Chapter 118
"To witness a better world."
"To see it with your own eyes, hear it with your own ears, and feel it with your own heart."
"One day, I will show it to you."
Saint Roselith Seraphina could not tolerate Tuli's matter-of-fact acceptance of reality.
Nor could she accept the principles he had chosen to live by.
Her anger was not directed solely at Tuli.
The true target of her frustration was this entire world.
A world where ordinary people were forced to compromise with evil simply to survive.
A world where justice itself had become distorted.
"I'll let this matter go."
Her voice was calm, but the coldness within it was unmistakable.
"However, if there is a next time… or a time after that…"
"Whether it is the illegal arms trade, human trafficking, or any other crime."
"I will show no mercy."
"Absolutely none."
Seraphina already understood that she could not arrest Tuli.
At least, not for the things he had confessed today.
As much as she hated admitting it, nothing he had done violated any law that the World Government actually enforced.
The slave trade still existed openly throughout the world.
Seraphina wanted to eradicate it.
But if she truly intended to do so, then the source of the problem was obvious.
The Celestial Dragons.
The largest buyers and beneficiaries of slavery.
Arresting Tuli would accomplish nothing.
Especially when compared to those who profited from the system on a far greater scale.
The only thing she could do now was continue pushing for reform within the World Government.
Although she knew the chances of success were nearly nonexistent.
Even among the World Nobles, the Roselith Family did not possess the authority to dictate every decision made within Mary Geoise.
"You mean…?"
Tuli stared at her in disbelief.
He genuinely had not expected his words to reach her.
"Spring Queen Town is under my protection from this day forward."
Seraphina's silver eyes locked onto his.
"But remember this."
"If I ever discover you using my name to oppress others…"
"If I ever see you abusing the authority I grant you…"
"Even once."
"I will personally cut you down."
As she spoke, Seraphina slowly rose from her seat.
The sound of her boots echoed across the wooden deck.
Her hand moved toward the sword resting at her waist.
With a soft metallic whisper, Winter Solstice emerged from its sheath.
The blade reflected the crimson hues of the setting sun.
Its silver-white edge radiated a chilling brilliance.
In the fading evening light, it resembled a shard of frozen moonlight.
The sword stopped beside Tuli's shoulder.
Its edge remained perfectly still.
"Do you accept?"
The surrounding air seemed to freeze.
Tuli swallowed hard.
"If I violate your will, may the heavens bear witness and punish me."
"I swear it."
His answer came without hesitation.
Tuli was not truly evil.
He was simply a man who had spent his life trapped between survival and morality.
Despite everything he had done, a fragment of his original ideals still remained.
"Remember those words."
Seraphina studied him carefully.
She could tell he was speaking honestly.
It was not that she approved of his methods.
Far from it.
However, she also understood that people like Tuli would be necessary if she wished to change the world in the future.
Slowly, she lowered Winter Solstice and returned it to its sheath.
The sharp metallic sound echoed briefly before disappearing into the evening breeze.
"Now tell me."
"Where did the Kairoseki in Saint Rosward's possession originate?"
This was the question she truly wanted answered.
According to official records, the origins of Kairoseki had always been treated as highly classified information.
Only fragments of information could be found within restricted government archives.
Tuli immediately nodded.
"I believe Saint Rosward's Kairoseki most likely came from resources diverted from World Government reserves."
He paused briefly.
"My Lady, have you ever heard of the isolated nation known as Wano Country?"
Seraphina nodded.
"Continue."
"Kairoseki originates from Wano Country."
"It is a unique mineral found only within that nation."
"Years ago, after Kaido seized control of Wano, the trade of Kairoseki gradually expanded."
"Large quantities began flowing into the Underworld."
"The World Government secretly purchased enormous amounts through various intermediaries."
"That is where most government Kairoseki reserves come from."
"Of course, I was never directly involved in those transactions."
"These conclusions are based on information gathered through Underworld contacts and years of observation."
"But if you doubt my words, your position should allow you to verify the truth."
Tuli spoke confidently.
His years of dealing with merchants, nobles, and brokers had exposed him to many secrets.
Seraphina frowned.
"So what you're saying is this?"
"Kaido's forces mine Kairoseki."
"The World Government purchases it."
"Then corrupt officials steal portions of those reserves and sell them back into the Underworld."
"Creating a continuous cycle?"
"Exactly."
Tuli nodded without hesitation.
"The system is rotten from top to bottom."
Silence followed.
Seraphina was genuinely stunned.
Kairoseki was one of the most strategically important resources in the world.
Its ability to suppress Devil Fruit users made it invaluable.
Yet the people responsible for controlling it treated it as little more than another source of profit.
The absurdity was almost laughable.
It was as though both sides of a war were secretly selling weapons to one another while pretending to be enemies.
A cold sea breeze swept across the deck.
The ship gently rocked upon the waves.
Above them, the last remnants of sunset painted the horizon crimson and gold.
Tuli broke the silence.
"My Lady."
"There is something else I wish to say."
"It may sound treasonous."
Seraphina looked at him.
"The era of the Celestial Dragons is approaching its end."
His voice was low.
Yet his conviction was unmistakable.
Seeing Seraphina's expression remain calm, he continued.
"I have always wondered why someone like you became a Marine."
"You are clearly part of the ruling class."
"You possess influence beyond imagination."
"And yet you choose to stand among those tasked with protecting ordinary people."
"Why?"
"Have some among the World Nobles begun to realize the danger ahead?"
"Have they started preparing for change?"
The question lingered between them.
"I already know their era is fading."
Seraphina's response was immediate.
"What I don't understand is why someone who sees the same truth continues serving them."
"Why remain beneath the Celestial Dragons?"
"In my eyes, dignity still matters."
Tuli smiled bitterly.
"Because a dying beast is still dangerous."
"Spring Queen Town stands too close to the center of power."
"Until the old order collapses completely, survival requires compromise."
Then he looked directly at her.
"What about you, Lady Seraphina?"
"You are connected to them."
"You benefit from the same system."
"So why oppose it?"
"Do you wish to reform the World Nobles?"
"Or have you abandoned them entirely?"
It was a bold question.
Perhaps too bold.
Yet Seraphina did not become angry.
Instead, she gazed toward the distant horizon.
Toward a future only she could see.
"There is no complicated reason."
Her voice was quiet.
Yet every word carried absolute certainty.
"I simply follow my heart."
"My conscience refuses to allow me to stand by and do nothing."
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.
The ocean winds continued to howl.
The waves rolled endlessly beneath the setting sun.
Then Seraphina finally turned away.
"Those who wish to leave Queen Town will be allowed to do so."
She glanced toward the nearby Marine officer.
"Bruce."
"You will personally oversee the process."
"I want everything handled fairly."
Bruce immediately straightened.
"Yes, Lady Seraphina!"
As the Marine officer saluted, the final rays of sunlight disappeared beyond the horizon.
Night had arrived.
And with it, the beginning of a new chapter for Spring Queen Town.
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