"They're... they're really retreating?!"
Cross was utterly stunned, his mind blank, seeing Roberts genuinely leading his forces away from Doma City. Brother, you launched such a massive war in the middle of the night, practically an all-out assault, and after both sides fought so fiercely, you just... left? Are you really that decisive? Or perhaps, isn't that a bit too childish?
At this moment, he even had the illusion that his reputation had awed Roberts of the Roberts Legion, frightening him into retreat. But would simply killing a Moria have such a deterrent effect?
"No! No! Roberts's sudden retreat must hide some unknown secret or conspiracy!"
The next second, Cross quickly shook his head, casting aside such arrogant and ridiculous thoughts, feeling a surge of shame. Good thing I didn't say that out loud, or everyone would be laughing their teeth out.
For a great pirate of Roberts's caliber, he'd even dare to challenge Whitebeard Edward Newgate to his face. A Moria at most would make him wary, but not enough to beat a hasty retreat.
At this point, Cross looked at Duke Attawa with a bewildered expression, only to find the latter looking equally bewildered. It turned out not just Cross was dumbfounded; Duke Attawa, Marquis Hebrass, and the other high-ranking officials of the Bion Kingdom were all equally stunned.
Whoosh—
Suddenly, a green signal flare shot into the night sky, bursting with a pop into a shower of fireworks, forming the emblem of the Roberts Legion in green. This was the signal for the Roberts Legion's full retreat, indicating that they were indeed pulling back their entire army.
Cross watched the signal flare in the sky for a moment, then turned to Duke Attawa. "Your Grace, our Marine reinforcements are on their way, and their sole purpose is to deal with the Roberts Legion. If you're willing to cooperate, why don't we find a quiet place to discuss this properly?"
Upon hearing this, everyone's gaze turned to Duke Attawa, eager to hear the future king's opinion. Duke Attawa hesitated for a moment, then slowly said, "Follow me, we'll discuss this thoroughly!"
In the wilds outside Doma City, the Roberts Legion began a full retreat, abandoning all the hilltops they had previously captured. Some pirates had just painstakingly dragged field artillery up the mountains, preparing to bombard Doma City, but once the retreat signal went out, they had to drag the cannons back down.
Fortunately, the Roberts Legion maintained strict discipline. Though they were pirates, they were more orderly than most national armies. While they found the sudden retreat strange, they didn't panic. The Roberts Legion pirates retreated in an orderly fashion, constantly deploying men to guard against any pursuit from the Bion Kingdom.
A long procession moved along the scarred, winding mountain path, countless torches lit, illuminating the dark route. Roberts, holding Gae Bulg, walked at the very end of the line, with Reepel, transformed back into his human form, beside him.
"Commander, isn't this retreat a bit too... childish?" Reepel hesitated for a long time before finally asking.
"I thought you'd wait until we were back at camp to ask that, but I guess you couldn't hold it in. You truly are an impatient fellow!" Roberts glanced at Reepel, shaking his head helplessly. He then reached up and took off his iron-grey helmet with gilded patterns, revealing a handsome middle-aged man's face with long, black hair draped over his shoulders. He appeared refined, unlike a battle-hardened general or a notorious great pirate; instead, he seemed like an extraordinary nobleman, or a highly learned scholar.
"Oonk-oonk~ You know me, Commander!" Reepel chuckled sheepishly, scratching his head.
"Alright, first tell me, that Marine brat in Doma City just now, he's the same Marine brat you encountered who killed Moria, isn't he?" Roberts asked.
"That's right. When I encountered him at Oneway Port during the day, I sensed how troublesome he was. Then, after Yorick's reminder that he was the Marine brat who killed Moria, I knew it wouldn't be easy to win against him quickly," Reepel said in a deep voice. "Actually, I intended to deal with him in one go, but when I saw the large Marine fleet at sea, to avoid being surrounded by even more Marines, I feigned an attack and then retreated!"
"Good retreat. There's no need to argue over a moment's pride! He knocked you down with one punch. Although he didn't cause much harm, that strength is extraordinary; he's definitely not someone to be dealt with easily!" Roberts nodded, highly approving of Reepel's actions.
"But don't worry, Commander, the next time we meet, I'll definitely tear his bones apart!" Reepel looked back towards Doma City, his expression turning somewhat ferocious.
"I'll be looking forward to it!"
At this moment, Roberts's expression was unreadable. He calmly stated, "However, now that that brat has reached Doma City, the Marines must have also received the news. And with the Bion Kingdom gaining that brat's combat power, the variables have increased significantly. So, we might not be able to successfully invade Doma City before the Marines arrive. That's why I retreated decisively."
"If I had stubbornly continued the attack, and the battle became a stalemate, once the Marines arrived, we would face the risk of a pincer attack and a two-front war!"
At this point, Roberts paused, a smile appearing on his face. He continued, "Besides, we have a contingency plan inside Doma City. Those noble faction guys wanted to team up with us to carve up the Bion Kingdom. It's time for them to do their part!"
"But, given the current situation... would they be willing?" Reepel asked doubtfully.
"Why wouldn't they be willing? They've already done it once!" Roberts said mockingly, "If they hadn't helped us smuggle a large amount of explosives into the Oneway Port fortress and sent suicide squads to ignite them and blow up the fortress, we wouldn't have been able to invade the Bion Kingdom so smoothly!"
"If those noble faction guys are unwilling to take risks, I'll use another card. I'll have Siren assassinate that brat, cutting off the Bion Kingdom's intention to ally with the Marines, and stir up internal chaos in the Bion Kingdom. They'll have no choice but to cooperate, and if they don't want to expose themselves, they'll be completely exposed!"
"Hehe~ They want to carve up the Bion Kingdom with us but are unwilling to show it openly, claiming they're afraid of public opposition. They just want to hide behind us and play some schemes in the dark. It's truly: wanting to be a whore but also erecting a memorial arch! This time, I'll force their hand!"
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