Valthior found Saturn's explanation reasonable enough, though he couldn't shake the feeling that it was only part of the story. He had the nagging sense that the old man had other schemes at play—but none of that was his business to pry into.
Some matters were simply too big for someone just turned eighteen to handle. He didn't yet have the "pants" to cover that kind of "ass," so to speak.
So he simply nodded along. "I see… Grandfather, your foresight is unmatched. Those pirates are hardly your match. It won't be long before Rocks and the others meet their end."
A small bit of flattery, though Saturn gave no visible reaction. He continued, "I hear you've learned a lot from him as well?"
That wasn't something that could be hidden. Whether he went on these little excursions or not, Saturn always had agents nearby, and Professor Clover's loose tongue—especially under CP inspections—would reveal anything. Valthior hadn't asked for secrecy, either. From the start, he knew it was impossible to conceal.
So he nodded calmly. "Yes, I found it quite interesting… ancient texts, their languages…"
If anyone else had said that, they'd probably be executed on the spot—twenty minutes of firing squad, no exaggeration. After all, studying such forbidden knowledge was expressly outlawed by the World Government.
But for Valthior? Completely irrelevant. Laws? The supreme statutes of the Celestial Dragons granted them exemption from all legal authority.
He framed his interest as simple curiosity—innocent enough, though he fully understood it was technically a crime. He didn't care, because he didn't yet grasp the terror and secrecy these texts represented.
Saturn, of course, knew this. Valthior had been obsessed with knowledge since childhood, a rare, studious Celestial Dragon. This was hardly surprising to him.
Seeing Valthior so candid, Saturn understood—this little heir didn't comprehend the full weight of what he was doing. It was pure curiosity, pure desire to explore.
He didn't press further, merely saying, "Stop learning these things. The more you know, the less it serves you—for now, at least. When you rise higher and shoulder heavier responsibilities, you'll know what you need to. I won't hide that from you then."
Valthior nodded earnestly. "Understood, Grandfather. I won't involve myself in it anymore. I also won't have any further contact with Professor Clover."
In truth, thanks to the Sharingan, he had already learned how to decipher ancient texts. There was no need to keep wading into these dangerous waters.
And clearly, Saturn didn't yet know that Valthior had already mastered it—though sooner or later, he'd probably learn it from Clover.
But so what?
Would Saturn kill him over it?
Obviously not.
Besides, in a couple of days, they'd be heading to God Valley. Saturn himself would be going too. The matter of Professor Clover would clearly be dealt with after they returned.
By then, Valthior would likely already be out at sea doing his own thing—so it wouldn't matter anymore.
Seeing how obedient Valthior was, Saturn didn't dwell on the matter. He waved his hand. "In two days, we set sail for God Valley in the West Blue. Go back and prepare. And take some time to familiarize yourself with your new power."
"Then I'll take my leave, Grandfather," Valthior said, rising to his feet.
Without lingering, he soon left Pangaea Castle.
But the moment he stepped outside, he saw that his servants were being surrounded by another group.
At the front stood a woman whose height rivaled his own. She wore black sunglasses, had a pair of horns on her head, and her voluminous hair was split into two colors—dark purple on the left, silver-white on the right. Her figure was slender and well-proportioned. A cigar hung from her lips, and in her hand she held a leash attached to a tamed tiger.
The tiger was gnawing on a bloody half of a human arm, looking like it was enjoying a fine meal.
Valthior recognized her immediately—Saint Maffey, an official member of the Holy Knights.
Before he could react, Maffey spotted him. Her previously bored expression instantly turned into a teasing smile. From afar, she called out: "My dear Valthior ~ I heard you were coming back today. I've been wandering around here for ages just to catch you. I've missed you so much"
Hearing that tone, Valthior frowned slightly in irritation. "Don't use that kind of intimate tone with me. It makes it sound like we're close or something, old woman."
As he spoke, Maffey had already tossed aside the tiger's leash and strode up to him, laughing loudly. "How heartless of you. Have you forgotten our passionate embraces, our reckless kisses, those wild nights where we went at it till dawn?"
Freed from the leash, the tiger immediately bared its fangs, about to attack—but Bartholomew Kuma pressed it down with one hand, pinning its head firmly in place.
Glancing at the tiger, Valthior replied casually, "As you said, I'm a heartless man. So I've forgotten every bit of it."
Before Maffey could continue, he cut straight to the point. "Why exactly are you here?"
"Of course, because I remembered our past and couldn't help wanting to—" Maffey began, speaking openly about her desires without the slightest restraint.
This was normal for Celestial Dragons. Aside from a few taboos, they acted without restraint, never regarding others as human. Even in public, they didn't hide their desires—there was no such thing as shame.
"I refuse. Your performance last time was terrible. I've lost interest in you," Valthior said flatly.
"Terrible!?" Maffey exploded instantly. "Say anything else, fine—but my skills are refined through—"
"Your teeth are too sharp. It made me uncomfortable. I even had to use Haki to protect myself. Too troublesome," Valthior interrupted bluntly.
"?? You brat!" Maffey glared at him fiercely, then decided not to argue further. She dropped her lustful demeanor, clicked her tongue, and said, "Forget it. I won't bother arguing with a clueless brat like you—it would make me look immature."
"So you finally understand that you're an old woman to me?" Valthior added mercilessly, then pressed, "So what do you actually want?"
Seeing her try to move in closer, Valthior released a faint chill from his body. Frost spread rapidly beneath his feet, freezing the ground and forcing Maffey to stop.
"Hm? When did you become an ability user?" she asked in surprise.
"Just now," Valthior replied casually.
"Hmph." Maffey snorted in annoyance before continuing, "Garling asked me to pass on a message. He thinks highly of you and hopes you perform well in this study tour. After the event, he'll represent the Holy Knights and invite you to become a Devoted Blades..."
So the old man had already hinted at things to Garling.
Suppressing his thoughts, Valthior nodded calmly. "Understood. Please thank Senior Garling for his kindness. I'll do my best."
But the moment he finished speaking, Maffey stepped onto the ice using Haki, forced her way over, and threw an arm around his shoulders, leaning in with a grin.
"There's also some good news I can tell you in advance~ The rewards this time are quite generous. That woman who's adored across the seas—the so-called most beautiful woman, Shakky—is also part of the prize. Whoever takes first place gets to take her home"
Maffey had expected Valthior—at his age, supposedly brimming with desire—to show great interest upon hearing that the world's most beautiful woman was part of the prize.
But he seemed completely unmoved.
Is your reaction even fair to your 'little brother' down there?
Don't you know how to find something 'good' for him to eat?
Even Garling himself was determined to win her. Not just the men—Maffey herself was quite interested in Shakky. If she had the chance, she'd definitely aim for first place and bring that woman back to her residence for her own amusement.
"I told you not to get so close, old woman…" Valthior's frowned.
A surge of freezing energy erupted from his body, instantly encasing Maffey in solid ice.
This woman always pushed her luck. If he didn't stop her now, she'd probably end up clinging all over him.
Right now, all he wanted was to return and explore his new ability—he had no time to waste on her.
Without caring about any potential trouble, Valthior casually waved a hand, signaling Kuma and the others to follow, and headed straight toward his residence.
Moments later, Haki burst forth as Maffey shattered the ice unharmed. Baring her sharp teeth, she watched Valthior's departing figure, a smile curling on her lips.
"Dammit. The brat is getting colder and more arrogant. It actually makes me want him even more~"
At the same time, she couldn't help but wonder—what ability had he obtained?
Given Saturn's favor toward him, it was probably no weaker than the Azure Dragon prepared by the Figarland family for Garling.