Chapter 134: The Fake Marriage (Patreon)

Chapter 134: The Fake Marriage

In the banquet hall of Ryugu Castle, the warm yellow light from the coral chandeliers cast a dazzling glow over the feast spread across the table.

The claws of the Deep Sea Lobster were thicker than a man's arm, chilled Sea Grapes were piled high like a small mountain, and amber Seaweed Wine swayed gently in the Seashell Cups, bubbles rising like scattered diamonds.

Perona gnawed on a lobster claw larger than her face, her mouth smeared with grease, while her Ghost plush toy, stuffed with a grilled fish, hung from the back of her chair. Sadi picked at colorful fish roe with a silver fork, her crimson nails glinting in the candlelight. Enel, dissatisfied with the height of his chair, simply sat cross-legged on a beam, pouring wine from his gourd without a care as it trickled down his chin and into his collar.

Neptune stood, raising his Seashell Cup. His massive shark tail tapped lightly against the floor. "Mr. Bahr, this toast is for you. It is truly a blessing for Fish-Man Island to have the Cross Guild's support."

Bahr clinked his cup against Neptune's, the crisp sound of the wine echoing. "Mutual benefit, Your Majesty. No need for formalities."

After draining his cup, Bahr shifted the topic. "Earlier, I saw a giant axe fly into the depths of Ryugu Castle. What was that about?"

Neptune's smile faded slightly as he sighed. "That... was Vander Decken IX's doing."

He paused, his voice lowering. "That man is a descendant of the original Vander Decken. He ate the Target-Target Fruit, allowing him to lock onto targets and throw weapons endlessly. He's obsessed with my Shirahoshi. Over the years, he's hurled all sorts of things at Ryugu Castle, forcing Shirahoshi to hide in the Hard Shell Tower, barely seeing the sun."

Bahr scooped a spoonful of Sea Urchin Sashimi, thinking to himself that this confirmed his suspicions. He had long known about Princess Shirahoshi's plight—that giant axe was undoubtedly Vander Decken's handiwork.

"Since Fish-Man Island and the Cross Guild have an agreement, it's only natural we don't stand idly by." He set down his spoon, his tone bold. "Leave Vander Decken IX to us."

"That may not be so simple," Jimbei interjected, setting down his cup with a frown. "That man hides in the depths of the ocean, his movements erratic. And his Target-Target Fruit ability is troublesome—his strength isn't to be underestimated."

"If we can't find him, we'll lure him out." Bahr tapped the edge of the table lightly. "The moment he shows himself, I can deal with him."

"Lure him out?" Neptune's shark-like brows furrowed, his caudal fin sweeping uneasily across the floor. His voice carried clear hesitation. "But Shirahoshi..."

"Vander Decken IX is after Princess Shirahoshi. Naturally, she would have to be the bait." Bahr spoke bluntly, without mincing words.

The moment the words left his mouth, he noticed Neptune's spine stiffen, his massive frame seeming to shrink—clearly, he had struck a father's vulnerable spot.

Bahr paused, then added, "Fish-Man Island and the Cross Guild are equal partners. This is merely a suggestion. Whether to proceed is ultimately Your Majesty's decision."

He had only offered the idea out of professional courtesy. If Neptune hesitated, Bahr had no intention of pushing further.

Neptune's tail fin swept across the floor, betraying his conflicted thoughts. For years, his daughter had hidden in that tower, her laughter tinged with timidity. But to put her in danger... He couldn't help but hesitate.

"Your Majesty need not worry." Jimbei suddenly spoke, his tone steady. "President Bahr possesses formidable strength and rather... peculiar abilities. At Marineford, I witnessed him teleport multiple people in an instant. Once Vander Decken IX shows himself, there's no chance of escape."

The memory of Bahr extracting Ace right under everyone's noses remained vivid in his mind. If not for Ace, he...

Seeing the conviction in Jimbei's eyes, Neptune recalled his daughter's decade-long confinement in the Hard Shell Tower. Finally, he gritted his teeth. "Very well! But that scoundrel is cunning—he might not take the bait easily..."

"That's simple." Bahr chuckled, flicking the rim of his Seashell Cup. "Announce that Princess Shirahoshi is getting married. Spread the news throughout the ocean floor—he'll come out." He understood the psychology of such men—obsessive possessiveness to the bone, like extreme stalkers. The moment they learned their beloved was to belong to another, they'd charge forward with bloodshot eyes even through mountains of blades and seas of fire.

"Marriage?" Neptune blinked his massive shark-like eyes, clearly taken aback by the suggestion.

"Just a gimmick. No actual wedding needed—just bait to draw Vander Decken IX out." Bahr shrugged. "Of course, if Your Majesty has alternative methods, do share."

Neptune fell silent, his caudal fin tapping rhythmically against the floor with dull thuds. The banquet hall's clamor seemed muted by this quiet, leaving only the faint flicker of candlelight in coral chandeliers.

Suddenly, he looked up, his gaze burning into Bahr with unusual solemnity. "Mr. Bahr, I have an... unconventional request. I'd like you to be the groom in this sham marriage."

The entire table froze.

"The boss is marrying a mermaid princess?!" Perona's lobster claw clattered onto her plate, her eyes wide.

Bahr arched an eyebrow at Neptune. "Aren't you concerned this might reach Mary Geoise and provoke the World Government's displeasure?" After all, his execution of a Celestial Dragon was infamous, making him their top enemy. When Jimbei joined the Cross Guild, they'd specifically emphasized distancing from Fish-Man Island's political structure to avoid suspicion. Even as a ruse, this marriage would inevitably brand the island as "colluding with the King of Original Sin."

Neptune slowly shook his head, his tone frank. "The moment Jimbei joined your guild, Fish-Man Island could no longer remain completely neutral." He paused, his massive palm pressing onto the table with regal resolve. "Our situation is dire—disappearances occur daily. Mr. Bahr's reputation alone can deter those lurking in the shadows. By flaunting this 'marriage,' we'll make it clear Fish-Man Island aligns with the Cross Guild. Only then can we restore peace to our people swiftly."

"But the World Government—" the Left Minister interjected worriedly, clearly seeing too much risk.

"Those elites in Mary Geoise care only for their dominion—when have they ever truly concerned themselves with fish-men's lives?" Neptune smiled bitterly. "Besides, ten thousand meters underwater is our greatest shield. Even if displeased, they'd hardly expend resources to launch an assault."

This was indeed the truth—the ocean depths were the natural barrier of the Mermaid tribe. Even the strongest of warriors would appear powerless before the might of nature.

Neptune continued, "At that time, I will publicly declare the matter as mere rumor. The World Government will likely turn a blind eye."

Bahr saw the calculation and helplessness in his eyes and suddenly understood.

The prestige of the organization would stabilize the situation while allowing them to wash their hands of all responsibility.

Whether others believed it or not, the ambiguity alone would make them wary. Such political wisdom was far deeper than it appeared—truly befitting a king.

"Your Majesty Neptune certainly has a clever plan," Bahr chuckled, tracing circles on the Seashell Cup with his fingertip, his tone carrying a hint of approval.

A trace of sincerity flashed in Neptune's eyes. "I know this puts Mr. Bahr in a difficult position, but for the sake of Fish-Man Island's people and Shirahoshi's chance to see the light of day again, I can only swallow my pride and ask this of you."

"Deal." Bahr tipped his head back and drained his cup, then set it down decisively.

The other party had been frank to this extent—there was no reason for him to hesitate. After all, his goal had always been to recruit Jimbei. If Neptune, as king, didn’t mind, why should he overthink it?

Perona, listening nearby, clicked her tongue in amazement and whispered to Sadi beside her, "Is the boss about to play the role of a prince consort? Sounds thrilling."

"Mmm, the master has his reasons for everything," Sadi replied, dabbing her lips with a handkerchief, her crimson nails tracing her lip line as she gazed ardently at Bahr.

"Mind your own business and eat your food," Bahr shot them a glare and raised his voice irritably. "It's just a gimmick—what marriage? Pfft."

To put it bluntly, it was all just a show—not like they were actually holding a wedding.

And besides... "The Sea Clam King" getting married? What a joke—he wasn’t done having fun yet!