Orion's words weren't solely meant for Loki.
As his Observation Haki enveloped Elbaf, every syllable he uttered was clearly imprinted deep within the minds of all the giants on the island.
The Cursed Prince Loki... was a hero?
This notion struck like a thunderbolt, exploding violently in the hearts of every giant!
The mountain of prejudice in their minds began to crack and crumble at this very moment, collapsing into rubble.
The image of Loki—despised by them, seen as taboo and the shameful patricide—was completely shattered by Orion's words.
In its place emerged a towering figure who shouldered the accusations, enduring condemnation and solitude alone.
"Is this... the truth?"
A giant warrior closest to Loki went weak in the knees, collapsing to the ground with a heavy thud. Gazing up at Loki, tears streamed uncontrollably from his eyes as he choked out.
"Prince Loki... King Harald was under Domi riversi... so you..."
"The Prince was saving us!"
"We... we actually misunderstood the hero who saved the Giant Kingdom!"
"Damn it! What have we done?!"
"Loki is a hero!"
This newfound understanding, propelled invisibly by Orion's Observation Haki, spread like wildfire, instantly taking root and raging through every giant's heart.
Remorse, guilt, shock, reverence... complex emotions intertwined, washing over the giants in the square with overwhelming shame.
"Prince!"
Several giant warriors could no longer restrain themselves.
They scrambled toward Loki, voices trembling with emotion.
"Why didn't you tell us the truth!"
"Why did you let us misunderstand you for so long!"
"And... what exactly happened in the royal city back then? Besides King Harald, those hundred-plus royal guards you... you executed... were they also..."
"It must be true! Those guards must have been under Black Transformation Domination too!"
"Prince Loki, we... we wronged you!"
Loki didn't answer his clansmen's questions. Instead, he turned to Orion and spoke gravely.
"Fleet Admiral Orion. By revealing this truth, aren't you afraid of offending the one in the Flower Room?"
Orion shook his head with a light laugh. "If I worried about offending people, I wouldn't have initiated the military coup back then."
Rising to his feet, he dusted off his clothes before looking directly at Loki. "Tell me, what is it you desire most right now?"
"Speak your wish, and I shall grant it."
"However, after fulfilling your desire, you must pledge your allegiance to me from this day forward, devoting all your strength to establishing a new world order."
Upon hearing this, Loki's bandaged face once again twisted into a bloodthirsty, manic grin.
"Anything I want?"
Orion nodded. "Of course."
Loki abruptly turned his massive head toward the vast, endless sea beyond Elbaf.
"I want to leave Elbaf and settle an old score with that coward Shanks!"
Without the slightest hesitation, Orion responded.
"Granted."
With Orion's permission, Loki wasted no more words.
Clenching his massive fists, he turned and strode away without hesitation.
But after just a few steps, he suddenly stopped again.
This time, his frenzied aura had receded considerably, replaced by an unexpectedly serious expression.
"Fleet Admiral Orion, there's one more matter I'd like to inquire about."
"According to what I've learned through 'Pompon', when you personally visited Totto Land, you didn't execute all members of the Charlotte family!"
Orion blinked, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly.
"You still haven't given up on Charlotte Lola?"
"If I recall correctly, Lola flatly rejected your marriage proposal back then!"
Having his old secret exposed publicly, even Loki couldn't hide the embarrassment on his unreadable face.
He raised his giant hand to scratch the back of his head, his voice softening noticeably as even his form of address changed.
"You actually knows about such matters?"
"I know everything."
Orion smiled faintly. "You may go with peace of mind - Lola is still alive. However, she fled in pursuit of marital freedom on the eve of your wedding, so you likely don't stand a chance!"
"Most importantly, are you certain that if you and Lola were together, you could..."
At this point, Orion's gaze inadvertently swept past Gaban, who was standing beside Ripley not far away.
Once again, the corner of his mouth twitched.
The romantic relationships of the Grand Line were truly beyond his comprehension!
Not expecting Orion to suddenly look his way, Gaban first blinked in confusion before understanding dawned on him.
Leaning against Ripley's calf with arms crossed, he wore an expression of pure smugness that clearly said "See how impressive I am!"
Witnessing this, Orion's lips moved slightly as he waved dismissively at Loki.
"Forget what I said. You may go."
Hearing that Lola hadn't been executed by Orion, the final weight lifted from Loki's heart.
Without further hesitation, he slammed his giant hammer 'Iron Thunder' onto the ground with a deafening crash.
"Giant Warrior Pirates, assemble!"
As his voice echoed, numerous imposing and towering figures immediately emerged from the surrounding crowd.
They were former members of the Giant Warrior Pirates.
Though Loki wasn't their captain, all their past prejudices had now vanished, replaced only by remorse and obedience toward this heroic prince.
Watching the continuous stream of warriors emerging from the crowd, Loki declared in an unquestionable tone.
"From this moment onward, the Giant Warrior Pirates are officially disbanded!"
"If you're willing, join as the new royal guard of the Giant Kingdom and follow your prince to confront that coward Shanks!"
Every giant warrior who had stepped forward responded in unison without the slightest hesitation.
"We are willing!"
"HAHAHAHAHA!"
Loki erupted into hearty laughter. "Excellent! Let's move out!"
Watching Loki lead the group of giants marching away in grand formation, Orion finally turned to face Rayleigh and Gaban standing before the library.
Wearing a harmless smile, he said with casual ease.
"Since you two old comrades have reunited, you might as well stay."
Rayleigh and Gaban exchanged glances, their hearts simultaneously sinking.
"I have a mission for you."
Orion's smile remained warm. "Lead Mihawk and Yamato to find Laugh Tale. It's time for this final island that has thrown the world into turmoil to exit the stage of history!"