The Prometheus docked smoothly at Coral Hill, and the ship's gangway extended automatically, eg the deck to the stable ground of the port.

  Though Fish-Man Isnd was located 10,000 meters below the surface of the sea, it wasirely submerged in water. Enclosed within a massive protective bubble, much of the isnd resembled dry nd. Of course, pces like Ryugu Pace remained uer, but the water could be drained when necessary to aodate surface dwellers.

  The isnd had already been prepared for Cudius' arrival, sparing him the indignity of needing to wear cumbersome bubble suits like other visitors.

  The first to disembark were Cudius' attendants, who immediately id out a luxurious gold-threaded red carpet. The carpet stretched from the ship's gangway all the way to where Kiune and Princess Otohime were waiting. Cudius' huard then lined up oher side of the carpet in perfeation.

  Seeing su extravagant dispy, both une and Otohime were a bit taken aback. The sheer formality and grandeur were overwhelming, this was the unmistakable presence of a Celestial Dragon.

  Sengoku desded the gangway first, seemingly clearing the way for Cudius. Then, slowly, Cudius himself appeared.

  With his short, dazzling blond hair, a handsome face, and a tall, athletic build, Cudius cut an impressive figure. His well-toned physique, bined with his naturally anding presence, made him undeniably charismatic.

  He wore a pristine white suit, tailored from fabrics so fihey practically radiated luxury. Draped over his shoulders was a dark brown coat, creating a striking trast that enhanced his noble aura. Every step he took down the gangway was measured and deliberate, exuding both fidend trol.

  As a Celestial Dragon, Cudius knew when to lean into his high-status demeanor. His calm, unhurried steps, paired with the faint smile on his face, gave him an approachable air, but beh it was a subtle but unmistakable sense of authority, a at that reminded everyone of his exalted position.

  Behind him followed the ever-dutiful Nia, who was dressed in a cssic maid's uniform, her hands csped demurely at her abdomen. Beside her walked Stussy, a white ensemble that perfectly blended business-like refi with feminine grace. She carried a small, sophisticated handbag and wore a tiny top hat adorned with a single flower. Together, these two women fnked Cudius like delicate yet regal ors, further amplifying his anding presence.

  Despite the serious tone of the se, Cudius' lips moved slightly as he whispered to Stussy, "Don't you think I'm missing something? Maybe a low-key yet luxurious e would really plete the look."

  Stussy stifled a ugh, her eyes glinting with amusement as she whispered back, "Yhness, are you sure you maintain this demeanor throughout the entire event?"

  Cudius smirked but resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Do you think I enjoy this charade? This level of p is more exhausting than fighting the Red t. I have to maintain appearances for now this is my first time here, after all. I o establish my authority as a high-rankiial Dragon. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother with any of this nonsense."

  Stussy covered her mouth with her hand to hide her grin. "And the e, Yhness?"

  "I thought it would make me seem more mature and dependable," Cudius replied, his tone mock-serious.

  Stussy chuckled. "Mature and dependable? You? Let's not fet your title—'The Demon King of Mariejois.' Mature and dependable people don't earn niames like that."

  Cudius raised an eyebrow and shot her a sidelong gnce. "Yetting bolder, Stussy. Are you mog me now?"

  Her smile widened, her voice teasing. "Will you punish me for it, Yhness?"

  Cudius leaned in slightly, his tone pyful yet mischievous. "Once we're done here, I've got a hundred-million-berry deal to discuss with you."

  Though her experience as the Queen of Happy Street had left her rgely unfppable, Stussy couldn't help but blush faintly at Cudius' words. She averted her gaze with a quiet scoff, choosing not to respond further.

  As Cudius tinued walking, une and Otohime stepped forward to meet him. They couldn't very well wait for him to e to them, it was only proper to greet a Celestial Dragon halfway.

  "une of Fish-Man Isnd humbly weles Saint Cudius," une said as he bowed deeply. Despite his t stature, he bent his massive frame respectfully, his voice polite but tinged with nervousness.

  Cudius smiled warmly, his gaze meetiune's. The trast betweeune's imposi and his deferential posture was almost amusing. "The name of uhe Great Knight of the Sea, is one I've heard often during my time on the surface. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. You truly live up to your reputation."

  u a small sense of relief at Cudius' words. The Celestial Dragon seemed approachable so far, not as overbearing ant as he'd feared. Perhaps this meeting wouldn't be as difficult as he'd anticipated.

  Cudius then turned his attention to Princess Otohime. pared to uohime etite, practically doll-like. Cudius couldn't help but marvel internally at how the two could have made their retionship work. The logistics must be something else, he thought, quickly dismissing the curiosity before it showed on his face.

  Extending his hand to Otohime, Cudius smiled and said, "You must be Princess Otohime. I've long admired your tireless efforts te the gap between our two races. Your dedication is truly remarkable."

  A little flustered, Otohime quickly reached out and took his hand. "Yhness, the work you've done for Fish-Man Isnd humbles me. It is I who admires you."

  Cudius chuckled lightly. "Well, while it may sound boastful, I assure you, Princess, I am not like the typical Celestial Dragon. I've e here today with genuine siy."

  He gestured to Nia, who promptly stepped forward with a ly prepared dot. Taking it from her, Cudius ha directly to Otohime.

  "This," he expined, "is the first token of goodwill I bring on behalf of the Wover. It tains the names of merfolk and fishmen who were taken from your isnd and ensved. Arras have already been made for their safe return. I thought it best to resolve this matter first surely, those who have been separated from their home for so long must be eager to return."

  As Otohime flipped through the file, her eyes filled with tears. Each page listed names and photos of Fish-Man Isnd citizens who had been captured and sold into svery. For years, Otohime had fought tirelessly to protect her people, and now, at st, there was real progress.

  "On behalf of Fish-Man Isnd, we deeply thank you for your kindness, Yhness," une said early.

  Cudius nodded casually, accepting the gratitude as if it were his due. "Nia," he said, turning to his butler, "work with Lenny ao ensure everyone onboard is handed over to Princess Otohime and her people."

  "Yes, Yhness," Nia responded promptly.

  Cudius then turned his attention back to Otohime, a bright smile on his face. He took her hand again, this time with an added touch of excitement. "Princess Otohime, beyond the goodwill and friendship I bring today, I also have a rather...lucrative proposal. I'd like to discuss a business opportunity worth hundreds of millions of berries with you."

  Hearing this, Stussy nearly stumbled, her face turning red as her mind jumped to the wrong clusion. Even Sengoku looked momentarily stunned. Was Cudius really that shameless? Was he flirting with Princess Otohime right in front of une?

  Thankfully, her une nor Otohime seemed to share their thoughts. As pure-hearted individuals, they took Cudius' words at face value.

  Otohime's eyes sparkled with hope. "Yhness, we on Fish-Man Isnd will respond to your siy with our own. We are eager to hear your proposal."

  ***

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