Of course, while Baichuan, Shanks, and Buggy were far stronger than ordinary soldiers, the three of them alone couldn't possibly handle hundreds of enemy troops by themselves.
In the end, they still needed the help of the Mole Kingdom's soldiers to finish the battle. But Baichuan didn't go so far as to wipe out all the enemy troops; after all, they had already been defeated. Whether they stayed or not didn't matter anymore.
This battle completely changed General Greenshill's opinion of Baichuan.
After seeing Baichuan fight off dozens of soldiers by himself, even Greenshill had to admit that such strength was beyond his capabilities.
"What I said earlier was wrong. Your strength truly deserves our respect."
General Greenshill said sincerely, apologizing with genuine humility.
"Hmm, since you're apologizing so sincerely, I'll forgive you then."
"Princess, I'll have someone escort you back to the capital immediately. While you were gone, His Majesty nearly went mad with worry; he was even preparing to formally declare war on the Colon Kingdom!"
"That won't do! I have to get back to the palace right away."
Katherine didn't want to become the trigger for a war between two nations. If that happened, she would never be able to face her people or the soldiers who might die because of her.
"Please rest assured, Your Highness. I'll have a carriage prepared immediately, along with a squad of soldiers to escort you back to the capital."
"The carriage is fine, but there's no need for soldiers. With us by her side, the princess is perfectly safe."
"That won't do! The princess must be personally escorted by our men!"
Hearing Baichuan's words, General Greenshill immediately objected.
"Tell him yourself. He's too stubborn for me to convince."
Baichuan said to Katherine, knowing full well he couldn't change Greenshill's mind with words alone.
"Okay."
Katherine pulled Greenshill aside and whispered something to him. No one knew exactly what she said, but the general's face kept shifting expressions, like he was riding a roller coaster.
In the end, he reluctantly agreed to Baichuan's arrangement, but the look he gave Baichuan afterward was strange.
"Hey… what did you say to him?" Baichuan asked.
"Secret."
Katherine replied with a mischievous grin.
Since she wasn't going to say anything more, Baichuan didn't press the matter.
Whatever she said probably wasn't in his favor anyway.
Greenshill had tried to convince Katherine to stay the night and rest, but she refused.
Now that she was back in her own country, she couldn't wait to see her father.
Since the princess declined, Greenshill didn't insist. He prepared an extravagant, oversized carriage and sent them on their way.
"General, what exactly did Princess Katherine say to make you agree to let a group of strangers escort her to the capital?"
His adjutant asked as the carriage grew smaller in the distance.
Greenshill's expression changed.
"That's a secret. Don't ask again."
On the way back to the capital, their journey was far easier than the escape from the Colon Kingdom.
Not only did they not have to travel on foot, but they also passed freely through every city.
Each city lord presented them with lavish gifts and delicious meals along the way.
"Your country is different from the Colonial Kingdom."
Baichuan said, gazing out the carriage window at the peaceful streets and smiling people.
"How so?" Katherine asked.
"The peace and stability here are genuine, not something just put on for show.
In the Colon Kingdom, things may look calm on the surface, but that's just a cover for their darkness."
"You're right. The Mole Kingdom is a good place."
Even Buggy joined the conversation. He was covered in gemstones, all gifts from citizens for the princess, which she had passed on to him, since she didn't need them.
But Buggy very much did, and now that he had profited so handsomely, he was naturally eager to praise her.
"If I could, I'd love to stay here forever,"
Buggy said, dreaming aloud of a future where he wore gold and silver, surrounded by treasures from all over the world.
"Then stay. No one's stopping you. I'm sure the captain would even permit you."
Buggy instantly snapped out of his fantasy.
"How could I get lost in these petty gains? My dream is to follow the captain and conquer the Grand Line!"
"Haha, Buggy, do you even believe your own words?" Baichuan teased.
"Why wouldn't I? Listen here, Baichuan, you can insult my character, but don't you dare insult my dreams!"
"Alright, alright, I believe you."
Seeing Buggy so worked up, Baichuan decided to humor him.
He hadn't expected Buggy to have such lofty ambitions.
As for Baichuan himself, he had no real interest in conquering the Grand Line.
After half a month of travel, they finally arrived at the capital.
Along the way, they were ambushed several times, but each ambush was crushed by Baichuan's group.
"Looks like someone didn't want you returning to the capital."
Baichuan commented.
Katherine had previously mentioned that there was a traitor within their country, and now that seemed all but confirmed.
By now, the news of Princess Katherine's return to the capital was no secret.
The rumor had spread, and those with malicious intent were able to easily track their location.
As soon as they entered the capital, a military escort cleared the way for them to the palace.
"Your capital is splendid."
Baichuan couldn't help but comment in awe.
The city's architecture was dazzling, three-story buildings were everywhere, and he even saw a massive fountain shooting water high into the air.
"I'm not trying to brag, but our capital is without question the most prosperous of the three kingdoms."
The carriage stopped outside the palace; carriages were not allowed inside, and besides, the king himself had come to greet them.
"Father!"
As soon as she saw her father, Katherine burst into tears and ran into his arms, overwhelmed with emotion.
"There, there… my little princess, you've suffered so much."
The king's eyes grew misty with tears.
"Oh, right, Father, these are the warriors who escorted me back safely."
Katherine quickly introduced Baichuan and the others.
"Thank you. Thank you all."
The king tried to bow in gratitude, but Baichuan stopped him. He didn't feel he was worthy of receiving a bow from a king.
"Someone told me the princess would return safely… I didn't believe it. But now I do."
"Someone told you? Who?"
"It was me."
Just then, two figures stepped out from the shadows. The one in front spoke.
"Captain? Vice-Captain?!"
All three, Baichuan, Shanks, and Buggy, cried out in shock.
They couldn't believe it. Why were these two here?