With such a big hat on his head, Outlook III was trembling like a leaf, all his arrogance drained away. So, it seems that evil people need even more fearsome figures to keep them in check.
Spandam ignored him and quickly turned to Carl, smiling.
"Admiral Black Dragon, how do you think we should handle this guy?"
Spandam's behavior was a textbook example of a sycophant. He instantly grasped Carl's intentions with just a glance and would never overstep his bounds. He always acted according to Carl's wishes.
Outlook III was truly no match for him.
Carl was pleased with Spandam's words and actions. He raised a hand, patting Spandam on the shoulder, giving him a satisfied smile. Spandam felt immense gratification at that moment. There was no dog-licker more loyal than him. The middle-aged couple in the distance were stunned, while the purple-haired girl, cradled in her mother's arms, gazed at Carl curiously.
She had just been playing hide-and-seek with her friends, playing the role of the seeker. When she finished counting, it was right when Carl and his group were passing by. The other children had already been pulled aside by their parents, but since she was blindfolded, she hadn't realized what was going on. Hearing the footsteps outside, she ran over, only to stand directly in front of Carl's group.
She knew immediately that she had caused trouble. Offending nobles was serious, and with the king present, she feared harsh punishment.
Just when she thought she'd be thrown into prison, Spandam had stood up, and the sound of that slap had echoed through her mind. The nobles, usually high and mighty, had been humiliated publicly, left lying on the ground. The man who had struck them was now standing respectfully before the young Admiral Carl. Even the king, who she thought was the highest authority, deferred to him. Was there anyone in the world more powerful than the king?
The purple-haired girl stared in awe at Carl. He noticed her gaze and walked toward her. The nobles hurried to make way for him, as if they were mere commoners lining the streets.
Ironically, their behavior was no different from the ordinary people they often despised.
As Carl approached, the guards stepped aside, standing straight, not daring to meet his gaze.
The innate dominance of the Figarland family was on full display in Carl. No matter how much he tried to restrain it, the sense of oppression he emitted was too overwhelming for ordinary people.
The father of the purple-haired girl felt weak in his legs. Fortunately, Carl had no ill intentions. He squatted down in front of the girl, smiling gently.
"Did I scare you earlier? Don't worry, it's all over now. Go back to your parents."
The girl bit her lip, looking worried, as though she had something to say.
Seeing her hesitation, Carl asked with curiosity,
"What's wrong? Afraid your parents will punish you when you get home?"
Blushing, the girl shook her head, her voice small,
".....I'm afraid that once you leave, that noble will take revenge on us…"
Her mother quickly clamped a hand over her mouth, panic in her eyes.
"Don't talk nonsense!"
In truth, the mother shared the same fear, but as an adult, she knew better than to voice it aloud. Speaking it would only bring more trouble.
She knew Carl's status was untouchable, and while the nobles wouldn't dare act against him directly, he couldn't stay there forever. Could they expect such a powerful man to protect ordinary folk like them?
Carl's expression shifted with interest. He gently removed the mother's hand and asked the girl,
"How old are you?"
"Eight!" she answered obediently.
Carl chuckled. For such a young girl, she was remarkably thoughtful.
He reached out, ruffling her hair with a smile.
"What's your name?"
"Belo Betty!"
Hearing this, Carl's smile widened. He glanced over at Dragon, standing quietly in the crowd.
According to the original timeline, Betty would one day become the commander of the Eastern Army of the Revolutionary Army under Dragon's leadership. Her Pump-Pump Fruit Fruit would become a powerful tool for rallies and battles, making her indispensable in strategic warfare.
Though she had not yet eaten the fruit, Carl knew it was only a matter of time. As long as he didn't interfere, the fruit meant for her would find its way to her.
Now that he had encountered this potential powerhouse, Carl had no intention of letting her slip through his fingers.
With a sly smile, Carl's mind was already at work. But to the young girl, that smile seemed kind and reassuring.
Carl stood up slowly, turning his back on the assembled nobles and ministers, and spoke in a low voice,
"From now on, no one is to interfere with Betty's family... or else, die."
As soon as the word "die" left his lips, Carl raised his hand. A blinding silver streak shot out from his fingertips. In the distance, a mountain exploded, flattened in an instant.
The Kingdom of Goa, just a small country in the East Blue, had never witnessed such a display of power. The nobles and commoners alike fell to their knees, trembling in fear.
Even Spandam wiped sweat from his brow. He had always known Carl was strong, but this was beyond anything he had imagined. On the ship earlier, he had seen a flash of red light as Carl repelled Dragon's attack, but the impact wasn't as viscerally clear as seeing a mountain reduced to rubble.
Carl casually slipped his hands into his pockets and called out,
"Spandam."
Spandam instantly understood Carl's command. He stepped forward, a malicious grin on his face, addressing the nobles.
"Admiral Black Dragon's words are the will of the World Government. Do you hear me?"
Outlook III began kowtowing, frantically shouting,
"We hear! We hear!"
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+95 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg