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"Huh?"
When they heard Rojen change the subject, the group hesitated, but one of them soon spoke up.
"What's the big deal? Let me tell you, Modoray is planning to introduce that person and the cat to the king. They're probably on their way to the Great Hall right now!"
Rohen's eyes suddenly sharpened and he exuded a domineering aura, causing the entire tavern to tremble audibly.
"The King's Great Hall, is it?"
He spat out the four words coldly, then stood up abruptly.
Turning on his heel, he strode out of the tavern.
'Hey, young brothers, tell us more about what's happening on the sea!'
The patrons, jolted awake by Rojen's sudden display of power, stared blankly at his retreating figure.
Salo, who had been sitting quietly listening the whole time, clenched his fist and followed him out.
"What's going on?"
The tavern patrons murmured in confusion.
Outside, Salo quickly caught up with Rojen.
"Hey kid, stop right there. I need to ask you something."
"I'm pressed for time. Ask me later, after I've finished my business!" Rojen's voice was icy as he strode toward the distant iron-chain bridge.
"I know your purpose here. If you answer my question, I can take you to the King's Great Hall."
"Trust me, my griffon is far faster than walking." Salo's voice was low and serious.
Rojen halted and turned around.
The Animal Path and the Deva Path stood impassively beside him, their eyes fixed coldly on Salo.
"Ask away," Rojen said.
Taking a deep breath, Salo suppressed his excitement and asked, "Where on the Grand Line did you first hear of the Barut Kingdom? When was it, and from whom? You must understand, this kingdom hasn't had contact with the outside world for fifty years."
"For all the world knows, it may have ceased to exist entirely."
Rojen glanced at Salo, whose eyes burned with anticipation. This information clearly meant a great deal to him.
Without hesitation, Rojen removed the ring from around his neck.
"Four years ago, the one who told me this news was your former King!"
Salo visibly trembled upon seeing the golden ring in Rojen's hand.
"The Barut Ring!!"
One glance was enough for Salo to identify the ring. In the next moment, he burst into tears, old tears streaming down his face.
"It's the Barut Ring! Where is our King? Where is he?"
At that moment, the aged wizard Salo was overcome with emotion. Compared to the previous King, the current ruler not only lacked legitimacy but was also appallingly cruel. Under his leadership, the Barut Kingdom was steadily marching toward destruction. Harsh decrees and brutal oppression were constantly ravaging the once-beautiful kingdom.
If the King could return, everything could be saved!
"Marines Headquarters, Impel Down Prison, sixth level." Rojen cruelly spoke the words, freezing Salo's expression on his face.
"Impel Down??" Salo burst into tears.
He knew exactly what Impel Down was. Though magic's power was unique and could become formidable with advanced training, attempting to fight the Marines was pure folly.
"Indeed," Rojen said calmly. "He gifted this Kingdom to me, and this ring is the token he gave me as proof."
"He... gifted the Kingdom... to you?"
Veins bulged on Salo's forehead. He had always thought the current King was cruel, but now he realized the previous one was likely even more absurd.
'He actually gave away the Kingdom to someone else?'
"Was it because he was dying? So he entrusted the Kingdom to you? Were you good friends?" Salo asked, still clinging to a shred of hope.
"We were strangers. He gave me the ring simply to free his own hands."
Salo finally snapped. His rage erupted, his face contorted as he roared.
"Bastard!!"
Rojen nodded in agreement. He had interacted with the man before and could confirm he was indeed a bastard with an utterly despicable character.
"However, the ring is now in my possession. I am the King." He then pointed at Salo.
"You recognize this ring, so my identity is confirmed, right?"
Salo's lips twitched, his fury barely contained.
Finally, he let out a long breath.
"Since the ring is on your finger, according to the Kingdom's ancient traditions, you are indeed His Majesty the King!"
"But!" Salo sneered.
"Being King is no easy task. If Barut's King were to learn you possess the ring, he'd tear you to shreds on the spot."
"Therefore, my advice to you is to leave this place immediately and get as far away as possible."
Rojen, however, simply shrugged.
"Where's your griffon?"
"What do you want it for?" Salo asked suspiciously.
"Didn't I say? Answer my questions, and I'll borrow your griffon to reach the King's Palace." Rojen replied.
"You're serious about this, kid? That's the King's Palace, guarded by thirty-six mages! And the King himself is the strongest wizard! Even a Marine's Admiral wouldn't stand a chance of getting out alive!"
Salo trembled with anger.
'This brat has no sense of his own limitations!'
"Then what else can I do?" Rojen asked, surprised. He hadn't realized a wizard's power could rival that of a Marine's Admiral.
"I'll teach you magic. Once you've grown into a wizard, challenge the King. If you defeat him, you'll be the rightful king!" Salo sighed.
It was the only plan he could think of… time-consuming, but with a high chance of success.
"I don't have that kind of time. My comrades are there; I need to get to them quickly," Rojen said, rejecting the offer outright. "Besides, didn't you say it yourself? I'm the king!"
"He's just a pretender!"
Salo was speechless.
"He may be a pretender, but he has the power. What do you have?"
Salo stared at Rojen, his face etched with doubt.
'The strongest wizard, a power capable of destroying an entire island! How could this young upstart possibly withstand such force?'
"Power? I have that too!" Rojen chuckled, completely unconcerned.
"Boy, stop this nonsense! I was the former Chief Magic Tutor to the King and one of the five Great Wizards of the Barut Kingdom. Even I lack the confidence to challenge such might. What are you playing at?" Salo's anger flared.
"Do you think you're facing just one person? Even with the Barut Ring, the power you're up against is beyond your comprehension!"
Rojen remained unperturbed, his smile unwavering.
"But I am the King of this nation, am I not?"
Salo's face turned ashen, yet he had to concede the truth in Rojen's words. The Barut Kings had inherited their authority through the ring since ancient times. Only the King who possessed the Ring was the True King!
"I believe many others share your recognition of this Ring."
"Therefore, I ask you to summon them now."
"Tell them..."
"The True King has returned!"
(End Of This Chapter)