Randall had already returned to the G-1 Branch.
He sat in his chair, his feet propped comfortably on the desk.
On the sofa beside him, Aequus was enduring his usual misery, doing the work that should have been the Base Chief's.
The frightening part was that, after six years, he had almost gotten used to it.
Just then, the door opened, and a beautiful mermaid bounced inside, carrying a tray of desserts she had made herself.
Hearing the noise, Aequus looked up. When he saw it was Caris, he tactfully gathered his documents and got up to leave.
He even thoughtfully closed the door behind him.
Randall opened his eyes and watched Caris bounce over to his side.
A fragrant breeze washed over him, lifting his spirits.
Caris held the desserts out to Randall, then gave him a sweet smile.
With practiced ease, Randall picked up a pastry and popped it into his mouth.
"Delicious."
Randall closed his eyes, savoring it.
Even after six years of eating them, he still hadn't grown tired of them.
Just then, that fragrance drew closer, enveloping him completely.
A hand settled on his shoulder.
"Sir."
Her voice was positively plaintive.
"Do you keep rejecting me because you look down on me for being a mermaid?"
Randall hurriedly explained, "No, that's not it. I don't have anything against mermaids."
"Then why? Is it because of this fish tail?
Once mermaids turn thirty, we can grow legs. Then we'll be able to do some fun things together.
A-and before that, I can help you with other parts of me, too.
For instance, would you like me to use my mouth on you?"
A faint blush appeared on Caris's cheeks, but her voice remained calm.
Hearing that, Randall instinctively looked up at Caris's rosy little lips and