Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2866: 1569: Questions and Requests (Part 2)

“Our time is short, with no chance for in-depth probing. The fastest path to grasping the circumstances is direct conversation with them.”

Without much delay, Leo Ray nodded to the others, “Just as I mentioned, reveal who we are and question them directly.”

Then, Leo Ray guided everyone directly toward the opposing side’s royal city.

Upon reaching the grand city wall built from massive blue bricks and cobblestones, a team of fishman soldiers in heavy blue armor swiftly came forward.

Beyond that, Leo Ray sharply spotted numerous other troops with strong auras gathering from every direction, staying alert with perfectly synchronized steps.

This showed plainly that although the defenses appeared casual, the sharp watchfulness in their eyes peeking through helmet gaps was much tighter than it seemed.

“Who are you?”

The lead middle-aged fishman officer clutched his sheathed longsword firmly and inquired warily, “The royal capital is sealed off right now. No outsiders may enter or exit!”

Though our group donned hooded cloaks without showing faces, they judged us quickly by our auras.

“Oh? Do you know this?”

Lila turned over her slim hand, displaying a small token shaped like a fish.

Looking at the fish-shaped token in Lila’s hand, Leo Ray gave a small nod.

From her explanation, he understood that in previous trade gatherings, the Fishman Royal Family had given these to leaders of the Throne Corridors’ clans as signs of alliance—a privilege exclusive to clan heads.

Naturally, that held true at first; afterward, as the fishmen’s standing fell, many shunned the token, though it retained great importance deep down.

The Fishman Royal Family claimed that showing this token allows instant meetings with their royals or the ruler.

“This is…?!”

The guarding fishman officer obviously knew it, surprise flashing in his tone right away.

He raised his helmet visor, exposing a firm face with scales thick along his temple sides. After careful scrutiny, he asked Lila hesitantly, “Might I inquire which clan’s leader you are?”

“That’s none of your concern.”

Lila’s words held firm authority, her voice casual, “What? Not letting us through yet? Are you truly going to dishonor your word?”

“This…”

A flicker of hesitation crossed the middle-aged fishman officer’s stern features. After quick thought, he dropped his visor and stated, “Forgive us, honored ones. Your intent is unknown, and arriving at such an odd hour raises doubts. No disrespect intended!”

Right after the middle-aged fishman officer spoke, wild energy particles erupted around Leo Ray’s group. In an instant, a crushing pressure like a towering mountain slammed down on all of them.

“Ugh!”

Suddenly, those with lesser power like Broy and Crisis hunched over, unable to stand tall, while Leo Ray, Fei’er, Moli, Lila, and Hollis sensed their inner energies heavily restricted.

“Your Majesty, it’s a binding barrier!”

Lila clenched her teeth, struggling to stir her vast inner power, but sweat kept forming on her brow.

After all, this was the fishmen’s capital. As a veteran second-tier force, their barrier’s might was unquestionable, fueled by countless magic towers throughout the city.

So, despite our clear edge in individual strength, we found ourselves temporarily trapped, unable to shatter the hold.

“Pardon us, distinguished visitors—the royal capital’s security demands it. Bear with our minor discourtesy!”

With that, the fishman officer moved aside, as the fishman mages atop the wall lifted their wands, ready to unleash a binding incantation.

Witnessing this, Leo Ray’s brow furrowed faintly.

He had planned a peaceful exchange at first, but their moves called for a firm response. Even as a last resort, he wouldn’t tolerate threats to his followers.

Just as Leo Ray prepared to deploy his secret weapon against the bonds, a clear yet urgent voice rang out, “Halt at once! This isn’t how we welcome guests!”

The voice faded as a lithe figure emerged behind the fishman officer.

Hearing it, the fishman officer and mages froze mid-spell, their motions stopping abruptly. The binding barrier vanished completely.

“Greetings, Your Highness!”

Led by the middle-aged officer, the fishman troops and soldiers pressed hands to chests and bowed low to the slim figure.

Tracing the voice, Leo Ray spotted the

A graceful, slender silhouette clad in a blue magical robe adorned with fish scale designs, topped by a petite crown. Yet, an unusual fish-head mask concealed her face from plain sight.

Nevertheless, the vibrant rainbow-hued fins sprouting from both sides of her ear regions marked a stark difference from typical fishmen. As Lila and Hollis had described, such rainbow fins denote a member of the Fishman Royal Family.

Therefore, with the soldiers' manner of address taken into account, the silhouette's true identity stood out plainly.

“Apologies, honored guests. Our situation is quite unusual at the moment, and we have offended you. Please forgive us.”

Ignoring the saluting fishman officers entirely, the fishman princess approached Leo Ray directly, her voice brimming with regret.

“No need for such politeness, Your Highness. Our arrival was rather sudden, after all.”

Leo Ray offered a faint smile, gesturing dismissively with his hand.

“I appreciate your understanding, Your Excellency. Thank you so much!”

The fishman princess nodded vigorously, extending an inviting gesture, and pressed, “Please, enter the city so we can talk more.”

“Hold on, Your Highness. We're facing a dire crisis. These powerful outsiders showing up out of nowhere feels too suspicious.”

A middle-aged fishman officer moved forward, holding back the princess. “The timing is far too perfect. We should stay on guard!”

As he finished speaking, other fishman officers who had rushed over voiced their support, evidently still wary of the newcomers.

“If these guests meant harm, they could've sneaked into the capital during the turmoil. Why bother revealing themselves now?”

The fishman princess spoke with firm resolve, letting out a soft hum. “All of you, step back!”

“…Yes, ma'am.”

Hearing the princess's sharp command, the fishman officers could only withdraw reluctantly, their faces downcast.

“Return to your posts, everyone. I'll manage the rest.”

Sensing her prior sternness, the fishman princess softened her tone a bit.

Next, she faced Leo Ray and his group again, proceeding to guide them forward.

Under her lead, the party quickly moved deeper into the heart of the royal city.

Along the way, they glanced about and saw, much like from outside, that the ocean-scented, blue-hued streets of this city held scarce few residents. Every fishman had rushed to the adjacent shoreline.

Before long, they stepped inside an antique castle embellished with wave and sea-spray motifs, brimming with shell and coral decorations that lent it a distinctive allure.

The moment Leo Ray entered the castle, still marveling at the surroundings, the leading fishman princess spun around suddenly, dropping to her knees before him, her words laced with desperation.

“I beg you, Human Majesty, save our people!”