"Please do not harm Princess Scarlet!" the man roared.
"Cyrus, it's alright — they are not bad people! This gentleman just saved my life!" Scarlet waved at him.
"Cyrus, I've hurt my foot — come and help me, please!"
Cyrus!
Hearing that name, Grimm finally placed who he was. If he was right, this man was Rebecca's father… and this girl, Scarlet, was Rebecca's mother!
"Princess Scarlet, isn't it?" Grimm smiled. "Perfect. I have matters I wish to discuss with your King."
"What? Who exactly are you?" Cyrus asked, frowning.
"That is not for you to know. Just take me to him."
"…Very well."
Since Grimm had saved the princess, Cyrus didn't argue. He jumped down from the ship. Five minutes later, he returned rowing a small boat.
They were only a few hundred meters from the shore. Within minutes, as Cyrus beached the boat on Dressrosa's rocky coast, they saw that the shore was already crowded with citizens.
When Princess Scarlet stepped down from the boat, supported by Cyrus, the people cheered in unison.
"Thank goodness! Long live King Riku!"
"Thank goodness Princess Scarlet is safe!"
"Our King loves his people as his own children — that is why we are blessed like this!"
Seeing his daughter limping, King Riku called out urgently to his attendants. "Doctors! Bring doctors here at once!"
As two medics in white coats stepped forward to take care of her, Scarlet leaned close to her father's ear and whispered anxiously.
"Father… that man saved me from the pirates… but I have a feeling he is a pirate too. And… I feel like I have seen him somewhere before."
As she spoke, she deliberately pointed toward Grimm.
Though alarmed by her words, King Riku kept his expression calm and walked over to greet him formally.
"Thank you all for saving my daughter. Please, come with me to the palace so I may properly express my gratitude."
Grimm bowed gracefully — behaving like a perfect gentleman — drawing fresh cheers from the crowd.
"Great King Riku, it was only my duty. Holy Light shows mercy to the kind and good," he replied politely.
Meanwhile, Cyrus had jumped off the boat and was standing aside, sweat pouring down his forehead, muttering to himself.
Pontiff Grimm… the man with the latest bounty of 2.5 billion Berries… what in the world is he doing here?!
The three Boa sisters followed Grimm, observing the so‑called royal family.
Compared to the Celestial Dragons, or even the commanders living in the palace on Amazon Lily, their clothing and appearance were incredibly plain.
They dress almost as if they are wearing nothing at all… how bold! Is this really what royalty looks like here?
---
Inside the palace stood King Riku Dold III. Behind him were his two daughters — the eldest, Scarlet, and the younger, Violet — surrounded by rows of guards.
"Prepare a feast—"
"There is no need, Your Majesty. I know your kingdom is not wealthy," Grimm interrupted calmly.
"I came here today to propose a certain arrangement."
King Riku was startled and about to ask who exactly this man was — when Cyrus rushed in looking panic‑stricken.
He whispered quickly into the King's ear. Instantly, cold sweat drenched King Riku's face.
"I simply ask that you send three letters for me," Grimm continued. "I wish to arrange a meeting here with three individuals."
In the inner chambers, Grimm walked to the window and looked out over the landscape of Dressrosa — a poor, even backward nation.
Now fully aware of Grimm's identity thanks to Cyrus, King Riku dared not refuse. Besides, Grimm had saved his daughter's life; he was technically their benefactor.
"Merely sending letters is certainly no problem," the King replied nervously. "But… may I ask who these three people are?"
"Whitebeard. Kaido. And Big Mom."
Grimm spoke those three names casually, as if they were just ordinary passers‑by.
Having spent enough time with Grimm, the Boa sisters were somewhat prepared — yet hearing those names still made their hearts skip a beat.
As for King Riku… his jaw nearly hit the floor. He stood frozen, unable to speak for a long time.
Only Violet — less than ten years old and too young to understand — tugged at Scarlet's sleeve and asked in a sweet, innocent voice.
"Sister… is 'Beard' a person's name too?"
"Whitebeard is a nickname… just a nickname," Scarlet answered, her hand trembling as she held her sister's.
Grimm turned back and smiled at the King.
"Two of my subordinates have a terrible sense of direction. And as you can see, these three girls are still very young. That is why I need you to send messengers for me. And naturally… I require land to host such a gathering. Your kingdom suits my purpose perfectly."
King Riku opened his mouth several times, but found no words to say.
Surprisingly, it was Scarlet — showing remarkable courage — who stepped forward.
"Why choose Dressrosa? We have known peace for generations. If you bring three such powerful pirates here… do you intend to destroy everything we have?"
Grimm looked at her, then at little Violet beside her.
"On the contrary — I do not wish to destroy this place. I intend to make this nation rich and prosperous. Do you believe me?
"If you doubt my words, go and see my Sanctuary. Under the rule of me, Grimm, the Holy Light Overlord, people live in peace and prosperity. No pirates raid them. No Marines plunder their lands.
"And you, King Riku… you will go down in history as the greatest ruler this nation has ever known."
He spoke with such confidence and grand vision that Scarlet was left bewildered, unsure how to reply.
King Riku exhaled shakily. "Pontiff… all these fine words mean nothing. What is it you really want? Do you intend to seize control of this kingdom?"
"Your Majesty, you think too highly of my ambitions. You shall remain King — I only wish to help you and your people."
Grimm sat casually on a couch in the hall, picked up an apple, and took a bite.
"However… if you refuse to deliver my letters… I would be most distressed. Who knows? I might just be forced to 'purify' you as heretics…"
At the word purify, King Riku visibly flinched. He knew very well what that meant — it was not a gentle term.
He recalled the kingdoms and armies that had been slaughtered under that very banner before.
"I… we can deliver your letters," King Riku said hoarsely.
"But our soldiers are only ordinary, trained men — how could they possibly approach men like Whitebeard, Kaido, or Big Mom? They are monsters… Emperors of the Sea!"
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