Access the Royal Palace.

"This is it. The Royal Palace of Coral Caelum, home to King Agam and Queen Iri. People from nearby towns often come here just to gaze upon these walls, though to speak with King and Queen directly is quite the honour. Fortunately for you, it's far from impossible." Kailani speaks to your group as she holds an arm out quite dramatically, perhaps in hope that you'll be in awe. Though she then descends down until the fins of her tail brush against the seafloor. "They're actually quite kind, and are willing to listen to pressing concerns from our people, granted they have time, and the issues seem important enough."

"You still have that signet ring," Snow says. "Perhaps that will help."

"It couldn't hurt." You stare at the ring binding your finger--two wolf heads embracing a vibrant green, square gemstone bordered by the thinnest golden trim. Tol'vuus, also unfortunately known as the Ring of Sucking. "Unless they know enough about Tivera to know that I'm still a wanted man. Then things will be much worse."

"While the people here tolerate tourists, especially those who do take interesting in surface cultures, the actual politics of Nureteru are rather distant from your kingdoms and empires. Not only are we physically far away, but we also care little for drama outside the sea," Kailani explains. She then slams down the blunt end of her trident against the stone beneath her, sending out a shockwave of water that ripples outward. "Stay close to me. I'll explain everything."

Heeding her words, you, Candy, and Snow follow behind as she approaches two elite guards who block entry to the front gate. The set of tall double doors look difficult to move, though the men who protect it appear more than tall and strong enough. The mermen are garbed in more armour than you've seen a merfolk wear, though it consists mostly of plates of metal, or perhaps a material you've yet to see, covering key parts of their bodies, with the only completely concealed parts bring their faces via helmets. How they dress reminds you a little of Niki. It's likely that wearing too much armour down here will only make it difficult to swim.

"Halt," the men say in unison as they both form a cross by blocking entry with a matching set of crimson tridents.

Meanwhile, Candy glances over to you and Snow. "I've got a spell that might prove handy," she whispers.

"What is it?" you ask back.

Clapping her hands together, she musters up some mana to conjure up the spell in question. As she says the words, "Telepathic Link," she throws her palms forwards, and wisping bands of light surround all three of you. You hope this isn't some kind of dark enchantment, because immediately, you can feel it prod at your mind. There's a strange soothing sensation after that, like deep down you feel less alone. Such a feeling makes sense a moment later when you hear that you're now sharing the inside of your head with a couple additional residents. "And there we go," comes Candy's voice inside of your mind.

"You're right. This will certainly be useful," Snow replies, also telepathically. "Good thinking."

"D'aww. And you're a natural."

You try it for yourself. "All we need to do is think the message we want to send, and anyone else sharing the link receives it, yeah?"

"That's right. And now I can tell you my funniest jokes, and there's no escape!"

"Oh. Great."

"Greetings. I am Kailani." Your mermaid is conversing with the guards up ahead. "From Dolphin Division 3, reporting in. I've come to seek audience with the King and Queen in regards to the stopping of the Witch of Decay, and the man who did so. I believe they'd wish to see--"

"You believe to know what they wish?" one man asks. "If you kept proper track of time, you'd know they'd be just sitting down for lunch."

"Wow. What an ass, huh?" Candy comments in your mind.

"The Witch of Decay?" The other guard speaks up. "I don't know. They'd likely want to hear as soon as possible, even if they don't choose to meet with them yet. We should at least send word. If this is true, we have quite the hero among us."

Candy wiggles her finger. "That's right. We're busy bees, so you might just miss us if you send us away now."

The first guard grunts. "Fine. I'll tell them myself. But if this is a trick, I'll have you all sent to the Trench right along with the Witch. Even you, Kailani." Then along with his companion, the tridents are pulled away, and he grabs hold of the massive door to heave one side slowly open. His tailfin snaps, and he darts off with incredible speed into the Royal Palace.

You're left waiting at the door, rather awkwardly with the other guard.

Candy speaks up first. "So, what can the queen say when she finishes with the king that a fisherman can also say when he finishes a trip?"

The guard looks around confused. "Oh, uh. What?"

She brings her hands a few feet apart. "It was this big!"

"Do not!" Kailani snaps back at her.

"You can't arrest me if it's a compliment! See, I was suggesting that the king has a massive--"

Suddenly, the guard bursts into a fit of laughter. He holds onto his helmet, as if perhaps wanting to wipe tears from his eyes though is unable. "Oh... Hahaha, th-that's hilarious! I can't even... Oh wow."

Candy honks her nose. "See? He gets it."

Snow brings a hand to her lips and glances around for a moment, deep in thought. "If merfolk can make it disappear and reappear at-will, does it just like... suddenly pop into existence?" she asks quietly.

"I'm not gonna lie, it sounds weird, but that would actually be really useful," you comment.

"That's true. I guess I'd make us of that too."

Candy laughs. "What an idea! Everyone walking around specifically without pants, cuz there's nothing there anyway."

Kailani can't help but stare at your group. After a moment, she cracks a smile, but turns as movement appears back in the doorway.

The tall, rough merman has returned. "Hrmm. They both wish to speak with you before they eat," he says simply.

"Aye aye." Kailani salutes yet again. "Come on, friends. We shouldn't take this honour lightly."