"The first matter: we're forming an alliance with the Dawn Pirates. Their captain, Crocodile, will become the first Regent of Lantis, holding the same authority as the Bladewind Commander. The second: all affairs of Lantis will temporarily be managed by Alice. The third concerns the alliance agreement for establishing a new order, the details are..."
The Dawn Pirates were named after Rosen's ship when he first set sail.
Here gathered over thirty representatives from all settlements in Lantis—Alice, Morad, Hodman, Lisa, Lia, and others.
As Queen Hathaway listed the major developments, everyone fell silent.
Crocodile becoming Regent was unexpected, but not shocking—many thought it fitting.
But when Queen Hathaway announced she would be leaving and that her long-term goal was to overthrow the current regime, it stunned everyone.
Alice remained silent. Hathaway had already mentioned this on the way, so she was mentally prepared. Still, she wasn't sure she could lead Lantis without the Queen.
Hathaway hadn't explained her departure fully. Among those present, perhaps only Lia understood her reasoning.
"My Queen, if you're worried about the World Government's bounty, there's no need. We're willing to stand by you through life and death. The people still need your leadership. Alice is too inexperienced," said Lord Hodman solemnly.
"No. What Lantis needs now is time to recover. And I'm not someone who knows how to rest. Since our lives are now tied to the Dawn Pirates, it's my duty to ensure they're a team worthy of that trust," Queen Hathaway replied calmly. Her decision was final.
"Your Majesty, are you setting sail with your benefactor?" Hodman asked, caught off guard by the implication.
Though Rosen had helped them, future plans required deeper cooperation. Trusting someone from their side to remain with Rosen made sense.
But it didn't have to be Queen Hathaway herself. The impact of her wanted status must've weighed too heavily.
"Yes," Hathaway nodded.
"But everything's still in chaos..." Morad hesitated. Despite losing prestige after the split, he still held real power as the Bladewind Commander.
"I understand. But with you and Hodman supporting her, Alice can manage. And I won't be out of touch—I'll stay in contact via Den Den Mushi. That's final."
"Understood," Morad and Hodman replied. The Queen's will wasn't something they could challenge, especially since she'd clearly thought it through.
Besides, she wasn't abandoning everything. She was appointing a proxy while still remaining the ultimate authority—just not physically present in Lantis.
The reality was that Lantis wasn't in immediate danger. Once Hathaway left, they'd be even safer.
If she appeared publicly, the Marines would likely assume she was the sole survivor.
A ruler leaving her people to become a pirate usually signaled she was completely alone—most can't let go of power that easily.
"Start making preparations. I'll negotiate finances with the Dawn Pirates. Wait for the right moment... Alice, stay behind."
"Yes," Hodman and the others left to inform the rest of their people.
"My Queen, I..." Alice hesitated. She had no issue fighting—but governing? Even if it was only for a few tens of thousands, that was no small task. She lacked confidence.
"Don't worry. You can always ask me if you're unsure. Morad made mistakes, but his intentions were for Lantis. Don't hold grudges. I didn't know much either—Morad and Hodman guided me a lot. We may even meet again soon. Just remember: don't let power cloud your judgment," Hathaway advised.
"Understood," Alice responded firmly.
"Go now. Tomorrow, I'll announce this to everyone myself."
"...Let me come with you. I don't feel at ease if you go alone," said Lia once everyone had left.
She wasn't a great warrior, but she could look after Hathaway's daily needs.
"Alright. You do pick things up quickly," Hathaway agreed.
"You haven't told him yet, have you?" Lia asked suddenly.
"Not yet. But it shouldn't be a problem," Hathaway said confidently. After all, they were allies—it was a reasonable move.
"You're worried he might get caught up and hunted by the World Government, aren't you?"
"A bit. If he died, it'd be a loss for us, too. But Lantis doesn't need me as a warrior right now—he does. Besides, his bounty is partly our fault," Hathaway admitted.
"That makes sense. Still, I didn't expect you to make this decision. Wonder if he'll accept... You're a globally wanted criminal now, after all."
"If he refuses, I'll just take his captain's spot. Out at sea, surely I can manage being captain myself," Hathaway said seriously, even considering how viable that was.
"You showed him your real face on the island?"
"Yes, why?"
"Good. Then he probably won't say no."
"Lia, you little rascal—don't mess around. Stop stirring things up or saying too much. There's nothing special between us..." Hathaway said, flustered. Of everyone, Lia was the most mischievous and informal with her.
When serious business was at hand, she behaved. Otherwise, she'd say anything.
"I didn't say anything. Just pointing out—our Queen is powerful and beautiful. Who could say no?" Lia teased with a smile.
"Go get ready. We'll likely set sail in a few days," Hathaway replied, dropping the subject. She knew Lia was trying to ease her stress—but the hard part was still ahead. This wasn't the time to relax.
"Alright then."
Meanwhile, on Monrust Island, Rosen still had no idea about Hathaway's decision. After a few days of vacation, he returned and finally heard the news.
"Boss, I'm broke. You'd better raise my pay," Robin said jokingly on the way back. The crew spent money like water—half of their 200 million belly stash was already gone.
She wasn't seriously upset, but with a good boss, a little hint might help replenish their funds one day.
"No problem. There's tons of gold on Skypiea—we'll grab a few billion. Easy," Rosen replied confidently. Even if they ran into Enel, the so-called god with Logia powers, Rosen wasn't afraid anymore.
(End of Chapter)