After handing Joy Boy over to Toki and Lily, Michael boarded the ship with Donquixote, leaving Elbaf for Dressrosa.
Unlike the last time when they took a cargo ship directly from Dressrosa to Elbaf, this time, Donquixote changed ships twice in between, and the final leg of the journey was on Donquixote's flagship, boldly letting everyone know his identity.
"After the last trip to Elbaf, I felt that being so straightforward would eventually reveal some clues... Even if it's not related to the rebels, letting the Great Kingdom know about my close ties with Elbaf isn't a good thing." Donquixote stood at the bow of the ship, sighing at Michael.
"Since the Great Kingdom has listed me as a key observation target, I should be more cautious."
"You did the right thing; caution is the mother of safety." Michael patted his shoulder, "Now is not the time for open confrontation; we still need more allies and more resources... and it seems that this princess named Imu can provide us with enough help."
"Let's hope so..." Donquixote indeed wore a worried expression, "What if after meeting you, she weighs the pros and cons and ultimately chooses to betray us? What then?"
"That would mean we were fortunate enough not to be chosen by such foolish allies, which is actually a good thing." A sharp glint flashed in Michael's eyes, "Stop worrying, Donquixote; trust me, this woman will definitely not betray us..."
"Why?"
"Because for some people, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." Michael chuckled softly, then said to Donquixote, "Continuing to be a dog for others or becoming your own master, even if the latter comes with various life-threatening events... but would you really choose the former?"
Donquixote was taken aback, then fell into deep thought.
Time flowed past as Donquixote pondered.
Just as they were about to arrive in Dressrosa, Donquixote let out a breath.
"I've figured it out! Choosing the former is absolutely impossible."
"Oh? Why?"
"Although becoming my own master will be a long process filled with potential dangers that could take my life... but continuing to be a dog for the Great Kingdom will also come with various dangers... after all, I'm not a Lunarian, nor am I a Bucaneer."
"Hahaha! It seems your brain hasn't been completely muddled with cement!" Michael laughed heartily, "Being a dog is nowhere near as satisfying as being a person... So, whoever wants us to be their dogs, we should bite their throats off even if we have to use our mouths."
...
Dressrosa, Donquixote's palace.
As the first heir of another kingdom, Nerona Imu was naturally well taken care of here.
Not to mention, she had come to Dressrosa as an investigator of the Great Kingdom.
In the eyes of others in the palace, this beautiful princess with blue long hair and red eyes was a harbinger of death, capable of causing everyone to meet their doom at any moment.
Both respectful and fearful.
This made Imu, who always aspired to be a wise ruler, feel a bit conflicted.
She was actually here to form an alliance...
But such words could not be spoken in public.
And most importantly, even if she did speak, no one would believe her.
So for the next few days, Imu simply let things be, allowing these people to go about their business.
She even deliberately showed an evil and malicious smile in front of a few little maids in the palace, eventually scaring one of them to tears.
Thus, during the time waiting for Donquixote's return, Imu spent her time teasing the little maids and learning about the local people's livelihoods in Dressrosa.
To be honest, she initially had a poor impression of Donquixote.
Although making the little people slaves was a decision of the Great Kingdom, Dressrosa and the Donquixote family were always the beneficiaries.
However, after arriving in Dressrosa, she discovered that the so-called "slave" status was almost just a gimmick.
Aside from having the little people live underground and within rock walls, they were essentially no different from the citizens of Dressrosa.
Moreover, Imu sensed a protective meaning behind this differential treatment.
Thus, it could be concluded that Donquixote and the six-winged being who called himself "the End" were basically in cahoots.
"I really... look forward to seeing him again."
Standing by the window, Imu murmured to herself.
At that moment, the little maid she had teased and scared earlier rushed in, glanced at her, and immediately bowed her head like a quail, saying:
"Pr-Princess Imu! Donquixote has returned! Please proceed to the spire for a meeting."
"The spire?"
Imu raised an eyebrow and looked through the window at the tower located deep within the palace.
Even though Imu could move freely within the palace, she was still not allowed to enter that tower.
It seemed... that place was used for discussing matters not meant for outsiders.
In other words...
The End has truly arrived.
Imu steadied her mind, turned around, and maintained her flawless and elegant princess demeanor.
"I understand... lead the way."
"Yes..."
The little maid, with her head down, hurriedly scurried ahead on her short legs.
As they approached the spire, the little maid turned back and gave Imu another deep bow, nearly pressing her face to her knees, before turning and fleeing.
Imu didn't mind.
The guards outside expressionlessly opened the door a third of the way, and as soon as Imu entered, they immediately closed the door behind her.
Imu instinctively observed her surroundings.
Bright, with plenty of lights lit.
There were no windows, but a faint sensation of air currents hinted at concealed ventilation shafts.
Looking up at the spiraling staircase, Imu lifted the hem of her signature white princess dress and ascended step by step.
Floor after floor after floor.
When she reached the fifth level, two men appeared before her.
It was none other than Donquixote and Michael.
"Donquixote, I'm relieved to see you've arrived safely," Imu greeted with a smile before immediately fixing her gaze on Michael beside him.
"At last... I finally see you again."
"See me?"
Michael was startled—Imu had seen him before?!
Could it be that he had traveled through time to 800 years ago...
Had Imu come too?!
However, her response made him exhale in relief.
"Of course... I witnessed your heroic display at Mary Geoise with my own eyes back then."