"Hire them? Kid, are you joking? If you wanted to buy a few fish-man or mermaid slaves, that would make more sense. I've never heard of any fish-man accepting employment from humans."
When he heard that Oran wanted to hire fish-men, the captain thought Oran was being rather naive. After all, such a notion did not fit the current mainstream view.
"I'm serious. You seem to travel to and from Merfolk Island often. If you have any useful connections, why not introduce me to them?"
"No. I advise you to forget about it. Hiring those savages will only bring you trouble."
The World Government's mainstream stance was that merfolk and fish-men were to be regarded as humans and not discriminated against as fish. This had already been written into law when the Ryugu Kingdom joined the World Government as a member nation.
But in reality, that law was useless. People's beliefs were not something that could be changed by a piece of paper.
Not born yet? How much longer?
Soon, soon. The day our King is born is not far away. This is merely a brief moment in our long lives.
"What did you say?"
"I said your idea of hiring fish-men is unrealistic. What could those savages possibly do? We'll be arriving at Merfolk Island soon, so watch yourself."
Perhaps because of Oran's desire to hire fish-men, or perhaps because they were nearing their destination, the captain returned to his cabin after perfunctorily saying a few words.
Not long afterward, a glimmer of light appeared in the deep sea ahead.
It was the miracle brought by the Sun Tree Eve. Because of it, Merfolk Island could have its own sun in the depths of the ocean.
"Father, I didn't hear anyone else speaking just now."
Frankenstein was certain that