As time went on, Prince Neptune could no longer withstand the pressure. Staring at the terrifying scar on the bald man's head, his heart trembled, yet he forced himself to speak, suppressing the weight pressing down on him.
"Honored envoy of the Hive Pirates, Mister Was… This year's protection fee—could it be reduced, even a little?
"Fish-Man Island's revenue has been decent this year, but… certain incidents happened before that, leaving us unable to prepare the full amount immediately.
"If—if you are willing to grant us just a little more time… You also know my father's condition…
"Could you not, for my father's sake, lower the amount? If so, we will absolutely deliver the full protection fee this year!"
Was listened to Prince Neptune without showing anger or agreement. His tone was flat, as if simply stating facts.
"Less? Not happening. It was your father who begged Boss Wang Zhi to protect Fish-Man Island back then.
"And now you feel it's too much? Do you think the Hive Pirates can't swing a blade anymore?"
"Envoy, it is truly a special situation this year. If the protection fee cannot be reduced…
"Could you at least grant us a few months' delay? Once the entry tariffs and our other revenue are collected, I will personally send the payment."
Prince Neptune did not give up.
He knew very well—it was not the Hive Pirates who needed Fish-Man Island.
It was Fish-Man Island that needed the Hive Pirates.
As the entrance to the New World for countless pirates, even rookies from all four seas posed danger. Without the Hive Pirates' protection, even though some Fish-Men were strong, they were nothing compared to ruthless pirates. It would not take long for Fish-Man Island to fall into chaos.
"You dare mock our boss? Wax Heart!"
Was abruptly drew a bow-like posture, his left hand behind, his right in front—then fired a heart-shaped wax arrow.
The arrow shot forward precisely, slamming into the dessert tray on Neptune's table.
Startled by the sudden strike, Neptune cried out,
"Envoy!!"
But even so, he didn't dare get angry. His hand only tightened around the golden trident resting by his foot.
Before he could speak, Was's gaze shifted, and so did his tone.
"Neptune, you do have ways to make up for it.
"For example, the mermaids dancing on that stage—they're not bad. Especially the one in the middle.
"I'd say just she alone is worth this year's entire protection fee."
"Impossible. Otohime can never be treated as merchandise."
Prince Neptune's reply was instant, unhesitating.
This was the woman he loved.
To give her away?
He'd rather die.
Was seemed unsurprised. His expression hardened.
"Hmph. How clueless. You really don't understand how serious this is, Neptune!
"You have one day to decide.
"If you don't hand over Otohime by then, Fish-Man Island can fend for itself. The Hive Pirates will take back their flag!"
He left the banquet hall with his men, but not before taking another lingering look at Otohime on the stage—her dainty waist, delicate face, large eyes, pale skin, golden hair, long legs.
No wonder Boss Wang Zhi wanted her—just looking at her stirred his own hunger.
He snickered inwardly: "Hope the boss is willing to pass her to me after he's done…"
But Was failed to realize—every filthy thought in his heart was clearly sensed by Otohime's powerful Kenbunshoku Haki.
A shudder ran through her, and she nearly collapsed.
Thankfully, Neptune rushed forward at astonishing speed, catching her just in time.
"Th… thank you…"
Held in Neptune's arms, Otohime could clearly feel his pure, burning affection—so raw it made her cheeks flush bright red.
Whether her innate Kenbunshoku Haki was a blessing or curse, she didn't know.
But at moments like this, Neptune's feelings toward her were as obvious as if he had declared them aloud.
Not that she disliked it. Neptune may not be handsome, but he was pure, earnest, and utterly devoted—something Otohime had never experienced before.
And more importantly… Neptune's identity meant he would one day be king.
If she truly wanted to change the future of Fish-Men and merfolk, to achieve coexistence with humans, then marrying Neptune would make that dream achievable.
But right now—what could she do?
Neptune would never hand her over, but Fish-Man Island's future was in grave danger.
She couldn't stop thinking—
Had I known this would happen, I should have accepted his proposal earlier…
"Otohime, are you alright?" Neptune's worried voice pulled her from her thoughts.
Seeing the man whose eyes held only her, Otohime suddenly felt wronged and on the verge of tears.
But Neptune was not entirely a fool blinded by love.
He knew her Haki well—
If she looked like this, then she must have heard everything Was said.
So he firmly reassured her,
"Don't worry, Otohime. I will never hand you over.
"The treasury theft—we've already found clues via the surveillance snails.
"I'll resolve this. We still have one day left.
We will retrieve the treasure in time."
"Mhm…"
Despite her maturity, Otohime was still just a young woman at heart.
She could hear the sincerity in Neptune's voice, and before she could stop herself, she swam into his arms and sobbed softly.
A bachelor of forty to fifty years—how could Neptune possibly withstand such a direct emotional strike?
He froze, overwhelmed, not knowing how to react.
——
A short time earlier—just before the banquet began.
Ryugu Palace, Treasure Vault.
Two figures had slipped inside without anyone noticing.
"Captain John, you really have your methods. Sneaking into the treasure vault like this… Remember, you promised—this loot must be shared with the crew!"
At the door, the dog-headed pirate watching the entrance stared at John stuffing treasure into a massive bag.
"Relax, Soldier Dog. I said I'd share, so I will. I was a Rocks Pirate officer—you think I'd lie?
"Just didn't expect Ryugu Palace to have so little treasure… barely enough for me alone."
John reassured him, then muttered, his voice gradually turning into complaint.
Soldier Dog resisted the urge to curse.
It was precisely because John was a former Rocks Pirate that none of them trusted him.
Everyone knew about his greed—this man hoarded treasure like a dragon.
If not for the fear from John's strength, instincts, and notorious reputation, he would've been killed countless times already.
But since John stated it plainly, Soldier Dog had to pretend to believe him.
After John filled two entire bags with treasure, he reluctantly signaled Soldier Dog to bring out the invisibility cloak. Under cover of the cloak, they quietly slipped away.
Soon after they left, a palace guard arrived—he had been ordered to inspect the year's protection funds.
Wanting to make his shift appear more diligent, he entered the treasury alone.
That decision left him completely dumbstruck.
Half the treasure was gone.
Such a massive incident—he did not dare hesitate.
He immediately used the communication corridor to report the theft to the ministers.
(End of Chapter)
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