Along the way, Xiao Hali found an excuse to slip away, boarding another submarine, and returned to the Merfolk kingdom early with ill intentions.
Doraemon and the others didn't pay much attention. Hiroshi probably guessed something but was too lazy to care, as long as it wasn't anything good.
A mere defense team captain, how dare he meddle in royal affairs?
When Hiroshi became the son-in-law, he would create a new position and reassign the pineapple-head to clean toilets.
Swish swish swish~~~
The submarine entered the archway of the ruins. Inside was a long, narrow tunnel, with a white light at the end, hiding endless mystery.
"Splash~"
The machinery ascended, accompanied by the sound of splashing water, and everyone finally arrived at the Merfolk's kingdom, a lush green paradise.
"Is that land? And a city?"
Nobi Hiroshi, leaning by the window, looked surprised, gazing at the towering buildings in the distance.
The air was humid, already free from seawater. All the buildings were built on scattered islands, or even mountains.
"Yes, this is our Merfolk kingdom. Aren't you surprised, Hiroshi?"
Sofia said with a smile.
"Mm, it's certainly surprising."
Retracting his extended neck, Nobi Hiroshi clasped his hands behind his head and leaned back on the seat cushion.
Surprised by the beauty of the paradise, and also surprised that Merfolk actually lived on land, not in the 'Dragon Palace' halls he imagined, separated from the seawater by an invisible protective shield.
Building palaces directly on islands, while normal, was somewhat different from his understanding.
After docking, everyone transformed their tails back into legs and jumped onto the island. The architectural style resembled ancient European periods, yet with a slight futuristic feel.
It was simply ancient cyberpunk.
"Everyone, hurry up and follow! I still need to introduce you to my grandmother."
Sofia smiled as she led everyone towards the grand palace in the city.
Along the way, there were Merfolk of all kinds, all with legs, of course. At least from the surface, they didn't look like the legendary Merfolk.
"So, the daily life of Merfolk is pretty much the same as ours, humans."
Looking around, Xiao Fu saw a Merfolk woman by a vegetable stall.
She was haggling with a small vendor, a scene that felt extremely familiar. Wasn't this something they encountered every day on the streets?
The only difference was that most of the vegetables here were seafood or seaweed.
"Mm, speaking of which, our ancestors even borrowed some of your living habits."
"Borrowed from ancient times, right?"
Nobi Hiroshi said, hands in his pockets, following leisurely behind.
"That's right. Because our Merfolk haven't been allowed to contact land people for hundreds of years, we don't understand modern human life."
"Oh, then, Sofia, will it be alright for you to be with us now?"
Doraemon asked worriedly.
"It should... be fine."
"Everyone is good, and I'm the Princess, so of course I have special privileges!"
Sofia forced a smile. On the surface, she didn't seem worried, but in truth, she was terrified that her grandmother would be angry about her sneaking out and befriending humans.
Her uneasy legs trembled slightly as she took each step up the palace's outer stairs.
Upon entering, there were displays of artistic statues and framed portraits of past great figures.
The circular pool in the central hall constantly bubbled, and a light blue beam of light connected the pool to the ceiling at the top of the palace.
The column was filled with water. Looking upwards, it diverged into two paths. The wall colors were extremely warm, as if they could soothe the restlessness in one's heart.
The group walked up the two circular staircases. The decor here was both luxurious and simple, truly fitting for royalty.
Sofia clutched her fingers, stopping on the platform between the first and second floors.
"Huh?"
Everyone looked up and saw a white-haired woman standing at the top of the stairs, observing them.
She had a cold, world-weary expression, her hair styled high, with strands naturally falling from her shoulders. She wore a noble, dark purple queen's gown.
"Is that... Sofia's grandmother?"
Nobi Hiroshi whispered in surprise, originally thinking the other party would be a wrinkled old lady, but reality slapped him hard. The woman in front of him showed no signs of aging except for her white hair.
Rather than saying she was old, it was more like time had left a unique charm and beauty on her.
Her skin was no longer as delicate as a young girl's, but showed a more mature charm, and the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes were like fine piano strings, playing the melody of time.
Her eyes were still bright as stars, revealing determination and wisdom, and her figure maintained an elegant curve; though not as slender as in her youth, she appeared more curvaceous and graceful.
Indeed, beauty lies in the bone, not the skin.
His previous suspicions were truly pedantic. Sofia's grandmother also had a lingering charm!
"Hmph, Sofia, you're finally back. Bring the guests over quickly."
Sofia's grandmother, the current Princess Wendini, looked at the outsiders indifferently, slightly raising her wrist, which was adorned with a purple armlet.
Her demeanor exuded a sense of composure and confidence. Charm was not just external splendor, but also an embodiment of inner temperament and cultivation.
It made people eager to experience her inner charm.
"Yes."
Sofia nodded cautiously.
After she finished speaking, Princess Wendini turned and walked towards the reception hall.
"Doraemon, Sofia's grandmother looks so scary…"
Watching Princess Wendini walk away, Nobita whispered into Doraemon's ear.
She was like an iceberg, completely emotionless, her tone not gentle at all, even somewhat cold. Nobita was most afraid of dealing with such people.
"Nobita, it's very rude of you to talk about Sofia's grandmother like that."
Seeing that Sofia hadn't heard what Nobita said, Doraemon breathed a sigh of relief, patting his chest, then pushed Nobita away and reprimanded him softly.
Indeed, little kids just couldn't understand this kind of charm. Nobi Hiroshi, who heard the conversation, glanced at the unappreciative bumpkin and stepped upstairs: "Sofia, is your grandmother not angry? Why does she seem so cold?"
"Grandma's tone is always like this; she's not angry. Hiroshi, don't overthink it, let's hurry up."
Sofia said, quickening her pace.
Everyone arrived at the reception hall. Princess Wendini was already seated on the throne, her long legs naturally draped.
Through the purple gauze skirt, faint pink skin could be vaguely seen. Although not as good as her own small wings, it was still better than big wings.
Yuzi and Shizuka's mother, whether in terms of figure or 'assets,' were both inferior to this Queen.
Perhaps it was due to the characteristics of the Merfolk: plenty of water and a longer lifespan.
In the human world, she might be in her thirties, a 'tiger and wolf' age. He wondered how she endured.
"Children, please all sit down."
Princess Wendini pointed to the sofas on both sides and spoke abruptly, her gaze seemingly observing everyone, but in reality, she was staring at Nobi Hiroshi the entire time.
She hid it very well. Indeed, old people become cunning. Hiroshi himself hadn't even noticed.