Chapter 189

Chapter 189:

The sudden scene shocked everyone in the hall, pulling them back to reality as Shyarly let out a painful groan.

Otohime quickly rushed forward, gently supporting the young mermaid. After a few moments, Shyarly's breathing steadied, and some color returned to her pale face, though she still looked exhausted.

She murmured weakly,

"What's the name of that Admiral?"

Otohime responded without thinking,

"Black… no, his full name is Darkseid Carl."

Shyarly slowly shook her head.

"No, his last name isn't Darkseid," she said.

Otohime frowned, wanting to ask more, but Shyarly continued,

"He shouldn't exist in the present… let alone in the future. Everything about him is blurred..."

A heavy silence fell over the hall.

Otohime hesitated before asking,

"What will happen to Fishman Island?"

Shyarly's expression darkened.

"I can't see anything clearly. All I see is endless darkness... Darkness means the unknown. The future is unpredictable!"

Her words left Otohime and the others bewildered.

Shyarly was well-known for her incredible divination abilities, having accurately predicted events decades in advance. For her to be unable to foresee something so close sent a wave of unease through everyone present.

Lost in their worries, they almost forgot about the pale, trembling Shyarly. She lowered her head, nervously twisting her blue-green fish tail.

Suddenly, a large hand rested gently on her head.

Shyarly blinked, looking up.

A warm aura surrounded the man before her, his face sharply defined, his golden right eye radiating nobility and mystery.

Carl bent down, lifted Shyarly effortlessly, and placed her on his shoulder.

Despite his imposing presence, she felt strangely at ease, clutching his clothing timidly yet trustingly.

Carl then turned his gaze to the stunned Otohime and the others, a relaxed smile on his face.

"So, everyone was talking about me just now, right?" he asked casually.

He had arrived so quietly that Otohime hadn't even noticed his presence.

Awkwardly, she returned his smile.

Dressed in a black silk robe inlaid with golden patterns, Carl's golden eye gleamed with a regal air, as if he carried an innate majesty. Even the most powerful princes and nobles paled in comparison.

Standing before Otohime, Carl's figure loomed over her, his expression calm.

"There's no harm in discussion," he said softly.

Then his gaze landed on Neptune.

"I hear His Majesty Neptune has quite a friendly rapport with a man named Roger... a pirate, right?"

As his voice trailed off, an overwhelming pressure erupted from Carl.

The sheer weight of his Conqueror's Haki sent Neptune, the ministers, and the surrounding soldiers crashing to the ground, unable to withstand its force.

Carl's mastery of Haki was absolute.

Shyarly and Tiger, who were closest to him, only sensed an increase in his noble aura, without feeling threatened.

But Jinbe, among the soldiers, was not as fortunate—his body collapsed, his eyes wide with terror.

Otohime, being a delicate mermaid, was affected the most. Trembling, she barely managed to stay conscious.

Seeing her struggle, Carl withdrew some of his Haki, preventing any harm.

Neptune, struggling to lift his head, spoke through gritted teeth.

"Admiral Black Dragon… if you intend to punish someone, let it be me alone. Please spare Fishman Island..."

Carl leaned forward slightly, causing Shyarly to grip his neck tightly for balance.

His golden eye locked onto Neptune.

"Do you believe the World Government isn't doing enough to protect Fishman Island?"

Neptune hesitated.

Though he shared this belief, he dared not voice it. Instead, he shook his head, forcing himself to appear obedient.

Carl knelt down to meet Neptune's gaze, speaking softly.

"Don't be afraid. It's a known fact… even to me."

The silence in the hall deepened. No one dared challenge his words.

Carl continued,

"Actually, my purpose here is to strengthen ties between humans and fishmen. I had even considered deploying additional forces from headquarters to protect Fishman Island."

His words made Otohime's eyes widen with hope.

But Carl's tone shifted slightly.

"However, after learning about your association with Roger… it complicates matters."

Neptune opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Otohime, unable to contain herself, asked,

"Admiral Black Dragon… do you truly mean that?"

Carl met her gaze, his tone unwavering.

"Would I lie to you?"

Otohime struggled to rise, but the lingering weight of Carl's Haki made it difficult.

Unable to stand, she pleaded from where she knelt.

"Admiral Black Dragon, Fishman Island has no lasting ties to Roger. Nor will we in the future!"

Carl smiled faintly.

"Perhaps. My offer is still open for discussion. But Queen Otohime, you know the World Government isn't likely to change its stance toward Fishman Island without cause. And with Marine forces already stretched thin, mobilizing more troops here isn't an easy task."

Otohime frowned.

"What does Admiral Black Dragon mean?"

Carl's golden eye gleamed as he answered.

"It's simple. I need to see your sincerity."

Otohime and Neptune exchanged uneasy glances, trying to interpret his meaning.

After a moment's thought, Otohime cautiously asked,

"Admiral Black Dragon… what exactly would you have us do?"

A smirk played at the corner of Carl's lips.

He revealed his terms.

Neptune and Otohime's eyes widened in shock.

"I hear you're expecting a daughter in a few years," Carl said.

"When she turns six, send her to Mary Geoise.

"Don't worry. When she comes of age, I'll personally see her safely returned to you.

"So… what do you think?"