The situation of the Red Count is different from that of the Golden Lion, Whitebeard, and others. Although they lived in the same era, because he was alone, both his stamina and hidden injuries were more severe.
In comparison, powerful Marine individuals have the backing of the World Government. Although their strength might not always be the highest, their peak period is definitely the longest.
Next are legendary pirates without illness or disaster, with ship doctors for treatment. They can usually maintain their strength until after 50 years old before gradually declining.
But someone like the Red Count probably started declining very early on.
After a few more years, he may not even be able to use Conqueror's Haki infusion.
However, this kind of strength decline is relative to those of the same level. Against Shichibukai or emperor deputy-level individuals, he can still easily suppress them, possibly even kill them on first sight.
"So he's interested in my physique?", Gion came to her senses, showing a surprised look.
Gion never expected that she would be targeted by a legendary pirate one day.
"That's roughly the situation," Rosse chuckled lightly, "Contact Marine Headquarters. Time to catch a big fish."
The Red Count delivering himself, Rosse had no reason to refuse.
If he could recruit him, great. If not, then at least he's an S-class experience package.
Moreover, with the Red Count's appearance, maybe the Cobra incident wouldn't even need to wait until the World Summit.
Being targeted by a legendary pirate like the Red Count, not even a Marine Admiral could guarantee safety.
Although the death of a World Government allied king would have some impact, if the legendary pirate who killed the allied king were to die on the spot, then not only would the impact not be too great, it could even be considered a positive incident.
After all, there are only so many legendary pirates. Those who dare to kill an allied king are even fewer. After one dies, the other allied kings will only feel safer.
After chatting for a while, Cobra finally sobered up from yesterday's drunkenness and hurried over.
"Lord Rosse, when do you plan to depart?", Cobra's head was still a little dizzy. He hadn't slept well yesterday.
Thinking back to the nightmare last night, Cobra felt it was a bit absurd.
In the dream, he was drunk by Queen Titi. After that, the Queen and Rosse, right in front of him, performed a wild scene.
In the dream, during the act, Queen Titi suddenly shouted "Cobra!"—which startled him awake from his sleep.
Upon waking, he found himself in his sleeping quarters, realizing then that it was all a dream.
Thinking of Rosse's help to Arabasta and Queen Titi's feelings toward him, Cobra felt a wave of guilt.
'How can I be so bad?'
To the point that now, he didn't even dare to look Rosse in the eye.
"If you're ready, let's not delay. Let's depart now. I'll bring my wife Gion along. Sora and Stella will stay in the palace, I'll need you to help look after them," Rosse said with a smile.
"Of course," Cobra nodded seriously, "Before leaving, I'll talk to Titi and ask her to look after them on my behalf."
Rosse was willing to leave his pregnant wife and maid in the palace, that in itself was a sign of trust.
If not for his status, he'd even want the child in Queen Titi's belly to become siblings with Rosse's child.
The two quickly finalized the travel plan. Queen Titi would preside over the regular duties of the palace. Sora and Stella could do whatever they liked.
Cobra would take Rosse and Gion for a tour around the regions surrounding Arabasta to experience the local customs and also look for a suitable place for Jaygar District's future garrison.
But secretly, Rosse had Zephyr quietly arrive at Arabasta's royal palace to protect Sora and the others.
The Red Count was lurking in the shadows, Rosse didn't know when he might act.
Even if he suspected the target was Gion, necessary security measures were still a must.
He didn't want things to go smoothly on his end only for an accident to happen on Sora's side.
As for Rosse's side, even if the Red Count arrived before Marine Headquarters support, with his strength, he could hold out until Zephyr arrived.
As long as it was within S-class range, no one could withstand the joint assault of two S-class powerhouses. This rule applied to any powerhouse in the pirate world.
Even Rosse now couldn't resist two Zephyrs together.
To escape from two Zephyrs required true ability, it might be possible.
If it were another S-class powerhouse, escaping would be extremely difficult.
"What? Igaram is missing too?"
At the palace gate, Rosse brought Gion to the Super Spot-Billed Duck convoy when he heard Cobra's startled cry.
"What happened?", Rosse pretended to be curious and walked over.
Igaram was already buried, Cobra definitely wouldn't find him.
"Lord Rosse, just a guard went missing. I originally wanted him to be responsible for palace security. Didn't expect him to disappear," Cobra forced a smile.
Though they appeared monarch and subject, Cobra and Igaram were actually friends.
Cobra initially thought Igaram was grieving at home over his wife, but didn't expect him to go missing.
Even now, he still thought Igaram was out investigating the Terracotta matter, not truly in trouble.
During yesterday's banquet, Theodore had already reported to him.
Cobra agreed with Theodore's speculation. Judging by the outcome, Terracotta's death didn't cause any chain reaction, making it seem like an accident.
"What about palace security? A guard goes missing just like that, King Cobra, I'll need to assign some people to protect Sora," Rosse frowned slightly, following up on Cobra's words.
"No problem, don't worry, Arabasta is very safe," Cobra quickly gave his assurance but also agreed to Rosse's idea of assigning people.
He was vaguely worried. If something happened to Sora or Titi, it would be too late for regrets.
Now that Rosse was willing to send people for protection, it was a good thing for him.
Cobra wasn't worried about his own safety.
In comparison, being beside Rosse was definitely safer.
Gion was the world's greatest swordsman. If Rosse kept her close, it showed how strong she must be.
"Let's go," Rosse nodded in satisfaction.
Now that Cobra had said so, he was more useful in Arabasta than elsewhere.
With Cobra's words, it would also be easier for Sora to take control of the capital.
"Alright, please get in, Lord Rosse," Cobra made a gesture of invitation, completely unlike a king, without any royal presence at all. He seemed more like a manager of a desert caravan.
"No need. This time, Gion and I will try Arabasta's specialty and ride Super Spot-Billed Ducks," Rosse said with a smile.
"But…", Cobra was a bit worried. Even when tamed, Super Spot-Billed Ducks weren't exactly docile.
But when he saw Rosse and Gion easily mount the ducks and the ducks showed no signs of resistance, Cobra wisely retracted his concerns.
Even the temperamental Super Spot-Billed Ducks, in front of Gion and Rosse, were as humble as he was as a king.
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