Chapter 333 His Majesty the King
The Kingdom of Storn was one of countless non-affiliated nations scattered throughout the New World.
Its territory matched any ordinary nation on these seas—just a small island.
The island held only a modest town that could hardly be called prosperous and several tiny villages.
As a non-affiliated nation, this country had survived in the New World thus far naturally because they'd secured backing early on.
Charlotte Family flags hung at the nation's port. This country was territory under Charlotte Linlin's domain, receiving their protection.
So even though this nation lacked any proper military force and would collapse instantly if attacked by New World pirates, it could barely scrape by in these chaotic waters.
And today, this obscure nation received three special visitors.
Brett wrapped himself and the two little girls in black robes.
Two mermaids—Nana and Shirahoshi—entering the human world was far too conspicuous.
Brett himself was hardly unknown either. Even in such a fringe human society, plenty probably recognized him.
So naturally some disguise was necessary.
Brett brought the two little girls to a village on this island.
The village appeared rather dilapidated. Most houses were low, thatched structures.
The villagers in tattered clothing seemed extremely lethargic. Even when they noticed the arrivals and turned to look, they moved sluggishly with dull, lackluster eyes.
More people simply lay sprawled on the ground sunbathing. The commotion Brett's trio caused couldn't even make them lift their heads.
"So shabby..."
Nana—with a bubble wrapped around her waist allowing free movement on land—looked around. She muttered somewhat disdainfully,
"Are human countries like this? When I was little, my sisters always told me human nations were beautiful and prosperous!"
"Places like that aren't uncommon, but places like this are far more numerous."
Brett said calmly.
"Fish-Man Island really is better after all!"
Nana whispered.
Brett chuckled softly.
Forget now—even before Brett returned to Fish-Man Island years ago, Fish-Man Island's situation had been far better than this island.
This place was both poor and backward. One could barely sense any trace of human civilization.
"Brett-niisan, what's there to see here?"
Nana pouted. Then she said with slight excitement, "Let's go see a truly prosperous human city!"
"No rush. We'll go soon."
Brett said.
He brought the two little girls to tour the island's other villages.
Without exception, every village was identical—poor and backward.
People living in these villages were numb and bewildered, sallow and emaciated, dressed in rags.
"This country is so poor!"
Nana couldn't help sighing. "Life must be so hard for the people in this country!"
"Yes."
The little princess also nodded. "The King of this country must be very troubled too, right?"
"Is that so?"
Brett smiled.
This was precisely why he'd brought these two children to this country.
"Let's go. Next we'll see this country's most prosperous place."
Brett brought the two children to the island's only city—also this nation's capital.
Though the island's only city, its construction wasn't particularly impressive. Forget comparing it to Fish-Man Island—even compared to small nations like Prodence, it fell far short.
Naturally Prodence was still a government-affiliated nation. Direct comparison with such non-affiliated nations wasn't quite fair.
But seeing this nation's low houses, dilapidated roads, and commoners whose clothing was slightly cleaner than the villagers' but still worn, one could hardly call this country decent even among non-affiliated nations.
Of course, not everywhere in this city was shabby and impoverished.
At least in the city's very center—surrounded by slum-like housing districts—lay an area that could be called luxurious.
A river of unknown origin separated the common districts. Across the river stood magnificent houses one after another.
Greenery lined the roads. People walking here appeared well-dressed and presentable.
"Eh?"
Standing by the riverside, Nana gazed at the scene across the water in astonishment. She exclaimed, "This country has places like this too! It's pretty nice!"
These buildings truly clashed with the entire city. But even more jarring was the sprawling palace surrounded by all these magnificent buildings at the center.
Its area could probably be measured in square kilometers. Even from this great distance, one could see the castle's towering spire reflecting golden hues in the sunlight.
"Eh?"
Nana tilted her head. "Could this country actually be rich?"
"You'll understand the specific reason soon enough."
What came next was the key.
Time came to evening.
In this country, within that magnificent palace—
His Majesty King Raked II of the Kingdom of Storn, just thirty years old this year, was an obese man.
In a country where people averaged skin and bones, his weight reached an astonishing four hundred pounds. His height was merely five foot seven or so. With every step, the fat on his body jiggled.
So he simply had four servants carry him through the palace in a palanquin decorated with gorgeous gems.
This evening, as Raked II sat on his throne pondering which concubine's chambers he should retire to, a strange voice suddenly rang out in the brightly lit palace.
"Don't shout, and don't move."
The voice came from behind the throne.
Along with the voice came a blade, extending from behind the throne to rest against his neck.
Cold. Hard.
The King's expression instantly stiffened. Though only his expression stiffened.
As his body trembled, the fat on him continuously jiggled—almost seeming to form waves.
"Ew."
In the shadows, another voice spoke—seemingly a young girl, sounding very disgusted. "This guy's gross."
Ordinarily, Raked II would have immediately ordered guards to drag this insolent speaker away for execution.
But now wasn't that kind of situation. The blade at his neck emanated cold menace, making His Majesty feel frozen through.
"Wh-what do you want?"
"Just want to ask you one question. Answer honestly. Why is everywhere else in this country so impoverished, yet the palace and this nearby area are so luxurious?"