"Indeed, Your Majesty."
Karl pulled a sheet of paper from his coat. On it were a series of distinguished names — the names of World Nobles who had died during the attack on Mary Geoise.
"What's this?"
"This is the list of World Nobles who died during the Mary Geoise incident. There used to be eighteen noble families living in Mary Geoise. Now… only fifteen remain. And even those fifteen have suffered heavy losses."
Nefertari Cobra's breath caught for a moment, as if he had already guessed what Karl was going to say. Still, he pretended otherwise.
"That's unfortunate… but what does that have to do with me?"
Karl smiled lightly.
"Your Majesty, your full name is Nefertari Cobra. The name Nefertari carries a history you already know. Do you really want me to spell it out?"
Cobra's expression tightened.
"So… you already know? That shouldn't be possible for the Marines. Did the World Government tell you?"
"That doesn't matter. What matters is that the Nefertari Family was one of the twenty families that founded the World Government. You and your daughter are descendants of those twenty kings."
Cobra said nothing.
But behind a curtain, Nefertari Vivi froze in shock.
Our family… is part of the original Twenty Kings? Then… am I a World Noble too? Why did Father never tell me?
After a long pause, Cobra sighed.
"Just say what you came to say, Vice Admiral."
Karl put the paper away.
"The World Government hopes you will consider moving to Mary Geoise and becoming one of the World Nobles again. To avoid misunderstandings, they sent me to deliver the message."
"Whether you accept or refuse is entirely your choice. I'm only here to pass along the invitation."
Cobra didn't hesitate this time.
"Please inform the World Government: the duty of the Nefertari Family is to protect Arabasta. I will not abandon my country, nor will I move to Mary Geoise."
Karl nodded calmly.
"I understand. I'll relay your answer."
He rose to leave.
"My mission is complete. I hope you resolve the rebellion quickly and bring peace back to Arabasta."
Cobra stood quickly.
"You came all this way. Please, stay for dinner."
Karl shook his head.
"My men are still waiting at the port. I won't trouble you further."
He turned and left.
The Princess Intervenes
Just outside the palace, a giant duck sprinted toward him.
"Please wait, Karl!"
Karoo screeched to a halt, and Vivi jumped off his back.
"I'm Vivi, the princess of Arabasta! I have important information to tell you!"
Karl crouched and gently patted her sky-blue hair.
"You must be Princess Vivi. Cute kid. What do you want to tell me?"
Vivi's cheeks flushed.
The Marine Hero was tall, handsome, and gentle — if things were different…
She quickly shook off her thoughts and spoke seriously.
"It's about the Warlord Crocodile."
"Oh? What about him?"
"He's been here a long time and is treated as a hero by the people… but I don't trust him. I think everything happening in Arabasta is connected to him — maybe even the Dance Powder incident!"
Karl smiled faintly.
"I suspect him too. But suspicion alone isn't enough. Without proof, I can't arrest a Warlord."
"Why?! Because he's a Warlord?"
"Partly. You care deeply for your country — that's good. But you're still young."
"I'm not a child! I'm already fourteen!"
Karl laughed.
"Only kids say that. Adults say: 'I want it all.'"
Vivi pouted. She'd told her father countless times about Crocodile, but he never believed her. And it hurt.
She looked up at Karl hopefully.
"Then… what can I do?"
Karl brushed away a tear at the corner of her eye.
"For now? Wait. Grow stronger. Grow wiser."
"Then what about you? You're a Marine Hero — you can't just walk away!"
Karl looked at her and said quietly:
"A nation without heroes is tragic.
But a nation that needs heroes… is even more tragic."
Without explaining further, Karl patted Karoo's head, mounted Raven, and flew off.
Vivi stood still, repeating those words in her head.
If Arabasta has no hero… then I'll become that hero!
Crocodile — I'll expose you. One day, I'll drive you out of Arabasta and bring peace back to my country!
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