Hi, I’m the Hero’s Father ～I’m Sorry For All The Trouble My Foolish Son Has Caused You～ - Chapter 66

Chapter 66   The Hero’s Father and His Party Gather an Audience with the Ruler of the Sea

They boarded a carriage pulled by a creature known as a “Sea Horse,” prepared by the soldier, and rode down the main street.

The deep-sea nation is not divided into cities but rather into districts. The outermost district, where the gate is located, is the Tenth District. As you move closer to the center, the numbers increase, with the First District housing the royal castle.

“The Fishmen don’t have a hierarchical class system. Aside from the king who governs the country, there are no nobles. In human terms, everyone is considered a commoner.”

“Is that so? Indeed, it seems like everyone here is living quite comfortably, no matter where you go…”

Mion looked out the carriage window.

As expected, everywhere she looked, there were fishmen. Some had humanoid forms, while others had heads like fish, and many were almost entirely fish-like. Although they were all referred to as fishmen, their appearances varied widely.

The buildings were unique as well. Structures made of giant coral, buildings formed from shells, and others carved out of rock lined the streets, creating what felt like an exhibition of architecture.

“It’s a beautiful country. I’ve never seen a place this lovely before.”

“Since humans never set foot here, the culture remains untouched. That’s why Dipsea has developed its own unique way,” Wiel explained.

Mion nodded in agreement. It’s true that when different races come together, cultures mix, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse, leading to the decay of certain traditions. While the evolution of civilization can sound positive, there are cultures that should be preserved.

This place is undoubtedly one of those that should be preserved for the future.

As Mion continued gazing at the country through the window, a question came to mind.

“But wouldn’t it be difficult to manage each district without someone in charge? I mean, I can’t imagine the king handling everything on his own.”

“He can,” Croix replied.

“When it comes to the sea, there’s nothing he doesn’t know.”

“Is he really that powerful…?!”

The discussion had escalated from governing a country to understanding the sea itself.

If that were true, then it would indeed be easy for him to manage an entire country. But just what kind of power does he possess? Considering he’s acquainted with Croix and Wiel, he must be quite the figure.

“Yes. That’s why this country is ruled by the king alone.”

“I see. It’s surprising that it doesn’t turn into a dictatorship.”

“To the king, the people are his family. He would never oppress them. He strictly punishes crimes and fairly rewards good deeds. And most importantly, he has protected the sea for an almost eternal time. That’s why there’s no unrest in this country.”

It was rare for Croix to praise someone so unreservedly.

The mention of “almost eternal time” also piqued Mion’s interest.

Feeling a bit of tension, Mion continued to be rocked by the carriage as it moved forward.

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“Lord Croix, Lady Wiel, Lady Mion. We have arrived at the royal castle.”

As the carriage came to a stop, the soldier from earlier opened the door. They exited the carriage one by one, squinting in the bright light outside.

Once Mion’s eyes adjusted, a colossal structure came into view.

“It’s… huge…”

She had thought the royal castle in the Kingdom of Albert was large, but this one was even more so. Perhaps twice as large, if not more. Just looking up to see the top made her neck ache. It was simply enormous.

“What an impressive castle, as always,” Croix remarked.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve been here. I wonder how His Majesty is doing,” Wiel added.

Even Croix and Wiel, who had seen it before, seemed unaccustomed to the sheer size of the castle. A structure like this would be an easy target for airborne beasts on the surface.

They were led inside by the soldier. The interior of the castle was lavishly decorated, not much different from the royal castle of Albert.

Plush carpets, paintings hanging on the walls, and ornate furnishings and artworks placed at regular intervals—all of it was unlike anything Mion had ever seen before. It was likely the result of a civilization that had evolved independently among the fishmen.

After walking for a while, they ascended several flights of stairs until a massive door came into view.

“Your Majesty, I have brought Lord Croix and his companions,” the soldier announced.

“Enter,” came the response.

“Excuse us,” the soldier said as they prepared to enter the grand hall.

The soldier pulled a lever located near the door, which automatically began to open with a heavy, echoing sound.

At the far end of the room was a throne, and sitting upon it was a woman. She was enormous, even while seated. She must easily surpass four meters in height when standing. Her sharp, blue eyes and muscular yet voluptuous body were striking. She was nearly naked, her only covering being a shell over her most private areas.

The woman cast a seductive smile as she glanced at Croix and the others.

“It’s been a while, Croix, Wiel. Are you prepared to make me bear your child?”

“It’s been a long time, Your Majesty. I’ve already declined that offer, so let’s pretend I didn’t hear it this time either,” Croix replied.

“Good to see you again, Lady Neptune. If you try to seduce my husband again, I’ll have to hang you up,” Wiel added.

“You’re no fun. Ensuring the continuation of my lineage is just a matter of a quick exchange of genes,” the woman called Neptune muttered, pouting in disappointment.

Mion had a flood of thoughts and questions swirling in her mind, but they were all swept away upon hearing the name Neptune.

“Ne-Neptune? As in the Neptune?”

“Hm? You know of me, little girl?” Neptune asked.

“Know you? You’re the god from the myths, aren’t you…?”

Neptune, the absolute ruler of all waters on this earth—oceans, lakes, rivers, and even ponds. Mion had never imagined that the Ruler of the nation Dipsea would actually be a god.

Suddenly, Croix’s earlier words about someone who knows everything that happens in the sea made perfect sense. If she was a god, of course, she would be aware of everything that occurred in the waters.