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Chapter 20: The Extra Plan of "Caring for the People"
"Damn Darren! You have betrayed the faith of justice! Shame on you, Marine! Scum of justice!"
Gion's angry curses trailed behind him, but Darren simply laughed and continued walking out of the palace's side hall. He didn't care what others thought of him. Worrying too much about reputation could only limit one's actions and prevent one from letting go. This was a world where the strong preyed on the weak, following the most primitive laws of the jungle.
Darren didn't deny that some people in the Marines truly upheld their justice from the heart, and he respected these individuals. They were willing to give everything: their ideals, beliefs, protection for the things they cherished, and even their youth, energy, and lives. Such people were indeed commendable and great.
This was why Darren didn't dislike Gion, who often "got in his way." The world needed "fools" like Gion to keep hope alive. Yet Darren didn't think he could be like that. Following such a righteous path was incredibly challenging. He didn't have Sakazuki's monstrous talent or Gion's rich family connections.
From the moment he arrived in this world five years ago, every step had been a struggle, especially in the chaotic seas of the North Blue. Every move was fraught with danger, like walking a tightrope on the edge of a cliff. He had to be prudent and cautious, aiming to garner as much power, wealth, influence, interests, and status as he could. Now, he felt, was the time to harvest the fruits of victory from this war. With that thought, Darren quickened his steps.
...
Night had fallen. Vilna, the capital of the Yadis Kingdom, was alight and teeming with energy. In the grand hall of the royal palace, aristocrats, celebrities, ministers, crown princes, and wealthy businessmen dressed in their finest robes mingled and toasted each other.
The crystal chandeliers overhead cast a bright glow, creating captivating reflections in the glasses of red wine held by the guests. They conversed with joyous ease.
"Let me tell you, the battle was really thrilling. Germa 66 certainly lives up to its reputation as an evil army. Their leader, Vinsmoke Judge, is monstrously strong..."
At one side of the banquet hall, Kake, donned in a brand-new tuxedo, was the picture of elegance. He swirled his wine glass among a group of lavishly dressed noble ladies, boasting, "You wouldn't believe it, but his weapons are cutting-edge high-tech, and the spear's electrical current can stun an elephant."
The ladies gasped in amazement, their hands covering their mouths.
"And then what happened?"
"Then?" Kake lowered his voice, filling it with a captivating quality as he mimicked Darren's demeanor, and offered a slight smile. "The prowess of Germa Technology is truly formidable, but I have been forged in Naval Headquarters. To someone like me, even a Vinsmoke Judge is no match. With a mere kick, I sent him flying over ten meters."
"Facing the might of justice, he still attempted a final struggle. Eventually, I found him too irritating, so I silenced him," Kake concluded.
The ladies stared at him with widened eyes, their admiration evident. Kake basked in the compliments.
"That's incredible, Major Kake!"
"You truly are a genius from the Naval Headquarters!"
"To think you could defeat the formidable 'evil army' of Germa 66 so effortlessly."
Kake felt every fiber of his being swell with satisfaction amid the flattery.
It was still the North Blue—where glamorous noble ladies congregated, the finest red wine flowed, the best cigars were savored, and wonderful song and dance troupes performed. No wonder that Darren found himself drawn to this place. But the truth of his claims? When the war broke out, the Kingdom of Germa stood some distance from the coastline. The sea fog acted as a barrier, obscuring any view from the Kingdom of Yardis, let alone from the capital Vilna, where the nobility gathered.
Kake reflected on these details, took a sip of red wine, and puffed on his cigar with a forlorn expression. He sighed and said, "Do you know? All my life, I've searched for a worthy opponent. I thought coming to North Blue might add some excitement to my days, but it's been such a letdown in the end."
The ladies were even more astonished at his words, gazing at Kake with wide, admiring eyes, and they began to sigh. "If Major Gake is this powerful, imagine how strong Lord Darren must be." "Yes, Lord Darren isn't just powerful; he's also handsome and charming." They murmured in agreement, while visions of the top officer of the North Blue Marine brought bashful flushes to their cheeks and love-struck gazes to their eyes.
Kake felt overshadowed. "Wait, did you not hear me? I'm the subject of conversation, not that Darren. He isn't even at this party." Frustration churned within him as his face contorted with agitation, turning a shade darker with each puff of his cigar.
"That...Mr. Kake..." A timid voice interrupted him from behind. He spun around and saw a girl in a white lace dress, her face rosy and hands nervously clasped, exuding a shy, youthful aura. Captivated, Kake's heart skipped a beat, and he felt as if he'd been struck by love itself.
The girl looked at Kake, then quickly averted her gaze with innocent trepidation and stammered, "Could I get... your phone bug... contact information?" She seems shy, and Kake thought she must be interested in him. His heart soared with hope, and he eagerly declared, "No problem, I'll give you my personal phone bug number."
But then she asked something else. "No...I mean...do you know Mr. Darren's contact information?" The spark in Kake's eyes fizzled out; his heart sank. He staggered over to a corner of the banquet hall, his back slumped, and squatted there, motionless, tears streaming down his face.
Not far from this scene, Gion, dressed in an elegant pink evening gown, turned down yet another dance invitation. Observing Kake's demeanor, her mouth twitched in reaction. Taking a sip of her wine, she seemed disturbed by a thought, gripping her fist tightly.
Meanwhile, Darren had arrived at the port and boarded the warship, oblivious to the drama unfolding back at the party.