Hi, I’m the Hero’s Father ～I’m Sorry For All The Trouble My Foolish Son Has Caused You～

Chapter 65 The Demi-Human Girl Learns About the World

The underwater nation of Dipsea is a secluded country created by the fishfolk, accessible only to their kind. The only way to reach it is through the use of magic, like Wiel’s. However, there are few humans capable of using magic, and even fewer with the talent to reach Dipsea. Throughout its history, only a handful of non-fishfolk have made it to the nation.

Despite its isolation, Dipsea has a tradition of warmly welcoming guests. The reason is clear: anyone who can reach such a remote place must be exceptionally powerful. As they passed through the magical barrier that encased the nation, Mion felt the oppressive water pressure vanish. It seemed there was air inside.

Relieved to feel the presence of air for the first time in hours, Mion let out a sigh.

“Hehe, you did well, Mion-chan. How was it? A good training session, right?” Wiel asked.

“I feel very much alive right now,” Mion replied.

“That’s a good thing,” Wiel said, missing the sarcasm in Mion’s tone.

Mion dismissed the magical barrier around her and stretched out. The solid ground beneath her feet was a welcome relief. Despite the sea being the cradle of life, for someone born on land, there was nothing more reassuring than having your feet firmly planted on the ground.

Croix led the way, with Wiel and Mion following behind. The seven-colored lights that illuminated the city came from coral. These corals, growing all around, provided enough light to brighten even the deep ocean floor. In addition, there were warm lights shining down from magical lamps, creating an atmosphere that made it easy to forget they were in the deep waters, surrounded by vibrant, colorful lights.

As they walked along, admiring the sights like tourists, a fishfolk guard noticed them.

“Hmm? Oh, guests… Wait! L-L-Lord Croix!?” the guard stammered in surprise.

“It’s been a while. I’m honored that you remember me,” Croix replied.

“O-of course, sir! His Majesty the King instructed us to escort you to the royal castle immediately if you ever arrived… I’ll open the gates at once!”

The fishfolk soldier hastily ordered the gates to be opened. With a deep, resonant sound, the majestic gates began to swing open.

“By the way, Croix-sama, what kind of trouble did you cause in this country this time?”

“Don’t assume I caused trouble from the start.”

“But you did, didn’t you?”

“…”

He averted his eyes without denying it, which was pretty telling.

“Well, it’s nothing major. I just took down the Kraken that had made its nest near this country and grilled its tentacles.”

“The Kraken…? Wait, you mean that legendary monster actually existed?”

I’d heard about it in fairy tales. A bard once came to our village and sang about it to a lively tune.

The Kraken was a giant squid-like monster, as big as a mountain, that attacked ships during their voyages and dragged everything down to the depths of the sea.

And then, one day, it stopped appearing, bringing peace and tranquility to the sea.

That’s the gist of the story. I remember being so scared that I cried as a child.

My father, Alan, told me it was just a made-up story, and I believed him.

But…

“Legend? It’s just a monster, nothing more.”

“Actually, most of the monsters described in legends do exist. Bahamut, Medusa, Minotaur, Manticore…”

“Indeed. They live in dangerous places where ordinary humans can’t go, but they are certainly real.”

“People call them legends for a reason.”

Medusa lives deep in the Poisonous Valley.

The Minotaur resides in underground tunnels beyond the magma.

The Manticore dwells on an island floating in a sea of acid.

I’ve heard all these stories from my parents or bards.