#905 Underwater Debate

Here I am, in the midst of the sea.

It’s been a while since I last visited the Mermaid Kingdom.

Today, I’ve come to see whether Garra Rufa’s hard work will be acknowledged or not, accompanying them for this very purpose.

“Feel free to visit us anytime, even without a specific reason, okay? After all, you’re considered family.”

The smile of former Mermaid Queen Mahi, who came to greet us, carries an unspoken pressure.

To dodge that pressure, I might as well briefly share the purpose of our visit this time.

Naturally, the vaccine developed by Garra Rufa is at the heart of it all.

The Mermaid Kingdom has long been plagued by a disease known as Hydro Runaway. 

Once commercialized, Garra Rufa’s vaccine, initially created as a preventive cure, could potentially free the people from this disease.

However, Garra Rufa herself has no intention of spreading her discovery to the world.

She’s a woman driven solely by her passion for research.

Yet, someone struck a blow to her peaceful life.

That person is my wife, Platy. 

It seems she sent all of Garra Rufa’s research data to Puffer in secret.

From the daughter of the former king to the wife of the current one—a superb baton pass was made, and a risky route was activated.

Once the information reached King Arowana, who currently reigns over the Mermaid Kingdom, adopting the vaccine widely became inevitable.

From what I’ve heard, the Mermaid Kingdom is very proactive in seeking a resolution despite being extremely cautious about the Hydro Runaway disease.

A messenger arrived in no time, saying they wanted to “hear more about it,” and summoned Garra Rufa. 

Quite forcefully, by the way.

Of course, Garra Rufa cried her eyes out and resisted with all her might, which meant we had to accompany her as well.

One reason was that Platy was the only one who could restrain a fiercely resisting Garra Rufa.

At least, on the farm.

Puffer and Lampeye have retired, and making Sensei and Veil come with us would be overkill.

So, along with Platy, my sons and I also joined the journey.

It’s also a chance to show the grandchildren to Mr. Nagus and Mrs. Mahi, the former mermaid royal couple, and I was also interested in it.

I’m curious how the world’s first publicly disclosed vaccine technology will be received.

As an otherworldly person who imparted otherworldly knowledge to the genius Garra Rufa, I feel obligated to see this through.

“What’s the atmosphere like so far, Arowana?”

“Hmm...!”

We meet up with King Arowana at the scene to gauge the situation.

Junior and Norito are left with their grandparents, so no worries there.

However, the real concern is the atmosphere at the site.

Though the place we’re at is refined and elegant, the air is thick with hostility.

It’s as if everyone is brimming with the intent to bring their sworn enemies to a bloodbath.

Dozens share such a battle-ready scowl, all lined up at their desks.

“As you can see, Lord Saint... These are the honorable directors and special advisors of the Mermaid Medical Association. They’re all fired up to reject Garra Rufa’s thesis at any cost...!”

This is precisely why I had anxieties about coming along.

To roll out Garra Rufa’s vaccine nationally, it’s crucial to get the approval of the Mermaid Medical Association, which controls the entire healthcare system of the Mermaid Kingdom.

Additionally, the proposal to cut their budget to allocate funds for the vaccine’s national rollout sparked a huge backlash.

Ultimately, it’s decided to let Garra Rufa present her thesis at the association, determining its acceptance or rejection.

— "His Majesty Arowana has been deceived by that witch! Allow us to prove it. Please grant us a direct confrontation with that witch!” was their plea.

And so, today’s presentation was arranged.

“For them, having their funds cut is a matter of life and death. They’re desperate not to let the cure for Hydro Runaway slip through their fingers and want to claim the credit for themselves.”

“Knowing this, couldn’t you have handled this more smoothly?”

Garra Rufa is about to present a paper on vaccine development in this venue swirling with malice, you know?

The chances of it being accepted are absolutely zero percent.

Among the Six Witches, Garra Rufa is exceptionally timid... Throwing such a delicate maiden into this kind of hellish situation seems almost cruel.

Witnessing this scene, even Arowana frowns.

“I did think it best to handle things as gently as possible. But it was clear that the Mermaid Medical Association would resist with all its might against any threat to its vested interests. I thought it best to proceed quietly, out of their sight.”

However, Arowana’s approach is the exact opposite.

He seems to fan the flames, leading to an aggressive mood.

What exactly is his true intention...?

“No, you see... my wife suggested it...”

“Wife?”

Ah, Arowana’s wife... Could it be Puffer, who’s now become the Mermaid Queen herself? 

Is she the mastermind behind it all?!

As I glare accusingly, Puffer coolly responds without a hint of disturbance...

“It’s not like I had to do anything special; they would’ve eventually sniffed us out on their own. It was just a matter of time, sooner or later. And let me tell you, they come at us with everything they’ve got, hell-bent on crushing Garra Rufa. They’d turn into gods or demons to protect their interests if they had to.”

Puffer’s certainty struck me.

I could relate, recalling dramas with similar plots, though it still felt somewhat surreal.

“If that’s the case, dragging them into the public eye like this is far better. At least here, under the watchful eyes of myself, my husband, and Platy, they can’t resort to underhanded tactics and must engage in a fair and square debate.”

So, they were baited into a scenario where their options were limited by Puffer’s provocation.

But is fighting the only option? 

At least Garra Rufa herself doesn’t wish for conflict, being a creature that cherishes peace above all.

“Come on... We’ve shared meals on the farm, after all. It’s precisely because of that, I want them to experience the exhilarating feeling of giving those who once scorned them a taste of their own medicine!” 

As expected of Puffer, the Witch of the Bitter Cold.

Even after becoming queen and mothering a prince, she hasn’t softened at all; she remains as sharp as ever in the places that mattered.

And there’s another sharp-tongued woman among us...!

“Hey there, esteemed members of the Mermaid Medical Society! Listen to Garra Rufa’s grand speech! Clean out your ears—make sure they’re so clean they could connect through your head!”

Platy stands by Garra Rufa, issuing a rallying cry.

My wife, oh, how sharp-tongued she can be.

Certainly not words I’d want our children to hear.

“P-Princess Platy, this is a sacred presentation at the Mermaid Medical Society. We’d appreciate it if outsiders refrained from interjecting...!”

“Huh? Calling me, Platy, the sister of the current King Arowana and the renowned Crowned Witch, an outsider? Have you forgotten when I’ve offered you advice when you were stuck on your papers?”

“Well... That is...!”

“And for your information, I am restraining myself, only speaking the bare minimum necessary.”

The bare minimum, indeed.

Though it’s more like a thunderous roar, she insists it’s the least she could say.

Platy and Puffer.

Can anyone really win an argument against these two?

Yet, the one to face the music this time isn’t either of the two most formidable in verbal sparring.

It’s Garra Rufa, far less adept with words...!

“Princess Platy...perhaps we could proceed to the main topic now?”

“Exactly, we’ve gathered here to scrutinize the claims of that charlatan witch. It’s not the princess we need to hear from, but her.”

“Indeed, we’re here to see if her ramblings are mere illusions or slander meant to demean the listeners.”

“We wouldn’t have bothered attending if not for the Mermaid King’s request. Hahaha...”

The dignitaries of the Mermaid Medical Society have already dismissed Garra Rufa’s theories as nonsense.

Platy’s face twists in irritation at their smug expressions.

“Go, Garra Rufa! Now’s the time to prove that your years of research were correct! Show these obstinate fools the truth of the world, force them to accept the undeniable errors in their ways!”

“Show those mermaids who think they’re the only ones in the right a mistake they can’t help but acknowledge and force it down their throats!”

And then there’s Puffer, joining in with all this hot-blooded rhetoric.

But as for Garra Rufa, the subject of this matter...

“I don’t particularly want to prove a point, though...!”

Garra Rufa, a woman who cherishes peace, helplessly trembles in the face of conflict.