Spandine had indeed treated his superior, Bazar, as a specimen to showcase his own abilities.
But the ability he displayed was not simply his thorough investigation into the Roger Pirates' movements.
That required no special demonstration—such competence was expected of the CP organization.
What he truly demonstrated was his ability to silently erase Saint Valthior's past from a series of investigations—to bury a person within the tides and dust.
To the extent that even his own superior, after investigating the Roger Pirates for so long, had no idea that the crucial scholar was in fact the favored descendant of Saint Saturn.
Accomplishing something like this was extremely difficult.
After all, while Valthior wasn't widely famous, he was still quite well-known within the Holy Land. And yet Spandine, through various methods, had managed to make his own superior "fail to recognize" him—it was absurdly impressive.
One had to remember—CP was the Celestial Dragons' watchdog.
Spandine had manipulated things so thoroughly that Bazar couldn't even recognize his own master's kin. Wasn't that remarkable?
"You're quite capable. To what extent can you achieve something like this?" Saturn asked, looking at Spandine.
Clearly, Spandine had prepared extensively beforehand. The moment Saturn asked, he immediately replied, "If the young master does not deliberately reveal or declare his identity, and with your permission… I am confident that within two years, I can eliminate CP's recognition of the young master's identity."
"Is that so?" Saturn stroked his chin, a trace of appreciation appearing in his eyes. "It seems you are quite confident in your abilities."
At the same time, it was worth noting that Spandine referred to Valthior as "young master."
This form of address was reserved exclusively for servants of the Jaygarcia Family.
For someone of Spandine's status, this was clearly overstepping.
Yet Saturn did not punish him for it.
What did that imply?
It meant that Spandine's earlier display of ability had earned Saturn's approval—so much so that he tacitly permitted this overstep, effectively allowing Spandine to regard himself as a servant of the Jaygarcia Family going forward.
Spandine hadn't claimed he could completely erase Valthior's identity everywhere—only that he could achieve this within the CP organization, which was already an impressive feat.
If he had dared to claim he could alter the Marines' perception as well, that would have been ridiculous.
But for Saturn, this was already sufficient.
The Marines would never actively publicize Valthior's identity as a Celestial Dragon anyway. Doing so would only complicate their operations against the Roger Pirates. Up to now, only a very small number of high-ranking Marines were aware of Valthior's situation.
As for Mary Geoise—Spandine, being nothing more than a watchdog of the Celestial Dragons, would be asking for trouble if he claimed he could manipulate matters there. That would imply he could deceive the Celestial Dragons themselves.
Not only was that impossible, even if it were possible, he wouldn't dare display such ability.
Within Mary Geoise, Saturn had already issued the order: "This matter ends here."
Ordinary Celestial Dragons didn't care about Valthior—they spent their days indulging in pleasure. As for the elite Celestial Dragons like Garling, they had also stopped publicly discussing him.
So there was nothing more to say about Mary Geoise.
In the end, Valthior was merely a Celestial Dragon who had some reputation within Mary Geoise during his first eighteen years. He wasn't someone of world-shaking importance.
If the Marines, Mary Geoise, and the CP organization all remained silent about his identity, then as long as Valthior himself didn't go around announcing it, most forces across the seas would never know who he truly was.
And would Valthior reveal it?
Not casually—but if doing so brought him benefits, he wouldn't hesitate to use it.
Spandine had originally thought Saturn would order him to proceed with this plan.
But Saturn did not.
Instead, he said, "I am lenient toward those who are both intelligent and capable. So this will be the only time. If you act on your own cleverness again, Bazar will be your example. Valthior's identity need not be publicized, but neither should it be deliberately concealed."
A chill ran through Spandine's heart, though his expression remained steady. "I was presumptuous. Thank you for your mercy, Saint Saturn."
But in the next moment, Saturn continued, "From now on, any intelligence regarding Valthior within CP is not to be entered into official records. Additionally, erase the concept of him being a 'scholar.' Whatever he does, whatever the Roger Pirates do—you will continue to investigate and report it to me. But only between you and me. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Saint Saturn." Spandine took a deep breath before responding firmly.
He knew he was walking a tightrope.
Handling this kind of "private task" might make it seem like he had gained the favor of one of the Five Elders—like he had become part of their inner circle, even akin to a servant.
But the slightest mistake would result in his immediate elimination.
Just like his now headless superior, Bazar.
Still, if he wanted to climb higher, how could he avoid paying a price?
Despite their brief interaction, Spandine had already keenly noticed one thing—
Saint Saturn placed extraordinary importance on Valthior.
Valthior had become a pirate, and Saturn chose to cover for him.
Now he was even researching Poneglyphs—the Void Century, Ancient Weapons—and judging by the Roger Pirates' actions, they were likely planning something major.
And even under such circumstances, Saturn still chose to protect him.
What did that mean?
It meant the young master held exceptional importance in Saturn's eyes.
And if that was the case… as long as Spandine found a way to latch onto the young master, perhaps he wouldn't be so easily silenced in the future.
Soon, with nothing more to discuss, Saturn dismissed Spandine.
The vast reception hall was left with only Alfred—and a corpse.
Saturn paid the body no attention. Alfred, for his part, didn't dare bring up cleaning at such a moment and simply stood quietly at Saturn's side.
"A scholar, huh? It seems you truly understand how to increase your weight and value in your grandfather's eyes, Valthior…" Saturn murmured softly.
Back in Mary Geoise, Saturn had personally instructed Valthior not to continue studying ancient scripts.
And Valthior had agreed.
Now, it was clear he had broken that promise.
Under normal circumstances, this should have angered Saturn.
Yet at this moment, he felt even greater appreciation for him.
Over the past two years, no matter what Valthior had done at sea—no matter how notorious a pirate he had become, no matter how high his bounty might be—in Saturn's eyes, it all amounted to "nothing accomplished."
Only now—having mastered the ability to decipher ancient scripts, truly becoming a scholar in this field, and following the Roger Pirates in exploring the Void Century, possibly even preparing something monumental—
Only this made Saturn feel that Valthior had not wasted his time.
That he was doing something meaningful.
That he was truly grasping fate by the throat.
After a moment of silence, Saturn spoke again:
"When Valthior next comes close to Mary Geoise, contact him. Tell him his grandfather misses him… and that if it's convenient, he should come home for a visit."
Alfred quietly let out a breath of relief, then replied, "Yes, Saint Saturn."
...
Drop some POWERSTONES to push the story forward!
PS: Read Advance Chapters at https://www.patreon.com/c/ReadJin