Arthur followed King Neptune out of Princess Shirahoshi's Hard Shell Tower, and the guards slowly closed the door behind them. Shirahoshi, left alone, sadly watched the door close, longing to see the world outside.
In the banquet room, Neptune ordered the sea water to be drained using bubble coral to accommodate Arthur. A table and chairs were set up, and Neptune and his three sons sat opposite Arthur. Guards stood along the edges of the hall, while the left and right ministers flanked Neptune.
After everyone was seated, Neptune, feeling a bit embarrassed, said, "I apologize for not asking your name earlier. I've been so focused on my daughter that I forgot. What is your name?"
Arthur chuckled. "It's no problem. My name is God Arthur, but you can just call me Arthur."
Neptune nodded. "Oh, I see, King Arthur. According to our limited records of Sky Island and the Angel Race, there is hardly any communication between Sky Island and the Blue Sea. And as far as I know, Fish-Man Island has never interacted with Sky Island. So why do you want to form an alliance with Fish-Man Island?"
Everyone, having calmed down, was curious about this. Sky Island and Fish-Man Island are so different, one in the sky and one in the deep sea, with minimal interaction with the Blue Sea and none with each other.
"I want to introduce Sky Island to the world and let them experience its magnificence. However, I know that once we expose ourselves to the world, we will face similar challenges to those Fish-Man Island faces," Arthur explained.
This statement was only part of the truth. The full reason was something only Arthur knew. But hearing this, everyone in the room understood. It made sense. Mermen and mermaids are often targeted and enslaved by nobles in the Blue Sea because of their uniqueness and rarity.
"In other words, once the Sky Island Angel Clan is known to the world and no longer a vague legend, how could greedy humans let go of such rare and beautiful beings?"
Arthur's tone was firm as he continued, "I need an ally! An ally who can support my Angel Clan!" This had to be firm; persuading Neptune and his sons would greatly benefit Arthur's plans.
Shirahoshi alone was enough reason for Arthur to value Fish-Man Island so highly. And this was an indispensable part of his strategy.
Neptune hesitated. "But... I understand that Fish-Man Island's situation today might be Sky Island's situation tomorrow. However, an alliance seems impractical. Given our geographical and cultural differences, any alliance would only be an oral or written promise."
Given their locations and vast differences, this was indeed true. An alliance couldn't effectively support either side.
But Arthur came prepared.
"I need a private environment," Arthur said, looking around. "I'm sorry to say this, but I don't want anyone other than your family to hear what I have to say."
The hall fell silent. The left and right ministers looked calm but clearly didn't like being excluded. They had served the Neptune family for decades.
Neptune frowned, then said, "Sorry, the left and right ministers are the people I trust the most. Can they stay?"
"Of course," Arthur nodded. "But only them."
This was expected. The guards were the ones who needed to leave.
Reluctantly, the guards left the hall, casting angry glances at Arthur.
For the next few hours, Arthur, Neptune, his sons, and the ministers discussed in the hall.
By the end, Neptune's eyes were filled with joy. Arthur's insights gave him new perspectives and made him realize past mistakes and wrong directions.
The three princes, less experienced than Neptune, were equally excited and smiling.
The ministers, too, were impressed and occasionally glanced at Arthur with admiration.
"Mr. Arthur, what you said today is the most reasonable thing I've heard in my life! It truly opened my eyes," Neptune said happily, his tone carrying a hint of respect he hadn't intended.
"My plan is comprehensive, so I will be the first to act, and then assist you. Once everything proceeds smoothly, the future will be even brighter," Arthur said with a light smile, unsurprised by the current mindset of the others.
These individuals, despite their positions, lacked true political acumen. Even as a king, Neptune often had naive ideas. For example, he locked Princess Shirahoshi in the Hard Shell Tower to protect her but didn't consider eliminating Van der Decken to ensure his daughter's happiness.
Even more alarming was that his sons supported this approach wholeheartedly, upholding Neptune's usual style.
Arthur had selectively shared part of his plan and explained many things to them. They understood immediately, feeling as if they had been blind to the obvious all this time.
Neptune, Shark, and the others all looked towards the bottom of the Ryugu Palace.
There... was Fish-Man Island.
"With your help, Mr. Arthur, I believe we will soon achieve what you have described. In the past, we really neglected these potential strengths," Shark said, his calm demeanor marking him as more insightful than Neptune in some respects.
"Don't worry, we will succeed. Whether it is my goal or your vision, it will become a reality!" Arthur reassured them, his gaze seeming to pierce through the ground of the Ryugu Palace, looking at Fish-Man Island below.
No one noticed the depth and boundlessness in his eyes.
"This chess move is halfway done," he thought to himself.