#518 The Mermaid Kingdom of Today

It’s me, Zoth Syra.

Remember me?

I’m one of the six most feared witches of the mermaid race—the most wicked, horrifying being you must never interact with.

That is me, the Witch of the Abyss.

You must not look into the abyss, for the abyss is also looking into you.

In that respect, I’m considered a taboo in my nation, someone you must not get close to, and a symbol of perpetual fear.

But today...

* * *

“Zoth Syra! Congratulations on your appointment as Prime Minister of the Mermaid Kingdom!”

“Congratulations!”

“Congrats!”

Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy?!

The forbidden person of the mermaid race becomes Prime Minister.

No way!

In what kind of success story would a mermaid who was a wanted criminal rise all the way to a pillar of state?!

I’ve heard of “redemption arcs,” but this goes beyond that!

“Don't say that and help us out here, Masteeeeeeeeer!” says Puffer, the current Mermaid Queen, as she clings to me.

She’s the pupil I once taught to make potions.

My superlative teachings have earned her the title "Witch of the Bitter Cold,” but now she has married into the royal family and become the Mermaid Queen.

It's funny to think how this rascal is now leading a nation.

What?

I’m not one to talk, you say?

I agree that Puffer’s situation is still understandable.

For a woman, marrying a rich and powerful man is a dream everyone has because there is a good chance it will come true.

But to go from being a wanted criminal to a top-ranking minister? That’s just too unlikely.

"I think you seem fit to be the prime minister, Your Excellency...?”

“Don't call me ‘Your Excellency’!”

The one who called me such was the Mermaid King Arowana, the new ruler of the Mermaid Kingdom.

He recently married my dunce of a pupil Puffer, that’s why she became the queen, but...

I thought he was the type of man she hates the most—well-mannered and from a well-to-do family.

I suppose love moves in mysterious ways.

No, more importantly...

It’s about me being called ‘Your Excellency...’

“I've heard more than enough to make octopus tentacles grow out of my ears...!”

“I am the Mermaid King, and my new administration is still in a very precarious state. My father’s core government retired almost simultaneously as him, as he said we mustn't carry on the old customs.”

I heard that too.

So now, the new regime under King Arowana is facing an unprecedented shortage of human resources.

They are in desperate need of talented, trustworthy, and valuable people.

But doesn’t that basically mean I'm counted out?!

“The fact that you have the title of witch means that you’re skilled in using potions. That’s enough to be considered a national treasure. It was our loss to have kept such a talented person out of power for so long.”

“But I’m a wanted person.”

"I believe we have already discussed the possibility of pardoning you for your future contributions.”

“Oh, we have!”

Well, I'm confident I can get away without a pardon.

Don't you dare underestimate the eldest of the Six Witches.

I'm not exactly the oldest, though.

“I beg of you, Master!!!”

Once again, the stupid apprentice/queen clings to my waist.

She only calls me "Master" when it suits her.

I had brought her up as my research assistant, but she quickly became independent and handled herself without ever returning the favor I had done for her. Now, she turns to me once again after not contacting me for years.

“I can’t live to see the day if Hun’s reputation is ruined because he married me! Help me, Master! I’m sure you could easily serve as prime minister, couldn't you?”

Well, yeah...

“But I'm anti-regime, you know? Any connection with an anti would be a surefire no, right?!”

“I’m anti-regime too! An outlaw to the bone! But look at me now, I’m the queen!!!”

“What I’m saying is you should know your place.”

Why did you become a queen, you delinquent?

But what’s done is done.

You think that’s what I’d tell you, doofus?!

"Your Excellency’s behavior notwithstanding, your abilities and insight are undoubtedly the best in the nation. If we could have someone as talented as you, King Arowana's reputation would naturally rise,” says another person who is also trying to convince me.

I think his name was Hendra or something.

Like me, he was made into a retainer without being given much choice.

It seems that he was appointed as a general factotum. As an agent of the Mermaid King, he travels around the nation to spread the King's will.

Sounds like a tough job...

Not that it’s my problem.

“If you, who have been ignoring the laws of the land and doing as you please, show a willingness to bow down, everyone will be in awe of King Arowana's authority and will follow him with less resistance. This will be doubly beneficial to the new regime of His Majesty.”

“So you want me to set an example to the rest, is what you’re saying, huh?”

Well, I suppose that the youngun’s prestige would be more renowned if people knew he had a wicked person like me in his employ.

After all, I'm not your run-of-the-mill evil.

“I think it's time you accept your fate, Lady Zoth. Even my husband has made up his mind to renounce the path of a controversialist and serve the nation,” says another person in the persuading group.

Lampeye, the Witch of Hellfire, and Hendra’s wife.

They’re all so elated about their new life as married couples.

“Just do it. It's not like this is your first time in court service, right?”

"Eek!”

And last but not the least...

"Won’t you do what my lovely son and daughter-in-law ask of you, Zossy?”

"Sis?!”

It's not fair that Sis Mahi, the former Queen Mermaid and my sister figure, is also here!

The trauma of the past is reigniting the rebellious spirit in me!!!

“When I became queen, you supported me by helping me with political affairs behind the scenes, remember? If you could use your experience from that time, you could easily serve as prime minister.”

But you forced me to do that back thennnnn!

Do you have any idea how constrained I felt until I was released from that hell that lasted several years?!

Being in court service is not for me! I learned that the hard way during those years! That is why I will never serve in any official capacity again! And even more so, as the Prime Minister, a post that carries the greatest responsibility!

No, please, Sis! Please don’t twist my limbs!

I won't be able to escape! I won't be able to escapeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

* * *

"...This document serves as your authorization. I've sealed it, so all you need to do is to send it to the respective department.”

"The policy lacks feasibility. You must work out the measures a little more before re-submitting them.”

"The figures don't add up overall, do they? Are you sure they’re not trying to fool us? Investigate their actions discretely. If they are confirmed of committing fraud, arrest them all at once!”

I am doing my job as the prime minister in my own way.

However, I guess you could say this country is still a mess, with a wanted criminal at the helm of the nation until recently, and no one has said a word of complaint.

Will the Mermaid Kingdom be all right like this?

As the prime minister, I must take the lead, so everything will work fine!

I can't help but feel that I'm falling into a trap when I think this to myself, though...

“Prime Minister! I'm so happy to be working for you as soon as I graduate from Mermaid Witch Academia!”

Shut your mouth, you sheltered, elite secretary!

Don't take advantage of my wicked image; hurry and bring me the next papers!

Every second of my time is a profit or loss for the Mermaid Kingdom!

“Yes, Your Excellency! This one’s from another nation.”

"Another nation?”

Where else but the Demon Kingdom could it be?

I wonder what business the supreme ruler of the land has with us?