Chapter 39 Recruiting Troops
The banquet had only just commenced and needed to be momentarily paused.
This was due to the delicate Queen who wished to embrace her daughter, despite having one of her ribs fractured.
"Your Highness, your condition is quite fragile, so please exercise caution moving forward," The physician from the Dragon Palace expressed with concern.
Although there are not many who concur with Otohime's perspectives, her passion and kindness are appreciated by numerous fishmen and mermaids.
However, it is noted that her health is somewhat concerning. It is at a severity where a mere slap could lead to injury to herself. It is difficult to comprehend how she managed to give birth to four such large children.
"But Shirahoshi is so adorable! "
Otohime with tears still unremoved, proclaimed with confidence, "She truly is the most adorable daughter a mother could have!! "
Her hand tenderly caressed her daughter's large head, and a joyful expression adorned her face.
"Whee. "
The little girl was unaware of the distress she had caused her mother. She sensed her mother's affection and responded with a cheerful smile.
"Ah, so adorable! ! "
The Queen, seemingly lacking a sense of restraint, leaped onto her daughter's body and playfully rubbed against her as if she were a large doll.
Then.
"Ah! ! It hurts, it hurts, it hurts! "
"Your Highness, did I not instruct you to be cautious? ! "
Brett glanced over at Neptune.
Neptune heaved a sorrowful sigh.
'What a tough guy. This must be part of his everyday experience.'
The banquet was eventually conducted.
Following the physician's treatment of Otohime's more severe injuries, she cheerfully approached Brett with her children, radiating a lively spirit. One could hardly determine if she was delicate or resilient.
"This is Brett. "
Otohime presented Brett to her children, stating, "Now, introduce yourselves. "
"Brother Brett! " The little princess, obedient to her mother's directive, introduced herself clearly, "I am Shirahoshi. "
Her large eyes twinkled like crescent moons, and the young girl exuded joy and delight.
"So cute. "
Brett could not resist reaching out to touch the girl's cheek. A five-year-old who stood a head taller than him.
"Brother Brett, I am Manboshi. "
Much shorter than Shirahoshi, he resembled a teenage boy and cheerfully declared.
"I am Ryuboshi, Brother Brett. "
The second prince, taller than his third brother and around twelve or thirteen years old, smiled as he spoke.
". . . "
The eldest sibling of the four, the young fishman hesitated, saying, "My name is Fukaboshi, Brother Brett. "
"Hello. "
Brett replied with a smile. 'The royal family are amiable people'
"Brett is exceptionally strong! "
Queen Otohime expressed her pride to her children, stating, "He is the one who will transform Fish-Man Island alongside,me and your father"
'What are you so proud of?' Brett mouth twitched.
"That is amazing! Brother Brett! "
The young princess wholeheartedly trusted her mother's words, tightly clenching her small fists, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.
Following some conversation, the banquet commenced officially.
Attendees at the event included not only the Royal family, Brett and Jinbei but also the ministers from the kingdom. The rationale was straightforward.
"This banquet celebrates two significant occasions today! "
Neptune announced with great enthusiasm at the outset of the event.
He officially revealed the appointment of Brett to establish the Immigration and Entry Administration and the formation of the Fishman Island Mining Company.
This announcement undoubtedly stirred considerable commotion. The ministers quickly erupted into heated discussions.
However, Neptune's demeanor was assertive this time, and with Otohime's backing, the ministers had no option but to accept begrudgingly.
Neptune raised his glass solemnly and addressed Brett, "Brett, the safety of Fish-Man Island relies on your leadership! "
Brett nodded earnestly and raised his glass, stating, "We will take care of it."
Both of them lifted their glasses and consumed their drinks in a single motion.
Seated alongside his siblings, the eldest prince Fukaboshi gazed intently at Brett, saying, " Seems like Fish-Man Island, will be safe—"
The banquet concluded well past midnight, and Brett and Jinbei made their way back to Fishman Street via the waterway.
"Brother Brett! ! "
"Boss, are you back? "
"Good evening, Brother Brett! "
The fishmen warmly welcomed Brett, the newly appointed leader of Fishman Street.
Before reaching his home, Arlong, who had been informed, appeared unexpectedly.
"What's the news? "
He eagerly asked, "Is Neptune uncooperative? When are we launching our assault on the Dragon Palace? "
Jinbei could not restrain himself, saying, "Arlong, stop fixating on unfounded notions all the time. "
"The discussion proceeded very smoothly. "
Brett responded with a smile, continuing, "Brother Arlong, please help me gather the leaders of Fishman Street tomorrow. I have two exciting announcements to make. "
"Exciting announcements? " Arlong's expression turned skeptical.
"In any case, tomorrow marks a new beginning! " Jinbei expressed with enthusiasm.
"I hope so...." Arlong pouted.
Brett shook his head in resignation, understanding that Arlong anticipated an immediate siege against the Dragon Palace to seize control.
However, Brett had different aspirations.
He envisioned that the relationship between Fishman Street and Dragon Palace should resemble that between the Happo Navy and the Kano Kingdom.
The Dragon palace was meant to nurture the development of the nation while he and his companions were tasked with enhancing its strength. They ought to function as close allies.
Regarding the potential deterioration of this relationship in the future, Brett felt no concern.
All power, wealth, and prestige in this world are contingent upon strength.
Upon returning home, he went straight to sleep, experiencing a night void of dreams, and awoke at dawn.
After tidying himself and changing into fresh clothes, Brett headed to a familiar breakfast shop. He lacked the time to visit Shyarly's Mermaid cafe.
"Ah! Brother Brett is here! "
The manager, who had nearly witnessed Brett's upbringing, chuckled and inquired, "What would you like to eat today? It's on me! "
"There is no need for that; how could an older brother expect a younger brother to treat him? "
Brett selected a seat and replied with a smile, "Let's adhere to the established norms. "
"Hahaha, understood big brother, please wait a moment! "
More patrons began to fill the breakfast establishment. Each person who spotted Brett greeted him warmly, to which he responded with enthusiasm.
The exterior of the breakfast shop was also seeing an increase in people.
Tall and robust Fishmen congregated from various directions, collectively standing silently along the roadway outside the store, creating a dense crowd.
"Oh! It's the guys! "
"Why is everyone assembled here? "
"Fool, it's obviously Boss Brett's summons! "
"It seems that something significant is about to occur! "
"Something significant? What event? Are we going to attack the Dragon Palace? "
Brett, who had just finished his meal and set down his utensils, smiled faintly.
Are the residents of Fishman Street so fixated on launching an attack against Dragon Palace?
After settling his bill for breakfast, Brett exited the shop.
"Boss Brett! "
In unison, the crowd bowed their heads and greeted Bright vociferously.
The collective voices created a wave that radiated in all directions.
Surprised and admiring stares were directed at him from various onlookers.
"Amusing, hahahaha. "
Brett heard laughter and turned to see Arlong leaning against the wall. "What do you think, Brett? This is influence! "
"Quit with the trivialities and focus on the matters at hand. "
Jinbei pushed his way through the crowd.
Brett glanced behind him and noted that the Sun Pirates had also accompanied him.
Brett acknowledged Jinbei with a nod and then proclaimed loudly, "I have gathered everyone today for two primary reasons. There should be no questioning, just follow my instructions. "
"First, please relay to everyone in Fishman Street that Dragon Palace plans to establish a mining company to extract seabed minerals and engage in trade with humans to acquire wealth. This company will prioritize hiring employees from our Fishman Street, and the compensation will likely be quite substantial. "
Brett is not a capitalist and does not intend to exploit his fellow subordinates.
Mining is physically demanding work, hence it necessitates high remuneration.
It is inconsequential if the company's profits are limited.
The smaller business owners from across Fishman Street began to converse about it.
Before they could develop a discussion, Brett continued.
"The next task is to assist me in selecting a group of people from Fishman Street, consisting of approximately ten thousand. There are two criteria: first, they must be compliant, and second, they should possess fighting abilities."
He declared emphatically, "In the future, I will establish an organization to oversee the movement in and out of Fish-Man Island. It is time to put an end to the disorder caused by outsiders on Fish-Man Island! "
The audience was momentarily quiet.
Then.
"oh! ! ! ! "