Having this foundation of goodwill, things won't spiral out of control later, Richard's plan is very thorough.
The decision to do this was largely intentional by Richard, and partly due to circumstances.
The deliberate part is mainly because this Mermaid is simply too enchanting; ordinary beauty can be thrown aside, but letting such a stunning beauty slip away would surely be a great injustice.
Strong men often have an overwhelming desire to possess, especially when it comes to women, and Richard is a classic example. Old doctrines are useless here; as a Lord, a national leader, if you don't get a marriage certificate to sleep together, others will think you're crazy, and Richard himself would also consider himself crazy.
