[~1000 Words]
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"Plop~"
Camie closed the Den Den Mushi at James's signal.
"I didn't expect even the Ryugu Kingdom's royalty to show our God Emperor James such respect!" Ishilly said with a sweet smile, holding up a slice of cream cake to feed him.
"That was Prince Fukaboshi," another mermaid explained. "He's always been gentle, but never before has he treated an outsider with such respect."
The mermaids gasped softly, their admiration for Emperor James deepening as they realized the extent of his influence.
After the meal, Shyarly arranged a spacious chamber for them to rest.
The mermaids surrounded James, using their charm to sing gentle melodies that lulled him into a blissful dream, the fragrance of the sea and their presence wrapping around him like a soft tide.
Passion ignited again, he made love to them for the next couple of hours.
When James awoke, he discovered the three princes of the Ryugu Kingdom and the Sea King Army waiting outside Shyarly's manor.
But he did not hurry to meet them. Holding the advantage, he knew he couldn't appear eager.
Attitude is the mask of the heart. He let them wait, forcing their impatience to settle and their arrogance to fade. Only then would his position be made clear, paving the way for his true goal.
The mermaids woke as well and chatted with him until afternoon tea.
After lingering for a while, James set aside the cup Seira offered and turned his gaze toward Shyarly.
"Shyarly, come with me to Ryugu Palace. With your help, I believe the future you foresaw will soon be realized."
"Alright~," Shyarly replied softly, nodding as she led him to the manor entrance.
Though Prince Fukaboshi and the Sea King Army had waited until their patience nearly ran dry, they dared not complain—Neptune's command was engraved in their minds.
The hot-headed second prince, Ryuboshi, and the unruly third prince, Manboshi, had long grown restless, yet neither spoke out under their elder brother's stern gaze.
As James and Shyarly emerged, Fukaboshi silenced his brothers with a sharp look before stepping down from the Phoenix Tail Carriage. He bowed respectfully.
"James-sama! Lady Shyarly!"
James inclined his head, acknowledging their humility. One doesn't strike a smiling face, he thought, before speaking plainly.
"Let's go. Take us to Ryugu Palace."
Seeing Shyarly beside him, Fukaboshi dared not raise any objection. He turned and guided them onto the Royal Carriage.
Throughout the ride, James and Shyarly's aura kept the three princes subdued. They traveled in tense silence until Ryugu Palace finally came into view.
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After receiving Fukaboshi's message, Neptune immediately ordered the royal chefs to prepare the island's finest dishes.
Yet his mind was unsettled. How did James and Shyarly become involved? And why were they arriving together…?
Even when the princes arrived with James and Shyarly, Neptune remained puzzled. Still, to show the utmost respect, he arranged a grand reception and personally waited at the palace entrance.
The moment James appeared, Neptune swam forward with a wide, beaming smile. His voice carried genuine sincerity:
"Ho ho ho~ Mr. James! I am King Neptune. Your presence here at Ryugu Palace is the highest of honors and a blessing upon my kingdom!"
This was not flattery, but the cautious humility of a small nation that lacked the strength to defy greater powers.
Neptune knew his place well—one wrong move could bring ruin.
Some might say, But he has Whitebeard's protection—what is there to fear? Yet that was precisely the danger.
If anyone sought to strike at Whitebeard, Fish-Man Island, the vital passage to the New World, would be the perfect target.
James nodded, his voice cool and commanding. "King Neptune, I've heard of you. You must already know my name. I'm a busy man—no need for excessive pleasantries. Lead the way."
"Indeed, Mr. James is direct. Then I won't waste words either. Please, this way!" Neptune said quickly, signaling to his sons and the Sea King Army to guide them inside.
In the grand hall, under the Left Minister's arrangements, everyone sat at equal height—an acknowledgment of James's title as "Divine Lightning Emperor."
Neptune had wisely refrained from elevating himself above him.
Soon the hall was filled with platters of exotic dishes. Neptune gestured warmly. "Mr. James, please enjoy."
James gave a polite nod. "Please." He began eating without hesitation, while Shyarly, uninterested in the food, devoted herself to feeding him tenderly.
The mermaids around them stared in disbelief.
Never had they imagined the aloof Lady Shyarly lowering herself to care for a human in such an intimate way.
Seizing the moment, Neptune asked gently, "Mr. James, Lady Shyarly… could it be that you have gotten married?"
He spoke with simple curiosity—after all, his own marriage to Queen Otohime proved such differences were hardly an obstacle.
"That's right. Shyarly is now one of my God Consorts."
"Congratulations on your union!" Neptune said warmly.
James only nodded, continuing to devour the rich fish-man cuisine.
After three rounds of drinks, Neptune finally broached the subject that weighed on him.
"Mr. James… did you arrive at Fish-Man Island riding a Sea King?"
"That's correct."
At once, James understood the reason for this meeting. Anything concerning the Sea Kings was too dangerous to ignore.
"So it's true…" Neptune sighed. "When the Sea King Army reported it, I feared they were exaggerating. Mr. James, would you be willing to reveal how you control the Sea Kings?"
His voice trembled slightly, betraying his nervousness. He knew one wrong word could make Emperor James overturn the table in fury.
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