"Of course, even though Shirakawa, Shanks, and Buggy are much stronger than ordinary soldiers, the three of them alone won't be able to handle the hundreds of soldiers on the other side."
In the end, the soldiers of the Mole Kingdom had to join in to defeat them, but Shirakawa and the others showed restraint, not killing any of their opponents.
This battle changed General Green Mountain's impression of Shirakawa. Witnessing Shirakawa fight against dozens of enemies single-handedly, even he was impressed.
"I apologize for my earlier behavior. Your strength deserves our respect," General Green Mountain said sincerely to Shirakawa.
"Well, since you've apologized, I forgive you," Shirakawa replied.
"Princess, I'll arrange for you to be escorted back to the capital immediately. While you were gone, the King has been distraught and is preparing to declare war on the Goa Kingdom."
"No! I need to return to the palace right away!" Catherine exclaimed, not wanting to be the cause of a war. She couldn't bear the thought of her people suffering or soldiers sacrificing their lives for her.
"Don't worry, Princess. I'll arrange a carriage and a small escort of soldiers to ensure your safe return."
"The carriage is fine, but we don't need any soldiers. We're enough to protect the princess," Shirakawa interjected.
"That's impossible! The princess must be properly escorted!" General Green Mountain objected.
"Tell him no one else is coming with us," Shirakawa said to Catherine, knowing he couldn't convince the stubborn general.
"Okay."
Catherine pulled General Green Mountain aside. Shirakawa couldn't hear their conversation, but he saw the general's expression change several times, as if he were on an emotional rollercoaster.
When they returned, the general had agreed to Shirakawa's request, but he was giving him a strange look.
"What did you tell him?" Shirakawa asked Catherine.
"It's a secret," she said with a mischievous smile.
Shirakawa decided not to pry. It probably wasn't anything good for him anyway.
General Green Mountain wanted Catherine to stay the night, but she refused. Now that she was back in her own country, she was eager to see her father.
Unable to force her to stay, the general arranged for a luxurious carriage to take them to the capital.
"General, what did Princess Catherine say to you? How could you let a group of strangers escort her back?" the general's lieutenant asked, watching the carriage depart.
"It's a secret. Don't ask again," Green Mountain replied, his expression unreadable.
The journey back to the capital was much smoother than their escape from the Goa Kingdom. They didn't have to travel on foot, and they were welcomed in every city they passed through, receiving gifts and delicious food.
"Your country is very different from the Goa Kingdom," Shirakawa remarked, observing the peaceful scenery.
"How so?" Catherine asked.
"The peace and harmony here are genuine, not a facade like in the Goa Kingdom. Their cities might look prosperous, but it's just a mask for their darkness."
"Yes, the Mole Kingdom is a wonderful place," Buggy agreed. He was covered in jewels, gifts from the citizens to their princess, which she had generously given to him. Buggy, who loved treasure, was thoroughly enjoying himself.
"If I could, I'd stay here forever," he said dreamily, imagining himself surrounded by riches.
"You can, if you want. I'm sure the Captain wouldn't mind," Shirakawa said.
Buggy snapped out of his daydream. "No way! I can't be tempted by such trivial things! My dream is to conquer the Grand Line with the Captain!"
"Haha, Buggy, do you even believe yourself?"
"Of course I do! You can insult my personality, but never insult my dreams!"
"Okay, okay, I believe you," Shirakawa said, placating the agitated Buggy. He hadn't expected Buggy to have such lofty ambitions.
'Conquering the Grand Line doesn't sound very appealing to me,' he thought.
After half a month, they finally reached the capital. They had encountered a few ambushes along the way, but Shirakawa and the others easily dealt with them.
'Someone really doesn't want Catherine to return safely,' Shirakawa thought. Catherine had mentioned a traitor in their country, and these attacks seemed to confirm her suspicions. News of her return had spread, and those who opposed her were clearly taking action.
As they entered the capital, soldiers cleared a path for them, leading them directly to the royal palace.
"Your capital is truly magnificent," Shirakawa said, impressed by the three-story buildings and elaborate fountains.
"Of course. Our kingdom is the most prosperous of the Three Kingdoms," Catherine said proudly.
The carriage stopped in front of the palace. No vehicles were allowed inside, and the king himself had come out to greet them.
"Father!" Catherine cried, rushing into his arms.
"My dear princess, you've suffered so much," the king said, his eyes filled with tears.
"Father, these are the brave warriors who escorted me back," Catherine said, introducing Shirakawa, Shanks, and Buggy.
"Thank you, thank you," the king said, bowing deeply.
Shirakawa stopped him. "Please, Your Majesty. We can't accept a bow from a king."
"Someone told me that the princess would return safely. I didn't believe it at first, but now I do."
"Who told you that?" Catherine asked.
"It was us," a voice said from the shadows. Two figures emerged - Roger and Rayleigh.
"Captain? First Mate?" Shirakawa, Shanks, and Buggy exclaimed in surprise. None of them had expected to see them here.