Invitation From The Dragon Palace, Meeting Princess Shirahoshi For The First Time

After discovering that Arias was the benefactor who saved the mermaid girls, the right minister's demeanor noticeably softened.

Arias, observing the change, looked at him with curiosity. He appeared significantly younger than portrayed in the show, lacking the gray hair and beard originally described.

After a brief contemplation, Arias decided to reveal the truth, saying, "This is Boa Hancock, the Emperor of Amazon Lily." He then introduced himself, adding, "My name is Arias, Hancock's husband."

The right minister, surprised by the revelation, acknowledged the credibility of their identities. He adjusted his attitude accordingly, expressing politeness, "It turns out that the emperor of mankind is here in person and has invited me to visit the Dragon Palace. Our great king will be happy to entertain you."

Arias and Hancock exchanged glances, and the girl's face lit up with joy, saying, "I'll follow your lead."

"Very well," Arias accepted the invitation from the right minister.

Accompanied by the reluctant expressions on the faces of the mermaid girls, Arias and Hancock followed the right minister to the Dragon Palace.

As they passed a bustling housing area, little Camie in Arias's arms exclaimed, "Brother, my home is here!" A beautiful young mermaid hurriedly swam out of the crowd upon seeing Camie, calling her name. Camie joyfully responded, and Arias handed her over to the young mermaid with a calm smile before continuing to follow the right minister.

Meanwhile, a sergeant had informed King Neptune about Vice Admiral Arias and Hancock, prompting an enthusiastic response. "The emperor of the human kingdom? He also saved my subjects? Please come quickly! Minister Zuo, prepare the banquet! I want to entertain these two distinguished guests!"

Princess Otohime in the harem, committed to coexisting with humans, also learned the news and joined them with her three children. Throughout their journey, Arias and Hancock expressed curiosity about The Fish Men Island, eliciting cheers wherever they went.

Despite Arias's keen observation of the Dragon Palace guards, he failed to spot Hody Jones among them. Recalling the timeline, he realized Hody Jones, born in Sea Circle Calendar 1492, was just seventeen years old, not yet in the military. This realization made the search for Hody Jones more challenging as they arrived at the main hall to meet Neptune.

The potential advantage lies in the ease of assassination without alerting officials if Hody Jones can be located on The Fish Men Island.

"King Neptune, thank you for saving my subjects!" Neptune, cheerful and hospitable, welcomed Arias and Hancock. Princess Otohime joined them, inquiring, "Are you the humans who saved the mermaid girls?"

Otohime, more friendly than Neptune, noticed Arias and felt a strange palpitation. "What's wrong with me?" Despite the odd feeling, her face turned rosier.

Suppressing the throbbing in her heart, she initiated a conversation with Arias. "Are you a human emperor?" She was surprised by Hancock's identity and asked, "Can you speak to The Fish Men Island during the World Government meeting?"

Remaining cold, Hancock revealed, "Amazon Lily is not a member of the World Government; we are a pirate country!" She dropped another bomb, adding, "Moreover, I have joined the Seven Warlords of the Sea!"

Otohime, taken aback, shifted to a different topic, emphasizing that even if they were pirates, the ones who aided them were still good people.

Next to him, Arias's attention was captured by a massive and young mermaid.

This mermaid appeared to be only about three years old, yet her body was over two meters tall. With pink curly hair, blue eyes, and a blush, she looked incredibly cute.

Arias wondered if this was Princess Shirahoshi. As he observed her, little Shirahoshi not only felt no fear but found the human man kind.

Approaching Arias, she, with her fish tail curled up, was much shorter than him. Gazing up at Arias, she expressed innocence through her eyes.

"Brother, my name is Shirahoshi. What's your name?"