https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-675-Wolf-Knight-Today-the-Master-Claims-the-Throne-/13538980/
Chapter 676: King David
Chapter 676: King David
David ascended the steps toward the palace.
The guards stationed at the entrance raised their long spears, eyes filled with wariness and tension. They had witnessed the battle outside firsthand—this man was simply untouchable in combat.
But King Riku was inside! They could not abandon their duty.
David gripped his greatsword, preparing to raise it.
"Stand down." A voice suddenly echoed from the palace hall. "Let him enter."
The soldiers exchanged glances, lowered their weapons, and parted to clear the path. David loosened his grip on his sword without even glancing at them, stepping past the guards and into the grand hall.
The palace once belonging to Donquixote Doflamingo had suffered significant damage across multiple floors. Yet one intact level remained functional. Within the hall, rows of soldiers flanked the chamber, glaring at the intruder. At the far end stood several figures—Cyrus on his single leg, supported by Rebecca, and beside them, King Riku and Viola.
As the former princess, Viola had naturally reclaimed her status after Donquixote Doflamingo’s defeat. Riku Dold now wore simple attire, cradling a crown in his hands. He watched David approach with quiet resignation.
"Pansha..." he sighed. "Who would’ve thought the one to walk through these doors would be you? Even without the throne, this crown was rightfully yours eight hundred years ago."
"The Pansha Family needs no throne", David replied coolly. "Our purpose is to serve as vanguard. My master crowned me king—I am king by right."
"Still searching for a new master after eight centuries?" Riku chuckled. "Perhaps it’s better this way. If the Pansha bloodline rules Dressrosa, we can guarantee the people’s prosperity. I am no longer fit to rule—I’ve already lost my throne once."
He extended the crown toward David. "Take it. Dressrosa acknowledges you as king."
"I need no crown", David’s voice deepened. "A knight requires no crown. I seized this kingship by my master’s will. Whether Dressrosa recognizes it or not, I am king. But stability requires your influence—though you’ve abdicated, the people still revere you."
His helmet turned toward Viola. "Marry me. The Pansha lineage will wed the Riku bloodline."
This was the swiftest path to legitimacy, as strategist Moer had advised. To solidify his rule, he needed the people’s acceptance. And none could grant it more decisively than King Riku himself. Marrying his daughter would bind their families irrevocably.
"My daughter?" Riku stiffened, instinctively glancing at Viola before shaking his head. "I won’t trade my daughter’s future for my life. If you demand more, kill me—but spare my family."
"I am no monster", David said evenly. "You’ve abdicated. I claim this kingship as King David. This proposal stands regardless of your choice."
"I..."
"Father, I accept." Viola stepped forward before Riku could speak. Her eyes locked onto David’s helm. "I agree to this marriage."
"Viola?" Riku’s brow furrowed.
"Eventually, I must marry", Viola said softly. "But first—will you truly rule for the people?"
"Of course", David nodded. "The Lord made me king. I will fulfill a king’s duties."
Viola stood in silence for a moment before giving a decisive nod. "He is worthy."
As the Devil Fruit user of the Glance-Glance Fruit, she could see through deceit. Her power pierced hearts, revealing intentions beyond mere words. She saw David’s truth—a knight of unwavering resolve, a ruler with both the will and means to revive Dressrosa.
*
"What? He’s marrying Riku’s daughter and taking in Baby-5 too?"
Kuro exhaled smoke in the Navy tent, his voice tinged with disbelief as he listened to Moer’s report. "This guy seemed so rigid before. Who knew he had such cunning?"
He’d seemed so indecisive about wielding a sword, yet now his decisions cut sharper than a blade.
Kuro wasn’t worried about David’s combat skills—Cyrus’s aura hadn’t intimidated him either. But this political maneuvering? Unexpected.
Let Baby-5 escape if they must. She had no bounty, and her allegiance to David sent a message. Sugar’s illusions might have kept Donquixote’s loyalists in line before, but now—marrying Viola would sway half the kingdom to David’s side.
Rule through compromise, then purge a few key dissenters. That’s how kingdoms stabilize.
"Hmph. Not bad", Kuro blew another smoke ring at Donquixote Doflamingo, who hung bound in chains. "Guess my judgment isn’t too shabby."
"Kshhhkshhkshh", the former king chuckled. "Once Pansha finds its master, its true power awakens."
Lucci turned to leave. Pity Golden Lion stayed holed up in the tent—no chance to kill Donquixote after all.
"Give my regards to that masked bastard with the black-and-white eyes", Kuro called after him. "Tell him not to show his face around me again. The Grand Line’s dangerous enough without pissing me off."
Lucci hesitated, then continued walking.
"Vice Admiral", Moer interjected, "King David requests your presence at his wedding."
"Tell him I’m busy", Kuro bit his cigar. "Sengoku’s almost here. We’re shipping this bird-brain back to Impel Down and I’m going home. I’ve wasted enough time on this mess. What does a king need with a Navy officer anyway?"
This whole Dressrosa trip—first clashing with Big Mom, barely surviving thanks to "Yi Xiaobrother." He couldn’t even imagine how badly things might’ve unraveled without help.
No, Kuro just wanted back to G-3, buried in that impenetrable fortress. Let David rule. The man had the power, the people’s favor—what more could they ask?
He didn’t expect sainthood. Not from David, not from himself. (End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
