Seeing King Riku still hesitating, Grimm took another bite of his apple and spoke casually.
"I have a subordinate named Kel'Thuzad. He's been rather short‑handed lately… and it occurs to me that Dressrosa's population would make quite suitable reinforcements for him."
At that, King Riku replied instantly, "I… I shall make the arrangements immediately!"
---
After arranging lodging for Grimm and the three Hancock sisters, King Riku sat slumped on his simple, plain throne, looking utterly defeated.
A while later, Cyrus stepped forward. "Your Majesty… what shall we do now?"
He continued urgently. "We are not a World Government affiliate, but if word spreads that pirates have invaded — especially pirates of such terrifying caliber — the Marines would never ignore it. They would surely send reinforcements at once!"
"Absolutely not. You are being naïve, Cyrus… and you simply do not understand who this man is."
King Riku rejected the idea sharply. His mind raced with reports he had read in newspapers and rumors he had heard — tales of wars and conflicts Grimm had involved himself in.
He also remembered hearing about Kel'Thuzad, who had recently appeared before Mary Geoise calling himself The First of Calamities. Just thinking about him sent chills down the King's spine.
Records showed Grimm had interfered in wars involving more than ten nations. In several cases, his involvement had sparked uprisings that ended with kings dying right on their thrones.
Dressrosa was far weaker than any of those nations — too fragile to survive such turmoil. Grimm had made his intentions clear: he wanted to use this kingdom as his base, and promised prosperity in return.
But the price would be King Riku's freedom — turning him into nothing more than a puppet ruler.
That wasn't even the worst part. Riku was a kind man who truly loved his people, and he found it impossible to trust Grimm's words. When has any nation conquered by pirates ever truly prospered?
Though… he had never actually seen this "Sanctuary" of which Grimm spoke. And no newspaper had ever described it in detail.
A tiny spark of hope remained. What if… what if he is telling the truth?
Even if he called the Marines, if Grimm refused to leave afterwards… the destruction and suffering would fall entirely upon Dressrosa anyway.
"So… are we really going to send those letters?" Cyrus asked in disbelief.
Did he even realize who Grimm wanted them to deliver messages to? Kaido. Charlotte Linlin. Edward Newgate.
These were not people a small kingdom's messengers could simply approach!
If Cyrus had paid more attention to the outside world, he would know that just recently — on the island of Centinis — Grimm's subordinates Planck and Yasuo had clashed with Katakuri and Crackers (sons and commanders of Big Mom).
The fight had started over a trivial disagreement over whether a banquet should serve meat or sweets… and half the city had been destroyed in the battle.
Grimm and Kaido were technically "allies," but everyone knew that whenever they met, they fought.
Not long ago at Marineford, Kaido had publicly sworn to kill Grimm a thousand times the next time they met to satisfy his rage.
And Whitebeard was Grimm's sworn enemy. Grimm had killed his eldest son, and Whitebeard had yet to take his revenge.
If these four monstrous figures gathered in Dressrosa at the same time… the consequences were unimaginable.
King Riku bowed his head and thought for a long time.
First rule: do NOT provoke Grimm, or disaster will strike immediately.
Second: We MUST alert the Marines eventually. Otherwise, how will we ever free ourselves from his grip? I refuse to let Dressrosa fall under pirate rule forever.
We cannot summon the Marines right now, not while the other three are still far away. We must observe and wait.
Besides… Fleet Admiral Kong and Admiral Sengoku are known to be just and fair men; surely they will listen to the plea of a legitimate king.
And finally… the letters.
This last point occupied his mind for nearly half an hour. Grimm had given him two months — enough time.
He could send messengers who would pretend to travel far and wide, but never actually deliver the letters. It was a possible plan.
But… could they fool him?
And if they failed… what then?
Just recalling the news reports and the terrifying reputation of Grimm made his skin crawl.
Finally, he made his decision.
"Send the letters."
Cyrus fell silent for a moment, then nodded. "Your will shall be done, Your Majesty. In that case… we shall divide our men into three groups."
---
Scarlet showed the four guests to their quarters. Then, at Grimm's request, she took the Hancock sisters to the flower fields for training.
Meanwhile, Violet — displaying the fearlessness of youth — grabbed Grimm's hand and beamed up at him.
"Big brother… big brother! You are so handsome! The best‑looking person I have ever seen in my whole life! You must be a very good person, aren't you?"
Grimm looked down at the young girl with short black hair and smiled warmly. "You have such a sweet tongue, little one. How old are you?"
"I am NOT little!" Violet giggled.
"But… big brother… if you are so handsome, why did you become a pirate? Father says pirates are all bad people. Today bad pirates came here and hurt us… more than ten people were killed."
A shadow of sadness crossed her face. "Pirates are wicked… but you saved my sister! So you must be a good person!"
Grimm grimaced internally. Kid… you really have no idea… I am definitely NOT a 'good person.'
At that moment, the System's voice echoed in his mind.
"Ding! Congratulations to the Host: Mission Accepted — Guard the Belief of the Young Girl."
Mission Description:
Young Violet holds a very favorable first impression of you. Maintain and deepen that trust in her heart.
Mission Requirement:
During the pirate invasion this morning, twelve civilians lost their lives. Use your skill Redemption to bring them back.
Mission Reward:
The trust and loyalty of Dressrosa's citizens.
Mission Failure Penalty:
You will permanently lose the trust and goodwill of Dressrosa's citizens.
Grimm gently patted Violet's head. "Take me to where they are. Perhaps… the merciful Holy Light can offer them redemption."
"Okay, big brother! Come with me!" She nodded enthusiastically and led the way.
---
Although Dressrosa was backward, it had a proper burial ground. The bodies were already covered in white cloth and laid out in freshly dug graves, ready for interment.
As Violet led Grimm through the crowd of mourners, people stepped aside to let them pass.
"Princess Scarlet… have you come to pay your respects too?"
"Her Highness is truly kindhearted. King Riku too… I believe that under their rule, Dressrosa will surely become prosperous one day!"
Voices murmured through the crowd. But then, someone recognized the man walking behind the princess.
"W‑wait… isn't that the great pirate Grimm?! What is he doing here?!"
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