Bright heard it again: His Majesty the King's heart sank.
He probably thought Tesoro's request was merely incidental, while Bright's was the real issue, right?
"Likewise, there's no need to worry, King Rody."
Bright smiled as he spoke. "Although my request may be somewhat presumptuous, if you find it unsuitable, I naturally won't force the matter."
"Is that so?"
His Majesty the King of the Longarm Tribe relaxed again. This Emperor of the Deep Sea from Fish-Man Island seemed even more reasonable than he had imagined.
"Any matters for discussion can wait until the banquet."
At that moment, the minister standing respectfully to one side said with a beaming smile, "A grand welcoming feast has been prepared for the two of you in the royal palace!"
"Is that so?"
Tesoro looked easygoing as he laughed. "We're truly honored! Then please lead the way!"
Thus, Bright and Tesoro boarded the carriage that had long been prepared and headed for the royal palace of this country.
Not long after they left, an excited fellow arrived there.
"What? They're already gone?"
The newcomer wore a long braid. When he grinned, his teeth were spaced in alternating black and white like piano keys. He looked deeply disappointed. "Just what level is this so-called Emperor of the Deep Sea? I finally had a chance to see him!"
"Hey."
He casually grabbed a man at the docks. "Where did those two, the fish-man Bright and the Gild Tesoro, go?"
"His Majesty the King brought them to the palace for a banquet." The man looked quite frightened. "You can ask a few more people if you don't believe me, Mr. Apu!"
"The royal palace?"
The man named Apu released him and muttered to himself, "That'll make it hard to make a move."
"Then I'll just wait a