Chapter 140: Any Objections?
After Shunai left, only Rhodes and Yuffie remained, and the atmosphere suddenly became awkward.
"Speaking of which, we do seem to have quite the connection."
Rhodes smiled.
He'd only been to three places in the Kano Country: Black Harbor, Mokomo, and the Royal Capital.
Yet he'd encountered the Third Princess of the Kano Country almost every time.
"Ah, yes."
"Who would've thought that the legendary Dragon Slayer swordsman would be shameless enough to freeload meals like some wandering vagrant?"
Yuffie said with a slight pout, suppressing her complicated emotions.
The scene from that day remained vivid in her memory.
She'd actually praised and admired the Dragon Slayer swordsman right in front of him. How utterly embarrassing.
Rhodes couldn't help but laugh aloud. He'd been struggling to contain his amusement that entire time.
"How dare you laugh!"
Yuffie exclaimed indignantly.
"That's too much! You're terrible!"
She scolded him, then fell silent for a moment before speaking more softly.
"No matter what happened before, I've essentially been sold to you by the kingdom now."
"You probably don't know this, but after my last journey, I was supposed to be married off to nobility from another country."
"I have little talent, no political cunning, and no real abilities—but my appearance is acceptable, at least."
"Perhaps being with you, or even just being your lover, would be far better than marrying a complete stranger."
Rhodes stood beside her, listening to the young woman's quiet confession, his heart stirring with unexpected emotion.
Without the Thunder Tome, his situation would probably be no better than the Third Princess's—unable to control his own destiny, forced to drift and be manipulated by the tides of fate.
His gaze softened as he looked at Yuffie.
"What? Are you moved by my words? Falling in love with me already?"
Yuffie looked up with a mischievous smile.
"In love with you?"
Rhodes laughed and shook his head.
If he'd been an ordinary person in his previous life, encountering such a noble, beautiful, kind, and charming princess, he probably would have been genuinely captivated.
Unfortunately, after arriving in the pirate world and growing stronger—becoming one of the world's most powerful individuals—his pursuits had fundamentally changed.
Rhodes thought this, but kept it to himself.
He could sense a hint of melancholy behind the girl's playful smile. She was a living person with her own dreams and desires, yet she'd been destined from birth to be nothing more than a political gift.
"Never mind, let's not dwell on depressing topics. Come on, I'll take you on a tour of the royal capital."
Yuffie brightened immediately, her slender hand clasping Rhodes's arm as she smiled cheerfully.
After the two departed, Shunai emerged from the shadows and turned to address someone behind him.
"Father, do you truly believe this Dragon Slayer swordsman can be controlled by us?"
"A man like him is destined to shine brilliantly in the New World's future. He won't remain in the Kano Country for long. We simply need to leverage his power to stabilize our position and make other nations hesitate before challenging us."
King Charles shook his head calmly.
"In a few days, during the celebration banquet, the Yuezhi Kingdom and other powerful West Blue nations will likely test our strength. We'll respond accordingly."
"Actually, all of this is secondary. Your true priority now is to train diligently, develop your Devil Fruit abilities, and strive to bring the Kano Country's naval forces under direct royal family control as soon as possible."
"Yes, Father," Shunai responded solemnly.
Charles nodded slightly.
Even if Don Chinjao had survived this battle, he wouldn't have had many years remaining. If the Kano Country wanted to maintain its prestige and power, Shunai—with his considerable talent—could only rely on his own breakthroughs.
During the day, Rhodes toured the capital with Yuffie. At night, he continued recovering from his injuries. Especially after Yukiko and Gates arrived midway through, time seemed to fly by.
January 1st arrived.
As the old year passed, Rhodes's physical age finally reached eighteen.
"Is everything prepared?"
"Yes, sir."
Hela said, a hint of nervousness evident in her expression.
This represented a new experimental approach for the Revolutionary Army.
In the past, the Revolutionary Army typically employed a grassroots strategy—spreading revolutionary ideals, saving common people from oppression, sparking uprisings, and overthrowing corrupt states through bottom-up reform.
They'd rarely considered the royal approach.
In the eyes of most Revolutionaries, the royal family represented aristocracy—destined to be overthrown, inherently opposed to the people's interests.
But this time, Rhodes was attempting a groundbreaking approach: top-down reform.
This radical strategy had captured the attention of all high-ranking Revolutionary Army members.
If Supreme Commander Dragon hadn't been in the East Blue—too far away to travel in time—he would have come in person.
"Don't worry. It will succeed."
Rhodes said with confident ease.
In the world of his past life, top-down reform was extremely difficult and encountered countless obstacles. But in this world where personal strength reigned supreme, things were fundamentally different.
This was a world where a single powerful individual could protect an entire nation.
Sufficiently overwhelming military force could destroy all obstacles.
Those with stubborn, backward ideologies could be physically eliminated if necessary.
Soon, the celebration banquet began.
Many attendees were present—most lavishly dressed, adorned with gold and jewelry, the air thick with an atmosphere of extravagant wealth.
As a renowned "decorative princess," Yuffie's beauty was undeniable, and many young noblemen had long harbored feelings for her. However, after hearing recent news, these inappropriate sentiments were quickly suppressed.
Who would dare compete with the Dragon Slayer swordsman for a woman? Did they have a death wish?
Suddenly, the crowd stirred with excitement.
"The Dragon Slayer swordsman is here!"
Everyone looked toward the commotion, only to see the crowd part like ocean waves.
A handsome young man in casual white attire slowly approached.
With black hair and dark eyes, his expression relaxed, he lacked any overtly imposing or intimidating presence—yet he instantly became the absolute center of attention. He commanded everyone's focus like a born king, and even Yuffie's stunning beauty was overshadowed.
"You're here," Yuffie said softly, taking Rhodes's arm naturally.
The man was handsome, the woman breathtakingly beautiful. Standing together, they complemented each other perfectly—a genuinely ideal couple.
"Sir Rhodes..."
King Charles stepped forward and, seizing the moment when everyone's attention was focused, spoke directly:
"With Lord Chinjao's death, everything that transpired before is now concluded."
"However, as it was ultimately the royal family that gave offense first, on behalf of the kingdom, I am willing to unconditionally agree to one of your requests as compensation."
With these words, the entire hall fell deathly silent.
Everyone turned toward the young man in white, swords at his waist, accompanied by his beautiful companion.
It seemed Charles wanted to establish a strong relationship with this Dragon Slayer swordsman—even offering his daughter to secure such ties.
Envoys from Yuezhi Kingdom and other West Blue nations assumed as much.
But Rhodes's focus seemed entirely different. He smiled slightly and asked, "Unconditionally?"
"Indeed."
Charles frowned slightly but remained confident. The resources of a great nation were immense. Whether Devil Fruits or famous blades, if they truly wished to acquire something, they could do so efficiently.
"Then please abdicate your throne. I wish for Miss Yuffie, who stands beside me, to become queen."
Yuffie's mouth fell open in shock, and she stared at Rhodes in complete bewilderment.
What was happening?!
Even Crown Prince Shunai stood frozen in disbelief.
Charles couldn't maintain his diplomatic smile, his expression darkening.
"Surely you're joking, Sir Rhodes?"
"Do I look like I'm joking?"
Rhodes's expression remained utterly indifferent, his tone calm and measured.
Charles gave a strained laugh. He was still young and in his prime—of course he didn't want to abdicate. He could only deflect awkwardly: "This isn't a matter I can decide unilaterally. It requires consultation with the other great noble houses."
The royal family was the largest noble family in the Kano Country, but the other great houses also wielded considerable power and influence.
Rhodes nodded slightly, his cool gaze sweeping across the Kano Country nobles gathered throughout the hall. He spoke with perfect calm:
"Does anyone here have any objections?"
(End of Chapter)
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