"Hina, help organize their work here."
"King Kakajelo, let's talk."
After Yeyin finished speaking, he and Kakajelo walked towards the palace.
"Colonel Yeyin, I know you mean well," Kakajelo began. "But taking in a group of pirates... if other countries find out, they'll use it as an excuse to come after me. They might even label us as a pirate nation. If that happens, the World Government will surely wipe us out."
Kakajelo voiced his concerns with some worry.
"I understand your concerns, Your Majesty," Yeyin replied, "but have you considered this: if they gain legitimate identities here and truly become citizens of Pirdax, what would that mean for your kingdom?"
"They could serve as our military, our guards, and provide us with a strong labor force?" Kakajelo, no fool, quickly grasped the idea.
"Exactly. Pirdax would not only have ample labor but also enough military strength," Yeyin continued. "At the very least, third-rate pirates wouldn't dare to bully you."
Kakajelo was stunned. If things turned out this way, their nation could finally thrive.
"I'll do it," Kakajelo nodded, accepting the plan.
"King Kakajelo, I hope you don't one day become trash that I'll have to clean up," Yeyin said coldly. "There should be laws and taxes, yes, but I don't want you turning into one of those corrupt nations with garbage leaders!"
Hearing Yeyin's words, the excitement Kakajelo had just felt was immediately dampened.
After all, upon imagining his nation growing stronger, his first thought had been about money! Strength would bring wealth, and wealth meant fortune. As king, he could finally live like other rulers.
But Yeyin's words poured cold water over those dreams.
"I understand. I'll make sure Pirdax becomes strong the right way," Kakajelo responded seriously.
With that promise, Yeyin stood up and left. Though he couldn't be sure of how much weight that promise carried, at least if he ever had to clean up the mess himself, he wouldn't hesitate.
After leaving the palace, Hina approached Yeyin.
"Hina doesn't understand."
"Why did Colonel Yeyin choose to keep them? They're criminals!" Hina asked, confused.
She hadn't spoken up in front of the others earlier, but now that it was just the two of them, she voiced her doubts.
"Criminals?"
"What defines evil?"
"Do you think the Celestial Dragons are sacred?" Yeyin replied without hesitation.
Hearing this, Hina fell silent.
She didn't like the Celestial Dragons either, but as a marine, she couldn't openly say that.
"Hina understands," she said after a moment, choosing not to question further.
Her once rigid sense of absolute justice wavered slightly.
All because of Yeyin's words and the decisions she'd made today.
Hina likely never imagined that one day she'd be helping pirates find jobs!
(End of Chapter)