Tamarisk, Arabasta Kingdom.
After finally escaping the enthusiastic crowd, Karl and his crew were at last able to breathe.
"Nelson, you stay here with the men and hold this position. I'm heading to Alubarna alone."
Karl had originally planned to bring his Marines to the capital, but after what just happened, that idea was clearly impractical. If he got swarmed like this at every stop, nothing would ever get done.
Besides, alone he could ride Raven—much faster and far more convenient.
Nelson nodded immediately.
"Yes, sir. We'll remain stationed here. If you need anything, just contact us via Transponder Snail."
Karl nodded. The raven perched on his shoulder quickly enlarged, crouching low to let him mount.
"Gaa!"
Arabasta truly lived up to its reputation as one of the largest nations in the first half of the Grand Line. Even riding Raven, it took ages to cross the desert. The heat was intense—even Raven, who didn't fear heat, wasn't exactly enjoying this.
"Gaaa!"
"Quit whining. Once we arrive, I'll let you drink your fill. Why is it that whenever you transform, all you think about is eating and drinking?"
"Gaaa—!!"
Raven's sudden squawk drew Karl's attention. Narrowing his eyes, Karl spotted a black shape rapidly approaching from the sky.
A bird?
"Stop. He's coming straight for us."
Raven glanced back as if asking, Why not just fight him? But Karl had already recognized the newcomer—there was no hostility.
Raven descended into the desert. The large falcon circling overhead landed as well.
The Guardian of Arabasta
"Who are you?"
The man wore a Middle-Eastern–style headscarf and a long white robe marked with black diamond patterns. His eyes bore distinctive purple, star-shaped markings.
Karl blinked, then touched his own face.
He thought maybe the guy hadn't recognized him because he was wearing a scarf—but no. Karl was wearing nothing but a white suit today, not even his Marine coat.
"You really don't recognize me? …Fine. I'm Karl, Vice Admiral of Marine Headquarters. I'm here to meet King Cobra."
The man inhaled sharply.
So this really was the Marine Hero—and he was here in Arabasta?
"My apologies. I didn't recognize you at first. I am Pell, deputy captain of the royal guard. If you're here to meet His Majesty, I'll escort you."
Karl smiled. "Much appreciated. Raven, follow him."
"Gaa!"
Raven gave Pell a challenging look, as if wanting to race him, but one glance from Karl made him abandon the thought.
Pell was surprised.
"It actually understands you?"
"He's like you—an ability user. After spending years together, we've developed a good rapport."
Raven croaked proudly and rubbed his head against Karl's hand.
Pell transformed into a giant falcon and took off, leading the way. Karl followed on Raven, serene and unmoved by the desert winds.
As expected of the Marine Hero, Pell thought.
The Royal Capital — Alubarna
Soon they arrived at Alubarna, Arabasta's royal capital.
"This is the royal palace. I'll inform His Majesty immediately. Please wait here for a moment."
"Take your time."
Inside the Palace
Nefertari Cobra paced restlessly, troubled by the Dance Powder incident, when Pell's voice called out:
"Your Majesty!"
Cobra nearly jumped. "Pell? You're back already?"
"While patrolling, I encountered the Marine Hero, Karl. He said he's here to see you. I've brought him to the palace."
Cobra's eyes widened.
"Karl? The Marine Hero? Is he here to help us deal with the rebellion…?"
Pell shook his head.
"At first I thought so too, but Marines can't interfere in domestic affairs of World Government member nations. He must have another purpose."
Cobra quickly regained composure.
"Then invite him in at once!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
From a shadowed corner, a blue-haired girl peeked out, excitement shining in her eyes.
The Meeting
"King Cobra, I'm Vice Admiral Karl of Marine Headquarters. It's an honor."
Cobra smiled warmly.
"You're too polite. It's my honor to meet the famed Marine Hero. Please, have a seat."
Karl smiled back. "Then I won't stand on ceremony."
Cobra laughed.
"The newspapers were right. You're every bit as striking in person."
Karl chuckled. "Your Majesty flatters me."
Then Cobra leaned forward, turning serious.
"Pell told me you came specifically to see me. What brings the Marine Hero here personally?"
Karl glanced toward a man dressed like a woman, and then at Pell. Cobra immediately understood.
"Igaram, Pell—leave us for now."
"As you wish, Your Majesty."
Once the room emptied, only Karl and Cobra remained. Karl was about to speak when his gaze flicked toward a shadowed corner.
Oh? Looks like we have an eager little listener…
He didn't expose the eavesdropper. Instead, he began:
"King Cobra, have you heard about the incident at Mary Geoise last year?"
Cobra's expression stiffened.
"I have. I heard Mary Geoise suffered severe losses. This year's Reverie couldn't even be held."
He studied Karl carefully.
"Is the matter you wish to discuss… related to the destruction of Mary Geoise?"
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus (OP)Chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus (OP)Chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read 60 (OP)Chapter ahead on P@treon if you're interested: patreon.com/SwipeSage