After ending the man in front of him with a single shot, Trens felt calm.
From the moment he had stepped into this courtyard, he already knew how it would end for the other party. So there was nothing to be surprised about.
"Trens…"
A soft and trembling voice suddenly rang out. Trens's body gave a small shiver.
He knew this voice very well. In fact, the moment he saw Somu, he had already noticed her, that figure who once haunted his dreams.
Even though he had made up his mind long ago, now that they were face-to-face again, he still didn't know how to look at her.
Slowly turning around, Trens's expression was calm on the surface, but his tightly clenched hands were trembling ever so slightly.
"Lusha…"
He called her name softly, perhaps only loud enough for himself to hear.
Two lines of tears streamed down Lusha's face. Facing her former lover at such close range, this petite girl suddenly felt a flood of grief, sorrow, and shame welling up in her chest.
She opened her mouth, but in the end didn't know what to say. She covered her eyes and began to cry quietly.
Trens's whole body trembled. He reached out his hand, wanting to comfort her. But halfway through, his hand froze.
"…Take care of yourself."
In the end, that was all he said in a low voice. At that moment, from the main hall's entrance, Crocodile and Jason emerged, each carrying massive bundles.
Lifting his gaze, Trens looked at them.
"All done?" Crocodile asked as he walked over. Without even sparing a glance at Somu's corpse, he tossed one of the bags toward Trens.
Trens hurriedly caught it and nodded.
"Then let's go."
Crocodile glanced briefly at the weeping Lusha but said nothing. He turned and strode out the door. The three of them, each carrying a large bundle, quickly left the Kornans estate.
Lusha, still crying, covered her face and quietly followed behind them.
Only after the group had left did the people in the courtyard dare to wipe the sweat from their brows and exhale deeply.
"Those three… they're terrifying!"
"Pirates. Real pirates! Sigh…"
"Inform the guards. We can't just suffer this ourselves. We pay so much in taxes, yet these pirates can swagger in and out like it's nothing."
The richly dressed people chattered loudly, but their faces still bore lingering fear.
After Crocodile's group left the estate, they headed straight toward the outskirts of the city. Their pace was swift, and by the time the city guards arrived, there was no trace of them.
On a small road leading to the outskirts, the three walked quickly without a word.
Suddenly, three figures shimmered into view behind them.
"These three?" A deep voice rang out, lofty and cold.
One of them pulled out a stack of photographs, comparing them for a few seconds before silently nodding.
"Should we move in now?" Another asked.
"Wait for the team leader's command," the cold man said. "No. 4, follow them. Find out where they're going."
"Yes, sir!"
The man called No. 4 nodded.
"Remember, first confirm whether His Highness is with them. Stay hidden."
"I understand, No. 2," No. 4 replied again. With a flash, he vanished from the spot.
At the same time, inside the exotic and luxurious Sovereign's Palace of Alubarna, five men clad in black walked in step through the corridors.
"Sirs, His Majesty the King is already waiting for you in the main hall. He ordered me to receive you personally."
A man in a neatly combed hairstyle and a long green robe bowed respectfully as he spoke.
"Lead the way," said the cold man standing in the center.
"Yes, right this way."
The man in green bowed again, gesturing with his hand. Only after the five had passed him did he lower his body and follow closely.
These five were of extremely high status. Even though the green-robed man was a trusted aide to the King, in front of them, he still had to act with complete submission.
Soon, the five men arrived inside the palace hall.
They walked straight ahead and entered the palace. At this moment, the hall was vast and open. On the throne deep within, a young man of about twenty sat upright, his gaze dignified and commanding as he looked down from above.
"Honorable King Cobra, greetings." The man in the lead stepped forward, slightly bowed, and spoke.
Though his words were respectful, his expression remained cold, as if he held no regard for the person before him.
"What business brings you to my country?" Cobra asked in a low and steady voice.
"Our master has sent us to take care of something. So, we're here simply to inform you." The leading man replied.
"What should I call you?" Cobra scrutinized the five figures standing below. His tone was grave.
All five wore cold, expressionless faces, exuding an overwhelming aura of strength. Cobra had seen such presence only in the most powerful individuals of the kingdom, perhaps even greater than them.
"You may call me Vulture Igor."
Igor twisted his lips into an ugly smile as he answered.
It was obvious he was not used to smiling. The smile looked painfully forced, like it was being dragged out of him.
"What is it that you need me to do?" Cobra asked.
"You don't need to do anything. Just grant us legal authority to kill." Igor smiled again.
Cobra's gaze sharpened, a hint of danger flashing through his eyes.
"You are not to disturb public order, nor threaten the safety of my citizens."
"But of course," Igor replied. "To us, both our master and Your Majesty are people we cannot afford to offend. Naturally, we will obey your terms."
Cobra let out a small breath of relief and nodded.
After that, they spoke in more detail. Cobra extracted a verbal promise from them before finally allowing them to leave.
He silently watched the five figures walk out of the palace, his eyes flickering with unease.
After a moment of contemplation, he summoned a guard.
"Pass down the order: increase patrols during this period. If anything unusual happens, notify the royal guards immediately and act at once."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The soldier responded loudly and quickly ran off.
These five were definitely not here for sightseeing. Though they promised not to cause trouble, how could Cobra trust them?
"Just here to retrieve their 'princess'? I don't believe that excuse for a second."
He muttered softly, his gaze darkening once more.
Though he was the king of a nation, his power still couldn't compare to those lofty figures in the shadows.
Outside the palace:
Igor's Den Den Mushi rang. He quickly answered the call.
"No. 1, the target has been locked on. What are the next steps?"
Hearing this, Igor's lips curved into a faint smirk, but he quickly returned to his usual cold demeanor.
"Wait for further orders. Act when the opportunity arises."
He hung up and turned to the black-clad man beside him.
"Where's No. 6?"
"Reporting, No. 1. Due to his immense size, we had him remain stationed at the city gate."
"The Giant Tribe's size is indeed... unwieldy. Fine, have him come over."
Igor nodded.
"Yes, sir!" the subordinate responded.
(End Of This Chapter)
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