As the woman's voice rang out in the great hall of Ryugu Palace, everyone turned toward the entrance.
A petite mermaid slowly swam inside, an orange, crown-shaped hair clip securing her long hair behind her head.
She wore a long robe patterned with orange fish scales, with denser patterns around the cuffs and tail.
A red sash edged in white cinched her waist, with a white ribbon tied over it.
Her eyes were clear, her long, golden waves drifted gently with the current, and she wore a warm yet resolute smile.
"Otohime?!" Neptune rose from his throne, his brow creasing slightly. "What brings you here?"
Queen Otohime floated over to Neptune and gently took her husband's hand, though her gaze rested on Gern.
"I heard that Marines were visiting, so I came to see for myself." Her voice was soft.
"We mustn't miss any opportunity for Fish-Man Island and humans to coexist peacefully."
"Queen Otohime." Gern inclined his head slightly, meeting her gaze.
Even on the surface, he could sense the pure idealism in her eyes and the steadfast conviction buried beneath it.
Otohime released Neptune's hand and floated over to Gern, smiling brightly.
"Rear Admiral Gern, your arrival is a blessing for Fish-Man Island.
"And regardless of what you said just now, we're willing to cooperate with the Marines, without any conditions."
Otohime's offer of unconditional cooperation made both Neptune's and Fisher Tiger's expressions change.
Neptune hurried forward and spoke to Otohime in a low voice.
"Otohime, we need to consider this carefully.
"We can't agree so readily..."
"Carefully?" Otohime turned, a flicker of confusion in her eyes.
"Neptune, this has always been my dream!
"If humans are willing to reach out to us, why should we refuse?"
"Queen Otohime, this is different," Fisher Tiger urged in a grave