CH 147

Chapter 147

Translator: Yonnee

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Excitedly, Largot laid out an explanation.

“It’s said that mermaids evolve differently depending on their lifespan and the depth of the waters they live in. The mermaid you saw was probably a river mermaid. River mermaids and sea mermaids are like completely different creatures. Compared to sea mermaids, river mermaids are like fish. Mermaids in the sea use weapons and seduce humans with their magical songs.”

Ramsay added,

“Do you know that the Underworld Tree’s domain reaches a far corner of the White Sea? I heard that there are huge disaster-like monsters in that part of the sea. That’s why no one can cross further into the White Sea.”

Largot quipped with an excited tone.

“Maybe with Leviathan, it’s possible.”

“Isn’t Leviathan Grize’s marine weapon.”

“That’s right. When I visited Grize before, I got the chance to see it.”

Largot’s eyes glimmered.

“Its magnificence was like a colossal entity, like it’s truly a work of art that a god had created. It’s the most beautiful thing in the world.”

Ramsay shook his head.

“But still, it’s impossible for Leviathan to wipe out the monsters of the White Sea. That giant weapon requires a huge number of magic stones to power—a proportional amount to match its size.”

Largot smiled brightly with his thick, pink lips.

“You’re right about that, Ramsay. Magic stones are ten times more expensive when bought outside the empire, and there’s no reason for Grize to spend that much money to fight monsters that are in the middle of the sea.”

Then, Largot winked before he continued.

“Dear Lady, you don’t have to be afraid about the monsters of the sea. Fortunately, the mermaids near the Duran Port are relatively mild-tempered. That’s why I love the Duran Port. Above all, it’s possible to communicate with the mermaids around there.”

Radis’s eyes grew wide.

“Communicate?”

Largot gave a silly laugh.

“Just hand gestures and the like.”

Ramsay replied, eyes twinkling.

“Mermaids love anything to do with land. That’s why mermaids have a history of attacking trading ships. Still, human weapons have developed a lot over the years, so it’s now difficult for them to attack trade ships unless they lure monsters from the deep sea to help them.”

A satisfied smile came to his lips.

“But the mermaids have learned to bring pearls and trade them for land objects, too. Of course, not all mermaids do that, but the mermaids near the Duran Port are particularly amicable with humans.”

Radis recalled what happened at the forbidden region.

At that time, she clearly understood what Arachne was saying.

‘Maybe I’m not weird…’

Hope budding within her, Radis asked.

“Can you speak the mermaids’ language?”

“I know how to say one thing.”

Largot’s thick lips formed an O-shape.

Then, hiiiiek, he made such a sound that was impossible to understand.

Puzzled, Radis asked.

“What does that mean?”

Largot shrugged.

“I think it’s a greeting. Whenever the mermaids saw me, they make this sound. I copied them and they seemed to like it. But you know, maybe it means ‘bald’ or ‘give me that stuff’.”

“Ah…”

As Radis went speechless, Largot and Ramsay shared a laugh together.

Ramsay spoke.

“It’s difficult to call it coherent conversation. Just like with wild animals, merchants are used to mermaids in the same way. But it’s not just that. Thanks to this, we’re able to reach the ports of the Empire without seeing any blood.”

Perhaps because of Largot and Ramsay’s flowing conversation, or because of the black cloak Radis was wearing, Yves seemed to have completely forgotten about his green vest.

Their dinner ended with a friendly atmosphere.

Now that dinner was over, the men decided to move to a drawing room to talk about their business in earnest.

Before he stood up though, Largot took out a small box and placed it on the dinner table.

“It’s a gift for the beautiful lady.”

Largot pushed the box in front of Radis.

“They’re pearls brought by a mermaid. They’re beautiful, just like little moons.”

Radis tried to decline politely.

“It’s much too precious.”

“Oh, compared to your beauty, they’re like mere fireflies in front of the moon. You can think of it as a commemoration of our meeting today, and it would be an honor for me if you accept this.”

Largot’s flowery words gave Radis no choice but to accept the gift.

When she came back to her room and opened the small box, she found two pearls that were as big as her thumb.

She placed the two pearls on a window frame overlooking the night sky.

As Largot said, the pearls were as beautiful as little moons.

Radis recalled the merchant’s words.

“Just like with wild animals, merchants are used to mermaids in the same way. But it’s not just that. Thanks to this, we’re able to reach the ports of the Empire without seeing any blood.”

Staring at the pearls, Radis was lost in thought.

‘Is it possible only for the mermaids near the Duran Port? Maybe it’s hard in other places. That’s why even experienced traders find it difficult to reach ports in the northern region.’

A small smile graced Radis’s lips.

“But there’s still a possibility.”