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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 157: Response
"From now on, you will serve as the Vice President of Baroque Works, responsible for liaising with me and others," Xiaqiu said, looking at Heckler.
"I will take this seriously," Heckler replied quickly. After a brief moment of shock, he accepted the outcome once he confirmed that the giant beast before him was indeed the president. It felt only natural.
No wonder the president had always kept a low profile; no wonder Nico Robin often traveled with the giant beast.
He had no objections; the favors he received were tangible and had significantly helped him improve. Moreover, becoming Vice President represented an increase in power and status.
Just like Bola, who was now heading to Drum Kingdom. If successful, she could become the queen of a nation.
Xiaqiu was pleased with Heckler's attitude and said, "First, you will work for me. After some time, I will teach you a special technique that can enhance your combat abilities."
"Thank you, President," Heckler immediately responded, then asked, "President, if I am to stay by your side, what will happen to the casino?"
"Cecilia will take over; she will replace you as the manager," Xiaqiu answered.
Once Cecilia learned the technique, she would be sent to Ailuma City.
Her strength was already sufficient to guard that place.
Not only that, but she could also train Vivi to help her improve her strength.
Moreover, Heckler's promotion could elevate Cecilia's rank, allowing her to become an R.
"Get in touch with Vivi for me. I need her to report on Blackbeard's Pirate Crew."
Xiaqiu looked at Heckler, who immediately picked up the Transponder Snail and dialed Vivi's number.
...
"Please take me to see Bola... Queen."
Dalton hesitated slightly as he made his request to the guard in front of him.
"Follow me."
The guard led Dalton into the house, walking deeper inside.
Bola lived not far from the port, in the most luxurious house in the village. Although it had a somewhat extortionate feel to it, it was enough to satisfy the homeowner's desires.
Dalton followed the guard into the living room, where firewood crackled in the fireplace, sending warmth rushing toward him. At the same time, he caught sight of Bola.
Bola lay sideways on the sand, dressed in a red gown. Her ample bosom threatened to burst from her clothing, and her long legs extended from the hem, resting on the sand.
She lay there, picking up a cherry and popping it into her mouth.
“Bora, Queen Bora.”
Dalton saw this scene and coughed, not daring to look at her, lowering his head as he called out.
“It’s you.”
Bola straightened up, her long legs resting on the ground as she looked at Dalton with curiosity. “How does your arm feel?”
“It’s been treated and bandaged, and I’ve got a brace on it. It will recover in a few days,” Dalton replied honestly.
“Really?”
Bola yawned lazily and asked, “Dalton, what brings you here?”
Just as Dalton was about to speak, Bola twirled her finger and said, “Sit down; why are you standing?”
“Okay.”
Hearing this, Dalton sat down on the nearby sofa. After sitting, he wiped the sweat from his forehead. Just as he was about to speak again, Bola interrupted him.
“Take off your coat; it’s warm here. Look at you, you’re sweating all over.”
Bola pointed at Dalton's clothes and shook his head.
"I don't need that, I just have a few words to say."
Dalton quickly replied, not daring to overstep. Although he didn't want the other person to become the Queen of this country, he felt it was better to maintain respect given her status.
"Alright then."
Bola nodded. Just as Dalton was about to speak, Bola asked again, "Do you want some fruit? I brought it from elsewhere."
"I..."
Dalton felt a bit helpless as he was interrupted again. This Queen seemed a bit out of touch.
However, he didn't mind too much; after all, her intentions were good. She had offered him a seat, worried he might get too hot, and now she was offering him fruit.
"No, thank you," Dalton quickly said.
"I checked, and there are no cherries in Drum Kingdom."
Bola pushed the fruit bowl toward Dalton and insisted, "Just try it, don't be shy."
"Fine," he relented.
Dalton sighed and reached out to take a cherry, placing it in his mouth.
“How is it?” Bola asked eagerly.
Dalton's eyes brightened slightly as he coughed and replied, “It's quite good.”
“Since you like it, you can take some fruit home with you later,” Bola suggested, pointing at the fruit.
“Oh, that's not necessary…” Dalton quickly declined.
“Come on, it's just a little something, it’s not worth much,” Bola insisted. “Or do you think these aren’t good enough?”
“That's not the case.”
Dalton said, looking at Bola, “Then I will accept it. Thank you, Queen Bora.”
“That's more like it.”
Bola nodded, crossing one leg over the other as she looked at Dalton and asked, “By the way, do you have something to discuss?”
“It’s like this.”
Dalton wiped the sweat from his forehead and shifted his position. “I came here to ask you, Queen Bora, are you determined to conquer this country?”
"Of course."
Bola smiled and said, "I have given it to you, after all. I want to restore the homeland of Volcano Kingdom."
"Then how do you plan to treat us?" Dalton asked, looking at Bola.
Upon hearing this, Bola's expression became serious. "Now that I have become king, you are naturally my subjects. My country is already in ruins, and in order to continue the glory of my ancestors, I have come here to rebuild the nation and make it stronger."
Dalton hesitated slightly at these words. "So what method do you intend to use to govern this country? How do you plan to make it prosperous?"
"It's simple. Our method of governance will be based on the rule of law."
Bola recalled the president's booklet carefully and replied, "We will establish comprehensive laws that everyone must follow from top to bottom. Those who violate the law will face judgment; this is our fundamental strategy. The Constitution holds the highest authority, followed by Criminal Law, Property Law, and Administrative Licensing Law."
"Establishing a sound legal system is indeed fundamental to governance, but..." Dalton pondered for a moment before looking at Bola. "But does this law also bind you?"
"Of course," Bola said. "Every person living in this country is protected by the law."
This was something Xiaqiu had told her. Initially, she felt constrained, but then she realized that since this country belonged to her, if she did not abide by the law herself, how could she expect others to do so?
Bola had a simple thought, but Dalton nodded secretly and asked, "You just mentioned wanting the country to be strong, but our nation is located on Winter Island, which is remote. The people can barely make a living. What methods do you have to make the country strong and the people prosperous?"
"This question..."
Bola stretched lazily, leaning back against the sand, her clothes slightly pulled apart, revealing a large expanse of fair skin.
Dalton immediately lowered his head, not daring to look around. Bola continued, "I have many ideas, but how to implement them requires further practice. For example, trade. To our east lies a powerful nation called Alabasta; we can engage in trade with them."
"Alabasta?" Dalton was somewhat surprised.
"That's right. We are Winter Island, and they are Summer Island. Each has its own unique economic crops that can be traded."
"But Queen Bora, you may not know..."
Dalton sighed and said, "Our Drum Kingdom and Alabasta Kingdom are rival nations with little interaction and even some past grievances."
Dalton recalled the scene from a few years ago when he attended the World Government Conference with Valpo. Wapol and Alabasta's King Cobra had been at odds, arguing fiercely during the meeting.
During a break in the conference, Wapol, harboring resentment, deliberately knocked down Princess Vivi of Alabasta and mocked her. However, the young Vivi did not cry; instead, she apologized and stepped back.
At that moment, he saw the differences between the two nations, and indeed, that was the case.
Now that girl named Vivi had helped Alabasta grow into a powerful nation. Vivi inherited the Devil Fruit ability of the former Seven Warlords of the Sea and became a hero protecting Alabasta. She even led the revival of a city.
Thinking of Vivi, then Wapol, Dalton couldn't help but sigh.
Bola smiled and said, "But the king has changed. As long as we cooperate with them, they might not refuse us, right? Even if they do, we have to try. If possible, I will personally speak with their king."
If they refuse, she would go directly to Cobra. If Vivi disagreed, she would approach the president; there was no way they could refuse.
"Personally?"
Dalton misunderstood. If the other party refused, her willingness to go in person would undoubtedly require some compromises.
As a king of a nation, her readiness to do such things for her people greatly raised Dalton's opinion of her.
Bola continued, "Aside from that, we need to think about how to proceed. Of course, if you have any ideas, feel free to share them with me."
"I understand."
Dalton nodded and then stood up, saying, "Thank you for your response today, Queen Bora. I appreciate your time."
"You're welcome."
Bola smiled and said, "If you have any questions, you can come ask me again."
"Then I shall take my leave."
Dalton got what he wanted, stood up, and planned to leave.
"Don't forget the fruit," Bola called from behind. Dalton paused, and Bola had someone pack the fruit for him. After thanking them, Dalton left with the fruit.
"How did it go?"
As soon as Dalton returned to the room, he was surrounded by a dozen Militia members.
"She is a capable person, but whether she is merciful remains to be seen. It's still unclear if she is kind."
Dalton added, lifting the bag. "By the way, she also gave me some fruit; everyone can have a taste."
...
"Damn it, damn it."
Marcel was bound tightly, struggling continuously but unable to break free from the ropes, which had already rubbed his arms raw and swollen.
"Those bastards, I will make them pay."
Marcel glared at the ugly Buggy and his gang celebrating in the distance. Everyone on the Cargo Ship had been killed by the ugly Buggy except for him.
Jozef, the uncle, was not just a companion but also a trusted crew member.
Some of them had followed him on long ocean voyages because they believed in him. Others had been invited aboard to work.
But now, they were all dead.
He had survived, but how would he face their friends and family when the time came?
Just two days ago, he had arrived on the island and called the Merchant Association. They had decided to pay the ransom and sent someone to come.
However, during these past few days, a pirate had informed him that they had no intention of letting him go. Once the ransom was delivered, they planned to kill him.
He had to escape.
Marcel was bound by ropes, his body wrapped several times, his hands tied tightly, leaving him no strength or space to break free.
What should he do?
Marcel glanced around and noticed a huge box nearby.
Seeing the edge of the box, Marcel shifted his body closer, maneuvering his hands toward the corner of the box where the ropes were tied. He began to rub the ropes against the edge slowly.
Once, twice, three times.
The corners of the box occasionally brushed against Marcel's arm, leaving a trail of blood, but he did not stop his movements.
Fifteen minutes later.
With a snap.
The rope broke, freeing Marcel's hands, and he quickly grabbed the rope and pulled hard.
With a crack.
The ropes on both sides snapped, and the last rope fell away from him.
Marcel regained his freedom and approached the door, looking outside. In the distance on a high platform, members of the Buggy Pirates were celebrating.
The door was locked.
It was difficult for him to escape the bindings of the ropes.
What should he do?
Marcel retrieved the hemp rope, wrapped it around himself, and hopped over to the door, shouting, "Is anyone there? Help!"
"What’s going on?"
The pirate responsible for guarding approached, glaring at Marcel with an unhappy expression. While everyone else was celebrating, he was stuck with the duty of keeping watch.
"I need to speak with Captain Buggy," Marcel said. "I have to tell Captain Buggy that the Shining Gold Consortium might bring the Navy."
"What?"
The pirate's eyes widened in shock. "Wait here, I'll go find the captain."
The pirate quickly located Buggy and whispered a few words in his ear. Buggy waved his hand and said, "Bring him over."
"Follow me."
The pirate returned to the door, took out a key, and unlocked it.
However, as soon as the door swung open, Marcel landed a punch squarely on his face, knocking him out cold.
Then he seized the long knife from the pirate's waist and dashed off into the distance.
"He's running! He's running!"
Seeing this scene, one pirate shouted loudly, while two others rushed to intercept Marcel from the other side.
"Thud, thud."
Marcel's blade flashed, and two figures fell to the ground, blood spraying from their wounds.
He dashed to the side of the building, leaped forward, and landed on the roof of another house. Then he ran to the edge and jumped down.
"Run? There's no way I'm letting you escape."
Buggy snorted coldly and called out to a figure not far away, "Kabaji, chase him down and take care of him."
"Understood."
Kabaji, riding his unicycle, immediately pedaled furiously after Marcel.
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