Strange Knowledge Has Been Added (4/5)

Neptune finally understood—the young man that Shyarly had foretold was standing right in front of him.

Even so, he needed confirmation. "Young man, are you the one responsible for The Fish Men Island rising to the surface?"

"Yeah, I did that," Finn replied with a casual nod. "But that's just a small matter. We have something more important to discuss in private. Let's find a place."

Small matter?! The murlocs and mermaids surrounding them were left in shock. Moving an entire island to the surface of the sea was just a small matter? They could only wonder—what on earth did Finn consider a big deal?

Neptune, though equally speechless, grasped the weight of what Finn had just implied. If shifting The Fish Men Island to the surface was trivial, then the 'important' thing Finn needed to discuss must be beyond imagination. Swallowing his astonishment, Neptune gestured respectfully. "Please, savior, this way."

Soon, the two found themselves in the quiet Royal Garden of the Dragon Palace. Neptune couldn't hide his apprehension as he spoke. "Savior, what is this important matter you need to discuss?"

"It's about Shirahoshi," Finn began, his tone serious. "You know, after eight hundred years, she's the Poseidon of this generation."

The color drained from Neptune's face. How did this stranger know such a well-guarded secret? A cold sweat broke out on his brow. If not for Finn's recent aid to The Fish Men Island, Neptune would've had him imprisoned immediately. But he couldn't ignore the reality that Shyarly had foreseen Finn as their savior.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Neptune nervously asked, "Savior, since you know this secret… what do you plan to do?"

Finn smiled, trying to calm Neptune. "Don't worry. Although I'm with the Marines, I'm not aligned with the World Government. While they may want to destroy Shirahoshi, I want to protect her."

Neptune's anxiety only deepened. A Marine?! How could he not panic?

"Respected savior," Neptune said cautiously, "If you're protecting her, wouldn't it be safer for Shirahoshi to remain on The Fish Men Island, especially with the ancient Sea Kings watching over her?"

"The World Government will discover Shirahoshi's identity sooner or later," Finn replied bluntly. "When they do, they'll stop at nothing to destroy her. Even the ancient Sea Kings can't protect her from Admiral-level forces."

Neptune's heart sank. He understood Finn's point. If the World Government unleashed their full force, even The Fish Men Island couldn't stand a chance.

"I know you're hesitant as Shirahoshi's father," Finn continued, his voice softening, "but her destiny isn't to stay here, hidden away. I can take her with me and ensure she lives without fear or danger."

Neptune took a long, deep breath, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. His shoulders slumped, and with great sorrow, he admitted, "You're right. I've been deluding myself, hoping to keep her safe here. But I can't protect her... not from something like this."

It was the voice of a father who had to face his own helplessness.

Finn stepped forward, gently placing a hand on Neptune's shoulder. "Don't blame yourself. This is not your fault; it's the fault of those who wish to exploit her. But you can rest assured—Shirahoshi will be safe with me."

Neptune nodded solemnly, his heart heavy with resignation. "Thank you," he whispered.

As Finn turned to leave, he reassured Neptune, "The Fish Men Island will reach the Calm Belt in a few days, and when that happens, Princess Otohime's dream will finally be realized."

Finn was about to walk away when Neptune called after him, "Wait!"

Turning back, Finn raised an eyebrow. "Something else?"

Neptune hesitated for a moment, then asked awkwardly, "Savior, about Mrs. Shyarly's… gesture earlier, where she knelt and kissed your hand…"

"Oh, you mean the kneeling and hand-kissing thing?" Finn said, a bit confused.

Neptune nodded. "Yes, it's a very ancient tradition among our people. Very few have ever performed it, and Shyarly was the first mermaid to use it on a human. It means something very specific..."

Finn furrowed his brow. "What does it mean, exactly?"

"It's a sacred contract," Neptune explained. "By allowing her to kiss the back of your hand, you've accepted her as your servant. She is now bound to you—body and soul. She will follow your every command."

Finn's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait… what?"

"And if you were to reject her…" Neptune continued hesitantly, "she would be… obligated to end her life."

Finn was left speechless.

"So… my only option is to accept her service?" Finn asked, trying to wrap his head around this sudden revelation.

Neptune sighed. "It's not that simple. Normally, among mermaids, this tradition holds. But since you are human, perhaps there's a way out. If you leave now, maybe Shyarly won't follow through with the ritual's… consequences."

"Maybe?" Finn asked, skeptical. "So there's still a chance she might… do something rash?"

"Yes," Neptune admitted, "there's a possibility."

Finn sighed, realizing there was no simple solution. "Fine, call her here. I'll talk to her directly."

Not long after, Mrs. Shyarly arrived at the garden. She approached with her head bowed, showing reverence.

"You want to follow me?" Finn asked directly.

"Yes, savior," Shyarly replied. "If it pleases you, I wish to serve by your side."

Finn paused for a moment. "And you're absolutely sure about this?"

Shyarly nodded, her face earnest. "It is my honor to serve you."

With a sigh, Finn finally relented. "Alright, then. Come with me."

He extended his hand to her, and with that, Shyarly became his devoted companion.