As the saying goes, a rabbit doesn't eat the grass at its burrow's entrance. With the connection to Zephyr's disciple, Rowen never seriously considered Ain as a partner.
Even when there was a misunderstanding on Nutrient Island in the past, Rowen at most felt guilty for a few days. After the incident, Ain was no different from usual, which relieved him.
The two had never expressed mutual affection, but what was with Momousagi and her gang of good sisters, acting like they were catching a cheating boyfriend or a third party?!
Seeing Rowen looking bewildered, Momousagi snorted, put away her golden spear, and asked, "How much longer until that singer arrives?"
"At most half an hour... Wait a minute, does Senior Sister Ain like me?" Rowen subconsciously answered and suddenly looked shocked, questioning back.
"What do you think?!" Momousagi rolled her eyes without good humor.
However, she also understood. Rowen was not a greenhorn, especially in matters of practice and life. He had a strong mind and wouldn't be swayed by external factors. The complexities of romance and emotional entanglements were not as appealing to someone like him as a thrilling and intense battle.
She had seen this type of man many times before...
Garp was one, and so was Dragon.
They were individuals with their own ideals and beliefs. Being with someone like them would never bring happiness. Even if the woman was willing to sacrifice, it wouldn't change their convictions.
Thinking that Ain, whom she treated as a younger sister, had fallen for such a guy, Momousagi was angry and pitied her misfortune.
Rolling her eyes again, Momousagi didn't want to dwell on this matter. She said coldly, "After the person arrives, I'll take her away immediately. With the crowded and prying eyes in Golden City, it's inevitable that we'll attract attention."
"You help us delay Tesoro. We can't let him sense anything about this mission; otherwise, the Marines will be in big trouble!"
Tesoro, who could to some extent command government officials and even change the thoughts of Celestial Dragons, if he found out that the person kidnapped by Marines was his, the trouble for the Marines would be immense.
"Uh... Oh!"
Rowen nodded in realization.
Indeed, now was not the time to worry about Ain. If this matter wasn't handled properly, the Marines would be in big trouble! Even CP0 dared only collect information secretly.
For the Marines, as the government's watchdog and a face-saving organization, if it were exposed that they directly kidnapped someone, the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) would, in turn, kick the Marines out of the bucket.
Does this operation seem familiar?
That's right!
This is what's called a "temporary worker." If you know, you know!
"I can't directly go to Tesoro to delay time. Perhaps..."
Not long after, a knocking sound came from outside the door.
"Soryu (Azure Dragon)-Sama, your late-night snack is here."
Late-night snack?
Half a day's worth of late-night snacks?
Emmmmm... Golden City truly has a lot of interesting people!
Rowen and Momousagi, exchanging cryptic glances, the latter swayed her hips and walked into the bedroom, temporarily avoiding the gaze of outsiders.
Adjusting his emotions, Rowen turned and sat on the soft sofa, saying calmly.
"Come in!"
"Yes!"
An immediate response came from outside, and soon, several Golden City staff dressed as waiters entered, carrying a continuously wriggling white blanket.
The leader had bruises on his face, and cotton was stuffed in his nostrils. Upon seeing Rowen, he smiled obsequiously.
"Sorry for the long wait, Soryu (Azure Dragon)-Sama. This guy has quite a bad temper, making us work quite a bit."
"Enough, stop the nonsense!"
Smack!
Rowen threw a stack of well-earned Belly at him, hitting his face directly. Then, with a nod of his chin, he pointed to the door, "Take it away! I don't like to be disturbed, understood?"
In Golden City, most of the workers were slaves controlled by Tesoro using gold dust. Naturally, a significant portion was also working for him just for the money. However, despite living in the luxurious Golden City, their financial situations were not comfortable.
With a face full of bruises, the man hit by the Belly had an even brighter smile. He believed that pain was good; it signified importance. The stack of Belly he received was equivalent to his annual salary, and he laughed so hard that his eyes almost disappeared.
Nodding and bowing like a lackey, the leader of the group instructed his subordinates to place the goods down and then respectfully withdrew.
"Don't worry, Soryu (Azure Dragon)-Sama! I will inform the hotel management to clear the surrounding rooms, ensuring no one will disturb you!"
Having money to pave the way was indeed convenient. Without this stack of Belly, who knows what minor troubles might have arisen?
After saying that, the leader respectfully closed the door and quickly left. The person inside the blanket seemed to understand the current situation, staying motionless inside.
"Come out; do I have to invite you?"
No response.
Seeing this, Rowen extended his hand, releasing a spark of electricity. In the next moment, a dazzling Thunderlight erupted right where the person was lying.
"Aaahhh!"
The flimsy cotton blanket was directly pierced, and a figure, trembling from the electric shock, rolled out. Lying on the ground, Carina, her eyes filled with anxiety and fear, looked at the man sitting in front of her.
Marine Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon)!
"What... What are you going to do?"
Carina sat on the ground, using both hands and feet to retreat, completely disregarding the exposure of her private parts.
The name of Marine Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon) was known worldwide and was particularly terrifying in the New World. She had been serving by the hot spring pool, so she knew very well that he was a significant character even Tesoro was unwilling to offend.
Thinking about the words those people said when they took her away, despair filled Carina's eyes.
What's the use of being clever?
The other party just had a thought, and Tesoro immediately sent her to Rowen's room.
"What's going on?"
At this moment, hearing the scream, Momousagi walked out of the room. After looking at Carina, who was lying on the ground, wearing only a thin dress, with a large portion of her body exposed, she glanced at Rowen without saying a word.
"So, you like this kind of play?"
"Don't mess around, Vice Admiral Momousagi. I'm helping her..."
Rowen shook his head, explaining, "Tesoro implanted her with gold dust. If he senses anything, he can immediately control the gold dust and take her life."
Saying this, Rowen bent down, his tall figure making the stunned Carina instinctively shrink back. Rowen's large hand directly grabbed her neck, lifting her up.
Then...
Zi Zi!
"Ugh...!"
The electric current invaded, causing Carina unbearable pain, but a more significant feeling was a wicked joy. Rowen inserted two fingers into her mouth, controlling the electric current to melt the gold dust inside her into liquid. Then, slowly controlling the solidified gold, he extracted it outward.
It was a delicate operation. Although Momousagi sympathized with Carina's ordeal, she not only didn't stop Rowen but also helped him immobilize Carina's struggling limbs, facilitating Rowen's actions.
Soon, accompanied by retching sounds, a blob of golden liquid was vomited out by Carina.
"What... What do you want to do?!"
Having undergone such torture without any explanation, Carina's eyes were full of horror.
Even though she knew Rowen had solved a problem that had troubled her for many years, at this moment, in Carina's eyes, Rowen was a more terrifying wicked mage than Tesoro!
"Don't be afraid, little sister; we are Marines, we are good people!"
Rowen's mouth curled up as he smiled faintly, with electric sparks still lingering on him.
Carina couldn't believe what she was seeing.
Momousagi: "..."
Forgive my bluntness, but your current appearance is not very convincing!!
(End of this chapter)
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