Mermaid Trap

Kian von Larsson’s routine had changed.

At some point, he stopped having a maid serve tea in his bedroom. He no longer drank tea there.

Even after returning from a voyage or a long outing, he quickly resumed his habits but didn’t feel the need to revert entirely. Still, he showered at the same time and checked on the soundly sleeping Vivianne before heading to his study.

He was lying on the long sofa in his study. He got up at the sound of Richard’s presence and drank a strong cup of Darjeeling before starting his paperwork.

“Are you not sleeping well these days?”

Richard, Larsson’s butler, subtly inquired while tidying up the tea set.

“Do I seem like I am?”

When Kian asked back, Richard responded with his customary brief bow instead of an answer. It must be odd, Kian thought, seeing concern from someone usually as stoic as a rock. He turned the next page of his document with a faint smile.

“You seem to worry more these days. You must be getting old, Richard.”

“My apologies.”

“No need to apologize.”

So far, Richard had been inconspicuous and unobtrusive, which Kian appreciated. Richard, Matilda, and even Theodore—all the people he kept around him were like that. He had observed them for a long time before making them his people, so it made sense.

All troubles stem from impulses. Ultimately, the problem was the ‘thing’ he had impulsively picked up. Recently, he had made some unnecessary expenditures. Expenses incurred to erase the traces of the woman he had picked up.

The hastily procured clothes were ill-fitting. Some were too tight in the chest, and others had sleeves that were too long.

Whether she knew it or not, the woman smiled brightly, saying a simple ribbon would make everything better. He thought that if he erased those small discrepancies in front of him, he could erase the signs that she was picked up.

Kian was meticulously reviewing the invoice from the tailor. One dress was not listed. Initially, he thought the tailor had made an error, but soon he noticed something unusual mixed in.

There was an additional page with a separate invoice. And below it, instead of Larsson’s name, was the name Stewart. It was for the most expensive dress.

Do you like the doll’s clothes?

I hope everyone does their best in their respective positions.

– Your fiancée, Penelope

He wouldn’t know if it suited her until she tried it on. He had thought things had been quiet since the ball, but it was starting again.

Kian placed the note with the other invoices with an indifferent look.

“Young Lady Stewart gave that dress to Miss Vivianne as a gift.”

Seeing no reaction from Kian, Richard seemed to grow anxious.

“Apparently, Young Lady Stewart frequents that tailor as well, and they happened to meet that day.”

“Indeed.”

“Shall I send it back, Master?”

That would have been the typical response. Returning it, as Richard suggested, would be the cleanest choice.

The problem was that Kian didn’t particularly prefer clean responses.

Dealing with the prepared plan was one thing, but watching someone trip over their own feet was more enjoyable.

“No, it’s a gift. Let it be.”

“Understood.”

“But given the generosity of the gift, it’s only right to cover the cost of the dress.”

No matter who gave the gift, the woman he picked up would look beautiful in it. If someone wanted to poke out their own eyes by giving it, he had no reason to object.

Kian thought about the opera tickets his fiancée, Penelope, had sent earlier. She often encouraged him to attend social events with her when he was on land, regardless of his response.

He had ignored her suggestions until now, but given her recent generous gift, it seemed only fitting to show some appreciation.

“Are the opera tickets sold out?”

“The ones for the Central Opera House?”

“Yes.”

“Yes, they sold out on opening day. Shall I try to get some?”

The sold-out status didn’t matter. If he decided to get tickets, he would.

“Get a box seat. It doesn’t matter the cost. Make sure it’s next to hers.”

“Understood. I’ll arrange it and report back quickly.”

Perfect. Let’s meet at the Opera House.

-Kian von Larsson

Kian penned a brief note and handed it to Richard.

“Deliver this as my reply.”

Richard, understanding the message, bowed briefly and left the study.

* * *

Kian looked at Vivianne as she greeted him, dressed in a new outfit.

“Kian.”

She called his name and smiled shyly.

“Thank you for coming. Matilda said you’d like it best if I wore something pretty and showed you.”

She seemed to have picked what she thought was the best outfit, but it didn’t quite please Kian.

“Is this what you think looks the best?”

“Matilda chose it for me.”

It was an unexpected response. Considering Vivianne was Matilda’s ‘precious lady,’ she would naturally wear what Matilda chose for her.

“I don’t know much about these things, so I wore what Matilda said looked nice. Is it strange?”

The design choice made it clear how Matilda viewed Vivianne.

The dress, adorned with ribbons and lace, was cute and youthful. It suited Vivianne’s innocent face well.

“Matilda. It’s your style.”

“Yes, Master. I always wanted to see Vivi in something like this. Vivi loves ribbons. Isn’t it adorable?”

Matilda, standing behind, replied with a flushed face.

Was she that pleased? She looked like a mother proudly showing off her child.

“What do you think?”

Vivianne persistently sought confirmation. It made him want to withhold his opinion out of mischief.

“I don’t know.”

“Then will you choose something you like?”

“Don’t you have your own preference?”

“…I do.”

She hesitated before answering.

“I like it when Kian says it looks pretty.”

Her blue eyes were filled with earnestness. Though he didn’t particularly enjoy such desperation, it seemed to suit this woman.

“If that’s what you want, I don’t think I can give you the answer you’re looking for.”

“Why? You haven’t even looked at the wardrobe.”

Vivianne opened her wardrobe with a pout. He had ordered her to buy enough clothes to fill it regardless of cost. Matilda had fulfilled this task faithfully.

“See? Which one looks the best?”

“Well.”

“What? You can just look and tell me.”

Sorry, but it wasn’t worth the effort. He preferred her not wearing anything.

But to shut her up, he needed to pick something.

“Matilda.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Which one is the most expensive?”

“Oh, if you mean that one… just a moment.”

Matilda retrieved a dress carefully stored at the back of the wardrobe.

This is it.

The gift from Penelope.

It was an extravagant dress, but Vivianne could certainly pull it off.

“Wear this. We’re going out tomorrow afternoon. Don’t go anywhere.”

“What? Going out? With whom?”

“You, me, Theo.”

Vivianne smiled brightly.

“…Okay, Kian.”

* * *

“Can’t sleep, Vivi?”

Matilda asked worriedly, noticing Vivianne still wide awake late at night.

Tonight, Vivianne had specifically asked to sleep with Matilda. According to Matilda, although the outing was in the afternoon, preparations had to start in the morning. It was hard for Vivianne to understand why so much time was needed for just one dress, but since Kian had chosen it because he thought it was pretty, it didn’t matter.

“No, I can’t sleep.”

“You’ll be tired tomorrow during the outing. You need to save your energy. Come here.”

Matilda patted the bed next to her.

“Will you hold me if I come over?”

“Of course. Come on.”

“…Okay!”

Vivianne, in her negligee, climbed into bed and snuggled up to Matilda like a puppy. Matilda looked at Vivianne with a face full of affection.

“Thanks to you, I get to sleep in such a big bed. What a life I’m living in my old age.”

“Should we sleep together every night?”

“What?”

“I like sleeping with you, Matilda.”

Vivianne nuzzled her face into Matilda’s chest and hugged her tightly.

“What about the master? He’ll fire me if you keep doing that, Vivi.”

“Do you think Kian would mind?”

“Of course. He would make a fuss.”

Despite her scolding tone, Matilda gently patted Vivianne’s head, showing her affection.

“Am I riding in the carriage with Kian tomorrow?”

“Yes, your wish is coming true, Vivi.”

“It would be nice if you came with us, Matilda.”

“What would an old woman like me do there? You go and enjoy yourself.”

“What are we going to see?”

Come to think of it, she hadn’t been told the destination. This naive girl seemed excited just at the thought of going out with the master.

“The opera. It’s like a play where actors sing and act on stage. You’re going to love it, Vivi.”

“Is it with Kian? And Theo too?”

“Oh, Theo is going as a guard. It’ll be you and the master enjoying it together. It’s kind of like a date!”

“A date?”

Vivianne tilted her head at the unfamiliar word.

“Spending enjoyable time with someone you like. So, have a great time.”

Spending enjoyable time with Kian.

Vivianne’s face lit up with excitement, clearly pleased at the prospect.