Vivianne was walking along a path with Theodore. It had been quite a while since they’d strolled together. Recently, Kian had been visiting almost daily, and they’d been so inseparable that finding separate time had been difficult.

Today, however, they had agreed to spend time apart since preparations were needed before departing for Larson.

“I’m going to visit Larson,” Vivianne announced.

“Larson?”

“Yes. I told Kian I wanted to see it. I thought visiting might help me remember something from before.”

Despite the fact that some memories might be better left forgotten, her face was flushed with excitement at the hope of possibly recovering them.

“Theodore, I heard you’re originally from Larson territory too?”

“How did you know that?”

“The Marchioness told me. Don’t you think it’s possible we might have crossed paths long ago? It’s fascinating to think we lived in the same place in the past.”

Vivianne smiled broadly, seemingly delighted by this remarkable coincidence.

“Somehow, from the first time we met, you never felt like a stranger to me.”

Had she retained some impression of him in her memory?

Theodore wished they had never met before. He felt trapped in his position, unable to reveal what he knew, yet equally unable to sever his connection to her.

“I heard the coral beach is absolutely beautiful! I’m so excited.”

Having no way of knowing the truth, she was bubbling with enthusiasm about visiting Larson. The coral beach was where she had been discovered and where they had often walked together. He had even seen her swimming freely there in her mermaid form.

Recalling everything that had happened made his feelings complicated. If only she wouldn’t go. Couldn’t she just forget and move on?

“Don’t you ever miss your homeland, Theodore?”

“Must you really go?”

“What? Why do you ask?”

“I’m just concerned since I can’t accompany you.”

He had heard about her engagement to Kian. Given the circumstances, he almost hoped she would never recover her memories.

Oblivious to his inner turmoil, Vivianne looked at him with wide eyes and asked, “It would be nice if you could come with us. Should I ask Kian about it?”

His worry was probably pointless. It wasn’t his place to worry anymore. Now that she was engaged, what could he possibly do even if he went along?

A sense of powerlessness washed over him. Theodore quietly shook his head.

“When will you return, Vivi?”

“We’ll stay about ten days.”

“If you end up staying longer, please be sure to let me know.”

* * *

It was the day their master would return after nearly a month’s absence. The servants had gathered in the main building’s lobby.

“I heard he found his mistress?”

“Yes, she’s coming with him today.”

The maids, who had been glancing around cautiously, couldn’t contain their curiosity and began whispering among themselves.

“We thought she was dead, but she was alive all along.”

“They say he’s going to marry her.”

“Really?”

“Yes, he’s having the Duchess’s study redecorated for her.”

Even when Vivianne had been a mistress, she had used the bedroom meant for the Duchess—a luxury that had made her an easy target for the servants’ gossip.

But this time, orders had been given to renovate the study. A study wasn’t a space typically given to a mere mistress. Though she had worked there only briefly, having started as a maid just like them, this was more than enough to fuel gossip among the staff.

“But can a nobleman really marry someone lowly like us? She’s someone with unknown origins.”

“He must have arranged a title for her.”

“He went that far?”

“Yes, and I heard they’re officially engaged.”

“Men are truly frightening when they fall head over heels. I’m jealous.”

As the maids giggled and whispered, another maid raised her index finger in warning.

“Shh! Haven’t you heard we’re not supposed to talk about this? You could lose your heads.”

Orders had already been issued to all staff not to mention Vivianne before the master’s arrival.

Just then, they heard the lobby doors opening. The chattering maids startled, lowered their heads, and quickly lined up in formation.

“Welcome home, Master.”

The head maid who had succeeded Matilda greeted the lord of Larson with a respectful bow.

“Has everything been well in my absence?”

“Yes, sir. Nothing unusual to report.”

“Good.”

Though exchanging these somewhat ceremonial greetings, Kian’s gaze remained fixed on Vivianne. Everyone in the lobby stared at her before quickly averting their eyes. Their expressions held a mixture of envious admiration and wariness toward something unfamiliar.

Feeling their gazes, Vivianne took a deep breath and exhaled. She was nervous.

She had dressed elegantly, wanting to make a good impression on everyone. Wearing a large bonnet and blinking her eyes, she resembled a living doll.

“Vivi, you should greet them too.”

At his gentle prompting, Vivianne clenched her fists, gathering courage. If nothing changed, this would eventually be her home again. She didn’t want to shy away out of needless fear.

“Hello, everyone. I look forward to getting to know you all.”

Though she couldn’t remember how things had been before, she wanted to get along well with Kian’s people. Vivianne politely clasped her hands together and bowed her head.

“No, that’s wrong.”

“Pardon?”

“It’s not you, but they who should be trying to impress you. You’ll soon be the lady of Larson, won’t you?”

This was embarrassing. They were only engaged, yet he was already calling her the lady of the house. Vivianne’s cheeks flushed hot.

“Head maid.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Is Vivi’s room prepared?”

“Yes, sir. It’s been beautifully arranged as you instructed.”

“She needs to rest from her journey first, so prepare a bath. Vivi, you must be tired from traveling so far. Shall we go to your room now? I’ll show you the room you used before.”

Kian gently caressed Vivianne’s cheek as she stood motionless, his eyes crinkling warmly.

* * *

Though Kian had ordered everyone to keep quiet, he knew gossip would inevitably circulate among the staff. For this reason, he assigned Alice to attend to Vivianne during her stay.

Alice was a former mermaid whom Dante had introduced to him. She was currently living at Larson as a guest.

Of course, Alice needed to be careful too. Since Vivianne had lost her memories, Kian had instructed Alice not to mention that Vivianne was a mermaid.

Although he couldn’t reveal the truth, he thought they might connect naturally due to their shared origins. Sure enough, they became close quickly.

“How can she be so adorable?”

“Who?”

“Alice’s daughter. She’s absolutely precious.”

Thanks to Kian’s consideration, Alice’s daughter had been receiving treatment at Larson and was now much improved. Having regained her health, she was running around restlessly like any child would.

The sight of her chasing dragonflies with An in the field, laughing brightly, was unbearably endearing.

“You know, I thought An was the cutest thing in the world, but Alice’s baby is so beautiful too. Her cheeks are so chubby and soft. I just want to hug her tight.”

“Your baby will be even more beautiful, Lady Vivianne.”

“My baby?”

“Yes. You’re beautiful, and the Duke is so handsome and tall. A child from both of you would surely be nothing short of angelic.”

When Alice made this confident assertion, Vivianne gently stroked her lower abdomen. Though she had been intimate with Kian almost daily since the Marchioness had granted permission for their relationship, she hadn’t specifically thought about having a child.

“Should we have a baby too?”

The soft voice startled Vivianne. Before she could turn around, Kian had already wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.

“Alice says our baby would be angelic. What do you think?”

“K-Kian! Not here…”

“Why not?”

Unconcerned, Kian planted a soft kiss on the crown of Vivianne’s head.

“Come on, Emma. Let’s go inside with An to wash your hands and have a snack.”

The perceptive Alice quickly picked up her daughter and the puppy in her arms and promptly vacated the area.

“Please don’t do this outside. Alice left because of you. Are you going to keep embarrassing me like this?”

“I’m busy and just took a moment to see your face. That’s rather cold of you.”

“We’ll see each other tonight anyway, so hurry back to work. I’m going inside to read.”

“I came by briefly because I’ll be late tonight.”

Ignoring his words, Vivianne walked ahead with quick steps.

“So about the baby question. Won’t you answer me?”

“What?”

“I’ve already picked out names.”

Perhaps because of his long legs, Kian caught up to her with unhurried strides.

“Marian if it’s a girl, Anthony if it’s a boy. What do you think?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never thought about it before.”

When Vivianne pouted, Kian stepped in front of her, blocking her path.

“I’ll let it go for now, but you should start thinking about it.”

“About what?”

“Whether we’ll make Marian tonight, or Anthony. Or perhaps both.”

He took her cheeks in both hands and placed a quick kiss on her protruding lips.

“…”

“Keep pouting and I’ll keep kissing you until we’re inside.”

At this strange warning, Vivianne pressed her lips tightly together.

* * *

After bathing and taking a nap, early evening had arrived. Looking out the window, Vivianne saw that the redness in the sky had disappeared, replaced by a deep blue darkness.

‘Did I walk too much earlier?’

It had only been a light stroll, but something felt strange. The soles of her feet were hot and throbbing.

‘Maybe my shoes were uncomfortable.’

Puzzled by this unfamiliar sensation she hadn’t noticed before, Vivianne wiggled her toes.

She suddenly noticed a tiny pair of shoes on the bedside table. They were baby shoes with large ribbons attached.

After all his talk about babies, he had even left shoes out for her to see. He had already chosen names and bought shoes. It seemed he truly wanted to have a child.

‘I’ll feel better after another nap. I should rest well. Kian said he’d be late tonight anyway.’

Lying in bed, Vivianne slowly blinked her sleepy eyes while gazing at the moon hanging in the sky.

It was a full moon.

As she closed her eyes, she thought she heard the sound of the sea.

Splash, whoosh.

Splash, whoosh.

Her heart beat in rhythm with the sound of the waves.