The Little Merfolk

At first, it was only an extremely subtle change in pitch. Because the shifts across the frequency range were so abrupt, Angel had taken it for singing.

After Gondola flew several more miles forward, the sound grew increasingly clear. By then, it was not only Angel who could hear it. Duru said in surprise, "There really is singing! And it sounds quite pleasant."

After saying that, Duru closed his eyes and unconsciously began humming along.

Following that elusive, drifting music, Duru slowly swayed. At first, only his head moved, but soon his whole body began to rock. He even started making motions as though seeking out the source of the music.

He wanted to hear it more clearly, so his head and body gradually leaned over the side of the ship.

Just as more than half of Duru's body had extended beyond Gondola's rail, a soft chuckle suddenly reached his ears. In an instant, that laugh scattered the music filling his mind. His thoughts, floating and sinking within the beautiful melody, were like something hooked out of paste by a fishhook. Before Duru could trace the sound, the freezing wind outside the ship blew him awake.

Only when Duru opened his eyes did he realize that half his body was hanging outside the ship.

Inside the vessel, the magic patterns kept most of the high-altitude chill at bay. But the moment he leaned out, fierce cold winds battered half his body.

Startled, Duru abruptly pulled back.

Once he had settled into his seat, he saw the teasing smile at the corner of Angel's lips opposite him.

He suddenly realized that the laugh which had pulled him out of his daze must have been Angel's.

Before Duru could thank him, he heard that beautiful, pleasing music again. Frightened, he immediately covered