Chapter 20 Princess Mississippi Bloom Shakalaka

The Atla kingdom might be my most favorite place in this world. If it weren't for the fact that there's a virus named King Corona.

The kingdom itself was underwater - obviously. Ace and I must have bickered longer than we thought because where we're standing right now is the seafloor. I looked up and saw the same huge magical barrier that separated us from the water. Tall coral reefs lined the place and were constantly being rained down with water. Large domes made out of sand and rocks lined with moss seem all have a large shell in front of them - are those their homes? One would assume that since we are deep in the sea that it would be dark but no. Multiple glowing jellyfish - enclosed in a circular bubble - are constantly swimming in the area and giving us more than enough light to see our surroundings.

My ears were ringing at the drop of pressure underwater. I looked at Ace, but he doesn't seem to be bothered at all. The men lead us along a sandy that has shells as stone pathways. Ace - As LADY Grace - made sure that he steps on the shells so his heels wouldn't sink as he walks. It wasn't much of a bother for me since I was wearing boots,

Soon we saw a large colorful castle with glowing rainbow bubbles floating around it. It was breathtaking and I would have really enjoyed it more if one of the guards didn't push me to enter the palace. The inside was also impressive. Despite being an underwater castle, they have white tiles and the walls were polished. I cannot tell what materials they used to be honest. The columns were decorated with tons of shells and seaweed. Actually - not just the columns - but the whole area where the wall meets the ceiling. It was magical and I was walking while looking up when I happened to bump into Ace.

I braced myself in preparation that he would scold me, but he didn't. He simply gave me a look and returned his gaze forward. He was acting really weird.

We soon stopped at what I assume is the throne room. Scratch that. It is the throne room. Because at the very top of the staircase was a throne made out of corals. A man with sickly green hair and bulging stomach sat on it. He was eating some sort of fish while looking at us. Bits and pieces of the meat stuck on his beard. He was wearing nothing at the top, but his white trousers looked like it was ready to give up. Beside him was a man seemingly as old as Ren and Dan with light long blue hair and cerulean eyes. This man was also shirtless and wearing the same white ripped trousers, but unlike that bulky man on the throne, he looked better in them.

"King Corona, Prince Mereum, we brought two new female prisoners." One of the men said.

The king, the bulky dude, stopped eating as he regarded Ace and I with his eyes. I folded my arms over my chest since I was still soaking wet from being splashed by the stupid ocean. I hope to provide enough cover from the king's leering eyes.

"Beautiful!" The king bellowed. "What is your name, young elf lady?"

Ace stepped forward and slightly gave me cover from the king. "My name is LADY Grace. I am a noble elf from the kingdom of Tordis."

"Brave young lady!" The king grinned hungrily at Ace and I wanna laugh as I imagined what the king's facial reaction would be when he learns that the LADY is actually a PRINCE. Pfft! As if sensing my presence, the king turned his gaze at me. "And who are you?" He asked.

"I-um.." I actually haven't thought of a name and I was stuttering in response.

"We heard that she is a princess, your grace." One of the men said and I had to fight the urge to karate chop his head.

"A princess!?" The king looked at me. "She doesn't look like a princess."

"And you look like a virus, but you do not see me complaining." I unconsciously said and immediately bit my tongue. I swear I sometimes hate myself for being a savage person at times. I should really stop being friends with PRINCE Ace.

Prince Meruem hid his laugh in his fist while the king seem like we would like to murder me. Well he is not the first royal to give me that look to be honest.

"What did you say? A virus!?" The king demanded. "If you're that brave then maybe-"

"Father, you can't." Prince Meruem cut off his father before we can even hear what he was about to say. "I'll take her." He said with a tired sigh.

"You will?" The king raised an eyebrow at him and returned his gaze to me, then back at his son. He looked like he was judging the taste of his son with women. I pursed my lips so I wouldn't say anything more that would get me into more trouble. "Well this is the first time that you have taken interest in picking a bride. Even though she is rude, she is a princess." Then, as if it reminded him of that fact, he returned his gaze towards me.

"What kingdom are you from?"

"Unicorns." I said in a deadpanned tone. "But I can't show you my horn because I am away from the magical tree that gives me my power to morph. My mother, Queen Disalie Shakalaka, from the kingdom of Yadayadaboom must be worried because their lovely daughter Princess Mississipi Bloom Shakalaka is missing." It's amazing how much bullsh*t my mouth can produce. I am impressed with myself.

"Princess Mississipi Bloom Shakalaka from the Kingdom of Yadayadaboom full of unicorns? I have never heard of such kingdom." The king was doubting me. Even Ace, who obviously knows that I am lying, grimaced at me. I couldn't tell if he was impressed at me or annoyed to the point that he wanted to hit me. I am guessing the latter.

I mean, if I am going to lie, I might as well go all out.

I took a deep breath and forced tears to form in my eyes. I clasp my hands together as if I was praying. "Our land is precious and we do not let the others know of our mythical place! Only those who are wise and worthy shall receive the blessing of our holy goddess Dairycream." I sniffed for dramatic effect and pretended to wipe nonexistent tears . "Alas, I, Princess Mississipi Bloom Shakalaka, ran away because I was curious of the outside world. Our world is locked in a magical tree with no news of the other kingdoms. I dressed up as a man and became her escort." I gestured at LADY Grace, who was now giving me a warning look when he realize that I was going to give him a background as well. "LADY Grace, the most beautiful girl on the land, gave me a home when she realize that I had nowhere to go. Before I met her, I suffered from hunger and loneliness. I experience the hardships of this world, but also the beauty that it offers. I cannot recall where the kingdom of shakalaka is but someday I hope to come home and be reunited with my family! It is thanks to the good-" I choked "and kind hearted LADY Grace that I survived this long." As soon as I was done, the king and a few men were crying from my bullsh*t. Oh gosh, they were such cry babies. My story wasn't that sad at all!

"Isn't it the Kingdom of Yadayadaboom? Why did you say Shakalaka?" One of the men said.

I flinched and gave him a pointed look before I sniffed and pretended to cry in despair. "I have been away for 3 years that my memory of my family and kingdom is fading."

"Oh, your majesty! We must help Princess Mississipi." One of the guards cried.

"Indeed! Such a pitiful tale of truth and bravery. This young princess has been through a lot!" King Corona sniffed and I looked away. I mean I really have been through a lot. "She would be a perfect bride for my son."

Excuse me. What?

"Princess Mississipi Bloom Shakalaka, as soon as we are wed, I promise to help you find your family." Prince Meruem said. My lips started to tremble really badly because I really want to roll on the floor and laugh. These idiots actually believe me that I am shaking.

I covered my mouth with my hands to cover my smile as I tried to shake the laughter away. "T-Thank you." I managed to breathe.

"Princess, do not cry. We will help you." One of the men said. Since I do not trust my voice because I was already crying from silently laughing, I simply nodded.

"These two we shall keep. Hide them in the royal room where they temporarily stay along with the others. We need to make their token in the meantime."

Token?

I looked at Ace to see if he had an answer. He met my gaze and shook his head. The men started to lead us in another room with two large shells used as a door. As soon as they opened it, we saw Nora, who was crouching and shaking at a corner. I grabbed Ace's hand as soon as I noticed him starting to run towards his sister. The men were still behind us - watching.

"There are enough beds in the room. Tomorrow, once we give you a token of ownership, you will be transferred to your own room. Please knock on the shell three times if you ever need anything." And with that, the men closed the shell doors and disappeared behind it.

I finally released Ace's hand and let him run towards Nora. I followed him slowly. "Nora!" Yelled and ran for his sister. Nora, who was crouching on the floor and hugging her legs, turned to look at us. She screamed when she saw Ace and ran towards me when she saw me.

"Wose!" She cried. The poor little elf girl seemed scared out of her mind as she desperately raised her hands for me to carry her. I pitied the little girl and carried her in my arms.

Ace, still dressed as LADY Grace, approached us. Nora saw him and quickly buried her face to my chest. I leaned in and whispered to her. "Nora, the lady right there is your brother."

Nora slowly looked up to Ace. Ace looks...I gasped...oh my gosh he looks hurt! And it is somehow satisfying but at the same time I feel sorry for him. Nora finally recognized her brother and she squealed in delight. She was moving so much that I have to hand her over to Ace, who was more than eager to take his sister from me. I watched as the two siblings hugged for a while before I cleared my throat.

"You should probably start on the briefing, don't you think?" I told him.

Ace grunted but complied. I watched as he told Nora of our plan. Ace was just at the middle of his explanation when the door suddenly opened and in came Prince Meruem. He carefully closed the door behind him before facing Ace and I. Somehow, Prince Mereum slightly looked tired.

"Pwince!" Ace and I both looked at Nora, who just called out the crown prince.

Prince Meruem smiled and placed a finger to his lips as if to shush her. "You guys seem to be close to each other." As soon he said that, I yelped in surprise when Ace pulled me to his side. Then he gave the prince a warning look. The prince must have sensed Ace's hostility that he raised his hands in surrender. "Lady I-"

"He's my bwother!" Nora declared. Ace and I immediately gave Nora a look. "He's a fwend." She says.

"You're a...guy!?" The look on Prince Meruem's eyes made me wish that I had a camera so I could take a picture of how hilarious it looked. It was a mixture of both disgust and admiration.

Ace looked at Nora one last time before returning his gaze at Prince Meruem. Using his free hand, he lifted the wig to show his real hair and slightly lifted his cloak to show his muscles. I covered my laughter into coughs when Prince Meruem looked like he was about to faint, but I shook his head to clear his mind. "I-" He paused. "Well at least, it makes it easier." He mumbled and came closer to our small group. "I want the three of you to escape and I will help you."

"Why?" I asked.

Upon hearing my voice, prince Meruem gave me a sad look. "Princess Mississipi. I know that we promised to search for your family when we are wed, but I believe that you guys cannot stay here. The kingdom is already ruined the moment my father succumbs to his greed."

He is still buying my bullsh*t!?

"What kind of shady activity did your brother, prince Zeraph, mean?"

"My brother? You've met my brother?!" The prince gasped and grasped my shoulders as soon as I mentioned his brother's name. "How is he?" His voice was soft as he asked the question.

"He's fine!" Ace snapped and pushed the prince back and away from us.

"I-I'm sorry." The prince stuttered. "It's just that I haven't seen him in a long time and I am worried about him." Then as if realizing something, he finally answered our question. "It is better if you do not know. What's more important is that you three need to leave and I will help you."

"We already have a plan. All you need to do is to shut up."

Prince Meruem blinked at Ace's rudeness. "If I may ask, are you her brother Ace-"

"PRINCE." Ace corrected.

"Yeah, it really is you."

"If you know then you should start talking."

Prince Meruem gave him a reigned nod. "It was a few months ago that my father struck a deal with the kingdom of Tereau. It seems that he is seeking Princess Rose. You know of her, right? The last Tamer."

"I heard that she is very pretty." I inserted and got a glare from Ace. "What?"

"I am sure you far prettier than her, Princess Mississipi." Prince Meruem said. I chuckled and pointed silently at the gullible prince while looking at the Feradin siblings. Ace groaned and shook his head, even Nora gave me a deadpanned look.

Okay, now they look like actual siblings.

"King Ferius offers a high price for her and made a deal with my father. Since my father is already a greedy man, especially when it comes to women, he doubled the order of capturing women. We do not know what princess Rose looks like so he simply captured any pretty woman that he sees."

At this I boastfully glance at Ace. "Hear that?" I mouthed and pointed to myself. "They look for pretty girls because of me." Ace and Nora rubbed their temples and shook their heads.

"Say it again. Slowly." Ace whispered back. "You're the reason women are being kidnapped!" He hissed. I scoffed and started to sulk.

At least I'm pretty. It's proof!

"Every night, my father would hand over some of the women that were captured. A general from the kingdom of Tereau would arrive at dinner time and escort them. We do not know what happens to them afterwards. But I try to save as many of them as I can." No wonder Prince Meruem looks as tired as he is now. He had to deal with letting the women escape every night.

"Don't they wonder why the woman goes missing?"

"We have a sea witch who's helping us cast an illusion. Some of my father's concubines are still here. I am just looking for the right time to let them escape." He sighed and fished something out of his pocket. It was a key made out of shells. He handed it to me. "This is a disposable key for that door over there. Use this and then break it into pieces when you escape. Once dinner will be served, wait for 4 hours before leaving. I will make sure that the guards are distracted. Head East and you will find a darkened path. Look for the blue jellyfish and it will guide you to the nearest port. You have to leave quickly before the others come. Otherwise, it will be difficult." He then handed me a small glass marble. "When you get to the port, be sure to be close to each other when you break it. It has a bit of my magic that will take you to shore. Princess Mississipi, I really wish that I can help you more about your family, but at the moment, all I can do is to help you escape. I do hope that one day you will be reunited with your family."

"Yeah...thanks." I said. Feeling guilty for lying to prince Meruem. He seems like a nice and honest man.

He bowed one last time before going out of the door.

"Should we follow his plan?" I asked Ace since he has better judgement than me.

"I am not so sure."

"Yes yes!" Nora said gleefully. "His Aura is pink. I think he wikes Wose." Nora commented.

"No, Nora. He likes Princess Mississippi Bloom Shakalaka."