Chapter 45 Lizard Shrimp
The Queen was embraced by her son to such an extent that her bones were fractured.
The mermaid attendants promptly went to summon a physician.
Fortunately, the inhabitants of Fishman Island were aware of the delicate condition of Queen Otohime, or else Brett would have been genuinely anxious that someone might hastily alert the guards about an alleged attempt on the Queen's life.
As Brett observed Fukaboshi carrying his mother back to the Dragon Palace, he expressed his concern through a sigh.
"Do not worry, Fukaboshi, I'm alright! "
"Mother, please remain still; any movement could exacerbate the injury. "
"They assured me everything will be fine, but if you doubt my word, look - gha! "
"Didn't I instruct you not to move? "
Brett's expression grew somber.
"Despite her frailty, Queen Otohime truly is a fascinating person, is she not?" The mermaid ladies animatedly discussed.
"Yeah; she is kind and gentle, completely lacking in the arrogance typical of royalty. "
"Certainly, Otohime-sama was just like us before marrying King Neptune. She was an ordinary mermaid. "
"No, Otohime has been impressive for quite some time. " Brett casually interjected.
Otohime's endeavors to speak on behalf of the community began long before he was born, during her youth. Even in childhood, she had already expressed concern for other children inhabiting the sea.
"Hence, we cannot aspire to be like Princess Otohime. "
The mermaid ladies smiled and nonchalantly remarked, "Why not strive and see if you can become the director's wife? "
Brett smirked at the comment.
It is well-known that Fishman Island currently possesses only one bureau-level department.
"Yes, Brett has become exceedingly capable and now the prince seeks his assistance! It would indeed be marvelous if we could marry him."
"Very well, let's tidy up and prepare to end our workday. "
Shyarly closed the book she was holding.
"Shyarly seems perturbed. "
The mermaid ladies maintained their usual demeanor.
Once all the mermaids departed, only Brett and Shyarly remained in the establishment.
Shyarly prepared a cup of coffee for Brett.
"Is this truly acceptable? " She rested her face on her slender right hand, and her striking features glimmered in the flickering light, giving her an enigmatic allure.
Brett lifted the coffee cup and took a sip, "It is not ideal,but it is not unpleasant either. At the very least, it provides an additional advantage; it strengthens our ties with the Dragon Palace. "
Neptune is undeniably a commendable individual.
Brett had firm belief in this.
But what lies ahead? Will their closeness endure in the future?
Brett could not make any guarantees.
The presence of Fukaboshi could serve to create a buffer between them.
"You have certainly become quite adept at employing your intellect," Shyarly remarked with a slight smile and a sigh.
"Do not refer to me as a fool from the past," Brett objected.
Shyarly smiled and said, "Because back then, when faced with a dilemma, you would simply ask, 'Shyarly, what should we do next? ' or 'Shyarly please come up with a solution. ' It was always about me, which was rather tedious. "
Brett could not suppress a laugh.
As a child, despite often accompanying the older fishmen, the significant age gap meant that he primarily played with Shyarly.
Whenever challenges arose, the two would address them together, with Shyarly utilizing her intellect and Brett resorting to his physical strength.
The prophetic child displayed remarkable astuteness from a young age.
"Because it's you," Brett explained. "You are dependable and reliable. "
Shyarly's cheeks flushed slightly.
"Idiot." She feigned indifference and continued, "It's getting late; would you like to stay here tonight? "
"Sure." Brett replied earnestly, "I have been extremely busy lately. "
"Extremely busy? "
"Well, engaging in training, capturing sea beasts, and seeking out an irate sea king that continuously roams nearby, all while attempting to drive it away before it can instigate any trouble." Brett replied nonchalantly.
"Sea King? "
Shyarly smirked and said with a hint of significance, "Perhaps you might encounter unexpected benefits. "
"Ha? "
Brett refrained from asking about the nature of Shyarly's foresight.
The following day, after completing breakfast, Brett proceeded directly to the training ground.
Upon his arrival, he observed that the soldiers had already began their training vigorously.
New recruits had also arrived.
"Good morning, Brother Brett! "
Fukaboshi, who had come early, greeted him.
"Good morning," Brett returned the greeting. "How is your mother? "
"She is well now," Fukaboshi replied. "Her recovery abilities are quite amazing."
Unsure of what to say, Brett simply raised his hand to pat Fukaboshi gently on the shoulder.
"Brett, what is the issue with this brat? "
Arlong approached angrily, questioning, "Did you allow him to join us? "
"Yes, I did "
Brett affirmed with a nod, "Starting today, Fukaboshi is officially a member of our Exit-Entry Administration Bureau. Just allow him to accompany you, Brother Arlong. "
Arlong expressed his displeasure; he had never held a favorable view of the royal family.
However, since Brett had already made the decision, he felt unable to voice further objections. He recognized that he could not alter Brett's decision.
"Make sure you behave, brat! "
Arlong warned Fukaboshi coldly, "Do not let me discover any tricks you might be attempting! "
"Yes! "
Although Fukaboshi was not well-acquainted with Arlong, he perceived him as unappealing to those with connections, prompting him to resolve to perform admirably, standing tall and responding loudly and earnestly.
Brett offered a slight nod.
While he intended to regard Fukaboshi as an ordinary soldier, the truth was that his position was far too sensitive to allow for such normalcy.
' I'll allow him to accompany them to capture sea beasts for now. Once the initial training concludes, then he and Arlong can partake in the following rigorous training sessions to assess whether he can enhance his strength.
Neptune's offspring, should surely possess some level of talent, right?'
The morning training proceeded as usual.
Fukaboshi observed the soldiers fervently training on the grounds and felt a tinge of envy. He could not refrain from asking Arlong, who was resting with his eyes closed, "Brother Arlong, are we merely spectators? "
"If you have no other tasks, then organize these documents," Arlong replied as he tossed him a stack of papers.
Fukaboshi accepted it, noticing that it contained financial data.
Arlong is not utterly idle on a daily basis. Since he is tasked with financial responsibilities, tangible results must be demonstrated.
Brett genuinely felt uneasy entrusting the opportunistic Arlong. If it had not been for the lack of available personnel and his desire to prevent Arlong from straying outside the group, he would never have assigned him this role.
Despite Arlong being in charge of these duties, Brett conducts daily inspections. He aims to prevent any opportunity for Arlong's corruption.
Although the bureau is currently void of financial transactions, and the primary expense is allocated to Fishmen seeking sea beasts, Arlong, lacking an education, has begun to despise this task he once eagerly anticipated.
"I understand! "
Fukaboshi felt quite pleased to be assigned such an important duty immediately upon arrival. Arlong's seemingly indifferent demeanor belied his true attitude.
Hailing from a royal lineage, Fukaboshi's education considerably exceeded that of Arlong's, enabling him to effectively organize basic information.
Arlong privately acknowledged that Brett possesses remarkably good judgment.
'Now, I can be openly lazy.'
Fukaboshi had been engaged in data compilation work for half the morning when Arlong abruptly interrupted him.
"Boy, cease your work now, it is time to depart. "
"Depart? "
Fukaboshi looked up, somewhat perplexed.
Arlong smiled broadly, "We are going to catch sea beasts. "
"Is that true? "
Fukaboshi instantly felt a surge of excitement. This was far more engaging than sorting through documents. "Brother Arlong, what should I prepare? "
"Prepare? "
Arlong scoffed, "Then prepare to be frightened! "
Fukaboshi quickly grasped Arlong's implication.
He stared in astonishment at the scene unfolding in the sea ahead. A colossal sea beast thrashed in the water, repeatedly colliding with the ocean floor.
It appeared as though a man was gripping its body, employing extraordinary strength to maneuver the sea beast in such a manner.
"Behold brat, this is Brett's power! "
Arlong declared with pride and a triumphant laugh.
Fukaboshi was unbothered by Arlong's demeanor, as he remained utterly astounded.
"Brother Brett possesses tremendous power! With such strength, he will undoubtedly safeguard Fish-Man Island! "
The young man tightened his fists.
There is no doubt that Brett has the potential to transform Fish-Man Island.
"What is that? "
Abruptly, the fishman who had discovered the sea beast lifted his head and gazed at the water above in astonishment. He noticed a dark silhouette descending.
"Huh? "
Brett also perceived the approach of the colossal creature, casting aside the sea beast as he raised his head.
Swoosh—
The seawater parted violently, and the enormous hammer descended.
Brett's body sparked with electricity as he swiftly moved to the side.
BOOM—!
The massive hammer struck the ocean floor, resulting in a violent explosion. Cracks resembling spider webs extended over a distance of more than one hundred meters.
"Hey, hey, I was just about to look for you, and here you are coming to me! "
Brett gazed upward at the massive entity landing from above.
"ROOOOAAAARRRRR!"
The giant creature bellowed, and the vortex created by its impact scattered the sediment on the sea floor.
Four enormous pincers, a colossal tail that retracted gradually, and a fearsome lizard-like head.
It was advancing menacingly towards Brett.
***
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