This is another chapter that literally continues right after the previous chapter. A shout out to KJC71790, RSBCS, and magic135 for their contribute to this story through their OCs. For all of you who already PM me, it's possible that you have an... Interesting role in this story.

Anyway, we get Noel's first chapter. Ironically, it's not really focus too much on her. Rather, someone else. We mustn't rush on love, isn't that right?

Chapter 14: Finding the One

It was a night on a Friday. All seemed peaceful and tranquil when footsteps can be heard. Mai, in her warrior form, was being chased. Her footsteps echoed against the brick floors, further as she made her way to an enclosed space. Concern of getting caught, she just kept running only to stop. There was no where for her to run. Turning to the sound of footsteps behind her, the woman knew that she was cornered by three gangsters.

'Why am I not surprise? There's always have to be three.' she thought sarcastically.

"Alright, Missy, come with us and no one has to get hurt." the head of the gang member smiled darkly.

"And get my life screwed? Like heck I'd do as you say!" Mai scoffed.

"Why you little..." the third man approached her.

"Don't take another step!" she warned, which the gangsters respond by laughing.

"Hahaha! You can't threaten us!" the second man crackled. "In fact, you should be begging for your life."

"If you don't take me seriously, then I won't hold back in quickening your demise." Mai threatened.

"As if! Get her!" the first man, the leader, ordered.

"Yes, boss." the two shorter men replied, taking out their daggers.

As they approached their prey, Mai sighed.

'I warned them...' she thought. 'And I'm so going to kill Kyle when he gets here.'

Her right arm glowed, revealing her pink mark, the Celestial Blade of the Sea. Summoning her powers from a dripping pipeline, she blasted her perpetrators with water.

"Gah!" they exclaimed.

"Where did she got the water from?" the second man questioned.

"Forget about that! What the heck is that on her arm?!" the leader yelled.

"I suggest you to leave." Mai advised.

"Don't order us around!" the leader screamed as he charged for an attack.

However, she elegantly dodged as he slammed into the wall. Still filled with anger, he lunge behind her. Mai simply did a backward flip and now, she wasn't the one who was cornered.

"Well, aren't you three stubborn?" she remarked.

"Argh!"

Before they could plan their next step, the woman froze their feet, preventing them from moving. Fed up, she continued icing the layers of ice until their heads remain.

Walking up to the leader, she spoke a tad playfully, "I don't like men who are forceful. Maybe try to be more nicer before kidnapping girls, okay?"

"You... Little-" before the leader could curse, she froze his lip shut.

After that, she knocked all three of them out with a kick to the head. Sighing, she begin the process of taking away their memories of what they had witness and altering them. When she was finished, she melted the ice to handcuff them before leaving the abandon alley.

Looking for the sign, she saw the appearance of a dog. It glowed a white light, looking a bit spiritual. Chasing after it, Mai was lead out of city and towards the beach. Finally, the dog stopped as the woman crouched to converse with it.

"How are you, Mai?" Kyle's voice spoke through the dog's mouth.

"I am going to kill you." Mai muttered.

A moment of silence passed until Kyle spoke, "So... I assume you ran into trouble?"

"Yes. While I was on my search, I was spotted by some bad people." Mai explained. "Is this seriously part of my training?"

"Yes. After all, you still haven't mastered your powers. Going on missions and small task will help you gradually improve."

"So when will you be arriving?" she questioned.

"I should be arriving tomorrow in the afternoon, perhaps earlier." he answered. "Anyway, how was your search?"

Mai let out a heavy sigh, "I can't find them. I know they're somewhere nearby, but it's hard to try being discreet when there are many people around."

"Don't worry about it. Remember, they won't know that you're looking for them. Just act like any normal person. You'll find them." with that final order, the ghostly messenger disappeared.

Getting up, the Umiko muttered, "Roger that."

After what Lucia did to help Nikora and Maki in the afternoon, the woman gave the girls a break, much to their delight. They wanted to go out to spend the evening with the remaining time they have. Coco was out for a swim and Karen went to try delicious food before some of the best restaurants closes. Lucia, Hanon, Rina, and Seira were running off to spend some time with their boyfriends, although Seira denies Takumi as her boyfriend. After all, neither haven't confessed nor made it official.

Noel had left the hotel a while ago before everyone else. She was standing in a long line, outside the bookstore, waiting patiently as she can. But her excitement was slowly starting to gnaw at her. She was waiting for the new detective novel to come out. Just ten more minutes before midnight.

She remembered that her kingdom would have a large library, but most of the shelves were filled with history books. Any other books would be the mermaid's interpretation of fairy tale stories. Personally, Noel found the human's interpretation to be a tad more interesting. The story was longer, the plot was complex, and whether the ending was tragic or not, she can somewhat connect to the characters in the story.

Meanwhile, Lucia and Seira, who were making their way back to the hotel, saw the patient Indigo Mermaid Princess.

"Noel, what are you doing here at a time like this?" Lucia questioned.

"I could asked the same for you two." Noel countered, which the girls respond by nervously giggling.

"We wanted to spend more time with our boyfriends." Lucia explained.

"Takumi isn't my boyfriend..." Seira timidly insisted.

"He will be after you two make it official." Lucia noted.

Seira playfully stick out her tongue before the girls ended up laughing.

"Anyway, to answer your question, Lucia..." Noel started. "I'm waiting for the clock to strike midnight."

"Why?" Seira asked curiously.

"Well, Seira, in a few more seconds, the bookstore will open and I'll finally be able to get my first copy and read the seventh addition of the series, Grim Mysteries: The Disappearing Maidens." the bookworm squealed excitedly. "I heard that it's a tragic romance story and in the midst of it all... Is a mystery!"

"That seems... Nice." Lucia cannot find the right words to describe.

Just then, the clock tower chimed.

"Ah! The store is open! Well, see you two later." Noel waved as she head inside, followed by a bunch of people behind her.

The two girls watched as everyone was pushing and shoving until they decided to go home.

By the time Hanon and Rina returned, it was already 12:30 AM. They found Noel reading her book, completely into it. Karen, who had come back twenty minutes earlier, called out to them.

"Everyone, the bath house is ready!"

"Yay! We'll get to talk more about boys!" Hanon cheered.

Normally, when Hanon is going to the bath house is usually when she starts bringing the topic of boys to the group.

"I could use a relaxing hot bath." Rina remarked, ignoring Hanon's claim. "Let's go, Noel."

The Indigo Mermaid Princess was unwilling. She wanted to continue reading, until she sighed, closing her book to join her friends.

Once the remaining girls joined the bath house, all seven Princesses started to talk about their day... Well, most of them were. While Coco, Lucia, and Hanon were playing with Seira, Rina noticed Noel's deep thinking. It wasn't hard to tell that she was distracted since she was absent-mindedly pouring too much shampoo on Karen's head.

"Noel, is something wrong?" Rina asked.

"Oh, it's nothing." Noel answered quietly.

"Then why are you still pouring shampoo? I think Karen have enough." Rina pointed out.

"Eh?" the mermaid looked down to notice that she was drenching her sister's hair in the sweet-scented liquid. "Ah! G-Gomen, Karen!"

As Noel apologized, Rina went over to take the bottle out of her hand as Karen moved out of the way from getting more drenched. They both shared a glance for a brief moment before focusing on the Indigo Mermaid Princess again. Being her younger sister, Karen went to Noel and place a hand on her shoulder in the form of comfort.

"Nee... Nee-san, you can tell us anything that's on your mind." Karen suggested.

Noel let out a sigh, "It would be nice if I could fall in love too. All of you have boyfriends, only Coco and I don't."

The four girls who were playing stopped to see that Noel wasn't joking. She seriously wanted to fall in love too. Coco had a mournful look of sadness in her eyes, which seemed to indicate that Noel was half wrong, but she didn't let her know or try to correct her. Only Seira took notice, though she decides not to mention about it.

It was quiet for a moment until Lucia and Hanon attempted to cheer the sadden girl up.

"Then let's go to the beach tomorrow." Lucia offered.

"Good idea, Lucia. There will be many hot boys around, so maybe one of them will be Noel's Prince Charming." Hanon agreed.

However, Karen disagreed, "No way! I don't want Nee-san to suffer from forbidden love!"

"It's not your choice to decide." Hanon countered. "Besides, you seemed to be doing well with Subaru."

The mentioning of the scientist caused the Purple Mermaid Princess to turned red. As an argument broke out between Karen and Hanon, Noel watched as her friends were talking, blushing, and splashing water at the other to defend their love life. The sight caused her to giggle as she saw her friends having fun.

'It seemed wonderful... Falling in love...' she thought.

Suddenly, Hippo slide the door open, stepping into the bath house to chastised Noel.

"Noel-san, don't even think about falling in love with a human!" Hippo yelled. "I won't allow it!"

That caused many screams and shouts from the mermaids as they began to throw things at the penguin in anger. Many "ahh" and "GET OUT", followed by a few items being thrown. As for Hippo? He ran out of the bath house with little hearts circling around his head. That sick little pervert.

After the girls dealt with Hippo, the twins retired to their room. Unlike everyone else, Karen and Noel shared one big room. The walls on the left side was indigo and the one on the right was purple. Alone, the girls changed into their nightgown.

"Geez, that Hippo!" Karen huffed as she buttoned the top of her nightwear. "The nerve of him peeping in our bath!"

'He certainly has no decency!' she continued in thought.

She was wearing a purple night slip that has spaghetti straps. The dress reached to her knees with the train a little bit longer. Noel was wearing a similar nightwear, but indigo. However, there were sheer sleeves and she had on a long slip robe. She might be twins with Karen, but that doesn't mean that she is as revealing as her younger sister.

Once the Purple Mermaid Princess cooled down, she sighed, "But he's right, Noel. You can't think about falling in love."

She sat on the edge of her bed, across from Noel's.

"Because it's wrong to think about it? Because it's forbidden?" Noel guessed.

Karen shook her head, "That's not it. Because you will get hurt. Falling in love is great, for humans... But for us, it's a bittersweet love. Already, I've regretted in furthering my relationship with Subaru. Eventually, all of us will have to return to the sea and say goodbye."

"Oh..."

"That's why it is best that you don't have a relationship... Even though I do wished for your happiness. Oyasuminasai, Noel."

"Karen..." Noel was touched that her sister cared for her well-being. She smiled sadly as she also went to bed. "Oyasuminasai, Karen."

The next day, the girls went to the beach, dressed in their swim suits. Despite its mid November, the weather was moderately warm. It wasn't hot nor too cold. It was just about right... For a Saturday.

Lucia and Hanon were wearing a two piece in their respective color. Karen and Noel were wearing similar swim suits. Rina was wearing a green top and short blue jeans. Coco had on a two piece with a yellow mini skirt and Seira was wearing a short orange dress.

Lucia, Hanon, and Rina were taking a break from their studies. It was their excuse to get away from the hotel. Their initial plan was to find a boyfriend for Noel. Despite Karen had already expressed her opinion on finding a lover for her older twin, she just went along with it for the sake of her sister. Much to her luck, the plan was starting to go awry. Lucia, Hanon, and Rina were immediately taken away by their boyfriends and Coco and Seira went to get a cone of ice cream. That left only Noel and Karen.

Noel didn't mind it that much, but it was still bothering her that she doesn't have someone to experience the feeling. Karen, wanting to change Noel's mood, took her hand.

"Karen?"

"Let's go, Nee-san."

"W-Where to?" she wondered.

The younger twin stopped to turned around with a smile on her face, "To have fun."

"Have fun?" she repeated. Understanding that her sister's intentions, she smiled as she nodded her head. "Mm."

Unknown to Noel, having fun wasn't just on Karen's mind. Despite it was against her beliefs towards finding love, she didn't want her sister to feel completely left out. Even if they don't find a potential boyfriend, at least they can spend some time together. Just between sisters.

In a smaller town in Japan, not too far from where Pearl Peri resides, was a tall man with wide shoulders and a lean frame. He has short dark brown hair, natural green eyes, and slightly tanned skin from all the time spent in the sun. Meet Furukawa Itsuki, a well-known volleyball player and athlete swimmer at Narumi High School. For a 16 year old, he has a lot ahead of him.

His dreams are to make it to the Olympics and win big for Japan. Not wanting to missed an awesome Saturday, the young man got out of his house and head for the beach. Swimming out into the sea, he continued strokes until he felt like he was far enough. Turning over so he was floating on his back, Itsuki let out a sigh.

He never understood why, but just being out in the sea felt so refreshing. What he can't explain is this feeling he has. Sometimes... He felt some sort of connection towards the sea. Somehow.

"Oi, Itsuki!" a voice called out from the distant.

Looking to whoever had called out his name, he smiled upon seeing a young youth waving at him. Meet Yuuki Marc. The boy was a few months younger than Itsuki, about 15 of age. He has light brown hair and dark gold eyes. He was wearing a blue t-shirt, light blue shorts, and white running shoes. He once lived in Tokyo until he moved closer to the beach. That's where he became buddies with Itsuki.

Swimming back to the shore, Itsuki met up with his friend.

"Hey, Marc. What brings you here?" he asked.

"Today's a perfect day to draw." the youngster answered.

"It sure is." Itsuki agreed as a breeze came by, blowing their hair. "So, what is the real reason why you're here?"

"You wouldn't believe me." Marc insisted.

"Let me guess. Mermaids?" Itsuki chuckled. "You sure are determined to catch them in your drawings."

"Have you ever seen a mermaid?" the boy challenged.

"I am aware of the legends, but I never seen one." the man admitted.

"Then you can't say that they aren't real." Marc replied optimistically.

Despite being a Junior High student, when he once saw a mermaid during a family trip to the Arctic Ocean, he was captivated with her beauty. He was even more shocked and excited when he heard a few sightings of mermaids close to home. Since then, he moved out of Tokyo for the sea, hoping for a chance to catch a glimpse of a mermaid.

"Oi, Itsuki, Marc!" a friend called out. "Let's play!"

"Ah, you bet!" Itsuki gave a confident smirk. "Let go, Marc."

"Yeah!" the boy replied, dropping his supplies for a match.

Everything was set. The net and the volleyball. Each side of the net has pairs. As they got ready to play, the two noticed a stranger. And he seemed to notice someone behind them.

"Hey, girls! Want to play with us?" the stranger questioned, calling out to the two girls behind Itsuki and Marc.

When the boys turned around to see the two girls, Itsuki felt like they were more for some reason. A girl with purple hair and the other with dark blue.

'Twins?' he wondered.

Turning his attention back to the stranger, he couldn't help, but feel that something was off about him. So, he whispered over to his friend.

"Psst, Marc. You know that guy?"

"No." Marc shook his head.

"Are you sure?" Karen asked.

"Yes, come join us." the stranger assured.

Acknowledging, the girl and her twin sister joined the boys for a match of beach volleyball. From a distance was Mai, dressed in a pink sundress and sun hat. Lowering the aviator sunglasses from her eyes, the woman smiled, setting her sight upon Itsuki and Marc as they started the game.

"Found them."

At the Narito Airport, a man with black hair and brown eyes step out of the door. He was wearing a blue shirt and dark pants.

Kyle sighed with one thought in his head, 'Welcome back.'

Taking his suitcase with him, the young man went to a house that did belonged to a friend of his. That friend was back at Los Angeles and when Kyle explained his reasoning for going to Japan, he gave him the house to stay. Taking out the keys, Kyle opened the door to see the interior of the building for the first time. The house was very spacious, but many of the furniture was hidden under sheets.

Turning on the lights and removing some of the sheets from the furniture, Kyle gasped, "I still can't believe that this is all mine..."

After dropping his suitcase and changing to a more suitable outfit, he went to the beach to find his friend. Immediately, he found Mai, who seemed a little surprised to see him.

"Kyle, you're here." she respond.

"Did you doubt I would?" he teased. Following her gaze on Itsuki and Marc, he asked, "Those two are the ones?"

"Yeah. I must admit, I was surprised when I first saw them." Mai answered. "But there's no doubt about it. They are the ones we've been looking for."

He agreed. There was a familiar presence that he can feel. And the two girls who were playing beach volleyball... They also have a connection towards the sea. Once his gaze fell onto Noel, his heart sank.

'So that's her... Noel, the Indigo Mermaid Princess of the Arctic Ocean.' Kyle thought. 'Was I really destined to meet with her?'

Suddenly, in his view, he saw Rina walking over to talk to Karen. Turning his attention back at Noel, he understood why those two were discussing in concern. There was a boy, the same one who insisted that the girls should play, talking to Noel. They seem on friendly terms.

"You and your sister put up a great game." the man replied. "Oh, I haven't introduce myself. I'm Damien."

"It's nice to meet you, Damien-san, and that's sweet of you to say." Noel smiled.

Rina and Karen were eyeing at the man, glaring. But that's because they were protective of the sweet, innocent girl. If anyone would dare to break her heart, those two won't hesitant to give any heartless man a wicked beating to send the message.

Although, Damien seemed like a gentleman...

Leaving the beach with Mai, Kyle soon found himself on his back. Apparently, he was knocked down by someone who was careless enough to run into him.

"Kyle!" Mai exclaimed, turning a bit red in the face at the sight in front of her.

Groaning from the unexpected impact, he looked up to see that it was a girl who had collided with him.

"Lucia, are you okay?!" he heard a boy's voice questioned.

"Yeah, but what did I hit?" Lucia wondered.

Being in an awkward situation and a bit insulted, Kyle cleared his throat, "Ahem. I believe it's who did you hit, not what."

"Eh?" Lucia looked down to see Kyle.

Her face was turning red from accidentally knocking down a guy as Kyle stayed very cool about it. Actually, he was pretty much amused. Who would have thought that his first day in returning to Japan was going to have him getting pushed over by a cute girl?

"Sup?" he responded with a smile.

"Ano... Eto... Hi?" Lucia greeted rather awkwardly.

"Um, it's nice to meet you, but can we properly introduce when I'm not laying on the floor, here?" Kyle pointed out.

"S-Sorry!" Lucia exclaimed, getting off the man as he got up. "I'm really sorry!"

"It's okay. Everything's cool." Kyle brushed the sand off his clothes.

"Are you sure?" the girl questioned.

"Yes." he chuckled, charmed by the girl's quirkiness.

The girl sighed in relief, "Thank goodness..."

"Lucia, you should be more careful. You can't just knocked over guys like that." Kaito somewhat scolded, but he was actually a bit jealous.

"Gomen, Kaito. I promise I won't do that again." Lucia apologized to her boyfriend.

"Geez... I don't know what to do with you sometimes." Kaito muttered.

"Ahem." Mai cleared her throat to get the lovers' attention. "I believe we haven't introduce?"

"Oh, sorry. My name is Domoto Kaito." the boy introduce.

"I'm his girlfriend, Nanami Lucia."

Kyle smiled, however, inside his mind, he thought, 'So this is Nanami Lucia. She was right about her. This girl is very cheery and optimistic.'

"Airisu Mai."

"And I'm Kyle Chang. Kyle is my first name." the man quickly clarified.

Immediately, Kaito had a thought in his head. The man's name sounded familiar. Where have he heard that name before?

"I'm really sorry for bumping into you, Kyle-san." Lucia apologize again. "I guess I was taking my practicing a little too far."

"Practicing?" Kyle questioned.

"For the play coming up. It's on the 21st, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." Lucia explained. "Would you like to go see it?"

"I politely, but firmly decline the offer, though it was considerate of you." Kyle respond.

"Well, see you later." Mai bowed before following Kyle.

When Lucia turned to face Kaito, she asked, "What's wrong, Kaito?"

"Oh, nothing. It's just... That guy. Something is weird about him."

"Could it be that you're jealous that I bumped into him?" Lucia half teased, half wondering.

"W-What are you saying! B-Baka!" Kaito berated with a tint of red on his face. "Like I'm jealous of him. As if!"

His girlfriend giggled, giving him a kiss on the cheek, "Oh, Kaito."

After finally leaving the beach, Kyle and Mai also found someone, although it was a familiar face for the man.

"Ah, Kyle-niichan!" Takumi exclaimed.

The boy ran up to him, followed by Seira. The girl took notice of Mai and the woman gave a small smile. Although, she place a finger towards her lips, gesturing for silence. Seira nods in understanding as Takumi converse with Kyle.

"Takumi, a pleasure in seeing you again. Have you been well?" Kyle asked.

"Yes." the boy smiled. "What are you doing here, Kyle-niichan?"

"Oh, a visit perhaps." the man answered.

"Well, I hope you stay here. Japan is great." Takumi spoke in English.

"I'll consider it. See you later." Kyle spoke back in English before heading off with Mai.

After the day ended, Kyle would have normally went to his house on his first day of returning to Japan for a long time, but instead, he didn't. He and Mai were heading to a hidden secret place, one that no one knows of with the exception of himself and the other Umikos.

Upon entering, he was greeted by a girl with long blue hair styled in a single braid and teal eyes. She was wearing a light purple dress and boots.

"Nymphia! You're here!" Mai exclaimed, rushing over to hug her friend.

Once they broke their hug, the girl turned towards Kyle, "Hello, Doctor. I'm glad that you've made it here safely."

"Please, I'm not a doctor yet." Kyle insisted.

"But you'll soon be." both girls teasingly replied in unison.

The man sighed, "Until then, just call me Kyle, okay?"

"Alright. What do you need then, Kyle?" Nymphia inquired.

"Make a call to Dr. Liam Sterling. I need to speak with him." Kyle ordered.

"Yes, right away." the girl answered as she rushed off.

After he instructed Mai to get another Umiko with her, he continued his way within the base. As Kyle went towards the main room, there was a large screen on the wall. Sitting on the chair, he waited until an image of a man with dark hair and bluish-silver eyes came up.

"Ah, Kyle. Glad to see that you've made it. What are the status over there?" Liam quizzed.

"The Mermaid Princesses are all in one place, here in Japan." Kyle answered.

"All seven?" Liam questioned.

"Yes."

"Excellent. Then we can begin." Liam announced.

"Just like what she told me all those years ago." Kyle muttered. "We can now start the MP Project."

"Agreed. We shall start right away. You do know what the next step is, right?" Liam asked.

"Yes. Soon, she will come. In order to, I must create her so she can be born into this world."

"I see you have your own personal agenda. Did that woman told you?"

"No, she didn't." Kyle answered.

"Oh? If the Sea Goddess didn't told you, then who?"

"The girl, herself, told me. We made connection when I had my sight on the Indigo Mermaid Princess. It's the only way she can meet her and the others."

"Then I wished good luck on your success." Liam prayed.

"Thank you. Before I turn the connection off, what so you wished to do with your son?" Kyle questioned.

"Whatever happens, Takumi must never know what we're doing. I don't want him to experience the same pain as we have. Or in your case, experience the pain in the future."

"Understood. I wouldn't blame you for your decision. He's not like us..." Kyle trailed off.

"I know. My son is a very bright boy. Trend carefully. I don't want him to be suspicious of our actions. Until next time, Kyle."

"Yes, Doctor."

With that final order, the screen was turned off. Leaving his chair, the man got up to grab a lab coat. Putting it on, he walked down the hallway to meet with Mai and another Umiko. The boy has blonde hair and brown eyes. He was tanned from the sun and dressed more casual than Mai, wearing a plain t-shirt and long shorts with sandals.

"How did it went?" Mai questioned.

"It went well, but onto the next step." Kyle answered. "Mai, Earl."

"Yes?" they answered in unison.

"I need you two to listen to me. I need you two to follow Furukawa Itsuki." Kyle explained. "There is another one with him, a boy named Yuuki Marc."

"Could it be possible that they're..." Earl trailed off.

"Yes, they are. But, one of them hasn't yet tapped into their powers." Mai quickly clarified.

Earl sighed, "Let me guess. Furukawa Itsuki?"

"It would be troublesome if he is left wandering loose." Kyle pointed out.

"What about Marc?" Mai asked.

"He seemed to have awakened a long time ago. For now, we'll leave him alone. But Itsuki will need to be watched over."

"Um, Kyle? If you're considering what I think you are, wouldn't that idea ruined the young man's life?" Mai inquired.

"Well... It's not really going to ruin his life. He just need to get used to what he truly is." Kyle offered. "Make sure that he doesn't see you. Report any symptoms he's displaying. That might mean that he is slowly tapping into his powers."

"Got it. We'll leave tomorrow." Earl replied.

By the time the girls returned home from their day, Noel felt that she was lucky in a way. She returned all happy and perhaps a little charmed. However, Karen was still suspicious of the man, Damien. She was glad that Rina shared her concern.

"Nee-san is too good for that man." Karen muttered.

"If he dares to hurt Noel's feelings, we'll make sure to beat the wreck out of him." Rina promised.

"Yeah."

After everyone eat dinner, Noel was the first to retire to her room. Dressed in her sleepwear, the Indigo Mermaid Princess had her lampshade turned on as she opened her book. Nearly reaching the final chapter, she continued to read.

So far, the story was about a case of many disappearing women. A detective had clues leading to a mysterious castle that was said to be haunted. The owner of the castle has blue beard and was the one who reported the case of his wives disappearing, leading him to marry only for his wife to disappear every time. Wedding, mystery, death, and remarried... And so the cycle repeats and continues.

The detective searched to find the spirit of the king's first wife. She lead the detective to a secret passage. There, she learned of the previous king's sin. It passed on, affecting his son. The current king was cursed so every time he wed, he would take their lives in blind rage. Sadly, he would have no recollection of the day after their wedding night.

Noel continued reading, letting out a happy sigh, "So intriguing, I have to know more."

The detective, with the help of the spirit of the first wife, forge a magical staff to end her husband's tyranny. The spirit has imbued herself to charge the staff. Finally, they were confronted by the king. Once more, he was blinded by his curse, aiming to kill the detective. The brave woman fought, successfully removing the curse on the king. However, it resulted in him dying. But thanks to the detective, the king's soul was saved and he was reunited with the spirits of his lost wives.

Noel closed the book as she beamed at the ending, 'So romantic, so tragic, and quite a mystery.'

Turning off the lampshade, Noel went to bed early, dreaming of how her love life will begin and end.

First of all... Woo-hoo, do we have a role reversal here? Normally, it's the mermaids who knows their lover, but wait! Kyle knows Noel? What?!

Mai: Hey, Kyle?

Kyle: Yes, Mai?

Mai: Aren't you mad at Pearl?

Kyle: Why should I?

Mai: Well, Noel didn't fall in love with you.

Yet. She hasn't fallen in love with him yet. Besides, she hasn't fallen in love with Damien either. I wanted to make this love equation to be a bit more interesting and complex.

Itsuki: *Storming over in anger* What on earth were you thinking, Pearl?!

He he he… Well…

Itsuki: I did not sign up to get stalked by two strangers!

You signed up to be a part of my story, but not in a story where you'll be safe. Besides, you sorta know Mai.

Itsuki: Why you… Anyway, I know nothing of the Umikos!

Well, well, enough with delays. Just go and introduce yourself along with the other special OCs.

...

Liam Sterling (Updated): I will admit, despite I am Takumi's father, I am also the founder and leader of my secret organization. Just to let you know, the organization is called Star Ring. I'm letting you know because in future chapters, you won't know the name. Since I started all of it, I'm the first rank.

Kyle Chang (Updated): In the future, you may view me as a man who may looked like a big bad with an aggressive behavior. However, if you were to know more about me, you'll learn that in truth, I'm very sweet, kind, and protective of others. I was the first member, therefore I am the 2nd rank. There are five high leaders in the secret organization.

Damien: I am an attractive man who charmed many girls. I come to appear as kind and concern for others.

Itsuki: I'm a normal young man who is well known for being a volleyball player and an athlete swimmer. I wished to be in the Olympics and wanted to live a normal life… Right?

Mai (Updated): It is revealed that I'm a member of the secret organization, Star Ring. Despite I am just a trainee, I'm actually the 3rd rank.

Marc Yuuki: I am happy to be in this story. You might see me here and there, but we'll see.

Earl: As you've read, I'm an Umiko. However, like Nymphia, I'm one of the minor OCs.

...

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