Chapter 170: Rebel Army
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Because the mermaid possessed a remarkably efficient self-healing ability, the recovery process only lasted for two days. Every bodily function of the mermaid had returned to its optimal state.
“I’m Olift. Thank you for the seafood porridge. I really enjoyed it,” Olift expressed his gratitude. Having been discharged from the hospital, he now sat in the living room of the Zhou family’s ancestral residence.
Zhou Ling informed Liao Ning of his decision to let Olift stay at their house temporarily for safety reasons.
Liao Ning had no objections since she also held a fascination for unique species like mermaids. With Olift residing in the Zhou family’s home, she would have a better opportunity to observe him up close.
“Welcome, Olift. My name is Liao Ning, and I work as an ancient food culture live-streamer,” Liao Ning greeted him warmly with a smile.
Olift exhibited a clear curiosity regarding the profession of a live-streamer. “Is being an ancient food culture live-streamer a recent occupation? I have never heard of it in the empire.”
“It is a relatively new occupation that has gained significant popularity within the alliance in recent years,” Liao Ning explained. “By the way, what do you do in the empire? I’ve heard that most male mermaids serve in the imperial army.”
Olift nodded in agreement. “That’s correct. I was also in the army, but I received orders to infiltrate the rebel army a year ago.”
“Ah, if it’s a covert mission, wouldn’t it be inappropriate to disclose it openly?” Liao Ning expressed her confusion.
Olift shook his head, understanding Liao Ning’s concern. “No, Zhou Ye saved me. In return, I will stay within the alliance and share everything I know with his brother.”
A sense of astonishment washed over Liao Ning. “Isn’t that considered treason? Why would mermaids betray their country so easily? Don’t you have any loyalty to your nation?”
The values expressed by Olift left Liao Ning genuinely shocked. She decided to seek an explanation from Zhou Ling to better understand this unexpected phenomenon.
Zhou Ling, with a smile, proceeded to explain to Liao Ning, “Before the empire occupied the planet where the mermaids lived, they didn’t have a stable political system. Each mermaid lived independently in the sea until they reached adulthood. Once they reached adulthood, they would seek the guidance of the high priest of the mermaid race. The high priest would then allocate territories for them, and they would reside in these territories with their chosen partners.”
Olift nodded in agreement. “Finding a mate is the most important thing for us mermaids. ”
Liao Ning had a moment of realization. “I see now. It’s no wonder the empire was able to take over your planet. You mermaids only focus on yourselves and your partners!”
Curious, she further inquired, “If you’re only concerned about your partners, why are you willing to fight for the empire?”
Olift smiled warmly at Liao Ning. “Because female mermaids are attracted to the items created by humans in the empire, such as exquisite clothing and dazzling accessories. In order to make their partners happy, male mermaids are willing to fight for the empire in exchange for generous allowances that can be used to acquire things that female mermaids appreciate.”
Liao Ning’s curiosity shifted to Olift’s own situation. “What about your partner? Did you leave her behind when you joined the alliance?”
“I’ve just reached adulthood, and I haven’t had the opportunity to choose a
mate yet. During my time infiltrating the rebel army, I encountered a beautiful mermaid. However, she didn’t reciprocate my feelings and even tried to harm me upon discovering my true identity,” Olift shared with a hint of regret in his voice.
Liao Ning nodded, her interest piqued by the mention of the rebel army. She wondered what kind of entity it was, considering it comprised both mermaids and humans.
“Uncle and Aunt, we’re back!”
“Aunt, Uncle Zhou Ling, Mili and I are back.”
The door swung open, and the two children hurried inside. Mili eagerly embraced Liao Ning, and Liao Nai followed closely, helping Mili with her school bag.
Mili snuggled against Liao Ning like an affectionate kitten. Liao Ning gently caressed her ponytailed head. “There’s premade Taro Paste milk tea in the fridge. Help yourself to some.”
“Okay!” Mili’s face lit up upon hearing about the milk tea, and she dashed happily to the kitchen to get some.
Liao Nai had noticed Olift on the sofa. Once Mili had left, he approached Liao
Ning and inquired, “Who is he?”
“He’s Brother Olift, a mermaid!” Liao Ning took his and Mili’s bags and put them away.
The wolf cub stared at Olift with his eyes wide open. He knew from the primary school history textbook that mermaids were a minority of the empire and were very powerful. He couldn’t believe that a mermaid would come to his house on the capital planet..
