"You're welcome. I like Shirahoshi very much too."
He slowly lifted Neptune's body with both hands. This was just a casual gesture for him.
Furthermore, Esdeath still had something to discuss with Neptune, and this matter would make her subsequent negotiations easier.
After all, Esdeath's plan wasn't just about Shirahoshi; her ambition was the entire Fish-Man Island!
"Actually, I came to Fish-Man Island not just for Kuma, but also to discuss something with Lord Neptune."
Esdeath, who had lifted Neptune, slowly moved to Shirahoshi's curled-up tail and gently placed her hand on Shirahoshi's tail.
Despite having scales, it felt incredibly comfortable to the touch. She had suddenly unlocked a special preference.
"Lord Esdeath, please speak!"
At this moment, inside Dragon Palace, there were not only Neptune and the three princes, but also a host of ministers.
The castle was filled with food and unique desserts from Fish-Man Island.
Neptune was somewhat curious about the question Esdeath had suddenly posed.
After such a short period of interaction, Neptune believed that although he didn't have Otohime's talent, he could sense that Lord Esdeath was not the kind of person who would take advantage of others.
"Lord Neptune, what do you think of my management of Shambles?"
She didn't directly state her purpose but instead threw out a question.
Everyone looked at each other; they didn't need to answer such a question.
Shambles had transformed from a lawless zone into its current state, and it was undoubtedly all thanks to Esdeath.
Even Fish-Man Island had been affected by Shambles, experiencing far fewer pirate invasions. The entire Fish-Man Island could feel this.
Many Fishman even secretly went to the surface without being apprehended, which was a result of Esdeath's management of Shambles.
"Lord Esdeath, the management of Sabaody Archipelago is beyond doubt!"
"Even I cannot compare!"
Hearing Neptune's words, the surrounding ministers and the three princes all nodded, agreeing with Neptune.
And Tina and the others showed joy; praising Esdeath made them even happier than praising themselves.
"Since that is the case, I wonder if I can represent Sabaody Archipelago?"
"Yes!"
Neptune was certain of this. Esdeath's future was limitless, and even if it wasn't today, he had to say yes!
Offending a future powerhouse and the benefactor of his daughter was not worth it!
"That's good!"
She stopped her hand movements. Shirahoshi's face was flushed. A mermaid's tail was a sensitive area for mermaids.
Esdeath didn't know, but others did. However, since Shirahoshi didn't mind, they couldn't say anything.
Shirahoshi looked at Esdeath with watery eyes, not knowing why she couldn't refuse Adult Esdeath's touch.
It felt so comfortable~
And so shameful…
"Then, on behalf of Shambles, may I invite Fish-Man Island to come to the surface, leave the deep sea, and become a companion to Shambles?" She slowly extended a hand, inviting Neptune.
"This!"
"This, this, this!!"
Neptune was shocked. He had never dared to even imagine such an idea, yet Lord Esdeath had actually invited him.
Not only Neptune, but everyone present was shocked, looking incredulously at the smiling Esdeath who had extended her arm.
Her smile was pure, as if she had no ulterior motives.
It made people instinctively trust Esdeath's words, believing that this invitation was purely Esdeath's invitation.
"Ah!"
Shirahoshi, beside her, couldn't help but gasp, but then two arms covered her shocked mouth.
No wonder Adult Esdeath hadn't told her stories about the ocean!
So!
So she really wanted to take her, no!
She wanted to take the entire Fish-Man Island to the surface, to experience the sun, sea breeze, trees, and everything else!
And Adult Esdeath's inner thoughts held no malice; she simply wanted them to go up!
Just like her mother!
"Lord Esdeath, forgive my presumption, but is this your idea or the Marine's idea?"
Jinbe was also shocked when he heard this idea. The first reaction was shock, the second was suspicion… Was it a Marine plan…
It's no exaggeration to say…
Allowing Fish-Man Island to openly breathe the air and feel the sunlight on the surface—this was the ultimate goal that successive Fish-Man Island kings had fought for.
"It has nothing to do with the Marine; it is solely my invitation to Fish-Man Island on behalf of Shambles."
"I can guarantee that."
"And another point: Fish-Man Island, once it leaves the seabed, can receive my protection."
"In my opinion, the only drawback to this proposal is that it would cause you to leave Whitebeard's subordinates and become an independent entity."
Esdeath also stated her considerations, then an ice chair appeared beneath her. Esdeath sat cross-legged on it, awaiting Neptune's reply.
Facing this invitation, Jinbe was the first to be moved!
He had been to Marineford and knew how highly Marineford valued Esdeath, practically grooming her to be the next Fleet Admiral.
But he also had his own concerns, and the king of Fish-Man Island was not him.
After a moment of thought, Jinbe spoke: "Lord Neptune, I still have some standing with pops, so there's no need to worry about pops!"
With that one sentence, all the concerns of everyone present were dispelled!
There was no need to consider Whitebeard anymore…
Then, next…
Everyone's gaze turned to Neptune. Whether they agreed or disagreed, the final decision rested with Neptune.
Neptune's expression changed repeatedly, as if recalling some painful memory. He took a deep breath and resolved: "Lord Esdeath, please…"
"Father!"
Shirahoshi, seeing her father's pained expression, immediately thought of her deceased mother and couldn't help but cry out.
Tears fell one by one, splashing down.
She already knew her father's concerns. Then, slowly shedding tears, she went to Neptune's side and quietly revealed the truth of that year.
The truth of her mother's death!
"What?!"
Neptune's pupils widened after hearing it, and two lines of tears streamed down his face. He cried along with Shirahoshi.
It turned out his daughter had endured far more than he had imagined; she probably had nightmares every night!
Knowing the truth but keeping it bottled up, and facing Vander Decken's harassment.
Her personality was exactly like her mother's: she cried easily but was stronger inside than anyone else. Otohime at least had him and alcohol to vent.
But Shirahoshi had no way to vent; she could only bear it silently.
"Shirahoshi, I'm so sorry!"
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