v-rustl

#772 The Attendees' Perspective 2: Through the Eyes of Yesteryears

Added 2023-09-06 14:13:33 +0000 UTC

My name is Traditional Betta.

A grand general, tasked with defending the Mermaid Kingdom.

I’m also the head of the esteemed Betta House, a lineage serving the Mermaid Royal Family. We’ve been birthing heroes and warriors for generations.

Since my youth, I’ve been dedicated to climbing the ranks of the military, putting my life on the line, especially during the reign of the previous Mermaid King, Lord Nagus.

“Where there’s mermaid valor, there’s Traditional,” they say like I’m a living legend in the Mermaid Kingdom.

I take pride in holding up this nation with my own two hands.

However...

...Lately, the changing times have left me quite bewildered.

The biggest shift was the change in monarchy.

It’s been several years since Lord Nagus stepped down from the throne and the new ruler, Prince Arowana, took over.

I’ve watched Prince Arowana since he was just a little boy.

I even directly trained him in combat.

So, naturally, I felt we had a close bond, and I was confident in serving him as king.

However, Prince Arowana aggressively began reforms after ascending the throne, removing central figures from their political posts.

Most of these individuals were either involved in corruption or had previously tried to weaken the royal authority. I generally agree with ridding such folks.

Yet, such rapid changes can lead to turmoil, potentially shaking the foundation that Lord Nagus built.

Even if they were corrupt, they held important roles. With them gone, there’s a void in governance which could bring about significant damage.

I’ve tried to advise the prince to be a bit more discreet, but all he says is he’ll “consider it” without showing any signs of changing his approach.

Even worse, he’s started filling these vacancies with young, inexperienced individuals!

The appointment I’m most concerned about is making Zoth Syra the Prime Minister!

Zoth Syra, more commonly known as the Witch of the Abyss.

The Prime Minister plays a pivotal role, assisting the king directly in governance.

Putting a former wanted criminal in such a foundational position for the nation is unheard of!

To make matters worse, Zoth Syra is a Witch.

Which means she’s a woman!

I can’t possibly imagine a mere woman being fit for the role of Prime Minister!

How could Prince Arowana even think of this?!

“Huh? Are you really implying that a woman can’t handle the job, father-in-law?”

“No, no...!”

While I was grumbling about this at home, my daughter-in-law, Lampeye, gave me a stern piece of her mind.

She and my second son normally live away from us, but they’re staying with me since they recently had a baby.

My first grandchild, who I absolutely adore!!!

But if I say something they don’t like, they threaten to take my grandchild and leave.

Isn’t that cruel?

Then my son Hendra says, without chastising his defiant wife…

“Father, you’re the problem. King Arowana’s decisions are spot on. The appointment of Lady Zoth Syra is a prime example. Don’t you realize that criticizing such wise decisions is disrespectful?”

See that? He joins his wife in blaming me!

Isn’t that cruel?!

“No one in the Mermaid Kingdom is more capable than Lady Zoth Syra right now. Not just because she’s known for her extensive magical knowledge as a Witch, but she’s also a top-tier strategist. She was once called the “Genius of the Abyss.”

“But... shaking the long-standing traditions of the Mermaid Kingdom is risky...!”

“Those same traditions allowed for complacency and political decay. The new king’s reign is the perfect time for reform. If you truly claim to be a loyal servant, lead the change.”

“Wh-What do you expect me to do...?!”

“Retire in peace.”

How dare he?!

I’m the very model of loyalty, having served since Lord Nagus’ time! And my vigor hasn’t waned a bit!

I can still lead armies and serve the kingdom.

“The problem isn’t about abilities. It’s the old officials from the former king’s regime that remain a problem in the new system. Especially you, Father, you still refer to King Arowana as Prince, treating him like a child even after he’s taken the throne. How can we maintain the dignity of a king like this?”

“Guh!”

But you see, I’ve watched over Prince Arowana since he was a young lad.

So, you know, I can’t help but treat him like my own son...!

Doesn’t an old official cherishing his young lord, like his own child, sound endearing?

“It’s your attitude that causes friction among the new staff. A ruler is meant to be revered, not adored. If you step down, it’ll open up a position, and my older brother can become the next grand general. So please, retire for our family’s sake.”

Isn’t my younger son being a tad harsh to his father?

I raised you strictly, hoping you’d become a commendable soldier, and this is the thanks I get?!

Ever since Prince Arowana established his new rule, things have been awkward and quite frustrating for me.

And just when I was feeling lost, a piece of news reached me, adding to my confusion.

“...Hm? Prime Minister Zoth Syra is getting married?”

Isn’t that good news?

Once married, she’ll likely focus on her family and resign from her post, right?

“Nope, she plans to continue working. What era are you living in?”

“What?! How can a woman neglect her family for her job?! That’s preposterous!”

“If you have issues with others’ decisions, maybe start by considering your own retirement.”

The jabs from my second son felt like sharp knives, cutting with every word!

“You’ll be expected to attend the Prime Minister’s celebration, being a high-ranking official. Make sure you’re there, Father.”

“What?! Why?!”

An official like the Prime Minister has nothing to do with us military folks, right?!

“In times of peace, a soldier’s life isn’t that busy. At least show up for events. If that’s too much, maybe consider retiring. I’ll rush things through to get you set for Lady Zoth Syra’s big day.”

Quit trying to force me into retirement every chance you get!

Damn it, fine! I’ll attend, just to see that overconfident female Prime Minister in her giddy state!!!

***

Then, on the day of the ceremony.

...Why are there demons attending too?

A joint wedding ceremony?

These young folks sure come up with odd ideas.

“Father, look over there.”

What is it this time, Hendra?

Planning to hover over me during the entire ceremony? Keeping tabs on me?

Following Hendra’s gesture, I spot...

Ah, isn’t that Prince Arowana?

And who’s that demon chatting up the prince...?

“That, Father, is Lord Zedan, the Demon King. He’s the ruler of the demons and mankind’s conqueror on land. King Arowana has built a strong relationship with him. As long as both of them are in power, there won’t likely be any wars in our world.”

Nuh...?!

To think that the prince managed to cultivate such a close relationship with the ruler of the land we never interacted with...!

Impressive, Prince! You’ve grown splendidly...!

“And you still treat your lord like a child despite witnessing such achievements...?!”

Huh?

Wait a second, who’s that human squeezed between the prince and the Demon King?!

Given how he’s being entertained by the two, he must be quite influential!

“That would be Lord Dalkish, a human feudal lord. He has it rough, too, so let’s just leave him be. That aside, it seems the bride and groom are about to make their entrance.”

Oh?

If it isn’t the Prime Minister, my main focus today. Just who has she chosen as her groom?

Hm? Is that...?

An orc?! A terrestrial monster?!

Hahahahahaha! That Prime Minister! She’s gone and chosen the most peculiar groom!

Marrying a monster is the height of shamelessness! This is surely unfit for a Prime Minister! I should file a complaint!!!

“Don’t underestimate Lord Orkubo just because he’s an orc. Look, you’ll see...!”

...Huh?

What the...?

Guoooooohhhh!

This overwhelming aura! It’s binding my entire body!

I can’t muster any strength! And this immense pressure is coming from him?!