Meanwhile, inside the towering Ryugu Palace, songs and dances filled the air in a scene of peace and prosperity.
The magnificent Banquet Hall was filled with long white jade tables, each several yards in length.
The tables held all manner of delicacies unique to the deep sea, giving off enticing aromas.
"Rear Admiral Lorne, please try this Deep-Sea Bluefin Tuna. It was caught just this morning."
Seated on the back of a giant seahorse, Neptune personally raised a cup of fine wine toward Lorne.
He wore an ingratiating smile and spoke with the utmost courtesy.
Lorne sat in a spacious Coral Chair and raised his wine cup with a relaxed expression.
"You're very thoughtful, Your Majesty Neptune. This wine really is excellent."
Lorne smiled slightly and drained his cup.
Masha sat beside Lorne, watching him with warmth in her eyes.
"The pastries here are exquisite too. Kuina, have some more."
Masha picked up a translucent piece of Fish Roe Cake with her chopsticks and placed it on Kuina's plate.
"Thank you, Aunt Masha."
Kuina thanked her a little awkwardly, but obediently put the pastry into her mouth.
Her eyes lit up, clearly won over by its delicious taste.
"This is amazing! Ryan, don't steal my Sea Beast meat!"
Bakel pinned down a large piece of roast meat with his fork and shouted.
"What do you mean, yours or mine? Whoever grabs it gets it!"
Ryan wielded his chopsticks without hesitation, deftly snatched the meat away, and stuffed it straight into his mouth.
"You jerk! You stole my lunch on the warship, and now you're still stealing my food here!"
Bakel yelled in anger, rolling up his sleeves to argue with Ryan.
"Enough, you two. How can you behave like this in front of His Majesty and the princes?"
Lorne gave