I Own A Brothel In Another World (Ch. 1-196)

Chapter 157 - Whirpool of Death

Making sure that none of us has been spotted by the Sahuagins swimming around the gigantic kelps, we return to the ship. It's possible that they are looking for the Merfolk who escaped into the lush, underwater forest during the raid, scouring the entire area for survivors. We don't yet know how the situation looks in the city at the bottom of the sea but it's easy to assume that it's under the full control of those fish bastards.

We reach the ship in just a few moments and jump onto the deck. The women gather around the three of us, awaiting the information we bring from our brief scouting trip.

"We found a city under a dome and some protective barrier. It's been breached and Sahuagins are everywhere. Most of the battalion must be still inside while some squads keep an eye on the perimeter," I explain to everyone. "This time, the battle will take place in something similar to the surface conditions since the barrier surrounding the settlement creates a giant air bubble inside. Hopefully, that inconveniences our enemies at least a bit, but it also makes a few of us weaker."

"We will manage." Neira shows a soft, confident smile. "Do we have any plan or goal?"

Meru steps forward, stopping in front of everyone. "I would suggest splitting into two or three groups and entering through three different cracks in the dome. They aren't expecting anyone to intervene so we should be able to take them by surprise. We are all able to communicate mentally so we can share our situation with each other whenever necessary."

"As for our goal, we need to figure out the situation first," Cornelia joins in, crossing her arms under her chest. "The general number of enemy soldiers, if the battle is fully finished, what is their current objective, what happened to the people living in that city, and where is the main commander."

"I agree with her." I nod, placing a hand on Cornelia's shoulder. "People are the priority. We know from the bastard we captured that they are sending women back to their main base of operations while getting rid of all the men. If we are lucky enough, the transport still hasn't departed. Finding the men alive feels like a miracle but let's keep our eyes pried for any possible hiding spots too."

"If you cause enough chaos in their ranks, the commander should make an appearance on the battlefield to see what's going on. The key to success is to not leave any messengers alive so that the information flow is as limited as possible," Lianne suggests. "I would assume that the leader is going to be in some important building they captured and are either ransacking or using it to celebrate their victory. Finding someone who could point you towards it would be great."

"I might be able to recognize an important building or two." Meru turns her calm, fierce face to me. "I visited a Merfolk settlement in the past and talked with the residents a little. If we don't succeed in finding any locals alive before we have to confront the commander and his army, I'll do my best to point us in a good direction."

"Great." I smile at her warmly and brush through her pretty hair. "Everyone knows what to do, more or less. We'll work out the details while swimming to the dome. Does anyone wish to not be part of this operation? Besides the obvious people?"

As I glance at all the girls attending this quick strategy meeting, they shake their heads and show determined expressions. Everyone is eager to deal a blow to the monsters that assaulted Meru's home and many other settlements. It looks like Cornelia, Neira, Safi, Emi, and Meru are up for the task.

"Can I go too? You said that the city is surrounded by an air bubble, right?" Lianne steps closer to me and directs her pleading eyes up at my face.

I chuckle and wrap my arms around her petite waist. "I would rather not throw people's beloved Queen into the frontlines of a war with some fish jerks. I now know that you are capable of taking care of yourself but a part of me doesn't want to accept that side of yours."