"So that's it? The nation has already been established? Unbelievable—but it seems I chose the right side."
Vick was now the Deputy Commander of the Andia Kingdom's army, under Commander Alice. Alice hadn't been particularly memorable before, but with her image completely transformed—no longer living in the blood and filth of Lantis—she now appeared much brighter, more radiant. She wasn't wanted by the authorities, so taking a public leadership role posed no problem.
Though only the deputy, Vick's position covered the entire Andia Kingdom's military. His authority was far greater than that of a regular fortress commander.
Even in other kingdoms, his current title would command respect. At first, he had worried that once Xia unified the Andia Kingdom, she might discard them when they were no longer useful. But judging by her appointments and rewards—he had clearly overthought it.
Raymond, Blois, Dingle, and Sparks had all been given high-ranking positions as well. As Xia's loyal supporters, they now wielded considerable power.
Though limited by the new system of governance, it was more than enough. To be respected and admired—that was what it meant to be a true noble. And certain privileges still remained.
As for the old nobles? Were they ever truly noble? No—they weren't. This was the real noble life: wherever you went, people looked at you with respect and admiration. That was the life of a true aristocrat.
"Look, that's Commander Vick. I heard during the Valos Fortress campaign, he personally led the defense that drove back the Tyrant's army several times."
"It's true. He also commanded the liberation of Odyssey Fortress."
Vick walked along the bustling streets, enjoying every step. The new kingdom would only grow better from here—and he would do everything in his power to protect it.
"Any recent criminal incidents?" asked Dingle, who now served as Chief Judge—head of the enforcement division, in charge of interrogating and investigating espionage and major crimes.
The soldiers under him were mostly former Valos fortress troops, giving his department solid strength. Though not particularly loved, Dingle found satisfaction in his new role—after avenging the past, he could finally uphold true justice.
"The city's crime rate has dropped sharply. Only a few brawls here and there. As for spies from other kingdoms, we've identified some, but since there are no orders for arrest, we're just keeping them under surveillance for now."
"That's good. Very good." Dingle nodded.
Duke Blois now served as Prime Minister—the highest visible office in the kingdom. Supporting Xia during the crisis and switching sides had proven the wisest decision of his life.
The lives of his people had not only improved; the entire Andia Kingdom was developing in ways he had never dared imagine.
Sparks had joined the army as well, and even the former Giant Battalion's commander had been integrated. After the civil war, Andia's military strength was greater than ever.
Many city builders had enlisted during the war, and everyone's abilities were now being fully utilized. Rosen hadn't taken these forces aboard the Dawn, knowing a nation needed its own strength to endure.
"My lord, do you really think Crocodile is just a pirate?" Colson asked quietly. His injuries were still healing, but it wasn't the pain that troubled him—it was the confusion he felt. "I thought once he conquered Andia, he'd drain its wealth to fuel his pirate empire. But seeing their new policies and laws… I can't understand it."
"I've read them too," Raymond said after a pause. "They're not hiding anything from us. It's as if they want us to see how this new kingdom runs. I've seen countless nations, but none with laws like these. They've truly won the people's hearts. But if the World Government ever learns the full extent of this—such a nation will never be allowed to exist."
"So what should we do?"
"Just watch." Raymond's voice was calm. His ambitions had been shattered, but his eyes were clearer now. He no longer wanted to fight. Against monsters like them, even ten lives wouldn't be enough—mere strategy could never overcome that kind of power.
So he gave up. To live, he had to surrender. His courage was broken; he had no strength left to oppose Rosen's pirate crew.
But he still wanted to see it through—to see what kind of country a pirate could truly build. So far, it looked better than he ever expected. Maybe… lending a little help wouldn't be so bad.
"Poaching my people?!" Rosen was stunned—first to see the Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock, here of all places, and even more shocked that she was recruiting Hathaway right in front of him!
What was this development?
"See? I told you, Sister Hathaway isn't any worse than you," Natalie teased the Empress smugly.
"You're the Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock?" Hathaway asked calmly, only mildly surprised.
"They're both so beautiful. My god, what kind of day is this? First the Pirate Empress, and now—wait, who's that? She looks familiar…" a spectator murmured excitedly.
Though Hathaway's reputation was already spreading, not everyone could recall her face from the wanted posters alone.
"Yes," said the Empress softly, dressed in her revealing cheongsam, long legs and generous curves on display.
"What's with that awful pickup line? Don't tell me the Empress is… into women? No way," Rosen thought, his mind running wild.
"Hmm? Is this the power of the Mero Mero Fruit?" he wondered. The way she spoke had a strange allure—like it stirred a person's instincts and desires.
Though Hathaway's beauty and aura were no less striking, the Empress possessed a charm that stirred the heart—a mix of admiration, infatuation, and temptation.
Yes… as long as her arrogance didn't flare up, the Pirate Empress was indeed quite pleasing to the eyes.
"Not interested," Hathaway said flatly, refusing without hesitation.
"Let's go," Rosen said. He could appreciate beauty, but he had no further thoughts. They had no connection, and since she didn't come with hostility, there was no reason to linger.
"Mm." Hathaway nodded.
"Wait…" The Empress's eyes rippled as she watched Hathaway leave—her heart racing uncontrollably. She regretted being so impulsive. She should have approached more gently…
But meeting her idol in person had completely flustered even the mighty Empress herself.
Of course, Rosen's group had no reason to wait. Though Boa Hancock was powerful, her petrification ability dangerous, she wasn't someone they needed to concern themselves with.
"Sister…" Sandersonia sighed, rubbing her forehead. "What's gotten into you?"
Even if the man she admired was formidable, Rosen's reputation lately had been… fierce. Though the Kuja Pirates were strong and skilled in Haki, a direct clash would still be unpredictable.
"It's fine. I just want to talk to her a little more," the Empress murmured dreamily, eyes still following Hathaway's departing figure.
"Uncle, they're following us," Natalie said after turning around several times. Sure enough—the Empress and her sisters were still trailing behind them.
(End of Chapter)