Chapter 239: Alice's Request for Help
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Robin emerged from the woods and approached Aoki, blinking as she took in the bodies scattered along the shore below.
"What happened?"
"The pirates came," Aoki replied succinctly.
Robin's expression shifted as realization dawned. "No wonder I heard the sound of cannon fire earlier!"
"What's the result?" Aoki asked, his tone calm.
He wasn't referring to the battle but to the investigation of the ruins.
Robin shook his head. "There's nothing related to Devil Fruits in this ruin."
"What a shame," Aoki said, his tone still indifferent. "Then we'll move on to the next one."
On the shore below, Alice stood with her arms crossed, her posture emphasizing her exaggerated curves, though her gaze seemed unfocused, lost in thought.
At that moment, Huck approached her.
"General!"
Alice snapped back to reality. "What are the casualties?"
Huck smiled, his expression one of relief. "Thanks to the general's leadership, no one died. Although a few were seriously injured, their lives are not in danger."
"Very good!" Alice exhaled deeply, a smile of relief spreading across her face.
Huck's enthusiasm grew. "More importantly, we've secured two ships! Now is the perfect time—the enemy is in disarray, and not only can we escape this island, but we can also completely rid ourselves of their threat!"
These weren't ordinary vessels; they were pirate ships, proven to withstand the challenges of the New World.
Alice remained silent for a few moments before speaking. "Huck, if we leave here, where would we go?"
Huck didn't hesitate. "Anywhere is better than staying here."
Alice's eyes hardened. "And what about Etania?"
Huck's excitement dimmed, his expression turning somber. "General, some things are beyond human control..."
Alice took a deep breath and gazed out toward the sea. "Huck, I've decided—we won't leave, not yet."
Huck frowned, already sensing her resolve. "Your Highness, what happened to Etania cannot be undone, but as long as you're alive, there's hope for its future."
Alice's voice grew firm. "I've already made my decision! There are two boats here—anyone who wishes to leave may take one of them."
Huck's face fell, and he lowered his head. "Your Highness, I would never consider such a thing. I only meant—"
Alice cut him off. "Huck, I don't blame you. What I said was sincere. You've done more than enough for me and for Etania. Anyone who wishes to leave will have my blessing."
Huck straightened and spoke with determination. "Since Your Highness has decided, we will naturally follow you."
Alice gave a small nod, saying nothing more.
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That Night
"That ruin dates back a hundred years," Robin said as she recounted her findings to Aoki, her tone animated. She detailed the interesting discoveries she'd made and shared her plans for the next steps.
Ding, ding, ding.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
Aoki walked over, opening it to find Alice standing there, her red hair catching the dim light. She was alone, unaccompanied by any subordinates.
Aoki stepped aside to let her in, and Robin, ever gracious, poured tea for their guest.
"This is black tea from the West Blue," Robin said warmly. "General Alice, please try some."
"Thank you," Alice replied, picking up the cup and taking a large gulp. It was clear she wasn't someone accustomed to savoring tea.
Aoki broke the silence. "Congratulations on your victory today, General Alice."
Alice set her teacup down and looked at him. "It's all thanks to you, Mr. Aoki. Without your assistance, even if we had won, the casualties would have been severe."
Aoki glanced at her and said, "My help? Did General Alice misunderstand something?"
Alice smiled faintly.
"I've never been good at anything since I was a child. I couldn't master court etiquette, I know nothing about governing a country, and I can't grasp strategies. My only strength lies in fighting.
Of course, in these seas, the strength I'm so proud of is barely worth mentioning.
But I'm not blind to the unexpected events that occurred during the battle.
The deaths of those two pirates were suspicious. After the fight, I examined their bodies and found needle puncture marks. Based on their placement, it's clear they align with the 'accidents' that occurred during the fight."
Aoki smiled lightly. "It was nothing but a small favor. The real reason for the victory is your own strength, General. Don't dwell on it. Just think of it as a gesture of thanks for the supplies you sent us earlier."
Alice stood up from the sofa, walked over to Aoki, and suddenly knelt before him.
"Please, Mr. Aoki, save my father! Save Etania!"
Though she was dressed modestly, her figure was so striking that the action, paired with her posture, created an eye-catching display.
Aoki cleared his throat and said, "General Alice, please stand up first! You said you want me to save Etania, so you need to explain what happened there."
Alice's expression turned somber.
"I am, in fact, the princess of the Kingdom of Etania.
Two years ago, a large-scale insect plague devastated the kingdom, destroying most of the crops. The resulting famine plunged the people into extreme poverty.
We couldn't raise enough Heavenly Tribute to pay the World Government, and as a result, we were removed as a member nation."
Hearing this, Aoki already had an idea of how things had unfolded.
This world is riddled with pirates.
For member nations of the World Government, protection from the Navy provides a degree of safety.
But for a kingdom that lacks naval protection and strength of its own, losing membership spells disaster. Such nations often become playgrounds for pirates.
This seems to be the World Government's punishment for nations that fail to meet their obligations. It also serves as a warning to member states: disobedience and failure to pay tribute will lead to ruin.
It makes one wonder if the World Government allows the proliferation of pirates to maintain control over its member nations.
Of course, ever since Roger ignited the Age of Piracy, the situation has begun to spiral out of the World Government's control.
Alice continued her story, filling in the details for Aoki and Robin.
Just as Aoki had guessed, after Etania was removed from the World Government, pirate attacks increased exponentially.
The already dire situation quickly worsened. Ambitious schemers rose up, borders were pillaged, and the kingdom fell into chaos.
With Alice's help, the kingdom managed to hold out for two years.
But then, a particularly powerful pirate crew arrived.
Their leader was even stronger than Alice.
With their last line of defense gone, Etania finally fell.
In a desperate bid to preserve a spark of hope, the king ordered Alice to flee with a group of survivors.
Aoki pondered in silence.
He had long since realized Alice's identity and deduced they were fleeing.
While he hadn't intentionally orchestrated this situation, it aligned with his own objectives.
Under Alice's nervous gaze, Aoki finally looked up.
"I can help you, but it won't be for free."
Alice's eyes lit up with determination. "I will pay any price!"
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