Chapter 135: Princess Shirahoshi (Patreon)

Chapter 135: Princess Shirahoshi

The heavy doors of the Hard Shell Tower slowly creaked open, spilling warm pearlescent light through the gap that illuminated the luminous pearls embedded along the corridor walls.

"Mr. Bahr, please." Neptune stepped aside with a gesture.

Bahr followed him inside to find an expansive aquatic space—less a room than a miniature lake. At its center, reclining upon a coral reef formation, was an enormous figure: Princess Shirahoshi herself.

Standing over 11 meters tall, she resembled a living work of art. Her upper body took the form of a human woman with skin so pale it seemed translucent as pearls. The gauzy skirt of her off-shoulder gown cascaded over the reef, while the Dragon Palace City Crest at her chest emitted a faint glow.

The Cave Explorer had arrived.

Her pink wavy hair flowed like a waterfall, adorned with a Seashell Crown strung with perfect pearls that swayed gently with each breath.

Most striking were her aquamarine eyes—like captured starlight from the ocean depths—now wide with timid curiosity as they studied the newcomer. The faintest sheen of tears glistened in their corners, as if she might burst into weeping at any moment.

Her fish tail draped across the reef, its pink scales fading to lavender, refracting rainbow hues under the light. The translucent caudal fin, delicate as cicada wings, stirred the water with the slightest movement, sending ripples across the surface.

Truly a beauty worthy of standing alongside the Pirate Empress.

"Though the size..." Bahr clicked his tongue.

Yixili and Melo were considered tall among mermaids, but they'd likely look like dolls next to Shirahoshi. While he could somewhat handle Yixili's presence, before the princess he'd barely reach toothpick height. No matter how beautiful, this sheer scale difference made any other thoughts impossible.

"Shirahoshi, this is Mr. Bahr," Neptune said in an unusually gentle tone. "The warrior who saved our Fishman brethren at Sabaody Archipelago."

Shirahoshi blinked, Bahr's reflection swimming in her oceanic eyes. Delicate fingers twisted nervously at her skirt as she whispered, "M-Mr. Bahr... h-hello." Her lips trembled with visible anxiety, yet carried an innocent maiden's shyness.

Neptune sighed and settled on the reef's edge, quietly explaining the fake marriage plan.

Instantly, a blush bloomed across Shirahoshi's cheeks, spreading to her neck. She stole a fleeting glance at Bahr before hurriedly looking down, fingers tightening their grip. Her tail curled slightly, the fin patting the water in unconscious distress.

"F-father... i-is this... proper?" she stammered, voice thick with hesitation. In her innocent heart, she understood nothing of political marriages—only that this man might become her husband.

"Don't worry, we're just announcing the news for show. No actual ceremony," Neptune reassured, patting her hand. "Mr. Bahr will protect you."

CRASH!

A massive axe shattered through the window, hurtling straight toward Shirahoshi!

"Look out!" Neptune surged to his feet, his colossal frame shielding his daughter.

Shirahoshi squeezed her eyes shut, hands covering her face as tears spilled forth.

But the expected impact never came.

When they looked, the axe hung suspended midair—less than a meter from Shirahoshi's tail—as if stopped by an invisible barrier.

"This is..." Neptune froze in astonishment.

"It must be the Guildmaster's ability," Jimbei interjected at the right moment. Having witnessed Bahr's Teleportation on the battlefield, he recognized similar methods being employed now.

Shirahoshi slowly released her grip. Seeing the giant axe remain motionless, her aquamarine eyes flashed with surprise before turning to Bahr with admiration in her voice: "M-Mr. Bahr... Y-you're amazing!"

"Easy stuff." Bahr shrugged as the giant axe clattered into the water with a splash that didn't even wet Shirahoshi's caudal fin.

He turned to Neptune: "I told you I'd ensure Princess Shirahoshi's safety. You can rest assured, King Neptune."

"Then we'll trouble you." Neptune finally relaxed completely, clasping his hands respectfully.

"No trouble." Bahr turned to Shirahoshi: "Your Highness, get ready. Shall we visit Mermaid Cove?"

"G-go outside?" Shirahoshi's head snapped up, her aquamarine eyes sparkling with tears still clinging to her lashes, yet smiling like a child: "R-really?"

"Of course." Bahr replied casually before addressing Enel: "You all head to the port. Spread the word - Fish-Man Island is under Cross Guild's protection. Anyone targeting this place is challenging Cross Guild."

"Yahahaha..." Enel spun his golden rod with crackling electricity dancing around him, his tone arrogant yet excited: "Now that's more like it! This god's been itching for some action!"

Bahr ignored his manic energy, simply reminding: "Don't forget to handle Cross Guild's recruitment while you're at it."

"Recruitment?" Enel's eyes filled with disdain as electricity crackled at his fingertips: "Why bother with that trash?"

Bahr sighed internally - expecting serious work from this guy was indeed wishful thinking. He was only good for fighting.

"Robin, oversee this matter." He turned to Nico Robin, his tone softening slightly: "No irredeemable scoundrels. We're a mutual aid guild, not pillaging pirates."

"Understood, Boss." Robin responded calmly.

"Then let's go quickly!" Shirahoshi wagged her fish tail excitedly, spinning lightly on the reef as her pink caudal fin scattered crystalline droplets like crushed diamonds: "I-I'll change into something more practical!"

With that, she hurriedly swam toward the inner chambers, her caudal fin leaving delicate ripples across the water's surface.

Watching Shirahoshi's joyful retreating figure, Neptune shook his head with a chuckle, his sigh full of affection: "That child... After being confined in Hard Shell Tower for so many years, it's been ages since she's been this happy."

He then turned to his three sons, his tone turning solemn: "Fukaboshi, Ryuboshi, Manboshi - you three accompany them. Keep close watch over your sister."

"Don't worry, Father!" Fukaboshi stepped forward, his serrated shark fin lifting slightly as his gaze sharpened like blades: "We'll protect our sister."

Ryuboshi nodded steadily, arms crossed with conviction: "We won't leave her side. No one will harm her."

"I-I'll shield Shirahoshi completely with my shell shield!" Manboshi added gruffly, scratching his round head.

Neptune nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Bahr and bowed deeply, his massive frame curving into an arc. "Mr. Bahr, I entrust my daughter to your care."

"It's nothing," Bahr waved his hand, his gaze drifting toward the inner chamber.

Shirahoshi appeared at the doorway, now dressed in a more casual pink gauze dress. The pearl tiara in her hair shimmered, and her cheeks were flushed with anticipation as she timidly looked at him.

"Let's go," Bahr said, taking the lead as he strode forward. Behind him followed three vigilant princes and the cautious swaying of Princess Shirahoshi's fish tail.

The heavy doors of the Hard Shell Tower slowly closed, leaving years of confinement behind. Ahead, the sunlight of Mermaid Cove filtered through the seawater, paving a golden path.