Half an hour later, the three arrived before the palace.
Two Mid-Gold merman guards pushed open the heavy palace doors, then stood aside.
As he stepped onto the stone slabs, Velin remained alert to his surroundings.
Above the main hall, a middle-aged merman reclined on the throne. At his tail, two beautiful mermaids carefully polished his scales.
The merman guard standing to the left of the throne bent at the waist and respectfully said, "Grand Duke, the guests have entered the first palace wall."
Grand Duke Halifax opened his eyes, waved for the attendants to withdraw, then flicked his tail and straightened his body.
At the palace entrance, a black-haired man came into view.
Velin entered the hall, met Grand Duke Halifax's gaze, placed his right hand over his chest, and bowed. "Velin Ex pays his respects to Grand Duke Halifax."
Kyle and O'dor followed closely behind, bowing to Grand Duke Halifax as well, though neither gave his name.
"Rise."
Grand Duke Halifax raised a hand and manipulated the water currents to help the three of them up.
Velin rose with the flow, met Grand Duke Halifax's eyes, then lowered his gaze to the steps to show his respect for a Legend.
Grand Duke Halifax could not help nodding at the conduct of the three humans before him. Sensing the power within the Black-haired Youth, he felt a trace of goodwill toward him.
He had encountered many arrogant and ignorant humans, as well as plenty of humble and courteous ones, but humans who made him take the initiative to feel favorably toward them were few and far between.
"Clarissa, chieftain of the Ilrus Tribe, recommended you to me. Why have you come to see me?"
Faced with Grand Duke Halifax's question, Velin hesitated for a moment before answering truthfully. "Grand