After returning from the Sabaody Archipelago, Bright did not hurry back to sleep. He went to Coral Hill, to the Mermaid Cafe.
Though it was already late at night, warm light still shone through the cafe's windows. Bright pushed open the door and walked inside. Shyarly was sitting behind a table.
"I figured you'd be arriving around now."
Shyarly looked up.
Boss Shyarly was already twenty-three this year, far past the age when she could be called a young girl.
The last traces of childishness had completely vanished from her face, replaced by a cool, striking charm that made hearts race.
Bright was not at all surprised by Shyarly's foresight. Prophets were just like that.
"Want some coffee?"
Bright asked with a smile.
"Hmph."
The corners of Shyarly's lips curled upward. "Then let's see whether your skills have improved."
Bright went behind the counter, rolled up his sleeves, and began brewing coffee with practiced ease.
This was a skill Boss Shyarly had personally taught him. By now, Bright had honed it to perfection.
Without stopping his hands, Bright spoke at the same time. "Next, I'm going to uncover the world's ultimate secret."
"Isn't that a good thing?"
Shyarly's voice was as calm as ever. For a fortune-teller accustomed to predicting the future, there truly were very few things in this world that could surprise her.
"Yes, it's a very good thing."
Bright nodded. "It means we're already very close to our final goal."
Once they understood the World Government's true nature, all that would remain was the final war.
They really were very close now.
They were very close to moving Fish-Man Island up to the surface, allowing every mermaid and fish-man to breathe fresh air freely and bask in sunlight.
"What's wrong, Bright?"
Shyarly turned around, looking intrigued. "Don't