Maya had already been informed by phone. In the afternoon, as the speedboat approached the docks, Natsui spotted her in the distance.
Wearing a white robe and holding a golden staff, she stood at the port with her attendants, waiting for them.
The high priestess was a striking figure. With her long purple hair fluttering in the wind and her stunning features, she was captivating even when standing still.
When the boat docked, the group jumped onto the pier. Maya greeted them with a friendly yet noble smile.
"Welcome back, my Hero of the Sea, and you, the hero's assistants!"
She then extended the back of her smooth, white hand toward Natsui.
"My Hero of the Sea..."
The title felt a little odd, but Natsui didn't overthink it, assuming it was a special form of address between the high priestess and the hero.
As for the others, none of them seemed to mind being called "the hero's assistants," even though it demoted them from companions to sidekicks instantly.
They had long grown accustomed to being overshadowed by Natsui's brilliance.
Understanding the gesture, Natsui bowed and lightly kissed the back of her hand.
Behind him, Brock tried to mimic the action but found that Maya had already withdrawn her hand as he bent down.
He stood there, heartbroken, like a faded statue giving off a sense of indescribable desolation. The others could almost hear the sound of his glass heart shattering.
Here we go again.
Knowing Brock's personality and having seen this scene play out countless times on their journey, Erika and Ash were unfazed. Only Ritchie and Shuichi looked concerned.
"Is he okay?"
"Don't worry about it," Misty said, waving her hand and not batting an eye. "This happens every so often. You'll get used to it."
Meanwhile, Maya looked at Natsui with a gentle gaze and smiled softly. "I've heard about how you destroyed Team Rocket's base. Thank you for everything you've done, and for protecting the Sea God. You've worked hard."
Natsui and the others replied humbly, "Not at all. It was our duty."
After a brief exchange, Maya turned slightly. "I've had a grand banquet prepared in your honor and to celebrate your success. But first, please follow me to the temple to rest."
Ash and Shuichi were most excited by the mention of a grand dinner. For two people with the hearts of children, there was never enough good food.
The thought of a delicious feast was the greatest reward for their recent efforts.
Escorted by several attendants, The group took their seats, and without much formality, the banquet began.
Maya and Natsui led the way, followed closely by Erika, Ash, Ritchie, and Shuichi.
Misty sighed, grabbed Brock's ear, and dragged the petrified boy toward the Sea Temple.
Passersby glanced curiously at the procession along the way. When they recognized High Priestess Maya and Hero Natsui, they stared.
What kind of event could possibly require the presence of both the high priestess and the hero?
People murmured among themselves, but thanks to the immense prestige of the Sea Temple, no one dared disturb them.
The group reached the summit and soon arrived at the Sea Temple. Shuichi and Ritchie, who were visiting for the first time, were captivated by the massive statue of the Sea God, just as Ash had been.
For Shuichi, especially, the Sea Temple was a sacred place; being there made him tremble with excitement.
Even a child like him reacted this way, which just goes to show the revered status of the temple in the hearts of the Whirl Islands' people.
Maya had rooms prepared for them to rest and recover. Around five in the afternoon, they were invited to the banquet hall.
Melodious music filled the hall, where a long table was laden with an array of sumptuous food.
Attendants played instruments or stood by with pitchers of wine, awaiting the guests of honor.
Maya sat at the head of the table and raised her glass to them. Just like last time, there were no other guests present. The group
Since everyone knew each other, the distance between them and Maya faded, and a lively mood filled the air immediately.
The Whirl Islands produced a sweet, low-alcohol grape wine, which was perfect for such an occasion. Not only did the adults, like Natsui and Erika, drink a fair amount, but Ash and the others did too.
With glasses clinking, the banquet proceeded in a joyful atmosphere.
About halfway through the meal, Maya suddenly left her seat and walked over to Natsui.
"My hero, could I ask you for one more favor?"
Perhaps due to the wine, her cheeks were flushed, stripping away her usual nobility and adding a touch of charm.
Natsui put down his utensils and looked up at her. "Of course. What do you need?"
After spending time together, he and Maya had become well acquainted. Besides, he was the temple's Hero of the Sea, and he wouldn't refuse any reasonable request.
Natsui thought his eyes were playing tricks on him, but he could have sworn that Maya's face grew even redder when she heard his reply.
She looked directly into his eyes. "I want you to help me complete the succession ceremony."
Succession ceremony?
Natsui glanced at the others and saw the same blank confusion on their faces.
From the name alone, it sounded like an ancient temple ritual. Since it was a temple matter, Natsui saw no reason to refuse.
"No problem. Right now?"
Upon hearing his agreement, Maya first nodded, then let out a long sigh of relief.
She turned to Erika and the others, apologizing. "I'm sorry. Please continue your meal. The succession ceremony takes a very long time. Please forgive us for not being able to accompany you."
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