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"We have a situation that concerns the safety of those in this mansion. John Doe's orders will be repeated for anyone that listens— follow them to the best of your abilities." Ruby Rose's announcement boomed through the mansion's speakers. It repeated for a few times, giving specific advice and warning your wives in case the worst came to be.
Mel hid her presence near one of the mansion's balconies, her binoculars and modified marksman rifle in hand, all according to your instructions. She had a decent view of the area, and is optimistic about being able to snipe them from this angle.
Ruby and Gerty had warned you in advance that the merfolk were notorious in trying to provoke people into attacking them so they could have a 'reason' to 'defend themselves'. You took that piece of information to heart.
Also, you had the foresight to get a protective blessing from Herta, since Ruby informed you it was possible that one of these mermaids might actually be a 'siren' whose songs could make the mind numb and unsettled. Yet Cattleya's description of their appearances did not fit the Mastermind's worries, at least according to Ruby's very own knowledge on the matter.
The goddess was also looking down at the mermaids, patiently waiting for your signal to cast down lightning from any dark clouds her spell would form.
You, with your Warrior and Holy Knight flanking in front of you—both fully clad in their armor sets, and armed with their signature weapons—make your way to the dungeon's entrance.
In your mind you could not have considered that leaving it open to turn it into a harbor or naval port would lead to this encounter, but then again the dockyards already built were more than enough of a place for mermaids and other forms of intelligent sea life to make its presence known. You push such thoughts aside for now as you get some clankers to follow you.
Armored clankers are, sadly, too large to go through the dungeon's narrow hallways. But Bertha (along with countless dead bandits and goblins) could attest to not underestimate the power of an original clank.
Soon enough you exit and meet with your Cat, who is standing and crossing her arms as she leaned against a rock. Despite her apparently relaxed body language, you notice small details in her face and posture that prove to you she is still on the defensive— ready to shred any opponent with a pounce. She acknowledges you with a nod as you enter.
You find three mermaids wetting their tails in the shallow waters by the rocks, wearing enough to only protect their modesty. Their fair skin and human features were juxtaposed by the fish-like structure of their lower halves. Apparently Merfolk used to be more fish-like in nature, according to what Ruby had read, but enough intermingling with humanity gave them a classic mermaid appearance. Though these three still had certain tells of being closer to their ancestors— fins for ears and webbed hands. They gazed at you with guarded expressions.
