The requirements for a Mermaid to reproduce are incredibly strict.
Outsiders don't know the full story; they merely believe that reproduction requires a Mermaid's "willingness."
That as long as they are "willing," it can happen.
The Mermaids who end up in the auction houses of other Empires are subjected to all sorts of treatment after being bought, even brutal torture and coercion.
But they never bear any offspring.
Because—
Only love can grant them the strength to reproduce.
Only when they fall in love with someone can they create the crystal of their love.
A Mermaid's love is very difficult to obtain.
Among the Sea Clan, other groups thrived and multiplied, while the Mermaid Clan struggled to continue their lineage precisely because they lack the capacity for "love."
The first time the man heard this, he thought the lie was too childish and clumsy. Although his younger brother was an adult, he was immature—even his lies were full of holes.
