Chapter 694
Claire's Past Life as a Simp?
However, Claire didn't agree immediately. She frowned and said:
"I'll go alone. The smaller the target, the less likely it is to be exposed."
Even if there were an ambush, with my Trident of Poseidon, I could move more freely. Taking you along might actually hinder my actions if we were truly trapped.
Upon hearing this, a bittersweet smile appeared on Barmos's face, and he shook his head slightly.
"Your Majesty is absolutely right, but... has Your Majesty ever considered that the prison ship holds not only loyal members of the Tide Royal Family, but also several elders and warriors of my Lan Clan who unfortunately fell into enemy hands for various reasons?"
Your Majesty, it is not that I question Your Majesty's authority.
However, the Tide and Lan tribes had many conflicts in the past. Those tribesmen who were imprisoned for many years suffered physical and mental torment and hated the empire to the bone. But they still harbored resentment and grudges about matters within their tribes, especially those involving the old friendship between the two tribes.
Seeing His Majesty arrive alone so suddenly, what if they harbored doubts due to past grievances, thus missing their precious opportunity to escape? Wouldn't that be a case of losing more than they gain?
Claire fell into deep thought; Barmos's words were not entirely without merit.
Historically, there have indeed been significant power struggles and ideological differences between the Tide Royal Family and the Lan and Bitao Clans, especially during her previous reign, when relations were extremely tense and even hostile.
Those elders who have been imprisoned for many years may still be stuck in the past. When they suddenly see her, the former queen of the human race, will they be able to completely trust her and immediately obey her commands in their excitement?
If a few extremists hesitate or even resist at a critical moment due to old grudges, it could indeed cause unnecessary trouble or even lead to the failure of the operation.
She glanced at Barmos, the chieftain of the Lan Clan, whose strength had reached the high level of the legendary realm. He was experienced and particularly skilled in water-based magic. His racial talent, "Transforming Waves into Formless Form," was an extremely clever life-saving and concealment technique that allowed him to instantly merge himself into the surrounding water elements, making him extremely difficult to detect and attack.
Bringing him along would certainly provide assistance. More importantly, with the Lan tribe chief personally overseeing and directing the imprisoned members of the Lan tribe, things would undoubtedly be smoother and more efficient.
Time is of the essence, and there is no room for further hesitation.
Claire finally nodded slowly, making her decision:
"In that case, you shall come with me."
Remember, concealment and reconnaissance should be the top priorities. Do not expose yourself unless absolutely necessary, and do not act without authorization.
"Stay close to me. The Trident of Poseidon can conceal our presence, but it requires your full cooperation to suppress your own aura."
"I will obey Your Majesty's command!"
Barmos's face immediately showed a look of relief and gratitude, and he bowed solemnly in response.
Claire said no more, and with a slight tremor of the Trident of Poseidon in her hand, a layer of pale blue light enveloped her and Barmos.
The figures of the two became even more blurred in the seawater, almost blending into the dark water and swaying seaweed.
With the power of the artifact and Claire's exquisite control over the water element, they moved like two silent undercurrents, skillfully avoiding the seemingly lax but actually deadly underwater detection network and patrolling deep-sea monsters around the fleet.
Soon, relying on the faint scent of their people, they located a ship in the middle of the fleet.
The ship is of medium size and looks like a transport and supply ship, but its defenses are significantly stronger than those of other warships. There are not only more visible and hidden sentries, but also complex protective and warning runes that subtly flow across the surface of the hull.
Through the Trident of Poseidon, Claire also sensed several subtle yet powerful auras lingering inside the ship's cabin and on several nearby escort ships.
Claire and Barmos slithered to a deep-water reef about a kilometer from the target ship. After a brief reconnaissance, Claire whispered:
"The defenses ahead are very strong, and there are also powerful figures in charge. A direct attack would definitely alert the entire fleet."
First, try to sneak onto the ship, locate the exact position of the imprisoned tribespeople, confirm their situation, and then find a way to bring them away.
However, Barmos stepped forward and volunteered:
"This ship is ostensibly a transport vessel, but it has actually been transformed into a mobile prison and trap."
The Southern Empire may have already laid a trap on this ship specifically targeting my merfolk, or even the divine artifact in Your Majesty's possession.
If Your Majesty rashly boards the ship, once the attack is triggered, even if you can break through with the power of the divine weapon, you will inevitably expose your whereabouts and be surrounded.
"At that point, rescuing our people will be as difficult as climbing to heaven!"
Claire frowned again. Barmos's words did indeed make sense; this ship really did give the impression of being a den of dragons and tigers.
"And what's your opinion?" Claire asked, her trust in Barmos's caution growing even stronger.
A resolute glint flashed in Barmos's eyes as he said in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, why don't I sneak in and investigate first? Although my strength is not as good as Your Majesty's, my concealment skills are decent, and I have some knowledge of various magical traps."
I first boarded the ship to familiarize myself with its internal structure, the distribution of guards, and the location of traps. Most importantly, I confirmed the specific cabins and conditions in which my people were being held.
In case there are any traps on the ship, His Majesty has a divine artifact that can more easily break them from the outside.
This statement was logically clear, "well-considered," and showed that he was thinking of Claire and the rescue operation at every turn, placing himself in a dangerous pioneering position to explore the way, which made him appear extremely loyal and brave.
Claire looked at Barmos's face, which was filled with sincerity and determination, and then at the heavily guarded prison ship with its runes flashing.
She wasn't without doubts, but Barmos's suggestion, from a tactical perspective, did seem more prudent.
Let this legendary high-level expert, who excels at concealment and reconnaissance, go ahead to scout the way, while I provide support from the outside using the artifact. If anything changes, I will indeed have more room to maneuver.
Moreover, his willingness to take the risk greatly diminished the last trace of doubt in her heart.
Time passed second by second, and every second meant that the tribespeople might suffer more and be more likely to be discovered.
Claire no longer hesitated and nodded decisively:
"Alright, then proceed with caution, focusing on reconnaissance and avoiding alerting them. If anything unusual happens, retreat immediately and we'll devise another plan. I'll be here to provide backup and be ready to act at any time."
Barmos said nothing more and solemnly bowed his head to accept the order.
The next second, the water shimmering around Barmos suddenly became much denser, and his entire outline quickly blurred.
Finally, with a soft "splash," it completely transformed into an invisible undercurrent indistinguishable from the surrounding seawater, breaking away from the concealment range maintained by Claire's artifact power, and silently gliding towards the target ship.
The undercurrent clung to the rusted hull, avoiding several shimmering warning runes, and as if possessing a life of its own, found a drain grille.
Following the grille, Barmos's figure re-emerged in a deserted, shadowy corner inside the cabin.
Once inside the cabin, he made no further attempt to conceal himself, and carrying the scent of the deep sea, he headed straight for a narrow passage leading to the upper deck.
At the end of the passage was a spacious cabin that had been temporarily converted into a front-line command center.
Inside the cabin were the eldest prince, Greg, and the head of the court's magic corps, De Endero, who had been waiting for a long time.
Upon seeing Barmos appear, Greg's face lit up with an overwhelming surge of excitement:
"how is the situation?"
Barmos stopped a few steps away from Greg, his lips slightly pursed. Although his face remained calm, the subtle tremor in the depths of his eyes betrayed that his heart was not as still as it appeared.
He didn't answer Greg's question immediately. After a few seconds of silence, he spoke in a hoarse voice:
"Your Highness promised me that if I help you capture Claire, you will help me rebuild the Merfolk and guarantee that the Merfolk tribe will become a permanent member of the Grand Alliance of the Sea Clan."
Greg's initial excitement subsided somewhat. He stepped forward, looking intently at Barmos, his right hand on his chest, and spoke solemnly:
“I, Gregor Alvis, swear in the name of the direct line of the Southern Empire’s royal family that all the conditions I previously promised will be fulfilled.”
The Lan Clan will become one of the founders of the new sea order, and you will also become a pivotal figure in the alliance.
The Empire will provide you with all necessary support.
Barmos nodded slowly, raising his hand to point to a dot on the nautical chart spread out on the table:
"She was there, completely concealing her presence and form with the help of the artifact's power."
There was no one else around; the Crimson Raiders and the rest of the Merfolk remained on the outer edge.
Your Highness, we must act swiftly and discreetly.
Claire wasn't stupid; she had a keen sense of danger, and the moment she sensed anything amiss, even the slightest discordant magical disturbance, she would immediately disappear into the deep sea.
"Once we remove her from her current position, given the Trident of Poseidon's absolute affinity and control over the ocean, she'll be like a drop of water falling back into the sea. It will then be very difficult for us to lock onto her again."
"Don't worry, she can't escape." Gregor's lips curled into a cold and confident smile, his eyes gleaming with the light of a hunter finally seeing his prey step into the center of the trap.
He stopped looking at Barmos, turned and strode quickly to the communication array, issuing a series of clear and concise commands in a low voice, yet with an iron-like chill:
"Attention all units, the target location has been updated. Proceed according to the original plan."
The Holy Domain Mage Corps prepares to cast a joint spell to activate the 'Silent Prison'.
The deep-sea hunting team will encircle the target from underwater, but should not enter within a 500-meter radius of the target. They will await further instructions.
All attacking units are not allowed to fire or reveal any attack intent without my explicit order.
I must live, or at least ensure the artifact remains intact.
Let's get started!
After Gregor gave the order, massive shadows began to move silently, converging slowly from all directions toward the coordinates indicated by Barmos.
……
Claire waited silently in place, time seemed to stretch out in the stillness of the deep sea, each second thick and heavy.
Suddenly, in a split second, the keen senses within her, stemming from her ancient bloodline and divine artifact, made her heart leap.
Danger, extreme danger is approaching, and it comes from...more than one direction.
Claire's eyes instantly sharpened like ice. Without the slightest hesitation, she didn't even waste time thinking about why Barmos hadn't returned yet.
Her instinct for danger overwhelmed everything. She gripped the trident of Poseidon tightly, a warm yet powerful force emanating from its shaft, instantly resonating with the magic within her. A deep blue divine light immediately enveloped her; she had to leave this place immediately, to escape this water that had suddenly become fraught with danger.
However, just as her magic surged and her figure was about to transform into water and disappear—
The once calm seawater suddenly froze.
The next second, countless dazzling golden rays burst forth from the surrounding seawater, reefs, and even the void.
They are not simply rays of light, but are composed of countless intricate and complex magical runes.
In an instant, a three-dimensional light network was formed, covering an area of hundreds of meters in the sea.
A powerful magical field suddenly descended, causing Claire's magical energy to stagnate abruptly, as if she were trapped in sticky glue.
Immediately afterwards, the concealment array "Deep Sea Veil," derived from the divine artifact Trident of Poseidon, was instantly opened.
Claire's figure was completely exposed to the icy seawater and the blinding golden light.
Claire's heart sank; the scene before her confirmed her worst suspicions.
Soon, the seawater not far away was pushed aside by magic, forming a temporary waterless space.
Several figures appeared under the glow of the golden net.
The leader, dressed in a smart and elegant Southern Empire naval uniform, wore a hunter's smile as he admired his captured prey—it was none other than the First Prince of the Southern Empire, Greg Extom.
Beside him stood the head of the court mage corps, the Holy Archmage Deendro, who held a sapphire staff.
But what froze Claire's gaze was the figure standing on Greg's other side.
Chief of the Lan tribe, Bamos.
He was still slightly damp from the seawater, standing there with his head slightly lowered, avoiding Claire's gaze.
All the masks of sincerity, loyalty, and worry have been torn off, leaving only a numb calm.
Claire instantly understood everything. The volunteering, all the suggestions and concerns... were just a ploy to lure her into the heart of this pre-arranged trap.
Claire gripped the trident tightly, but her beautiful face did not show the panic, fear, or despair that Greg had expected.
His expression remained calm as he looked at Barmos and said coldly:
"Barmos, an elder of the Lan Clan, and the leader of one of the three royal families of the mermaids."
Are you now going to betray your own bloodline?
Barmos's body trembled almost imperceptibly. He slowly raised his eyes to meet Claire's gaze, his voice hoarse:
"Surrender, Your Majesty."
I can't... I can't watch you lead our last people to utter destruction.
He paused, as if gathering his strength, or perhaps trying to convince himself:
"Can't you see? Your Majesty, you are not fighting against a pirate group, nor against a city-state. You are facing the Southern Empire!"
A colossal entity, a human empire with a history spanning millennia and deep-rooted foundations!
I know you've always wanted to restore the ancient glory of the merfolk and unify this endless sea? You even... even chose to reincarnate because of that vague prophecy.
But look at yourself, Your Majesty, look at yourself now.
Your persistence and your dreams have only brought war, sacrifice, and the constant bleeding and weakening of our merfolk.
Look at the Pearl Palace, look at our imprisoned and suffering people. Your willful actions will only push us all into the abyss.
I... I just want to find a way to survive for the Lan tribe, for all the tribespeople who still yearn for a peaceful life!
Claire listened quietly, her face expressionless, until Barmos finished speaking, at which point she let out a cold, chilling laugh:
"A way out?"
So, you've chosen to kneel down and become an obedient dog to humans?
Barmos felt as if he had been struck hard by those words, and his suppressed emotions suddenly erupted.
The muscles on his face twitched slightly, shattering the numb calm and revealing something even more intense churning beneath.
He stared intently at Claire, his eyes bloodshot, his voice trembling with emotion:
"And what about you?"
My noble Queen, aren't you acting as a dog for that pirate captain?
Do you think I can't see it?
He abruptly raised his hand and pointed into the void, as if some unseen ghost stood there. The jealousy and resentment in his voice could no longer be concealed and burst forth:
"What is your attitude towards that Pirate King Yann Hughes!"
Ok?
Stop using cooperation and allies as excuses!
Your eyes, your reaction... Have you already fallen in love with that lowly human pirate?
You keep saying you're doing this for the mermaid race, yet you're pinning your heart and the future of your mermaid race on a human and a pirate!
What right do you have to talk about me like that?
At least, I am searching for a truly powerful and stable protector for my people!
Barmos's chest heaved violently, his expression becoming somewhat manic due to excitement and long-suppressed resentment, as the emotions buried deep within him finally erupted.
In fact, the reason Barmos chose to cooperate with Greg was not only because he did not want Claire to continue leading the merfolk in a full-scale war against the Southern Empire, which would lead the merfolk into the abyss.
The more important reason is that Claire's deep affection for the Pirate King Yanseus drove Barmos to the brink of madness with jealousy.
Claire, the queen known as the "Pearl of the Deep Sea," was both the most dazzling princess of the Tide Clan before her reincarnation and later when she was crowned Queen of the Tide Clan.
Her breathtaking beauty and noble, aloof demeanor captivated the hearts of countless sea creatures and even land-dwelling beings.
Admirers flocked to him, including Bamos, who was then a rising star among the Lan tribe and full of youthful vigor.
He buried that amazement and longing deep in his heart. As Claire displayed amazing talent, leadership skills, and that unattainable kingly majesty, this feeling gradually settled and transformed into a complex obsession mixed with awe, admiration, and deep longing.
Later, Claire's fall at the height of her power was a loss to the entire Endless Sea, leaving Barmos with a huge void in his heart, plunging him into a long period of loss and sorrow.
When he learned that Claire had successfully reincarnated, the long-dormant flame reignited almost like a wildfire, even more intense than before.
He saw hope in making up for the regrets, and he actively supported Claire's reconstruction efforts, garnering her support in the council of elders. Perhaps he also harbored the secret intention of using this opportunity to get closer to her and become someone she could rely on when she needed him most.
However, reality slapped him in the face.
The reborn Claire seems different from the aloof and cold queen of her previous life who kept all suitors at arm's length.
Beside her stood a human figure—the Pirate King named Yann Hughes.
At first, Barmos didn't care. How could a land-dwelling human, a short-lived species that was like a fleeting flower in the eyes of the sea creatures, be compared to them, who possessed noble blood?
But things took an unexpected turn.
Claire's gaze at the pirate, her tone of voice when talking to the pirate, and even the increasingly close cooperation between the Scarlet Raiders and the Merfolk, which went beyond a normal alliance... all of this was constantly piercing Barmos's sensitive nerves.
Rumors began to spread in private, and every time the speculation about the "special relationship" between the Queen and the human pirate king reached Barmos's ears, it felt like it was burning his heart.
He felt like a ridiculous bystander, having guarded the expectations of two lifetimes, only to have them easily "stolen" by a human who suddenly appeared.
That unwavering devotion born of love gradually became distorted and corrupted over the long years and the torment of unrequited desire.
Therefore, when the Southern Empire extended an olive branch, and when Gregor used the future "exalted status" of the Lan Clan and the promise to strike at Yann Hughes's power as bait, Barmos completely erupted.
Since he could never possess that star in the way he longed for, then... he might as well pull her down from the sky with his own hands, even if it meant smashing her to pieces in the mud.
At the very least, that human named Yann Hughes will never get his hands on it.
At the very least, Barmos can use this achievement to gain the real power and status he desires, thus filling the huge emotional void.
Twisted love, catalyzed by extreme frustration, transforms into the most thorough hatred and destructive desire.
This was his ultimate motivation for conspiring with Greg to meticulously set this trap and bury Claire along with her hopes and emotions.
Claire was completely unaware of these sordid thoughts.
Looking at Barmos, whose expression was contorted and who was accusing her of "falling in love with a human pirate," she felt only absurdity and a profound sorrow.
For the fate of the people, for this once-important minister who has fallen to such a state, and for the self-righteous possessiveness in his words.
Claire turned her gaze away, as if looking at it for even a moment would taint her eyes. Then, she gripped the trident of Poseidon tightly in her hand and gently dipped the tail of the trident into the seawater in front of her.
"Om-!"
A sound originating from the pulse of the ocean itself spread silently from the trident.
The sound was not heard through the ears, but resounded directly into the depths of the soul of every creature with ocean blood.
Just as Barmos was about to continue venting his anger and jealousy, his voice abruptly stopped.
The madness and resentment on his face froze instantly, and his whole body suddenly began to convulse uncontrollably! (End of Chapter)