"..."
As the banquet was drawing to a close, the Left Minister's words were undoubtedly very inappropriate, drawing unfriendly glances even from Catherine, who was getting along well with Shirahoshi.
" Left Minister, how can you say such a thing? Mr. Luo Chen and the others are Shirahoshi's benefactors. How can I, as a father, be so ungrateful to my daughter's benefactors? There's no need to say anything more. Mr. Luo Chen, if you like, you can stay here as long as you like. No matter when or where, you are always a great benefactor of our Fish-Man Island. We will treat our benefactors with all our hearts."
Before Luo Chen and the others could speak, Neptune interrupted them, glancing at them with a guilty expression before saying...
"Haha, King Neptune, there's no need for that. The Left Minister is right; we are all pirates, and the passion and adventurous spirit surging within us will not allow us to linger in one place for too long."
Furthermore, having already offended the Four Emperors and the Celestial Dragons before entering the New World, we cannot stay here. Otherwise, Fish-Man Island will become a playground for the Four Emperors to vent their anger.
However... before this, King Neptune, I have a favor to ask of you. Rest assured, this matter will not cause you any trouble.
After Neptune made his statement, Luo Chen also spoke up. He shook his head, not paying attention to the Left Minister's previous words, nor caring whether his words had insulted his dignity. He smiled as he spoke to Neptune and the others.
"Mr. Luo Chen, please feel free to speak. If it can help you, I, Neptune, will certainly not refuse..."
Hearing Luo Chen's words, Neptune felt even more ashamed. He could understand the Left Minister; his previous words were only for the safety of Fish-Man Island, but the other party did not take them to heart. He couldn't help but feel guilty and apologized.
"Well, it's actually quite simple. I just want you to help me designate a space on Fish-Man Island as a dueling ground for my companions and me to fight."
Luo Chen said calmly.
"Yes, this is the perfect place for the captain and me to test our skills. King Neptune, I'll leave this matter to you!"
Upon hearing Luo Chen's words, Phil remembered that he and Luo Chen still had a match to play, a battle for recognition that he had joined. He had originally planned to find another place to compete after leaving Fish-Man Island, but now it seemed there was a better option, and he excitedly spoke up.
"Understood. Leave this to me, Minister of the Right..."
Neptune nodded and agreed.
"Exist!!"
The Right Minister stepped forward, bowed, and awaited Neptune's instructions.
"We have some vacant space on Fish-Man Island, right? Find a nice spot with good views and no one to disturb them, and set up an arena for Mr. Luo Chen and his companions."
"Yes!!"
The Right Minister received the order and waved his hand. A soldier with keen eyesight stepped forward, took out a blueprint from his pocket, and handed it to him.
"Found it! King Neptune, Mr. Luo Chen, what do you two think of this place? It's near Coral Hill, secluded and with stunning scenery—perfect for a duel!"
The Right Minister took the document, unfolded it, and examined it closely. His face lit up with joy, and he pointed to one of the areas, speaking to Neptune and Luo Chen.
Let me see...
Neptune first took the blueprint from his hand and carefully examined the location indicated, then nodded and spoke to Luo Chen and the others.
"This place is excellent, esteemed guests. I am familiar with it; it is very close to the tomb of my late queen. The scenery there is exceptionally beautiful, making it suitable even for sightseeing."
Oh, by the way, I remember your ships were anchored not far away. I'm sure you've all seen the scenery there, so I won't go into detail here!
"Hmm... King Neptune and Minister of the Right, you're referring to Coral Hill, aren't you? We have indeed seen it; as you said, it's a place of extraordinary beauty. But wouldn't it be inappropriate to use it as our dueling ground, especially since Queen Otohime is also there..."
Luo Chen stepped forward, craned his neck to take a closer look, and found that it was indeed as they had said, in an open area not far from his ship, the Isel. It was also not far from the Sea Forest, the burial place of Queen Otohime mentioned in the original work. Perhaps this was too forward for her, and he felt somewhat offended, so he couldn't help but ask her.
"It's alright... Otohime won't care about such things, and... and I can take Shirahoshi there to see her!"
As he spoke, Neptune showed a hint of grief, and his eyes suddenly became somber.
"Father!!"
Upon hearing Neptune's words, the three brothers and Shirahoshi were reminded of their deceased mother, and at the same moment, they were immersed in grief.
"Um... should we excuse ourselves for a moment?"
Seeing this, Luo Chen realized that continuing to speak might be intrusive, so he quietly asked the Right Minister.
"It's alright. King Neptune and a few other princes are just thinking about the late Queen Otohime and are momentarily lost in thought. They'll come to their senses soon, so please wait here for a moment..."
When Luo Chen asked him a question, the Right Minister snapped out of his reverie and explained to them in a low voice.
"Okay, that's good!"
Luo Chen nodded and continued to stand there with the others without making a sound to disturb their memories, simply standing there quietly watching them.
"Phew... I'm sorry for making this a laughing matter!"
Neptune was the first to recover from the grief of the meeting, followed by the four Fukaboshi siblings, who spoke to Luo Chen and the others with a hint of apology in their eyes.
"It's alright... Well then, King Neptune, Your Highnesses, and two ministers, when may we depart? I'm impatient to wait any longer."
Luo Chen shook his head and asked again in a somewhat hurried tone.
"Well, if you've all eaten your fill and wish to depart now, my Ryugu Palace can prepare for immediate departure..."
"Well then, King Neptune, I'll trouble you."
Luo Chen clasped his hands in thanks.
"No need for such formalities, Minister of the Right. Quickly prepare, we'll head to the coral reef immediately!"
"Yes!!"
Upon receiving the order, the Right Minister immediately withdrew to arrange the next steps of the journey.
Before long, the sea beast carriage outside was ready, and the Right Minister quickened his pace to report to Neptune.
"Is it all done? That's great, Mr. Luo Chen, you..."
"Yes, we understand. Thank you, King Neptune, and the Right Minister, for your trouble. It is truly an honor for us!"
"Then let's go together. I'd like to see what kind of exciting duel you and your companion will have. If you don't mind, please count me in."
Jinbe, who had been sitting next to him without saying much, got up from his seat and stepped forward to speak politely.
"Not at all, Jinbe. It would be our honor if you wish to watch. If you don't mind, come and witness this duel with my companions!!"
Luo Chen waved politely.
After the sea beast carriage was prepared, the group got out together, boarded it, and, driven by designated personnel, rode towards Coral Hill.
Before long, as the sea monster sped along, scenes flashed by. Soon, a vast and beautiful place covered with huge corals came into view. Coral Hill had finally been reached.