The mermen covered their eyes from the sidelines, too afraid to watch.
Their king was being beaten terribly.
Aviel stood with his arms crossed, watching the scene with clear amusement.
Hmph. The taste of the Ghost-Crying Vine isn't pleasant, is it?
No one knew how long the punishment continued.
By the time it finally slowed, Lex looked utterly miserable. His once immaculate appearance was in ruins, his body crisscrossed with bloody lashes.
At last, Nina relented—for the sake of the tiny mermaid cub.
"Ghost-Crying Vine. Stop."
The vine withdrew immediately.
"Leave this place at once," Nina said coldly. "And don't appear in front of us again."
"Lady Nina… I'm sorry. This was all my fault," Lex pleaded desperately. "If you want to keep beating me, then do it. Beat me for as long as you like. But please… don't drive me away."
He didn't want to leave her.
At that moment, regret filled his heart.
