Once he learned that Black Tortoise was fine and could even use the Fishmen Empire's resources to grow stronger in the deep sea, Lu Ran felt reassured.
The only thing to worry about was whether Black Tortoise would switch sides someday.
Whether the King of Green Sea would disappear from its eyes, leaving only the Fishmen King.
But Lu Ran could accept even that. As long as Black Tortoise was safe, it made no difference where it stayed.
As the King of Green Sea, his defining principle was respecting his subordinates' wishes. As long as they did not become his enemies, there was no problem.
When he became strong enough to go find Black Tortoise, if it wanted to come back and retire, he would bring it home.
If it did not, that was fine too. For old times' sake, he could even give Black Tortoise some more resources to help it live better in the Fishmen Empire.
Working its way up to stand below the Fishmen King and above all fish, climbing step by step to the top... becoming a Turtle Chancellor who held sway over the entire court-Lu Ran could support all of that.
Having a beast he knew in the ocean would make things easier, too.
But from what Lu Ran knew of Black Tortoise, it would definitely still prefer a peaceful life.
It might have been forced into becoming an imperial general for various reasons.
"Ah, what a mess."
"It's like I planted a spy in the Fishmen Empire..." Lu Ran shook his head.
"Stop acting hard done by when you're the one benefiting," Manager Ying said. "You have an ocean empire raising a subordinate for you. What more could you want...?"
"That's not how it works..." Lu Ran said. "Right, how are things in Lujia