Chapter 419: Mera's Enthusiasm
A Feast of the Deep
The magnificence of the deep sea is something that an oceanarium simply cannot capture; the latter is a false, man-made construction. This, however, was the most genuine, direct experience, and the beauty of the scenery alone made the trip worthwhile.
The couple was absorbed in the landscape and soon arrived at the side hall.
Mera was there, having created a gigantic air bubble using a conch device. Inside, she had set up a dining table, chairs, knives, forks, and cutlery. Several Atlantean female soldiers were arranging various unseen sea creatures on the table, slicing them into different shapes with daggers. It seemed they were plating the food.
They had no concept of frying, sautéing, cooking, or stewing. Everything they ate was raw.
Sashimi!
Well, a Japanese favorite.
Luke Shaw didn't care for it; seafood sushi was one of his least favorite foods. Given that Mera had prepared it personally, he didn't want to say anything.
Upon seeing the couple, Mera's face flushed. She instinctively recalled the experience of the previous night. Surface-dwellers' bodies are so strange. How can they last that long? Don't they get tired?
Of course, she would never ask such a question. After inviting them to sit, she said with a smile,
"Atlantean food culture may not be as complex as the humans', but it has a unique flavor."
"This is Mustard Fish; its meat is very layered. This is Ink Ribbonfish; don't let its black appearance fool you, it's very smooth and refreshing. And this is Fire Rock Grass, a plant that grows near undersea lava lakes; it's chewy and has a sweet scent..."
There were more than twenty kinds of fish and seven types of vegetables, all with names he'd never heard. Although Luke Shaw wasn't in the mood initially, he gradually grew interested.
After a thought, he speared a piece of Fire Rock Grass and put it in his mouth. Not bad, it's actually quite tasty!
Mera, who had been watching Luke Shaw's expression, immediately smiled.
"How is it?"
Luke Shaw gave a thumbs-up. "Chewy, fresh, and juicy. It has a unique flavor. Carol, you should try it, too."
Carol took a bite, and her eyes lit up. This food was very much to her liking.
"Try this next."
Mera picked up a bowl of something resembling fish roe, but Rola intercepted it halfway.
"Your Highness, allow me!"
How can the Princess of Xebel serve surface-dwellers? The Princess might not care, but they did not approve.
"This is the roe of the Hundred-Foot Giant Crab. It's a precious ingredient even in Atlantis. We went to great lengths to prepare this dish."
Luke Shaw and Carol exchanged glances, both focusing on the dish. The fish roe was the size of a pineapple. Not only had they never seen it, but they'd never heard of it. If the roe was that large, one could imagine the size of the host creature.
The Princess really went above and beyond!
They each picked up a piece of the roe and put it in their mouths. At the first gentle bite, they were momentarily stunned. The jelly-like texture burst onto their tongues, cool and refreshing. As it flowed down their throats, the temperature rose, creating an indescribably warm feeling.
"Holy cow!"
Luke Shaw's eyes widened. Is this really roe? Compared to this, caviar is absolute trash.
"Atlantis is truly worthy of being an ancient race with a nearly ten-thousand-year heritage. Food like this, served on the surface, would rival the finest ingredients prepared by a top chef. This trip was worth it. Thank you for your hospitality, Princess."
"I'm glad you both like it."
Mera's eyes curved into crescent moons. It was obvious she was genuinely happy.
Maria's Warning
In the deepest secret chamber of the fortress, after the doctor's full efforts, Maria finally opened her eyes. Seeing the tall man beside her, she immediately got up and knelt on one knee.
"Your Majesty!"
Nereus looked at her dispassionately, his voice slow and firm.
"How is your injury?"
Maria coughed up a little stale blood. "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am fine. By the way..." Remembering something, she quickly asked, "The two surface-dwellers..."
"They are here, as guests!"
Guests?
Maria looked confused. Surface-dwellers visiting the deep sea as guests? What was happening?
Nereus did not wish to dwell on the matter and said gravely,
"Tell me about your battle with the surface-dweller. I want the complete and detailed account."
Maria was silent for a moment, then recounted the battle's entire course, including her analysis.
"So, the attack you delivered with all your strength failed to cause him any damage?"
"Yes."
Despite the humiliation, Maria nodded. She didn't want to deceive His Majesty.
"What is his source of strength?"
"The armor."
"Are you certain?"
Maria nodded seriously. "I stake my life on it. His body is no different from other surface-dwellers, and he exhibits no metahuman traits. Without the armor, he is an ordinary man."
"That armor is powerful. If we wore it, we would be even stronger. If we could obtain the manufacturing technology, Xebel would be invincible."
Nereus fell silent. How could he not understand these implications? He had noted the armor's existence when the guards first reported the battle. Although others might be uninformed about surface-dwellers, as King, he knew their limitations.
Frankly, with equivalent equipment, one Atlantean soldier could easily defeat a hundred human warriors.
The power came from the bloodline, and the Atlantean bloodline was far superior to that of humans.
"Your Majesty!"
Maria cried out. "For the future of Xebel, please give the order. I am willing to bear the shame for this. Since they have come here, we must not let them leave."
"Rest and recover. Don't worry about such things."
"Your Majesty!"
Maria tried to protest further, but the tall figure had already left. She punched the floor, gritting her teeth with hatred.
"If His Majesty won't agree, I will take action myself."
An Untimely Visit
It must be said that Atlantean food was truly unique. Luke Shaw had never imagined that raw meat could be so delicious. No wonder they say: the highest quality ingredients often only require the simplest cooking methods... (The following two million words are omitted.)
After eating their fill, the three arrived at the training grounds. Mera pointed to a seahorse not far away.
"Do you want to try riding?"
Carol's eyes lit up. "Can we?"
"Of course, but..." Mera paused and then smiled, "Wait just a moment. I need to prepare a few things."
She then turned and left, leaving Rola to accompany them.
Watching her retreat, Carol sighed genuinely.
"The Princess is such a good person. She is looking out for us in every way."
Luke Shaw shook his head slightly. "It's too early to tell."
"What do you mean?"
Luke Shaw glanced at Rola nearby and muttered in a voice only Carol could hear, "Don't you see? We arrived at a very bad time."
"Are you referring to the negotiations between the Fisherman Kingdom and Xebel?"
"Precisely. Based on the information Mera inadvertently provided, this palace is a military fortress near the Xebel kingdom's territory. They are holding military negotiations with the Fisherman Kingdom inside the fortress. The exact details are unknown, but one thing is certain: the Fisherman Kingdom's representative is only a Lord, while Xebel has both the King and the Princess present. What does that tell you?"
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