At night, Blois Barrier's defenses were lax, almost negligent. The duke had been marginalized by the kingdom and maintained a neutral stance, so even he was used to staying out of trouble.
Tonight, however, an elite force led by Rosen crossed a dense forest and, using the power of the Sand Fruit, quickly deposited themselves atop the walls, knocking out the guards instantly.
The walls weren't weak, but this airborne-style assault left the defenders stunned before they could react.
"Where is the duke's estate?" Rosen asked Dingel, who pointed toward a high ground nearby. Like most Andia Kingdom barriers, the layout was similar: inner and outer walls plus elevated positions.
Confirming the direction, Rosen and the Lantis soldiers rushed forward, drawing attention along the way.
They hadn't expected the outer walls to be almost useless against a Logia-type ability.
Rosen's Haki sensed chaos within. No matter how careful, a few thousand soldiers couldn't remain hidden; troops began encircling from all sides, alarms blaring.
"Sand Surge!" Rosen controlled sand mixed with soil and stones, forming two rushing mud-and-rock barriers on either side, protecting his force as they charged toward the duke's estate.
"A mudslide?! How is there such a thing inside the city?" The first guards to arrive were stunned, unsure how to proceed.
"Is the enemy on the other side of the mudslide?"
"Unknown."
Speed was critical. Rosen quickly surrounded the estate and ordered the attack. Though the command was to incapacitate, encountering skilled opponents sometimes required injuries or worse.
"Enemy attack!" The duke's estate descended into chaos.
"Everyone stand down. Let the guests in." Just as wider conflict was about to erupt, a calm, deep voice stopped the guards.
A refined middle-aged man emerged from his study. His face was serene, signaling the guards to step back, leaving only a few. Rosen ordered the Lantis soldiers to maintain vigilance.
"Visiting at night—better to discuss inside; it's cold out here," Duke Blois said with a smile.
"Apologies for the intrusion," Rosen said, following the duke with Dingel and a few soldiers. They were unconcerned about traps.
"So, you already guessed our purpose?" Rosen asked.
"Are you with Princess Xia?"
"Yes."
"Then you arrived much sooner than expected. I thought you'd come after the war," Duke Blois said, seating them calmly, unfazed by the earlier attack.
"Meaning?" Rosen asked, surprised. Resistance would have been simpler, though not necessarily wiser.
"Now, I have no choice. But I must ask: under the king's army, what are our survival odds?" Blois asked. He cared little for power or loyalty; family continuity came first.
"100%! We'll win, and the king will die—it's inevitable. We just had to take a slightly troublesome approach," Rosen said confidently. With his strength, failing to conquer a kingdom would be inconceivable.
Hathaway, Enel, Morris, Alice, and her army—such a force would be formidable even at Marine Headquarters. With Andia Kingdom's elite units and no true generals, victory was certain.
Rosen simply wished to avoid exposure. If only killing the king, he could have done so and left.
"Is it about your identity?" Duke Blois was shocked. The pirate exuded confidence, and it seemed the king was already prearranged.
"Perhaps. By the way, Duke, what's your view of the 'City Makers' phenomenon in your country?" Rosen asked.
Blois, unfamiliar with Rosen, answered based on his own understanding.
"I can't speak for other barriers, but Blois Barrier is unlikely to see rebellion."
"So you think other barriers might rebel because of the City Makers?" Rosen frowned. He had considered it, but not in depth. If instability existed, it could be leveraged for influence.
"Exactly," Blois said firmly. Having studied the City Makers' lives and the rise and fall of Grand Line nations, he knew resistance would eventually emerge.
"Do you wish for this country to prosper?" Rosen asked.
"You should know our forces are weak. We have intent but little power," Blois shook his head, slightly impressed by Rosen. Earlier, he had acted helplessly; now, he revealed sincerity.
"Have you heard: 'Knowing without action is a crime'? No one can remain truly neutral. When disaster strikes, Duke, what can you do?" Rosen's tone sharpened.
Blois paused, unable to refute. Indeed, inaction was complicity.
"You are smart and principled. After issuing a statement, your fate matters less to me. But Princess Xia will need talented people. Duke Blois, assist her… no, watch what we do next. Your answer can wait."
"You're a strange pirate. You'd be better as a merchant or politician. But I have no choice—following you keeps me alive tonight. You weren't wrong; you truly are a harbinger," Blois said.
"Haha, disaster and fortune are intertwined. Perhaps someday you'll see this as a blessing."
"If I survive that long," Blois replied.
"Duke, please issue the statement. Your guards number less than 5,000, unlikely the main target. Dingel, you and your soldiers stay here temporarily. If nearby nobles answer the king's call, defend. If you can't, retreat to Valos Barrier."
"As expected," Dingel said, realizing Rosen genuinely trusted him.
"Cautious," Blois smiled. His words were sincere; caution was warranted given the stakes.
(End of chapter)