Knightly (A Reverse Harem)

Chapter 12: Society Adventure

I waited patiently behind a pillar near the corridor the guards were standing. I saw other officials walk by, but no Aries. I waited some more, glancing between the book and the hall. The book was translated to English in gold lettering. I flipped the page.

Merfolk and Land-dwellers were able to live together in peace. The Merfolk helped the Land-dwellers advance their knowledge in medicine and sorcery as well as collect resources from the sea. Land-dwellers helped them with land resources and advancement of technology in return. The partnership lasted for over 700 years until the Larso Incident.

I turn the page and looked up. A guard saw me and glared. I scowled and turned back to my book. He couldn't actively arrest me since I was still in the area limits. But I could tell that he wanted to do something about my loitering really badly. Moving on!

Fishermen Harmen Larso was working on the reefs of the Bronze Gulfs when he accidentally speared a mermaid. Instead of apologizing for the incident, he used the scales on the tail to sell for profit. The scales became a high luxury item among the Land-dwellers in their black markets, and soon more and more Merfolk began to die. 

The Merfolk wished to fight back, but were still behind on the technological advancement. They retreated to inaccessible waters and never seen again. The Great Society of Ocean Dwellers swore that if any merfolk did cross paths with a human in the ocean territory, then death may be swift and painless. Fortunately, the Land-dwellers have forgotten of the Merfolks' exsistence and have been safe ever since.

"Rion? Have you been in the hall all morning?"

I swam towards Aries's voice as fast as I could. The guards pointed their spears at me, but Aries moved pass them. He began to swim down towards my quarters. "Aries, what's happening? We have to get back to land as soon as possible!"

"I know." he shut the doors behind him. "I've been trying to convince my mom and the GSOD to let you guys go. But they are being so stubborn. They absolutely don't want you to go back. They are worries that you would reveal their location. I'm trying to hard to convince them."

I could see that he was on the brink of tears. Of course that this was tough for him. He's still a kid. He shouldn't have to go through something like this. I gently pulled him in for a hug. "Thank you for trying so hard for us. I think that I should talk to the society."

He pulled back. "What? Are you insane?"

"This may be the only way. I think that you forgotten that I'm a knight. Part of my job is to resolve conflicts. Please, take me to them."

Aries thought about it for a moment and then hesitantly nodded. I followed close behind him. The guards saw us and straitened their backs. "The prisoners may not leave this area."

"This women is being escorted to the society. As orders of the prince and society, you shall let us pass." he lied. The guards glanced at each other before stepping to the side. We passed through and made our way through the great castle.

"Now, the society is mainly consisting of elders and my mom, so they are extremely conservative. I doubt that they will even let you introduce yourself formally without going ballistic. Watch what you say. Don't say anything that can be remotely offensive even if you're existence bothers them. I'm trusting you on this, Rion." 

We approached two, large, white doors with gold detailing of seashells and marine life. Aries pushed them open and we swam inside. Groups of elders that were previously discussing among themselves turned to look at us. To look at me.

The merwoman seemed to gasp in surprise while the mermen just burned holes into my flesh. "Why did you bring her here, Prince Aries?!" his mother shouted from across the room. Her voice seemed to pierce even diamonds. It was chilling.