It was not that El lacked faith in Hancock.
On the contrary—he trusted her too much.
He knew full well that to satisfy him, she would resort to extremely harsh and cruel methods.
But that was exactly the kind of scene he did not wish to see.
When it came to Amazon Lily, he preferred to rule with gentleness and leniency.
Even to El, Hancock's usual style of governance seemed far too severe and oppressive.
Yet Hancock herself did not see it that way; in fact, she was rather proud of her iron-fisted rule.
But from now on, this island—this nation—belonged to El.
He believed it was time to change how the country operated.
Leading with Hancock's methods would never take this nation to greater heights.
Now that he had formed an alliance with the Kuja Pirates, the responsibility to make Amazon Lily stronger also fell upon his shoulders.
With the strength El's crew possessed now, he was fully capable of guiding and uplifting the entire island.
"Lord El… do you have other plans in mind?" Hancock asked cautiously.
She was torn between anger toward those who had defied her orders and anxiety that their actions might displease El.
"I will speak of my plans later… there is no rush. We can take things slowly," El replied, shaking his head and choosing not to reveal his thoughts just yet.
"For now, show me the assembly hall. I want to see the preparations for the speech I will give this evening."
Hancock had already launched a widespread campaign across the island beforehand.
Relying on her immense power and the fear she had always commanded, she had temporarily silenced all open opposition.
But now that Amazon Lily had effectively changed masters, El—its new ruler, working mostly from the shadows—had to make a public appearance at least once. This stage had been built specifically for that purpose.
"As you command! Everything shall be done exactly as you wish!"
Before El, Hancock was the picture of obedience—a far cry from the tyrant-like figure she had been moments ago.
"What are you lot standing around gaping for?" she snapped, turning back to her ministers. "Lead the way at once!"
"Y-yes… immediately!"
None of the ministers dared utter another word; they hurried to obey.
Escorted by the highest-ranking officials in the land, the two rulers—the former and the future—made their way to the venue.
"Here we are, Lord El," Hancock announced respectfully.
It was a structure resembling a coliseum: vast in size, with tiered seating rising in layers, and a large circular open space in the center. In the past, brutal battles and contests had often been held here.
But today, it had been transformed into the place where El would meet the people of Amazon Lily for the first time.
Hancock had delivered many speeches here during her reign as empress. Now, the ruler had changed, but the stage remained the same.
"Hmm… good," El nodded as he looked around.
The design was unique. The highest and most prominent viewing platform—the seat reserved only for the ruler of Amazon Lily—was distinctly different from the ordinary circular stands.
The acoustics were designed so that even words spoken softly from there would carry clearly to every corner of the venue.
"Your satisfaction is all that matters, my Lord," Hancock said, her head bowed low.
Watching their empress behave with such humility toward a man left the ministers of Amazon Lily stunned and speechless.
Never had they seen anything like it.
Now they understood why Elder Nyon had once been so strongly against Hancock bringing El to the island. The wise old woman had clearly foreseen this very situation.
"Very well. That will be all for now," El said, glancing at the group of ministers.
"Return to your duties. The assembly will be held this afternoon."
"Understood…"
The ministers glanced uneasily at Hancock. Only when she swept her cold, sharp gaze over them did they quickly lower their heads and bow in acknowledgment.
"…Lord El, I must apologize," Hancock said. She knew she had been out of line.
Now that Amazon Lily had changed rulers, every person here should be loyal to El and only El. Yet these foolish people had still looked to her for orders—shaming her in front of him.
"It is fine…" El replied, waving his hand dismissively.
"I understand how they feel. After all, this change happened very suddenly, did it not?"
"Not at all!" Hancock protested.
"Their failure to recognize your greatness and power is in itself a grave mistake! To have such a magnificent opportunity placed before them and not cherish it… that is even worse! You will soon show them what true strength really is, Lord El…"
"Enough, enough…"
El really could not handle how overly devoted and intense she was being.
"Everything must be done step by step. You cannot eat a whole meal in one bite."
"Do not let this upset you any further."
He nodded toward her.
"I know exactly how things have been run here in the past."
"Ah…"
For once, Hancock looked embarrassed. She had never paid much attention to domestic affairs, leaving most matters to her ministers.
From the way El spoke, it seemed he already knew this "secret."
But El remained as calm and unbothered as ever.
"It does not matter."
"Back on my ship… I do much the same thing."
"Knowing how to choose and trust the right people is a skill we must master. If your subordinates are capable and competent, then you deserve to enjoy the peace and leisure, don't you think?"
Hancock agreed wholeheartedly, nodding rapidly.
"Y-yes! You are absolutely right, my Lord!"
El shook his head gently.
"Regardless… I will not be staying on Amazon Lily for very long…"
"Though I will remain a little while longer this time, as circumstances require."
"But in the future… this island, this nation… it will still be yours to lead. And theirs to manage."
"I understand, Lord El," Hancock replied respectfully.
"Good."
El sat down on the highest seat in the arena. Hancock quickly stepped up and stood close behind him.
"Even after I leave, do not go looking for trouble or holding grudges against anyone here. Do you understand?"
El looked straight at her.
Hancock hesitated. It was obvious she had indeed planned to do exactly that.
"Hmm?!" El frowned.
"Y-yes! I understand. I promise."
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