Chapter 359: Old K
Chapter 359: Old K
The new king of Twin-Horse Kingdom was named Alexander Francis. His surname Alexander was rumored to have a storied history, though this meant nothing to Kuro. As Kuro entered the Castle under the guards' guidance, he finally met this figure whose appearance resembled the "K" in poker cards.
"Ah! So you're Commander Lucius Kro, the new base commander of Pegasus Island? I've heard of you - a formidable Navy indeed!"
The king rose from his throne, excitement radiating as he strode forward to extend his hand toward Kuro.
Caught off guard, Kuro instinctively reached out and shook the monarch's hand.
"Pleased to meet you, King", said Kuro politely.
"I'm not officially king yet, though I quite enjoy that title!"
Old K chuckled warmly, "Welcome to my coronation ceremony! The royal treasury will cover all your expenses while you're here."
"Really?" Lida's eyes lit up.
Though she carried 800 million herself, she'd never decline a free meal.
"Of course! Royal hospitality demands nothing less", declared Old K grandly. "The banquet is about to begin - I insist you all stay! Let me repay your kindness for eliminating those pirates threatening Kingdomport."
"Merely doing my duty as Navy", Kuro demurred, though he eventually relented to Old K's insistence and proceeded to the banquet hall.
His own Navy contingent plus Kas' forces numbered hundreds, now filling banquet tables. Kuro joined Old K at the head table, where after several rounds of toasts and a lavish feast, Old K suddenly dismissed all attendants, leaving only the two men.
"There's something I must ask of you", Old K said, his tone turning serious.
Here it comes, thought Kuro, swirling his red wine. He'd expected this meal wouldn't come so easily. Participating in coronation ceremonies usually meant formal ceremonies and brief visits, not lavish hospitality spanning food, drink, and entertainment. As a mere commander, he found the royal treatment excessive.
"I need you to save my fiancée!" Tears streamed down Old K's face. "A witch has kidnapped her!"
"A witch?!" Kuro nearly choked on his wine.
"Witch?" Klah blinked in surprise.
Klah nodded gravely. "There's a legend on Horse Herd Island about an ancient witch who craves the blood of beautiful young women to brew youth-restoring elixirs. I always dismissed it as myth."
"This world has Devil Fruit users everywhere, but a literal witch seems far-fetched", muttered Kuro, skeptical.
"Wait - how old are you?" Kuro suddenly asked Old K.
"Sixty-three", replied the king.
"Sixty and still unmarried? A Diamond bachelor indeed", Kuro remarked.
"It's complicated", Old K sighed bitterly. "My late father controlled my marriage arrangements until recently. War delayed everything, and when peace came, my father was gone. The original bride had already married someone else, so I sought a new alliance. The girl's merchant father is extremely wealthy - our union ensures Twin-Horse's prosperity."
"But our kingdom's population has dwindled from war. Those remaining lack the strength to pursue this witch. When I learned you were stationed at Pegasus Island, I saw hope." Old K clasped Kuro's hands desperately. "Please rescue my beloved! I offer three years' port city tax revenue - it's the only resource I can spare now."
"Keep your taxes", Kuro mused. "But I could use population transfers. My base at Pegasus Island requires more settlers. Perhaps ten percent of your citizens?"
Though initially reluctant, Kuro realized this could solve Pegasus Island's manpower shortage. Despite concentrating all island residents, Pegasus Town numbered only thousands, with few able-bodied men.
"Agreed! Just find her!" Old K accepted readily, secretly dismissing the request. What use were commoners?
"What does she look like?" Kuro asked.
"I've never seen her", Old K shrugged.
"You don't even know?!"
"Beauty is essential for a future queen", Old K speculated. "Perhaps resembling this Navy officer?" He gestured toward Ju Geng dining nearby, who smiled politely without catching the conversation.
Kuro activated Observation Haki, scanning the island. No exceptional auras detected - all ordinary.
"The Horse Herd Plains", Old K said, producing a map. "She was last seen here."
Kuro nodded. "Klah, assemble some recruits for training. Donald, Ju Geng, Sazil - you three accompany them. Too many would complicate operations, but your team has both Observation and Armament Haki users. Locating a life aura should be simple."
He kept Kas under watch - no need to risk complications.
"Understood", Klah adjusted his glasses, leading the designated team out.
"Won't you lead them personally, Commander?" Old K worried.
"Unnecessary. Recovering one person isn't so daunting", Kuro sipped wine thoughtfully. "Strange though - I noticed only male dancers earlier. Are women scarce here?"
"Indeed", Old K confirmed. "Our island has few women. Pegasus Island maintains equal gender ratios, but..." He paused, "My marriage alliance with that merchant's daughter aims partly to address this imbalance. Their nation reportedly has many beautiful women."
(End of Chapter)
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