Amy crushed another pebble in her hand after reading a letter from Lisa. The letter says that Viola is safe and explains her family's involvement in it. It also has details on their route and strategies. With a passive-aggressive expression, she can only sit back while getting new information at every minute in her head by the peonies. She can't help but direct her anger by crushing rocks with her bare hands and shutting her thoughts off from everyone.
All she knows about Princess Georgina is that she doesn't exist in the story. The only mention she could think of is that Prince Phillip spilled blood to have the throne, sparing only Prince Anthony since he has no heir and the prince is spineless.
According to the information that she received, Princess Georgina hasn't been doing her duties as the Crown Princess for a few months now. In fact, no one has actually seen her face for even longer. There were rumors that the princess is ill or has gone somewhere. And now the peonies figured out she is in the Iron Villa. But that information came too late. Rufus has figured things out first. He is a terrifying individual but one she admits is equally as brilliant.
She looked at the mirror on her vanity. She looks beautiful. In fact, it has been a while since she put effort in her appearance. She has to be well prepared for the upcoming meeting. She cannot recall in her original life if she ever tried enjoying her youth. Perhaps she didn't.
Amy asked for this day off weeks in advance because of Alabaster's request for a meeting with the Alpha Mermaid of the oceanic territory where the next demonic weapon was kept. She dressed in her best foreign attire for this although it wasn't her choice.
She moved her arm a bit which exposed her gold armlet. The entire outfit is exotic and not something she would choose to wear for a formal meeting but apparently, mermaids love flashiness, so she has to reflect that. It was also Alabaster's idea to look like this to charm the merfolk.
She had teleported to Alabaster's side with lots of items and gifts, knowing what would please the merfolk. The ship she teleported to seems larger, more fortified and staffed than the one she was in last year.
"It must feel nice to be back at sea." he says calmly, "This is my first time out of the continent, yet I feel so familiar with this place."
Amy had a look of contentment for a brief moment before it faltered. If negotiation fails, then she can never come back here. Her mere presence might even anger the alpha enough to send a typhoon to drown her.
Mermaids are a terrifying species compared to the others.
"By the way, any news about Violet?"
Amy couldn't help but groan loudly and slouch on her seat. "Rufus and the rest of the Olive guard really went out of their way. They found out the mercenary group that took her and where she headed."
Alabaster gave her an encouraging smile. "That's good. It looks like Rufus kept his promise."
Amy admits that what Rufus told her didn't even anger her. She just felt listless knowing that group.
"Lisa," she sighs, "Why is she involved?" The sheer coincidence alone is enough to make her lose her spirits. Now she doesn't know how she feels.
Amy then looks back to her conversation with Rufus right after he told her.
*
Amy tried to hide her shock but knew that she did a really bad job at it.
"How did you get this information?"
Rufus gave her a blank stare as if he is trying to read her. His evidence and information are extensive. This isn't something she'd expect Rufus to do. He has never even been to Getel and yet his information network goes further than she'd thought.
"I followed your example." he answered, resulting in her concern. "I will join the Olive guard in getting her back so I won't see you for a while. I would ask if you would want to come but they won't allow it. Instead, I want to ask you for a favor, but it comes with moderate risk."
He said it with such conviction and confidence that she can't help but gain a newfound respect towards him. Amy saw his hand extend towards her and she took it like a handshake.
"As long as it is within my power, I'll do anything. I have one favor regarding the group though."
*
"So, what does he want from you?"
Amy shook her head slowly and smiled nervously. "For once, I am keeping it secret. You just have to wait until the time comes." But damn, he really knows how to plan.
Then the boat began to shake violently.
"They're here." Alabaster says holding on to the wall and they both hear moaning noises. Meanwhile the crew all wore earplugs to prevent getting hypnotized.
"We're in the right part of the sea, right?" Amy asks nervously as she recall her last embarrassing encounter with mermaids.
"Positive." he replied as the pair stare at the sea and saw heads popping out, flawlessly lovely and youthful but not tempting to them.
"We need to meet your Alpha. We brought gifts and offerings." Amy called out using a sonorous spell while speaking the foreign language. She brought a small handful of items and dropped it into the sea, knowing that the merfolk would enjoy these rare items from the surface.
The mermaids all whisper among themselves as they all collectively enjoy the items. Amy doesn't understand merfolk language, but they do know this language. After talking amongst themselves, one of them disappeared, probably to go talk to the alpha.
After a couple minutes, the boat shook again, less turbulent this time, and it slowly sunk into the sea. The mermen are casting a spell to create a large bubble to cover the ship as they lower down.
Amy and Alabaster are mesmerized by the beautiful sight. Beautiful blue waters and wildlife cover the sea floor for miles. The boat began to move as the mermaid led them to their home. As they grew closer, she expected it to get dark as they continue to go deeper and closer to the trenches but was instead welcomed to the sight of giant coral covering the sea floor, decorating the trench walls. This is basically a palace. The luminous stones there provide a bright light that illuminate the darkness.
One of the mermen noticed her and spoke in the outside language. "Naranda," while pointing to the palace.
Her eyes widen at what she is witnessing. She is quick to take pictures and is tempted to paint the scenery when she gets back.
When they arrived at the most decorated part of the mermaid community, she reeled in the sight of the alpha at the throne room. Unlike the calm looking, red haired and fair-skinned alpha she met months ago, this one has tanned skin, teal hair and a flirtatious expression who adorns themself with pearls, silk and makeup. He is definitely a flashier and more effeminate mermaid than the others.
Alabaster, have you thought of the possibility that this alpha is not into women? Amy thought blankly.
Alabaster froze in response, not knowing how to respond to that question. It seems he hadn't really thought of this possibility at all.
"Your Grace, we came here in goodwill and brought gifts to show our sincerity and honor in meeting you." Alabaster says while bringing the items.
The Alpha, ignoring the offerings, stared at Amy for bit before saying, "Is she part of your offering too?" His tone and expression definitely express interest.
"No," she replied, "I'm accompanying him."
Amy could see the slight disappointment in his face in response to her answer, "Well, you wouldn't come to this part of the ocean unless you want something from me." He mused and pointed at her, "You are quite powerful compared to the humans here. I sense the same magic in all of you but hers is the strongest. Are you the leader?"
Amy blinked in surprise. The Alpha is a lot sharper than she'd thought. "Yes," she replied, "I am the leader. But I possess no title or rank of importance."
"Why are you here?"
"I need to ask your Grace for the Arisugawa."
The alpha frowned a bit at the request, "The Arisugawa is the secretive treasure of my kind. Do you know what you're asking me right now?" His aura begins to feel heavy, slowly increasing the pressure in the room that made Alabaster, who has no magical resistance, collapse while Amy was stumbled to one knee.
"How do you know what the Arisugawa is?" He asks in a demanding tone as terrifying as his aura.
Amy is beginning to struggle speaking, "I know the future! The weapon would one day be taken!" she yelled at the top of her lungs.
The aura finally stopped, and Amy finally felt that she could breathe and immediately check up on Alabaster who fainted but is otherwise okay.
"The future?"
The merman then transforms their body into water before it shrunk and change him into a normal sized man with legs. His bottom half is thankfully covered with a long skirt like cloth. He stared into her eyes for a bit. "You're telling the truth, but I cannot see past that. You have many walls."
"I do not wish to take the weapon for myself. Unfortunately, your kind is unable to use it because of its demonic nature. I am unable to use it either so it's useless to me. But in a few decades, this place will be destroyed by the Cambion who will also use the Arisugawa to destroy the world. He would nearly succeed with this weapon. In terms of destructive power, the Arisugawa is superior to any weapon in this world. Many mermaids will die. I want to prevent that fate."
The Alpha stared at her with an unreadable expression though she can see that the mention of the Cambion has shook him speechless but then his smile returned. "Alright!"
She stared at him puzzledly at this change in attitude.
Noticing her doubt, he laughs, "No worries! I have no intention of killing you. I feel like my tribesmen would probably want to kill me for hurting a beautiful woman for no reason."
That... doesn't sound like a good enough reason but she won't question it. At least the alpha has no intentions of killing her. Amy continues to check up on Alabaster who seems to be recovering well.
"But how are you going to do that? What do you want to use the Arisugawa for?"
"I want to destroy it."
He appeared quite startled as he stared into her eyes. "You have many walls," he repeatedly murmured, "You are quite serious though." He got up and walked to the gifts, "I'll take your offerings out of your good intention. BUT" he then turned to Amy, "in the event that is true, the Cambion is still very dangerous and a weapon like the Arisugawa would be crucial for protecting my people. Without a weapon like the Arisugawa then we're powerless."
Amy wanted to retort but he interrupted her.
"I understand that the weapon itself is useless in my hands, but I could see that you are quite the craftsman. So, I will give you a deal. If you can make a weapon that matches the power of the legendary Arisugawa then it's yours. Anything you need, I can provide it."
Amy cannot help but expect this 'request' but thankfully a year in sea had given her the skills to create powerful weapons though a weapon that matches the strength of a demonic weapon is another story. It might take her a long time to make it.
"In that case, I would like the study the weapon and time. It will take me a long time to craft something this powerful."
The merman thoughtfully stared at her then smiled, "Sure"