Suspecting the Sterling family knows about his origins, the tailless merman Arthur visits their home. His arrival triggers a crisis as his mother, Seraphina, declares her intent to reclaim her son, but other family members, fearing a prophecy, violently oppose her. They argue that his return during the king's election could destroy their house. Arthur is placed under house arrest, with a threat on his life. Later, while sharing a bittersweet birthday moment with Seraphina, where he expresses a wish to find his real mother, intruders arrive for the election. Seraphina urgently warns Arthur to stay hidden, no matter what happens next.