list grew longer and longer, and Little Fish’s eyes were dazed by all the items. Yet Helunen didn’t even blink as he purchased them all.

So loaded.

Luo Ci reached out with her little claws to hug Helunen’s neck, blinking her eyes. Honestly, she felt some of the cooling products on the list were unnecessary—as long as she stuck close to Helunen, she didn’t feel hot at all.

Chin in hand, she watched Helunen shop. By the time they finished selecting items, it was already late, as the sun was setting. The butler brought over the fish jerky strips prepared for the day.

The little mermaid was going through a growth spurt, needing ample nutrition. Her daily food intake was gradually increasing, and Helunen noticed the tiny baby teeth in her mouth were growing too, with a recent habit of grinding them. So, he instructed the butler to prepare at least one meal a day with chewable grilled fish strips.

Cooked by the chef, the fish was seared over high heat until dried just right for chewing but still retaining its natural aroma—perfect for feeding a teething little one.

Seeing the little mermaid eating so happily, the butler smiled warmly, standing carefully nearby in case she choked or had trouble swallowing.

Luo Ci also felt her appetite had grown. After finishing one strip, her belly was already full, but she still wanted to beg the butler for another as a treat.

"Good Luo Luo, no more. Let’s wait until tomorrow morning," the butler coaxed softly, taking out a wet wipe to clean the oil from her tiny hands.

Yivain's parenting guide clearly stated: little but often. Today’s quota had already been met.

Luo Ci obediently agreed, rubbing her little belly. Seeing the butler busy tidying up and not paying attention, she slyly snatched another fish strip.

Just as she took a bite, the other end of the strip was suddenly lifted.

"Mmph!"

Little Fish clung on stubbornly, her small tail flailing clumsily in the air, even causing Milo on her head to wobble like a tiny hat.

Helunen turned his wrist, and the little mermaid’s body stretched out like an elongated inchworm, revealing her soft, slightly rounded belly. Her waist was so flexible it seemed like water, her little tail swaying unsteadily.

In the end, he couldn’t bear it and let her have her way.

"Burp~"

After finishing the fish strip, Luo Ci’s belly was round and full. Helunen gently stroked her back with his finger. "Regular portions are good for you."

Little Fish felt like she was choking, hiccuping uncontrollably as she clung to Helunen’s finger, tugging at his sleeve to whine. Helunen had the butler bring a cup of water and fed her a little, which finally eased her discomfort.

After all the fuss, Luo Ci lazed about across Helunen’s palm, too tired to move.

Helunen still had work to attend to in his study. Glancing down, he saw the little mermaid curled around his finger, sound asleep, her pale lashes fluttering faintly with each breath—tiny and soft, like a piece of mochi.

She had made a nest of his palm.

He wasn’t sure when this habit had formed.

Fortunately, the fin mask purchased in the afternoon had already arrived, perfect for testing its moisturizing effects.

The little mermaid’s tail was too delicate, her fin veil thin and fragile, like melting snowflakes. When the fin mask was applied, it looked as if glowing liquid flowed through her translucent scales.

"Mmph..." So fragrant.

The fin mask had a natural fruity scent, and the little mermaid seemed to catch the aroma in her sleep.

Her soft breathing paused for a moment, her tiny nose twitching as she let out little sniffles, even sticking out her tongue to smack her lips.

Helunen shook his head and carried her to his study, focusing on his work. By the time he finished, it was already late at night.

The little mermaid lay spread out on his lap, fast asleep, her chubby little belly rising and falling gently. The fin mask had indeed worked—her tail was still moist.

He had intended to return her to the mermaid pool.

But the moment his fingers twitched, her clingy little tail coiled around him again.

Such a little clingy thing.

Helunen leaned the chair back and closed his eyes to rest, but before he knew it, he had fallen asleep.

...

Midnight.

Little Fish woke up from the heat.

Mermaid fins were sensitive to temperature, and she felt way too hot.

Still drowsy, Luo Ci opened her eyes. Under the moonlight, she noticed Helunen’s knit brows, his temples twitching unnaturally.

What shocked her most was sensing Helunen’s Spirit—a form full of corroded, tattered holes, the damaged edges still blurring and distorting.

Instantly, she observed with grave focus.

Normally, Helunen hid his Spirit well. Even when Little Fish concentrated hard, she could only sense a vague, dim glow—clearly in poor condition. Only now, materialized, did she finally understand why he kept it concealed. The holes in his Spirit were still expanding and warping, leaving almost no intact areas.

It was easy to imagine that once the remaining undamaged parts were corroded, his Spirit would descend into complete chaos and decline.

How could this be?

Still half-asleep, Luo Ci rubbed her eyes, wondering if she was seeing things.

But once she confirmed it, she went pale with panic, her tiny tail fins fluttering anxiously.

He didn't know how those holes had formed, but just looking at them seemed painful.

A tear pooled in the corner of his eye, but before it could spill, he feared his sobs might rouse Helunen.

Little Fish covered his sobbing mouth with both hands, holding his breath, but it left him wheezing unevenly instead. A string of transparent bubbles escaped from behind his ear fins.

Helunen was usually highly alert even while resting, but perhaps because he had grown accustomed to the little mermaid's dependence, he remained undisturbed.

As the holes kept widening, the Spirit writhed and twitched, gradually slipping into frenzy, with traces of mental energy leaking out. Luo Ci tilted her small head and instinctively stretched out a tiny hand.

Her intention was to soothe the Spirit, just as Helunen had done for her when she couldn't sleep.

Huh?

Little Fish blinked in confusion.

Was it just an illusion? The corrupted edges where she'd touched actually seemed to be fading.