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Chapter 39 - Chapter 38

Chapter 38 Shirahoshi

Neptune sat irritably on the oversized couch, his tail crossed.

"Brett, it is advisable to maintain politeness when addressing Neptune," Jinbei advised, feeling somewhat awkward.

He and Neptune shared a long-standing friendship, as he was once the commander of the kingdom's forces.

Now, with his chosen leader clashing with his old friend, Jinbei found himself in an uncomfortable position.

"I wish to alleviate the uncertainty in King Neptune's mind," Brett stated earnestly.

Neptune appeared taken aback.

"Embracing change requires bravery," Brett remarked calmly. "Will change genuinely yield positive outcomes? This is a common concern for anyone initiating change when faced with a decision. "

"Is it preferable to adhere to tradition? Until all options are completely exhausted, people often regard past experiences as valid until they confront failure. "

"King Neptune, what I am conveying is," he stated with a grin, "regardless of your desires, change is imminent! "

". . . " Neptune's eyes widened, and his beard quivered.

Jinbei rubbed his forehead in exasperation. While the reality is as such, could it be communicated differently?

After all, the person before him is the sovereign of this kingdom.

"Brett, you young man—"

Neptune finally exhaled. 'Although he may not resemble a fishman much, the arrogance within him can only be fostered on Fishman Street. Perhaps Jinbei is correct—'

He stole a glance at his old companion, then nodded decisively. "In this case, I can't be looked down upon, by others, Brett, I shall comply with your request—"

"Wait! "

The door to the tea room swung open.

A slender woman entered gracefully, her demeanor serious.

"Otohime—? " Neptune exclaimed, feeling a headache coming on.

"Why. . . " The Queen of the Dragon Palace Kingdom pouted, tears welling in her eyes. "It is unreasonable to tell me that I should refrain from going to the square to deliver a speech. . . "

"I previously indicated that the situation from last time remains unresolved, and the citizens' perception of humans has further deteriorated," Neptune lamented.

Each time she ventured out with optimism, she returned disheartened, retreating to her chamber to weep in solitude.

"That is precisely why I wish to go even more! "

The Queen, who had initially been despondent, suddenly became invigorated. "We cannot allow hatred to fester further! "

Neptune concealed his face in his hands.

"Queen Otohime remains unchanged," Jinbei chuckled heartily.

"Oh! It is Jinbei! " The Queen greeted him warmly. "Since you are present, let us share a meal before you leave today. It is a perfect opportunity for you to enjoy some drinks with Neptune. Although he always appears solemn, in private, he often laments about having no companions, he is feeling lonely. "

"Hey, Otohime—there is no need to discuss such matters," King Neptune said, feeling embarrassed.

"Hahahaha, that would be undignified! " Jinbei laughed boisterously.

'Am I accompanying Brother Jinbei to visit his relatives? This atmosphere is quite peculiar.'

The edge of Brett's mouth twitched slightly.

Mermaid Otohime is truly an extraordinary woman.

Both Neptune and Jinbei's dispositions altered in her presence.

"Then—"

Otohime turned her gaze toward Brett.

A radiant smile graced her face, "I can sense it. What motivates you is love and courage! "

"Ah? "

Brett appeared momentarily taken aback.

'What is she saying? Love? Courage? What is this a setting of a romantic novel?'

Otohime approached swiftly and lightly, clasping Brett's large hand with both of hers. With a face filled with emotion, she stated, "I cannot detect any hatred or anger within you, only your love for this island and the courage to strive for change. "

"It is truly incredible!" She nearly wept, "There are still young souls like you on this island. . . people like you represent the future of Fish-Man Island! "

Brett awkwardly withdrew his hand from hers. The Queen was overly sentimental. She resembled a child.

Yet—

What an intimidating sight.

Brett sighed inwardly.

Otohime possesses a natural and potent sense of Haki, allowing her to readily perceive the deep emotions within others.

She is capable of using her emotions to inspire and influence the will of those around her. Is it fortunate that she is a woman of admirable character.

"So, for the future of Fishman Island, King Neptune, you will consent to my request, correct? " Brett inquired.

Neptune's eyes widened. 'Incredible, he entirely ignored Otohime's exclamation!'

"One moment! "

The previously sobbing Queen regained her vitality and exclaimed loudly, "This is unacceptable! It will merely obstruct the limited communication we have with the human world! Fish-Man Island will drift even further from the surface world! "

"If our aim is to bridge the gap with the humans, we must not only reach out but also encourage them to approach us," Brett stated calmly. "As the plan to extract seabed ores progresses, the entire human world will be in uproar. It makes no difference if you prefer to avoid interactions with humans. "

"That will only increase the desirability of Fishman Island! How are we going to integrate on the surface!" the Queen protested loudly.

"Thus, to prevent drawing undue attention, our engagement with humans shouldn't be an issue. The crucial factor is that we must become powerful enough! "

Brett asserted seriously, "We need to be so powerful that humans cannot easily threaten us! After all, why must we continue to rely on internal conflicts among the top ranks of humans when we face harm? "

"But wouldn't that exacerbate the hostility between both sides? "

"If I do not adhere to my principles, I will bend to the situation. Humans are inherently motivated by self-interest. As long as sufficient profit is at stake, they can overcome the most intense opposition! However, the fundamental requirement remains that we must be strong enough! "

"What an unfortunate statement! In this manner, there is no possibility of integrating Fish-Man Island into the broader surface world! "

"Strength should come first, and then other matters can be discussed. "

. . .

"Ah, what a mischievous little troublemaker! ! "

Following an intense exchange of words, the Queen became enraged, grasping Brett's cheek and tearing at it.

Brett swatted her hand away. 'What an irritating lady.'

Jinbei and Neptune exchanged glances, shaking their heads in resignation.

Brett found himself embroiled in an argument with Otohime without understanding the reason behind it.

It was not until after the dispute that he recognized he had been influenced by Otohime's emotions.

"Very well, Otohime,"

Neptune eventually rose, stating, "I believe Brett is correct. Let us resolve this issue. Allow him to spearhead the creation of an organization to monitor the movement of ships. If we are to communicate with humans, we must first ensure our safety. "

Brett let out a sigh of relief.

Neptune is reasonable, but Otohime is incredibly bothersome.

Upon hearing her husband's decision, the Queen concealed her face with her hands and shook her shoulders.

"Hey - Otohime -," Neptune remarked, sweating profusely.

'Is she crying again?'

The Queen lowered her hands, her face beaming, "There are great children like you on the island! Instead of succumbing to anger and seeking revenge, He genuinely considered how to improve our island and our race! "

"I am genuinely, truly happy. "

Brett could not help but smile.

'She may be called a moral paragon or labeled naive and foolish. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that she resembled Brother Tiger in her unyielding hope that the children of Fishman Island would not have to endure a world rife with discrimination and oppression until the very end of her life.'

"Queen Otohime, my name is Brett," He introduced himself with sincerity.

"Hello, Brett,"

The Queen replied with a smile, "Shall we discuss seabed minerals next? Can these actually attract a significant number of humans? "

Brett utilized his limited knowledge to discuss the abundant seabed minerals and the mining efficiency on Fish-Man Island.

"Oh! So, if we can offer high-quality and affordable minerals, humans will flock to us? "

Otohime exclaimed with excitement, "That's wonderful! This could potentially open conversations with influential humans! "

Brett smirked slightly but refrained from making further comments.

"However, this poses considerable risks. "

Neptune expressed some concern, "Humans are not the sort to adhere to business etiquette when faced with substantial gains. "

"This explains the establishment of the Immigration and Entry Administration! "

Brett asserted earnestly, "Let us address this matter. "

"That is precisely my intention! " Jinbei agreed with a smile and a nod.

"How incredibly dependable, you are! "

The Queen's eyes sparkled brilliantly, and her nose was so overwhelmed with emotion that it began to run.

Brett averted his gaze. He was reluctant to acknowledge that as a child, he had harbored a crush for her who consistently provided snacks to children all around.

"Then it's your responsibility! "

Neptune stated gravely, "On the contrary, Dragon Palace will manage the matters related to exploration and excavation."

Brett said "Mining requires a considerable workforce. I hope that this workforce can be primarily sourced from Fishman Street. "

Fishman Street is extremely impoverished. There are hundreds of thousands of residents, with many lacking employment. Poverty gives rise to violence and criminal activity.

While mining jobs are certainly not ideal, they can at least be seen as a way to earn a livelihood, correct?

Neptune was momentarily taken aback, then he erupted in laughter, "Indeed, there is no issue with that! "

"Announce the establishment today! The Fishman Island Mining Company! All property rights will belong to the citizens of Fishman Island! " The King was in excellent spirits.

Change begins today.

Following this, a vibrant banquet was hosted in the banquet hall of Dragon Palace.

Brett and Jinbei, who had been engaged in afternoon discussions in the tea room, entered under the guidance of Neptune and Otohime.

Coincidentally, the princes and young princesses of the Kingdom also arrived, accompanied by their attendants.

"Mother! "

Brett observed as the large little girl dashed toward Queen Otohime, her face aglow with a smile.

With pink hair, round eyes, and a full face, she was Princess Shirahoshi..

Brett couldn't help but smile.

She is the greatest supporter of fishmen and mermaids.

"Shirahoshi! Mommy's good child! I have missed you so much! "

Otohime cried as she enveloped her daughter in an embrace.

'It had nearly been a day since they last saw each other.

Is she truly so excited to see her?'

Then,

thud.

Otohime suddenly collapsed onto the ground.

Shirahoshi knocked her slender mother to the floor.

"Arhh. "

Queen Otohime groaned, "I think my bone is broken—"

'Sigh.You are far too fragile'

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