After a long while.
The task of holding the New Fish-Man Pirates accountable, comforting the residents of Fish-Man Island, and freeing the human slaves—
All these troublesome matters were dumped by Garen onto the officials of Ryugu Palace and Smoker's Marines.
As for Garen himself, at Shirahoshi's request, he accompanied her to the royal cemetery in the Sea Forest.
To pay respects to his mother-in-law.
Just like a real son-in-law.
"Mother."
"Mr. Garen and I came to see you."
Tears shimmered in Shirahoshi's eyes, yet a happy smile rested on her lips.
Ever since she was six, she had been trapped inside the Hard-Shell Tower, unable even to fulfill her wish of visiting her mother's grave.
But now, she was finally free.
Shirahoshi clasped her hands together and murmured before her mother's tombstone:
"The bad people who killed you have all been killed by Mr. Garen."
"Mother, I know this isn't right..."
"But I'm very happy now."
Wiping away her tears, Shirahoshi continued speaking to her departed mother:
"And..."
"Thanks to Mr. Garen's efforts, the residents of Fish-Man Island have finally accepted your ideals."
"He told me that humans and fish-men will soon be able to understand one another."
"It's just..."
"I keep feeling like Mr. Garen's methods are a little strange."
Hearing Shirahoshi's words, Garen turned his head away somewhat awkwardly.
But Shirahoshi gently took Garen's arm and pressed herself tightly against his side, the smile on her face growing even happier.
"Mother, there is one more important thing I need to tell you—"
"I... I have already married Mr. Garen."
"Father personally agreed to it, and everyone on the island has been blessing us."
"From now on, Mr. Garen will take good care of me."
As she spoke, more and more tears welled up in Shirahoshi's eyes, flowing