Free Web NovelChapter 178: Chapter 178
Chapter 178
Ryugu Palace.
A palace soaked in water, with a lifelike roaring blue dragon coiling above it.
After separating from Rorschach, Nami and the others swept clean all the nearby clothing stores.
The earlier joke about making Jinbe pay for everything was of course just a joke. After all, Rorschach was so rich that he didn’t care about such a small amount of money at all.
It was only to reduce some of Jinbe’s guilt.
On Rorschach’s side, after drinking two cups of coffee, they also wandered around together, experiencing the local customs and culture here.
Of course, it definitely wasn’t going to any clubs, hotels, or massage parlors.
After all, he had so many mermaid girls with him, plus the girls from the ship. Doing that would ruin his image too much.
Besides, Fish-Man Island probably didn’t even have such places.
Afterward, they met up with Nami and the others. Under Jinbe’s guidance, they rode the sea beasts sent to welcome them and ascended to Ryugu Palace in the sky above Fish-Man Island.
The owner of this place had been waiting here early, with ministers and soldiers standing neatly on both sides.
From a distance, Rorschach saw a 12-meter-tall, massive fishman — it was King Neptune.
"Nice to meet you for the first time, Lord Rorschach."
When Rorschach and the others arrived in front of him, Neptune looked down at them and said.
However, this large group of people really caught him off guard.
But fortunately, it was his acquaintance Madam Shyarly, along with the maids from her cafe.
"Nice to meet you for the first time, King Neptune. You can just call me Rorschach like Jinbe does. And Jinbe, you don’t need to be so formal either."
Rorschach returned the courtesy, then patted Jinbe’s shoulder and said.
"Welcome to Ryugu Palace. Please forgive this king for any inadequate hospitality."
Neptune first nodded, then spoke very politely.
"Not at all. King Neptune taking time out of your busy schedule to invite me to the banquet is already giving me a lot of face."
"Also, I brought so many people this time. King Neptune shouldn’t mind, right?"
Rorschach shook his head and spoke with a smile.
"Hahaha, Lord Rorschach, you’re joking. The main guest being entertained this time is you. If you don’t mind, of course I have no objections."
"Besides, Madam Shyarly has helped Fish-Man Island through many difficulties. I’m very welcome to have her join us as well."
Neptune laughed heartily and spoke in a light tone.
He changed the previous "Lord" to "Mr." Even though Rorschach said not to be so formal, the necessary respect still had to be maintained.
The man who looked short and small in his eyes possessed power on the same level as his friend Whitebeard.
If he lost respect for a powerhouse just because of Rorschach’s two sentences, he wouldn’t have been able to protect Fish-Man Island for so many years.
So he cleverly changed the way he addressed him — neither too distant nor provoking Rorschach.
To this, Rorschach could only shrug and no longer insist on changing the address.
"Please come in. I have already prepared a lavish banquet for you. This will be a very enjoyable banquet."
Neptune showed a kind smile on his face, stepped aside and raised his hand to invite them.
"Thank you again for King Neptune’s invitation."
Rorschach spoke politely, then took the lead and walked in.
The others followed closely behind.
"Wow! It really is Ryugu Palace! I never thought I would one day be a guest here."
Ishilly and the others exclaimed excitedly from behind.
"Shh, Ishilly, keep your voice down."
The mermaid beside her immediately reminded her.
Ishilly quickly covered her mouth, remembering exactly where she was.
"Hahaha, it’s fine. Feel free to look around. You are all my subjects. There’s no need to mind such small things."
Seeing this, Neptune beside them smiled kindly.
The ministers on both sides also showed the same expression and remained silent.
"King Neptune!"
The mermaid girls looked at him with admiring eyes.
As expected of the royal family that had ruled Fish-Man Island for many years — their prestige and popularity were truly maxed out.
This was also related to him being a wise ruler who truly cared for his people and country. Most ordinary residents here greatly respected Neptune, except for some rats in the sewers.
"Welcome, Lord Rorschach."
Inside the hall of Ryugu Palace, Prince Fukaboshi said with a serious expression and great respect.
Prince Fukaboshi gave off a very serious impression, but his personality was not lacking in gentleness, seriousness, and responsibility. He genuinely cared for his people.
"Welcome! Welcome!"
Behind him, the second prince Ryuboshi and the third prince Manboshi had a somewhat different style, more like native creatures of the One Piece world.
They were comical, had strange verbal tics, and had bizarre appearances.
"I assume the three of you are the princes of Fish-Man Island. So young and already so ’outstanding in appearance’. Today on Fish-Man Island, I often heard citizens praising you."
Rorschach said with a somewhat strange expression.
These three princes were very popular on Fish-Man Island, deeply loved by the people here. They could be said to appeal to both men and women. fгeewebnovёl.com
"Uh... Lord Rorschach, you flatter us. We still have many shortcomings."
Rorschach’s sudden "praise" left the three in a dazed state. They quickly responded.
At the same time, they were a bit confused. Had their popularity reached the point where even a big shot like Rorschach had heard of them?
Besides, when it came to being young, Rorschach was the truly young one!
At the same stage as them in age, he had already reached the top of the world.
Rorschach gave a mischievous smirk. The girls who knew him well understood his playful joke and all rolled their eyes at him.
Arriving at someone else’s territory and receiving warm hospitality, yet still in the mood to joke about others.
But Neptune laughed happily. He was very pleased to see Rorschach praising his sons.
Now all three sons had met Rorschach. If they could build a good relationship, in a few years he could pass on the heavy responsibility of the throne.
He was already getting on in years and had begun making plans for the future of Fish-Man Island.
Whitebeard was his friend, but he couldn’t protect Fish-Man Island forever. Sooner or later Whitebeard would die, whether from old age or in battle.
But Rorschach was currently the youngest Emperor!
If Fish-Man Island could gain his friendship, then for the next few decades — if nothing unexpected happened — this "peace" would continue!
This was also the purpose of holding this banquet!
To let his sons get to know Rorschach first.
The three princes invited everyone to take their seats, then returned to Neptune’s side.
On both sides of the hall were countless fine wines and delicacies. The most eye-catching were the specialty desserts of Fish-Man Island.
These were bestsellers worldwide and one of Big Mom’s favorite desserts. Luffy and Big Mom’s grudge also began from these small desserts.
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