Olvia was lifted up by Carl, still in a daze, as she stared at the sea gradually calming before her.
The once-vibrant Ancient Town had now become history, a relic destined to only be mentioned in cold, lifeless documents.
Carl stretched nonchalantly, breaking the silence.
"Alright, Olvia. Your companions are still waiting for you in Alabasta. I'll take you back now."
Olvia nodded in silence.
Upon their return to Alabasta, the port was bustling with not just Olvia's companions, but a large gathering of Alabasta's citizens as well. At the forefront stood a group adorned in lavish attire, led by a middle-aged man wearing a crown—King Nefertari Cobra of Alabasta.
However, the crowd had not gathered to welcome Olvia. Her status did not command such respect. Only someone like a Navy Admiral could garner this kind of reception.
As the warship prepared to dock, a hint of anxiety crossed Cobra's face. He had little knowledge of the new Admiral, Carl, and feared accidentally offending him.
Every knowledgeable king understood what it meant to face a Navy Admiral. In terms of Earth's comparison, they were like living, breathing weapons of mass destruction.
The warship finally docked, and as a passage formed between two rows of Navy soldiers, Carl strolled out with his hands in his pockets, flanked by Olvia and Lucia.
Cobra quickly stepped forward with his ministers, greeting Carl with enthusiasm.
Carl smiled as he exchanged pleasantries, then gestured for Olvia to step forward. He addressed Cobra,
"Your Majesty, Olvia is a friend of mine. She's been of great help to me these past few days. I trust that your kingdom will take good care of her while she stays in Alabasta."
Cobra bowed respectfully.
"Admiral Black Dragon, rest assured. We have always valued the scholars of Ohara, and she will face no grievances here."
Olvia softly thanked them both, though Carl did not accompany her further into Alabasta. He was preparing to return directly to the Navy Headquarters. Before leaving, he placed a hand on Olvia's shoulder, leaning in to whisper,
"We had a good time together this time. Let's hope the next time we meet will be just as enjoyable."
Olvia shivered slightly, responding quietly, "I hope so."
Carl chuckled, his Navy cloak brushing gently against her as he turned away. Surrounded by his soldiers, Carl boarded the warship once more, leaving Alabasta's shores behind.
As the ship disappeared into the distance, Olvia's companion asked,
"Admiral Black Dragon seems like a decent person, doesn't he, Olvia?"
Forcing a smile, Olbia whispered, "Yes, I'm grateful for his care these past few days."
Onboard the warship, Carl lay back on a lounge chair with his hands behind his head, while Lucia rested in the crook of his arm. The soldiers around them kept their distance, no one daring to look in their direction.
Suddenly, a soldier rushed over, saluting crisply as he addressed Carl, "Admiral Black Dragon! There's a suspicious ship ahead!"
Carl opened one eye lazily. "Pirates?"
"Unlikely, sir. There's no pirate flag, but the crew is oddly dressed, and a woman is whipping someone on deck."
"Hmm?" Carl sat up, holding Lucia close. His ears twitched as he picked up various sounds from the ship ahead.
"Queen! Queen! Queen!"
"Oh, lucky guy, getting whipped by the queen herself!"
"Forgive me! I won't do it again!"
"Heh, only now do you realize your mistake? This is just the beginning. You're not worthy to join us yet!"
"No! Please, let me go!"
Whip! Whip! Whip!
Carl frowned, recognizing one of the female voices. He turned to Lucia. "Go check out that ship."
Lucia nodded, stood up, and spread her wings, taking to the sky. It wasn't long before she spotted the peculiar ship—a striking pink vessel with a massive heart emblazoned on the black sail. It was impossible to miss.
Landing on the mast of the ship without a sound, Lucia observed the chaotic scene below. A scantily clad woman with a whip was at the center, while another woman with a distinctive yellow-and-white hairstyle stood nearby.
Lucia leaped from the mast, landing right in front of the whip-wielding woman.
The woman, dressed in a leather bodysuit and sporting a purple afro, froze in surprise. "Navy? Wait, you're Lucia!"
Lucia nodded. Her reputation had spread far, and she wasn't surprised to be recognized. But before she could respond, the woman reached out as if to embrace her.
Bang!
Lucia's fist slammed into the woman's abdomen, sending her crashing to her knees, clutching her stomach in pain. Lucia looked down coldly. "I don't like people touching me."
The second woman, who had been watching, reacted immediately. She crossed her arms, transforming her hands into sharp scissors, ready to attack.
Lucia placed her hand on the hilt of her sword, her eyes narrowing.
Before the confrontation could escalate, the purple-afro woman raised her head and shouted, "Stop! Inazuma, she's not an enemy!"
The scissor-handed woman hesitated, retracting her arms. The afro woman, still gasping for breath, managed a weak smile.
"What a punch... You really are Admiral Carl's companion."
Lucia's eyebrows rose slightly at the mention of Carl's name. "Who are you?" she asked.
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+95 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg