The Mermaid Kingdom's Sincerity

"I hope my children, and every person in the Mermaid Kingdom, can have the right to move to the surface," Queen Otohime stated firmly. "Though we have only just met and it may be inappropriate to say this, I hope to receive your support, Your Excellency."

"My support alone would be useless, wouldn't it?" Miming said. "Do your country's citizens even share that wish?"

At present, this was basically Queen Otohime's one-woman show. Every mermaid and Fish-Man knew perfectly well that once they reached the surface, they would face persecution and capture by humans, then be sold as slaves. Even if such things did not happen immediately, they would someday. In the human world, mermaids and Fish-Men were highly sought-after commodities with clearly marked prices.

Yet Queen Otohime did not waver in the slightest before Miming's incisive question. Instead, she said with great resolve, "Someone must take the first step. Even if no one is willing, I will win them over one by one. If no one is willing to take that first step, then I will do it. Lord Miming, please, you must help Otohime. I beg you!"

"First, let me see the Mermaid Kingdom's sincerity." Miming did not agree right away.

"Okay!" Queen Otohime was full of determination.

But everywhere the Ryugu passed, beautiful young mermaids hid away. A group of Fish-Men carrying swords appeared in the streets, shouting furiously at the Ryugu in the sky, "Humans, get out—! World Government, get out—! Celestial Dragons, get out—!"

The Neptune Army hurriedly dispersed the crowd. However, Miming's arrival had been so sudden that the Neptune Army had not had time to prepare any publicity or make the appropriate arrangements beforehand, making the situation rather awkward.

"Ha ha ha!" Miming was not angry at all. Instead, he laughed. "I can