Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 2210: Successor (4)

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Previously on Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure...
The protagonist returns to find his family and the Merman King gathered, witnessing a divine phenomenon centering on his newborn child. The god Aquaron declares the child his successor, causing the gathered mermaids to hail the "holy son." The protagonist shields his family, and the Merman King repels the eager priests as they retreat to the palace, which is soon surrounded by curious citizens and nobles. The Merman King and others then demand an explanation.
"I can't tell if this is a good thing or a bad thing."This thought crossed my mind, even without anyone voicing it aloud.Upon further reflection, I realized it would have been far worse for them, as they were the ones who had truly believed in and revered Aquaron.For them, this must hold a significance far greater than it does for me."It is a good thing."After what seemed like a protracted internal debate, this was the conclusion they reached.The Merman Queen was the one who ultimately made this declaration.She had remained completely silent throughout the entire discussion, almost as if she had no stake in the matter. However, having been a part of this family for some time now, I knew she held the ultimate authority on most issues.Her silence, I understood, was because she was taking the time to thoroughly consider every angle.Her contemplation was undoubtedly more profound than that of the Merman King.The moment she spoke, it was as if a definitive decision had been made for everyone present.This was not to say that it was a conclusion they hadn't already been leaning towards.What the Merman Queen articulated was merely the unspoken consensus, the very thoughts lingering in everyone's minds. Therefore, her statement was entirely appropriate and accurate.In fact, it was the most precise way to characterize the situation.The only slight issue was that acknowledging this reality left a somewhat peculiar sensation within everyone."But how shall we announce this?"The Merman King inquired, his voice tinged with a certain hesitation.At his question, all present once again descended into deep contemplation.For my part, I didn't have much to deliberate over, as this was primarily an affair concerning the Merman Kingdom's royal family. The situation had already been broadcast to the world without any favorable spin, causing considerable turmoil within the Merman Kingdom.A public announcement was imperative; failure to do so would only exacerbate the crisis for the entire Merman Kingdom.Faith served as a unifying force, yet it also harbored a dangerous potential, with certain individuals becoming fanatically devoted.If the royal family remained silent, it was only a matter of time before a significant incident occurred.Consequently, it was essential to issue at least some form of statement, revealing carefully selected details to preempt runaway speculation.As the royal family, they were best positioned to handle this, possessing the deepest understanding of their people. They knew precisely what information could be safely disclosed, unlike myself, who lacked sufficient insight into their internal dynamics.After they had concluded their discussions, I couldn't help but ask, "Are you alright? Are you truly certain about all of this?"My concern was directed primarily at Ariel, as I noticed the way she was looking at our child."This is something that must be done, as we are members of the royal family. While I do not wish this for our child, there is truly nothing else that can be done. It is simply what is expected of us as part of the royal family."There were aspects of her perspective that I couldn't fully grasp, having never experienced growing up within a royal lineage like hers.While I understood her reasoning, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow for our child, who had become entangled in these complex affairs.That child was innocent and deserved none of this complexity...r>"That Aquaron... how could he possibly say such a thing?"Even as I voiced my frustration, I recognized that my complaints were futile, as the deed was already done. Thus, our only recourse was to devise a strategy to resolve the predicament."At the very least, we will have to formally present the child to everyone."It appeared they were formulating a plan for this, yet I found myself largely excluded from the conversation, as I was not, in essence, a member of the royal family.It wasn't that I wasn't part of the family structure itself, but rather that I wasn't affiliated with their 'royal' lineage.I didn't mind this exclusion, understanding that it was best for them to orchestrate these matters, as it fell squarely within their domain.The only contribution requested of me was to provide protection, as a contingency against any unforeseen events...."That was utterly exhausting."This was the sole sentiment I could muster following the ceremony.There were no inherent problems, simply an overwhelming number of attendees and an almost excessive display of enthusiasm.The populace of the Merman Kingdom seemed fully willing to accept our son as the new prince. In fact, some appeared so fervent that they might have even preferred to see the Merman King replaced immediately.After all, this newly designated prince had been proclaimed the successor to the deity they so ardently worshipped. It was therefore unsurprising that their fervor towards the new prince reached such intense levels.Another significant complication arose from the presence of individuals who harbored malicious intentions towards the new prince.

The intention wasn't to harm the new prince, but rather to arrange marriages with their own daughters.

Even though those daughters were already adults, and the prince was merely a newborn...

It was truly terrifying how intense fanaticism could push individuals to such extremes.

Nevertheless, I managed to maneuver through every obstacle, paving the way for my son.

In the final analysis, a sense of emptiness remained, as events were unfolding precisely as Aquaron had envisioned.

"It's all his fault, still," I couldn't help but utter in complaint.