The merfolk who had long been waiting there knew what to do as soon as they heard the flute.
Merfolk viewed the fish in the sea much as people on land viewed livestock such as cattle and sheep. The difference was that they found it far easier to domesticate fish than humans did livestock, because all merfolk had to do was sing, and the schools of fish would heed their call.
The merfolk from Sea Country called out to one another.
"It is Magician Rhine's signal. As agreed, it is time for us to act!"
"We must help the Princess obtain the prince's love and an Immortal Soul!"
The merfolk softly hummed beautiful melodies beneath the sea, driving the schools of fish like shepherds herding sheep across the plains. They drove every fish into the net.
Rhine picked up another Seashell, cast magic on it, and tossed it into the sea. The moment it fell into the water, the Seashell opened its mouth and began singing a beautiful song. Its voice echoed through the sea, drawing even more fish in.
"Mermaid Princess's Song!" After waiting for a while, Rhine said, "All right, pull up the net now."
The fishermen began hauling in the net, but failed.
They strained with all their might, yet they could not pull up the net filled with fish.
"Your Highness, it is too heavy. There are simply too many fish! I have fished for many years, but I have never seen this many fish!" the fishermen cried in unison.
Rhine clapped his hands, granting life and magic to the fishing net, and pulled up its full catch. Cries of astonishment rang out from the people around them.
In the end, the victor was naturally Rhine.
Prince Eric held Rhine's hand and congratulated him on