https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-656-Imprisonment-Coercion-Corruption-and-the-Current-Offense-/13464628/
Chapter 657: Not Born Noble, But Revered by All
Chapter 657: Not Born Noble, But Revered by All
Heinrich saw Sivir’s face turn pale with despair, and an inexplicable rage welled up inside him. Even under the oppressive weight of the overwhelming aura, a sense of unease still surfaced.
“Even if you destroy us, the one million one hundred thousand citizens of Heller won’t back down! We will resist, everywhere and always.”
His words were cut short by Sivir’s trembling and tears.
Heinrich stared at Sivir, his mind a blank.
Since he had known the Sacred Woman, he had never seen her cry. Even in her tears, there was an intense, palpable sense of helplessness and insignificance.
In his memory, the Sacred Woman was a symbol of strength, resilience, gentleness, and wisdom. No matter what challenges she faced, she was either solving problems or on her way to solving them.
Never had he seen her so out of control, and it tugged at a string deep within Heinrich’s heart. He sensed something and turned his head, horrified, to the grinning white-haired man.
Destruction, not of them?!
“One million one hundred thousand? That’s quite a lot, but it’s a pity they can’t be my subjects.”
Sagel put down his spoon, picked up the wooden wine glass beside him, and took a large gulp. “Their fate isn’t so good.”
Hearing this, Moria’s face twisted into a smirk, Ulki let out a strange laugh and made a gesture of absolution, while Hawkins shrugged and said lightly:
“This is the choice of fate.”
“You, how can you—”
Even Heinrich, one of the few strong warriors in the kingdom, felt a profound sense of desolation and sorrow.
The helplessness came from the realization that the man before him could indeed do what he claimed. That was the most terrifying part!
“I am a Pirate, after all. Why shouldn’t I? I’ve destroyed nations before, and this time might be a bit more challenging, but I won’t destroy the island.”
Sagel waved his hand to clear the dust off the wooden table and smiled. “After all, it’s hard to step on an ant without killing it, but for me, it’s not that difficult.”
Just a single explosion will do.
There’s no need to bombard the island with enhanced cannonballs. A mid-air explosion, if the distance is right, will preserve the territory while killing everyone on the island.
Population, I do need it, but it’s not that urgent. There are plenty of people elsewhere in the vast sea.
If this island weren’t in such a strategic location, I wouldn’t even bother saving it. I’d have my men withdraw and then finish the job, so as not to delay my plans.
Sagel didn’t care, but Sivir, who had immediately grasped the true meaning of Sagel’s words, felt a sense of despair and powerlessness. She lowered her head, clenching her fists on her thighs. Her sturdy armor felt like mud on her body, facing the world-destroying wave that was Sagel. The mud couldn’t protect her; she would be swallowed whole.
“Surrender!”
Sivir took several deep breaths, looked up at Sagel, and said, “We surrender! Please, don’t destroy us! I am willing to set an example and persuade the local citizens to join your ranks. I only hope... no, I beg you not to destroy us!”
“Sacred Woman.”
Heinrich subconsciously reached out, wanting to suggest that they remain loyal to Heller and preserve their will to resist.
But in the face of total annihilation, this resolve seemed meaningless.
The Sacred Woman wanted to fight for the people of Heller, but if the kingdom were lost, what would be left for her?
Heinrich’s hand dropped.
Heinrich lowered his head, wanting to resist but not knowing where to start. The absurd sense of helplessness was making him feel increasingly despondent.
“Come on, don’t look at me like your wife has been taken and you’re powerless to do anything about it.”
Sagel clicked his tongue. “I never destroy without purpose. Over a million people—do you know how much economic growth, internal demand, and employment they can generate? And how much prosperity they can bring me? My territory only had four million people before, and this adds a quarter, a 25% increase. I don’t get why you care about the nobles I’m taking down. Did they pay you? How much did they pay you to fight so hard? Did they give you their entire fortune?”
“No, they didn’t, we—”
Sivir was taken aback, about to speak, but Sagel waved his hand. “It doesn’t matter. You don’t pose a threat to me in the realm of governance. Since you’re surrendering, bring me a token of your loyalty. Go and bring me the heads of the local nobles. Then I’ll accept your surrender. Eat the stew, don’t waste it, and then go do your task.”
Sivir pressed her lips together, picked up the stew, and silently left.
"Oh? Sagel, I thought you were going to give us one of your theories."
Moria chuckled, "That woman is a typical landlubber. If she ever sets sail, she'll understand the essence of things and will be much more cooperative."
"Who has the time to explain it to her? She'll see for herself eventually."
Sagel said, "You mean a country bumpkin? Once a bumpkin has seen the world, her horizons will broaden, and she'll naturally grasp our way of doing things."
He didn’t take such people, who seemed strong but weren’t really, very seriously. They could only influence the lower ranks. If they followed, that was best; if they resisted, let them be. After all, Sagel was a man of reason.
Once he started explaining, few could stand up to his logic.
"A quick trip to settle things, Moria. Is there a good fishing spot around here?" Sagel asked.
"Sure there is."
Moria smiled, "There’s a large lake right next to the Heartland Palace. I saw quite a few fish jumping around. Sagel, there’s also a nice throne in the palace. Want to check it out? I planned to bring it back for you after the battle."
"Thrones aren’t in short supply lately. We’ll see how good the quality is. Let’s rest for the night and set out tomorrow."
Sagel laughed heartily and called out to the tent, "Everyone, drink to your heart's content tonight! It’s my personal victory, but as your leader, I’ll let you share in my glory!"
"Oh!!"
The tent camp erupted in enthusiastic cheers. In the darkness, Sivir, who had been watching silently, turned her head and looked at the bright lights and illumination that suddenly burst forth from the stormy night.
"Lady Sacred Woman", Heinrich said gravely, "If you can't bear it, I can—"
"No, Heinrich, this is my duty."
Sivir’s eyes showed determination, "Whether it’s rebellion or blame, even if I bear the curses of all Heartland’s people, I must save this country! No, I should say, if sacrificing myself can save this place, that would be the best outcome."
To her, pirates were still chaotic, untrustworthy scoundrels.
But if among these scoundrels, there was one person who was utterly unbeatable, both strategically and in combat, then even if they weren’t trustworthy, she had to believe.
There was no other way. She had to place her hope in the chaotic pirate keeping his word.
"Lord Melvin—"
Sivir gripped the flag she carried and looked in a certain direction, "You must understand!"
"Run!"
As soon as they gave Sivir the order to act, the nobles in the town, led by Melvin, prepared to flee.
After all, the surrender had failed, and they had heard over the Den Den Mushi that the Worldslider wanted their heads on a platter.
They had to execute their final plan. Given Sivir’s character, she was probably dead at the hands of the pirates by now. They could spread the word that Sivir was killed by the pirates to incite hatred, and take the opportunity to escape.
With Sivir’s popularity, the commoners would likely turn their anger on the pirates, giving the nobles a chance to escape.
They had already prepared the escape ships, even coated ones that could submerge underwater for a while. They planned to reach the Red Soil Continent and find a way to the other side of the world.
They had heard that with money, anything was possible there.
Even if they weren’t major nobles anymore, buying a piece of land and living as wealthy individuals was still feasible.
At the right time, they might even be able to return.
But sometimes, fate was cruel.
If they had done this before Sagel arrived, they might have succeeded. But Sagel had already surrounded the island.
When Melvin and the many nobles, pulling carts and bags, reached the shore where the ships were hidden and tried to activate the suspension bubbles, they only saw the broken remains of the ships floating on the water.
The coating bubbles had burst, and the prepared ships were destroyed.
The Fishmen’s heads visible on the surface of the water quashed any thoughts of escape.
As they stood in confusion, a figure descended from the sky.
Heinrich, transformed into a giant eagle man, appeared before them.
Before he could speak, Melvin’s eyes lit up, and he wept, "Heinrich! You escaped! Sivir’s death has grieved me deeply. It’s good that you’re alive! I hereby appoint you to carry on Sivir’s legacy and lead the people in resistance against the Worldslider Pirates!"
Heinrich heard this and first drew a deep breath, clenching his fist tightly, then seemed to let something go, even a hint of satisfaction appearing in his eyes.
"Heinrich! You're our last hope!"
When Heinrich didn't respond, Melvin gritted his teeth and said, "Sivir isn't called the Sacred Woman by you all? Fine! I'll now proclaim her the Sacred Woman of Heartland, the Sacred Woman of all the people! Isn't this what you wanted? In the future, my palace and my descendants will all follow the Sacred Woman. As long as you lead the resistance, I will even establish the Sacred Woman's Church! All future royal decrees will be issued by the Sacred Woman's Church!"
Since the people were already dead, it was just a matter of giving them a title. The priority was to keep Heinrich in place, to continue drawing the attention of the Worldslider Pirates, and to find an opportunity to escape.
"King Melvin, I am not dead."
But the next moment, a familiar voice came from behind Heinrich, "What makes you think I would surely be dead?"
Melvin froze and looked behind Heinrich, where Sivir and her elite squad emerged from the jungle.
Still alive?
And here?
"Your Majesty."
Sivir's emotions were complex, a mix of guilt and relief as she looked at Melvin. "I came to persuade you, but your words make me feel that I might not need to try as hard in that regard."
"What persuasion! Sivir, how dare you defy orders! You don't even respect the king! You are just a village girl, and it was we who elevated you to your current popularity!"
A high noble, furious, added, "It was we who gave you everything. Otherwise, you'd still be washing clothes in the village!"
"Yes, I am a village girl, and I do not deny it. But I am not a fool. When you announced my death and I found you here, I clearly understood your plan."
Sivir continued, "You are right; I have immense popularity within the kingdom. But I have always fought for all the people of Heartland. This is not my pride; it is my responsibility. I am a citizen of Heartland, and I have an obligation to contribute. This contribution has made me recognized by the people of Heartland, and it is only right."
"If I died, the people would surely go into a frenzy of revenge. At first, I thought this was the case, and my hope was in you, thinking that if I died, you could lead the people in resistance."
"But your words make me feel that you might be trying to use the lives of the Heartland people to create conditions for yourselves."
Sivir, who had been relying on her wits to outmaneuver Moria, was sharp in strategy.
Sivir's eyes burned as she stared at Melvin, "I always thought you were a trustworthy and good king. Your Majesty, you are also a part of Heartland. Is the contribution to the nation worth less than a few Berries? As king, you should set an example."
"Shut up! Village girl! Peasant!"
Melvin couldn't hold back any longer and shouted, "Everything you have is because of me, and it belongs to me! I am the king of Heartland, not you lecturing me! I don't care how you survived, but now, go back and fight the Worldslider Pirates! Don't you want to save Heartland? I'm giving you the chance!"
Sivir sighed, "Yes, I want to save Heartland, but I realize I am no match for the Worldslider. So I've decided to take a different approach."
She tightened her grip on the banner, holding it like a spear and pointing it directly at Melvin, "King Melvin, my lords, I will take your heads to protect all of Heartland!"
Sivir, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit user with the Heart Drum Fruit, could inspire people through spirit and material conditions, boosting the willpower and courage of those who acknowledged her, allowing them to fight beyond their limits.
Because of her fruit's ability, she was also an expert in motivation. Combined with her recent efforts to distribute supplies and boost morale, she held a high status in the hearts of the people of Heartland.
But because of her ability, she believed that even if others were different, they wouldn't be much worse.
Now, she was lost.
The nobles and the king, who had always spoken of protecting the common people and thus being inherently noble, were now acting like timid rats hiding in their holes, afraid to show their faces.
Even in their escape, they moved like rats, biting each other's tails and crawling in a dark, sinister line.
Is this the truth?
Is this what the nobility is?
No, perhaps more time is needed to verify.
Before that...
...
"Before that, I need to verify."
On a certain island, a small boat slowly docked at the shore. A blind man, tapping his cane, stepped off the boat and walked slowly in a certain direction.
"Being born noble is a common principle of the sea, but in this region, the belief is that all beings are equal. I need a definite answer."
(End of Chapter)
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