As expected, the banquet, with its delicate atmosphere, finally limped to an end amid King Neptune's relentless overthinking and forced smiles.
During the meal, Mihawk had clearly grown extremely impatient with Neptune's complicated gaze, tinged as it was with resentment.
After hastily eating a few bites of Fish-Man Island's exquisite local seafood, he stood up and left them with a simple, "I'm going out for a walk."
With the black blade Yoru on his back, he left Ryugu Palace alone under the nervous gazes of the many Fish-Man guards.
He intended to explore this unusual deep-sea island on his own.
And perhaps see whether there were any swordsmen here worth a glance.
With Hawk-Eye gone and the banquet over, the three princes and little Shirahoshi, who was still somewhat shy, were led away by attendants to rest.
The lively banquet hall soon fell quiet, leaving only Gern, Neptune, and Queen Otohime.
The servants silently cleared away the leftovers and served fragrant seaweed tea.
Silence settled over them for a moment. After all, those in power did not exchange pleasantries; there were only interests...
"It should be starting soon. That ideal that leaves you both amazed and speechless..." Gern leisurely lifted his teacup, blew on the steam, and looked calmly at Queen Otohime.
Sure enough, a moment later, Queen Otohime folded her hands in her lap and drew a small breath.
Her beautiful, delicate face took on the same determined, hopeful expression she had worn all those years ago.
She looked at Gern with a smile, her voice gentle.
"Admiral Gern, thank you so much for protecting Fish-Man Island all these years.
It is your strength that has allowed the island's residents to enjoy this precious period of peace.
It has also led more and more of our people to believe