Alex had a puzzled look and was staring at the two that were still holding each other’s hands. Viscount Finley quickly explained, “I already knew Anika, because... well... I am still the partner of her mother... I lived with them for a few years in my youth, before the war.”
“But... she called you father! I don’t understand...”
Anika answered while leaning her head on the shoulder of the smiling Viscount. “My real father died of old age a long time ago, but a Mermaid’s partner is looked upon as the father of all her daughters until he passes away. He is actually the real father of my younger sister, but I, and all of my ten sisters, still see him as our father. By the way, did mother tell you that Mirya is about to marry? She finally fell in love, but it was with an Elfian! Can you belie
