The journey from the palace to the borders of my property was made without haste, accompanied by the royal entourage. As we moved away from the architectural boundaries of the capital, the underwater terrain opened into vast plains covered by exotic vegetation that swayed rhythmically with the bottom currents.
I rode one of the marine creatures provided by the palace, feeling the subtle difference in handling the animal beneath the density of the water. Beside me, the King of the Fish-Men guided his own course naturally, pointing out the geographical boundaries that were now under my full legal responsibility.
Looking back, I saw my companions advancing with the same firmness. Rai'kanna and Lyannis followed shortly behind, observing the great expanses of artificial reefs that served as territorial dividers. Scarlett and Vespera flanked the rear, keeping their eyes focused on the movements of the scouts providing security for the entourage.
Farther to the left, Liriel helped her assistant hold the rolls of cartographic parchment that insisted on floating due to the movement of the water, while Elara kept a magical measuring device active in the palm of her hand, recording the fertility levels of the muddy soil beneath us.
"These are your lands, Lord Takumi," the King announced, stopping his mount at the top of a rocky elevation from which we could see the entire extent of the property. "From this line onward, everything that grows, prospers, or is extracted belongs to your domain and governance."
I thanked him with a firm nod, dismounting the animal to step directly onto the firm sand of the ocean floor. For the first time since I received this territory, I was observing every detail with the technical attention of a true administrator, rather than merely as a passing warrior.
The difference between land and underwater agriculture became evident within a few minutes of direct observation. Where on the surface we would depend on the cycle of rainfall and the direct quality of the soil, down here the crucial factor was the purity of the hydrostatic currents that brought the nutrients necessary for the plants' development.
I walked toward one of the cultivation trenches, where large nets made of plant fiber held what appeared to be soft coral seeds in full development. Elara quickly approached, kneeling beside me to analyze the texture of the substrate.
"Nutrient retention here works in reverse compared to the surface, Takumi," Elara explained, showing me a small sample of phosphorescent mud. "The plants don't draw energy only through their roots; they absorb the mana dissolved in the water itself as it flows over them. If the current changes direction or becomes polluted, the entire season's harvest could be lost within a few days."
Liriel and her assistant approached shortly afterward, analyzing the magical flows emanating from the plantation.
"This requires an absurd amount of environmental control," Liriel commented, adjusting the focus of her staff. "Any fluctuation in the protective barrier can alter the water temperature, and marine plants are extremely sensitive to heat."
While we discussed the technical aspects, a group of local workers, fish-men wearing work clothes reinforced with stingray leather, timidly approached the entourage, led by an elder with scales grayed by age. The King made a gesture of introduction, legitimizing my authority before them.
"This is Lord Takumi, the new lord of these lands," the monarch declared to the workers. "He has come personally to understand your routine and ensure the livelihood and growth of this region."
The elder bowed deeply, looking at me with a mixture of respect and justified concern.
"It is an honor to welcome our lord. My name is Taran. The people here work hard, but the past few months have been difficult. Without permanent leadership, the distribution of tools and the control of parasitic algae pests have been compromised."
I approached Taran and firmly shook his hand, breaking the diplomatic ice.
"Don't worry about the past, Taran. I'm here to listen to your needs and structure the work so that no one is disadvantaged. We'll organize this together."
Lyannis smiled upon seeing the workers' positive reaction, approaching elegantly.
"A good ruler begins by listening to those who actually pull the plow... or, in your case, those who clean the nets."
Scarlett and Vespera remained somewhat farther away, but their imposing presence brought a clear sense of security to the local farmers, showing that the property was now under the direct protection of experienced warriors. Rai'kanna, meanwhile, crossed her arms and observed the vastness of the plains with an analytical gaze.
"The potential of this place is immense, Takumi, but the manual labor required to cover this entire area will demand a militarized shift organization," Rai'kanna pondered, approaching me. "The sea does not forgive the lazy."
The realization quickly struck me as I listened to Taran's reports and the girls' observations. I clearly understood, with mathematical precision, that managing that complex of underwater lands would be a logistical challenge far greater than any property I had ever managed on the surface. The rules of physics, economics, and daily labor there were completely different from everything I knew.
I looked at the King, who wore an understanding smile, knowing exactly the weight of the responsibility I had just taken on. I then looked at my companions and at the hopeful faces of the workers who depended on my decisions to prosper.
"Your Majesty," I began, turning toward the monarch with complete determination in my voice. "I intended only to conduct a quick inspection, but I see that the work here requires exclusive dedication if we want real results before the war advances. I have decided to stay here for an entire month, learning every detail and restructuring this production from the ground up."
The King nodded with deep satisfaction, patting me on the shoulder before preparing his entourage to return to the capital, officially leaving us in control. With the decision made and the team assembled, the chapter of our stay in the depths truly began, focused on transforming that territory into an indestructible bastion of supplies for the future.