Rolan looked up, taking in the sight of a gigantic mermaid reclining on a bed of pink shells.
Her enormous eyes, delicate pink skin, flowing tail, and graceful curves combined into a picture of perfect beauty. Even her immense size could not diminish the elegance she radiated.
"Hello, Shirahoshi. I'm Rolan," he said, standing calmly on the ground without the exaggerated theatrics of others.
"Lord Rolan, are you here to capture me? Wuwuwu~" Tears, as large as washbasins, rolled down Shirahoshi's cheeks.
Rolan dodged lightly to the side, inwardly sighing. She was a crybaby, yes—but unlike others, he wouldn't mock her.
He knew she had been confined in the Hard-Shell Tower since she was six, living in isolation for eight long years with only Megalodon for company. While unusually sensible, her mind was still that of a child. Her tears were only natural.
"Princess Shirahoshi, I came to save you. Vander Decken is dead, and you will never have to live in the Hard-Shell Tower again," Rolan said as gently as his stoic nature allowed.
Shirahoshi blinked, wide-eyed. "Lord Rolan… really?"
"Really," he confirmed, voice calm and unwavering.
Tears streamed freely as Shirahoshi carefully held him in her palm. "Wuwuwu~ Lord Rolan, you're so kind!"
Rolan muttered quietly, Too naive… and don't hand me a 'good person' card.
He felt her warmth in his hand, soft and fragile, and for a moment, he considered the weight of protecting her.
"Shirahoshi, calm down. Let's go see your Papa," he said.
She brightened at the suggestion, though her eyes still shimmered with tears. "Re… really, Lord Rolan?"
After years in isolation, venturing outside was overwhelming for her. Memories of her childhood—of playing with her brothers and having her parents nearby—flooded back. Now, she had a chance to live freely.
Rolan sensed her mixed emotions and hovered at her level, brushing away her remaining tears. "Eight years alone must have been lonely. It's over now. You don't have to stay in there anymore."
Her sobs grew quieter, replaced by tentative smiles. "Wuwawawa, Lo… Lord Rolan, I…"
Rolan, slightly flustered by her intensity, reassured her, "It's alright, Shirahoshi. No one will hurt you again. I promise."
She looked at him with tear-filled eyes, searching for truth. "Wuwuwu, Lord Rolan… really?"
"Alright. Let's go see your father and brothers," he said gently, allowing her to guide him as she held him.
The Hard-Shell Tower was close to the main palace, and they arrived at the banquet hall entrance in moments.
"Nani!!! Prin… Princess Shirahoshi!!" an astonished hippopotamus Fish-Man exclaimed. He remembered Shirahoshi in the Hard-Shell Tower and could hardly believe she was now outside.
"Right Minister Uncle?" Shirahoshi asked, recognizing the figure before her.
The Right Minister stammered, "Princess Shirahoshi… you… and Lord Rolan?"
Rolan answered calmly, "Right, Vander Decken has been dealt with. Shirahoshi no longer needs to live in the Hard-Shell Tower."
The Right Minister stared for a long moment before nodding, stepping aside to let them pass.
"Papa! Brothers!" Shirahoshi's voice rang out as she rushed to Neptune, hugging him tightly.
Neptune froze for a moment, then embraced her in return. Father and daughter cried freely, overwhelmed by reunion.
Robin and the others watched in awe. Lina had forgotten to chew, exclaiming, "Is this the Mermaid Princess? She's enormous, but truly beautiful."
Nami studied Shirahoshi carefully, only to quietly concede her own beauty. Robin, meanwhile, compared Rolan and Shirahoshi, letting out a subtle sigh of relief at their size difference.
The three princes—Fukaboshi, Ryuboshi, and Manboshi—observed the scene with confusion.
"Lord Rolan… this is?" Fukaboshi asked.
Rolan calmly explained, "Do not worry. Vander Decken is no longer a threat, and Shirahoshi will never have to live in the Hard-Shell Tower again."
The princes exchanged glances, knowing Rolan's words carried truth. Vander Decken was truly gone.
Overcome with emotion, all three knelt before Rolan. Fukaboshi, tears streaming, spoke with deep reverence, "Thank you, Lord Rolan. I may never repay you, but if you ever need anything, command me, and it shall be done."
Rolan shook his head, gesturing for them to rise. Emotional displays irritated him. "Prince Fukaboshi, this was a trivial matter. There's no need for this."
Just as Fukaboshi was about to respond, Neptune's voice called out from behind.