Just as the two boys were locked in their argument, a sound of orderly, heavy footsteps suddenly came from the distance. The sound grew closer, pounding on everyone's heartstrings like war drums. The noise in the streets instantly quieted. Everyone held their breath, turning almost in unison toward the source of the sound.
Looking through the window, they saw a squad of fully armed soldiers swiftly moving through the street. Clad in gleaming armor and holding sharp spears, their steps were perfectly synchronized. Sunlight reflected off the armor with a dazzling glare, and the spear tips glinted with a cold light. Wherever this well-trained unit passed, dust swirled, and the ground seemed to tremble slightly.
Leading them was King Riku, cloaked in a crimson cape. The King's expression was grave, his brow furrowed. Holding a gleaming longsword, he led the Royal Guard, galloping toward the docks. His bright red cape flapped noisily in the wind, standing out starkly in the sunlight. The King's eyes were firm and sharp, his lips pressed into a tight line, revealing the resolute determination in his heart at this moment.
"Look! That's His Majesty the King!" Kyros's eyes widened in surprise, his voice trembling with disbelief. He involuntarily took a step forward, his hands gripping the window frame so tightly his knuckles turned white. "He's personally leading troops to the docks!" Kyros's voice held both shock and a measure of respect.
Carue curled his lip disdainfully, a mocking arc forming at the corner of his mouth. "Hmph, what good will that do? That's a great pirate with an 800 million Berry bounty..." He crossed his arms, leaning against the wall, his eyes full of dismissal.
But upon closer observation, one could see his fingers unconsciously tapping against his arm, betraying his inner unease.
Kyros's gaze, however, remained fixed on the King's receding figure. A complex light flickered in his eyes—astonishment mixed with a degree of admiration. "No, Carue. At least he dares to stand up to protect this country..."
"Hmph!" Carue was momentarily speechless and could only snort to express his displeasure. He turned his face away, but his eyes involuntarily darted toward the window. A slight frown creased his brow, revealing his inner turmoil.
As the news of King Riku leading the Royal Guard toward the docks spread like wildfire, the chaotic streets gradually calmed. Vendors stopped hawking their wares, pedestrians halted to watch, and even arguing citizens fell silent. People stopped what they were doing and began to watch the situation unfold. A peculiar tension hung in the air, as if even breathing had become cautious.
The previously agitated atmosphere was replaced by a strange sense of anticipation. The buzz of street talk faded, replaced by a tense silence. Everyone wanted to see what outcome the King's personal intervention would bring.
King Riku's actions seemed to inject a shot of adrenaline into the turbulent kingdom. The people held their breath, awaiting this confrontation that would determine the nation's fate. Children were held tight in their mothers' arms, while the elderly clasped their hands together in silent prayer.
The air was thick with a tense, expectant atmosphere, as if time itself had slowed in this moment.
The cry of seagulls in the distance sounded particularly shrill, and even the rustle of leaves in the breeze was clearly audible.
By now, the pirate ship had docked. Its massive hull cast a shadow that enveloped the entire dock, and the pirate flag flapping on its mast snapped loudly in the wind.
With the sound of heavy footsteps, Kaido's towering figure appeared on the deck. Sunlight shone on his bronze skin, reflecting a metallic sheen. His trademark demon horns cast menacing shadows in the sunlight, causing the crowd on the dock to involuntarily retreat a few steps. Kaido's gaze was as sharp as a beast's; wherever it swept, people lowered their heads, not daring to meet his eyes.
Kaido paid no heed to the surrounding commotion; such reactions were routine for him. He descended the gangplank with steady strides, each step making the wooden dock groan under the strain. His footsteps were like dull thunder, each one striking at people's hearts. The crew members following him also wore solemn expressions, maintaining absolute silence.
Soon, Kaido and his men stood on the dock. As they came to a halt, the entire dock fell into a deathly silence, save for the continued sound of waves lapping against the shore.
And now, standing some ten meters in front of Kaido, were King Riku and his Royal Guard. Seeing Kaido's gaze, most of the men involuntarily took a few steps back. Only King Riku remained standing tall, his back straight. Though a fine sweat had broken out on his forehead, his eyes remained firm.
"Lord... Lord Kaido," King Riku summoned his courage, took a few steps forward, and addressed Kaido. "The treasures of this country are yours to take. Please... please spare its people." Though his voice trembled slightly, each word was spoken clearly and with force. After saying this, he bowed deeply, his cape brushing the ground.
"You are this country's king?" Kaido said, looking at the man before him whose face was pale but whose eyes were exceptionally firm. His voice rumbled like thunder, echoing across the dock. As he spoke, he narrowed his eyes slightly, as if assessing the man's worth.
"Yes. I am Riku Dold III, the king of this country," King Riku replied to Kaido. He straightened up, his right hand unconsciously tightening on the hilt of his sword, his knuckles white from the grip. Though facing the dreaded great pirate, he still maintained a king's dignity.
"Wororororo. King Riku, you're not bad. In this world full of trash, you barely qualify as a man." Kaido looked at King Riku, a half-smile playing on his lips. "Don't worry. I have no interest in this poor country." His laughter was like a peal of thunder, causing the surrounding soldiers to step back involuntarily.
"Th... thank you, Lord Kaido," King Riku said with evident relief upon hearing Kaido's words, his tense shoulders visibly relaxing. He lifted a hand to wipe the sweat from his brow, his voice growing steadier. "Then... what brings you here?"
"My target is Green Bit, next to Dressrosa." Kaido stated directly, without the slightest concealment. As he said this, his eyes grew sharp, and his right hand moved unconsciously to the weapon at his waist.
"Green Bit? Your... your target is the Tontatta Tribe?" As the king of Dressrosa, King Riku naturally knew of the small folk. His expression suddenly turned complicated, his brow furrowing, revealing an inner struggle. The Tontatta Tribe had always been allies of Dressrosa, a fact that placed him in a difficult position.
"Exactly. Since you know, then lead the way. Take me there." Kaido said bluntly, his tone brooking no argument. He took a step forward, and with that step, the air around them seemed to freeze.
"This..." King Riku's expression twisted in conflict. Then, as if having come to a decision, he said, "Then, please follow me." His voice was low and heavy, as if each word required all his strength. After making this choice, the light in his eyes dimmed, but for the safety of his people, he had no other choice.
Clearly, forced to choose between the Tontatta Tribe and Dressrosa, King Riku chose his own people. As he turned, his cape cut a heavy arc through the air, his back appearing especially solitary.
***
Dive deeper into the story with 30+ advance chapters, available now on Patreon!patreon.com/CNBLUE
If you're enjoying the novel, please consider leaving a review. Your support is crucial and helps the story grow immensely. Thank you!