Connie had assumed that the Great Pirate Bekori described—powerful, influential, and a man who had slain an Admiral years ago—would be a fierce-looking middle-aged man.
At least in his forties or fifties.
But now, seeing him in person...
That impossibly youthful face... He couldn't be more than twenty, could he?
So young, yet already possessing the terrifying strength Bekori spoke of?
She was still stunned.
The tall, imposing Great Pirate before her smiled and extended a hand toward her.
"Queen Mother Connie of the Sorbet Kingdom, truly as graceful and beautiful as the rumors suggest. Our arrival was rather abrupt; I hope we didn't startle Your Highness."
"I am Sorus Karlo, Captain of the Sky Pirates."
Seeing Karlo's outstretched hand, Connie quickly stepped forward and took it.
At the same time,
Karlo's words set her mind at ease.
This New World Great Pirate didn't seem difficult to talk to.
And though he was young, his words were unexpectedly pleasant to hear.
At Karlo's compliments, a faint blush rose on Connie's face, which still bore traces of her former beauty.
"Your Majesty flatters me. I'm nearly forty—hardly a beauty anymore."
Karlo bent down to shake hands with the Queen Mother.
He was so tall—more than twice her height.
He had to stoop just to reach her hand.
"Wine improves with age, Queen Mother Connie. Don't sell yourself short. And no need for formalities—just call me Karlo, or Captain Karlo."
"Then I won't stand on ceremony, Captain Karlo," Connie said, releasing his hand and gesturing toward the refugees and children reuniting nearby. Hesitantly, she asked,
"May I ask, Captain Karlo, what exactly is going on here?"
Karlo glanced at the tense soldiers behind Connie and smiled. "Queen Mother Connie, might we speak in private?"
Seeing his smile, Connie nodded without hesitation.
A few minutes later,
on the beach not far away,
"That's the situation. These people are refugees from God Valley; I wish to settle them here.
Originally, I planned to take them to the New World and settle them on my own territory.
But as you know, the situation in the New World is unstable right now.
Our Captain is dead; the whole crew has fallen apart. Some impatient fellows have already jumped out to seize the Captain's legacy.
To be honest, my own territory isn't secure yet. I need time to stabilize it.
It would be dangerous for these people to stay with me, so... I want to leave them here in the Sorbet Kingdom.
Of course, I'll provide funds as a token of gratitude."
As Karlo spoke,
John waved from the pirate ship in the distance.
Instantly, a torrent of gold and jewels flew ashore,
quickly forming a small mountain on the sand before Connie.
The soldiers' eyes bulged at the sight.
Even Bulldog, King of the Sorbet Kingdom, swallowed hard.
"S-so much treasure! What's he planning? Is he really giving this to us? Impossible!"
He'd only ever heard of pirates stealing treasure.
Never of pirates giving it away.
And such a huge pile.
Even ordinary gold and silver would be worth well over a billion Berries.
An enormous fortune!
King Bulldog had never seen so much money at once.
The Sorbet Kingdom was simply too poor.
Nearby,
after hearing Karlo's story, Connie's eyes reddened, tears nearly spilling.
She gazed pityingly at the distant refugees.
"I understand, Captain Karlo. Say no more—let them stay! From today, they are citizens of the Sorbet Kingdom. I will treat them well; please rest assured!"
She locked eyes with Karlo and spoke with solemn resolve,
pointing at the glittering pile.
"Please take back that treasure, Captain. I won't accept it. I mean no offense, but... if even a pirate like you can go this far for these poor people, how could we turn a blind eye?"
She bowed deeply to Karlo.
"Thank you, Captain, for saving them. I speak on their behalf."
Karlo waved it off. "No need for thanks. I only did what was convenient. I'm still a pirate at heart—murder and arson are nothing new to me."
He joked, "Don't let this fool you into thinking I'm a good person, Queen Mother. Maybe one day when I'm broke, I'll come rob you."
"Hahaha, Captain Karlo, you're too funny," Connie laughed softly at his jest.
Hearing her laughter, the tense Bulldog and his men watching from afar were dumbfounded.
Especially Bulldog, who glared warily at Karlo.
"Damn it! What's that guy up to? I'll never let him have his way!"
Since his father's death, Bulldog had never seen his mother so happy.
Karlo turned serious. "Queen Mother Connie, I must warn you of the possible consequences.
You know these people's origins; you must understand this may draw attention from the World Government and the Marines, perhaps even trouble.
Though I acted in secret, no wall is completely airtight. With so many people, their past will surface one day.
When that happens, the World Government will likely send someone to demand answers—and it could be traced back to me. Are you truly ready for this?"
Connie was silent a long moment, then nodded firmly.
"It will be fine. Rest assured, Captain Karlo—trust me to handle it properly.
My kingdom is preparing to join the World Government. Once we succeed, their tolerance toward us will increase greatly.
Besides, what happened at God Valley is over. The World Government wants to hide the truth; I doubt they'll want to stir old troubles and press the matter."
Karlo nodded. "If that's the case, I can set my mind at ease.
I owe the Sorbet Kingdom a favor. If ever you need help, call this number."