Of course, although we said we'd take a look around, there's actually not much to see.

Other than a stretch of scorched earth, there's only a wooden stake and a rundown shack.

To say that it's a place awaiting revival would be beautifying it; it's completely desolate here.

Fremay looked around, curiously observing before asking, "Herbert, is this the place you were talking about?"

"Yes, it is."

"Although I own this land, I haven't had the chance to develop it yet."

Regarding the current state of the place, Herbert seemed quite straightforward, without any attempt to cover up or pretend to be more than he was.

The facts were laid bare; it is what it is, and there's no way to hide it.

"Last time I came here, I only had Valentina help clear some trees and land."

He gave a brief explanation of the work they had done and outlined his vision for the place.

After he finished, he smiled and, with a wink, asked, "Seeing the situation here, are you disappointed?"

As he spoke, he suddenly had a strange feeling and couldn't help but laugh at himself.

It was like bringing a newlywed wife to his hometown, having painted a grand picture beforehand only to arrive and have it revealed as a poor, remote backwater.

A bit unscrupulous.

However, Herbert wasn't such a black-hearted person, and Fremay wasn't the kind to be easily deceived… ahem!

Not saying she's not smart.

Really not.

After hearing Herbert's self-deprecating laugh, Fremay also chuckled, lightly shaking her head.

"Hehe, how could I?"

The mermaid smiled gently and said tenderly, "My home is always by your side."

"As long as I have you, that's enough."

Fremay truly didn't see anything wrong with the place.

Though it looked barren and devoid of life.

But having no foundation also meant endless possibilities.

She believed that with Herbert's abilities and her assistance, it wouldn't be long before this place turned into a satisfying abode.

It's just starting from scratch.

"Besides, I can smell the ocean, it's not far from the sea here."

She sniffed lightly, catching the scent of the sea, and took a deep, reflective breath.

Fremay blinked, smiling, "Did you choose this just for me?"

"Yes."

Herbert nodded, candidly saying, "There were many reasons for choosing this place, including considering you and your abilities."

"This place is well-suited for establishing a port, and with you here, you can surely help guard the ships near the coast."

"Of course, on ordinary days, you can swim freely in the ocean."

"Compared to the fake seawater in a cage, you should like it here more."

The Deep Water Prison had been transformed under Herbert's upgraded authority, created into a very suitable residence where Fremay could swim freely within.

But that fake ocean ultimately has its limits, it's just a bigger fish tank.

The true ocean is where she truly belongs.

Just as Herbert was about to continue introducing the place to Fremay, he suddenly found his cheek gently held.

Hmm?

Baffled, he turned his head to see the mermaid's delighted yet slightly reproachful gentle expression.

"What's the matter... um."

Before Herbert could ask why, Fremay gently kissed him.

This time, their kiss wasn't as intense as before, but unusually tender.

It was like they were embracing each other.

A moment later, they slowly parted.

"Herbert, I've told you many times."

With a slightly flushed face, Fremay looked into Herbert's bewildered eyes and softly said:

"Where we are doesn't matter to me, what's important is you."

"Whether it's the ocean or a prison, as long as you're there, it makes no difference."

What matters is never the environment; it is always the person.

For a mermaid princess who had been lonely for so very long, nothing in the world could compare to the partner she had chosen.

"But you considering these things for me makes me very happy."

She shyly smiled, intending to steal another kiss to show her joy... But Herbert swiftly embraced her.

A Saint isn't defeated by the same move twice!

Before Fremay could make her move, Herbert anticipated her actions and took the initiative to kiss her.

While they were in the midst of another affectionate kiss, Herbert suddenly felt a gaze watching them.

Hmm!!?

Who is it?

He abruptly released Fremay, turning to the source of the gaze—seeing Sofia peeking at them wide-eyed.

"Uh!!?"

After realizing she'd been caught, the Centaur Heroic Spirit's expression was awkward, trying to hide behind a tree but inadvertently revealing her tail in her fluster.

"What's wrong?"

Fremay was still in a daze, unaware they had been observed—and wouldn't care if she had.

She didn't mind if outsiders were watching her and her partner's intimacy.

Hehe, let them be envious!

"Nothing."

Herbert's expression turned a bit peculiar, withdrawing his gaze, he said with a smile, "I guess I'm just not used to being watched by others."

I'm probably overthinking it.

Fremay giggled at his words, pinching his cheek teasingly, "Hehe, you're quite innocent~"

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