I Only Like Children When They're Asleep

"Be good, and take care of your little sister." Queen Otohime had no idea what strange thoughts were running through Miming's head. She was busy saying a reluctant goodbye to her children.

"If Mom gets treated badly, we won't let you off!" the three children threatened Miming together, though they all looked terrified. "Hey, where are you looking? We're talking to you..."

"What adorable children." Miming reached toward Shirahoshi, wanting to hold the giant baby who was already taller than he was. Soon, she would be too big for him to lift. But Shirahoshi had fallen asleep, so he let it go.

"Hehe!" Queen Otohime laughed. She had often seen that same conflicted look on the faces of men who wanted to hold Shirahoshi, so she thought nothing of it. "Do you like children, Lord Miming?"

"No." Miming withdrew his hand. "I only like children when they're asleep."

"Haha." Queen Otohime covered her mouth as she laughed. "She's adorable when she's awake, too. If we get the chance someday, I'll be sure to let you hold her."

"Let's go." Miming looked away. If he kept staring at Shirahoshi, people would think he was a pervert.

So Miming took Queen Otohime and eight Mermaid women aboard the Ryugu, preparing to leave the Mermaid Kingdom and return to the human world.

Miming felt thoroughly pleased with himself. Once those nine beautiful Mermaids were in the lake, the whole place would come alive. Looking up from the library, he would see them swimming gracefully through the crystal-clear water. Robin could read her books while he watched the Mermaids. It would be beautiful.

Saint Mjosgard's tearful shout rang out from Ryugu Palace. "Saint Sanming!"

Miming's face twitched. Oh. I forgot about him.

Miming hurriedly signaled King Neptune with his eyes, and the king ordered