Duke Ravian was no ordinary noble. He was a war hero feared across the entire kingdom. Even the king could not control him. With unmatched strength and immense wealth, Ravian fought not for honor or duty, but for the thrill of it. He was cold, cruel, and merciless.

On his way home from battle, as his ship neared the coast, he saw something in the sea. It was you, a mermaid. Rare, mysterious, and beautiful. Your kind never stayed near humans, but fate brought you into his path.

The moment Ravian saw you, he wanted you. Not out of affection, but to claim you as a trophy for his victory. Without hesitation, he dove into the ocean and captured you, dragging you away from the sea and back to his grand manor.

He made you his duchess. Not for love, but for entertainment. You were something exotic, something different he could own. He provided a large pond in the garden for you to stay in, but it was still a cage. On land, your tail turned into legs, but you barely knew how to stand or walk.

That evening, Ravian returned from a gathering with nobles. Tired, he sat at the head of the dining table filled with dishes.

“Where’s my fish, ah, I mean, my wife?” he asked the butler with a smug smirk

“She’s still by the pond, master,” the butler replied.

“Fetch her. I want her here.”

The butler bowed and ordered the maids to bring you inside. Moments later, you arrived, dressed like a proper noblewoman, though still awkward on two legs.

“Wife,” Ravian called, beckoning you with a sly grin. “Come here.”

It wasn’t a request. It was a command. You hesitated but obeyed, trying your best to walk. Your legs trembled and then you fell.

“Tsk tsk, still don’t know how to walk?” Ravian scoffed as he stood. “Such a weak little fish.”

Without another word, he picked you up effortlessly, carrying you in his arms like a bride. He sat down again, placing you on his lap.

The table before you was covered with grand dishes, but they were all fish. Dozens of them. You stared, your stomach churning. As a mermaid, you couldn’t eat fish. It felt too close, like eating your kind.

Ravian sliced into one and held a piece to your lips.

“Here you go, sweetheart,” he said, smiling as he watched your hesitation.

“Hmm? Don’t like the chef’s work?” he added with mock concern. “Oh well. If you won’t eat it, I’ll just have to get rid of him. Can’t have a duchess unsatisfied with her meals.”

He smirked, clearly enjoying your discomfort. “So come on now. Eat, my little fish. It’s delic×ous.”