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Daiki followed closely behind, his eyes scanning the surroundings with meticulous attention.

As the captain of the Royal Guards, he never allowed his guard to drop, even when his King, Anos, appeared unbothered by the potential dangers.

Though Anos was undeniably powerful, it remained Daiki's responsibility to eliminate any threat that dared come too close.

Protecting the King wasn't just an obligation it was his life's purpose.

"Daiki, the King of Alabasta is very hospitable," Anos said, sensing the tension in his captain. His voice was calm, a stark contrast to Daiki's ever-watchful stance.

"You don't need to be so vigilant. It was our mistake to arrive without notice. Captain Igaram's reception was already more than we could have asked for. There's no need to be overly cautious about anything else," he added with a smile, glancing back at Daiki.

Daiki gave a subtle nod in acknowledgement, though his gaze remained sharp.

For a kingdom as vast as Alabasta, it was customary for such subtle political manoeuvrings to occur, but Daiki wasn't one to relax in unfamiliar territory.

"King Tru is indeed generous," Igaram interjected, his voice filled with formality.

"However, Alabasta still must respond formally to your arrival," he said, pulling a folded newspaper from the inner pocket of his coat.

He carefully unfolded it and presented it to Anos, though the Anos showed little interest.

The front-page headline contained vital information about specific routes related to the journey of Anos and his entourage.

The publication wasn't from one of the major news sources, instead belonging to a smaller outlet, likely one that thrived on sensationalism.

Still, the fact that someone had reported their voyage in such detail was concerning.

The sun was setting over the arid landscape of Alabasta, casting a golden hue over the dunes in the distance.

Above them, a lone seagull circled, its keen eyes fixed on the group. Anos's attention shifted momentarily to the bird, and an unsettling feeling crept into his mind.

Being watched, even from above, was something he had grown used to as a ruler. But this felt different.

"Captain Igaram," Suzu's voice cut through the air as she stepped forward. Her soft-spoken tone did little to hide her concern for her King. "His Majesty is tired from the journey. Could we arrange for a place to rest? We can discuss the matters at hand tomorrow."

Igaram, ever the dutiful officer, nodded immediately. "Of course. His Majesty King Tru is here at our invitation. Your lodgings have been prepared in advance. If there is any shortcoming in our hospitality, please forgive us."

Anos watched the exchange with an air of calm authority, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

He knew not everyone in his retinue would be accompanying him to their lodgings.

Daiki, Suzu, and the select few members of the Royal Guards would remain by his side, while the rest, including Barlow and the other crewmates, would stay aboard the ship.

Supplies were low, and some needed to disembark to gather provisions, but a watch would still be kept over the vessel throughout the night.

As they walked through the narrow streets of Rainbase, Daiki couldn't help but notice the dilapidated state of the city.

It was a far cry from the grandeur one would expect of a kingdom like Alabasta, though there were still glimpses of its former glory hidden beneath the layers of decay.

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Yet, despite its condition, there was a strange allure to the place an undeniable charm that captivated those who visited.

Igaram led the group to a sprawling manor at the edge of the city. It stood in stark contrast to the worn buildings they had passed earlier.

The estate's architectural style was modern, entirely unlike the traditional designs prevalent in Alabasta.

The manor was nestled behind the mountains, shielded from the relentless desert winds and the abrasive sandstorms that plagued the region.

Green trees and vibrant flowers adorned the grounds, a sharp contrast to the arid wasteland beyond. It felt as though they had stepped into a completely different world.

"Your Majesty" Igaram began as they approached the entrance. "This is His Majesty King Cobra's vacation palace. By his direct order, we have prepared this place for your stay tonight."

Servants, dressed in formal attire, stood in two neat rows outside the manor. They bowed in perfect unison as the group arrived, their postures a reflection of the respect and deference owed to visiting royalty.

Daiki took note of their disciplined manner, but his focus remained on his surroundings, always alert.

"I will visit Alubarna tomorrow. I must personally express my gratitude to King Cobra for his hospitality," Anos said with a smile, casting a glance at the servants.

Igaram bowed deeply in response. "You are most welcome, Your Majesty."

He gestured for the servants to stand at ease before continuing to lead the way inside, making sure to uphold the image of a grand kingdom.

Every movement was calculated, each gesture filled with the respect due to a king.

However, just as they were about to enter the grand hall, a blur of motion caught Daiki's eye.

A young girl, no more than seven or eight years old, darted out from behind a pillar and rushed past them.

Instinctively, Daiki moved to intercept, but Anos raised a hand, signalling for him to stand down. "Wait," Anos said calmly.

Igaram, who had missed the girl's sudden appearance altogether, continued leading the way inside, oblivious to the commotion behind him.

Once inside the palace, Igaram remained outside, bowing as he addressed Anos once more. "Your Majesty, should you need anything during your stay, do not hesitate to call upon the servants. I will be stationed outside to escort you if needed."

"Thank you, Captain," Daiki replied, his voice polite but distant. Anos, however, remained silent, maintaining his regal composure.

As a king, it was his duty to project strength and control at all times.

The palace itself was a marvel of design. The lower floor was a vast, open hall with ceilings that soared at least ten meters high.

A massive chandelier, glistening with ornate crystals, hung from the dome above, casting a warm, golden light over the space.

The upper floor housed the living quarters, where the group would retire for the evening.

Once Igaram and his men had departed, the Royal Guards took up their positions around the palace, ensuring that no threat could approach unnoticed.

Inside the hall, servants moved about efficiently, bringing tray after tray of food to the long dining table that stretched across the room.

"Your Majesty, after such a long journey, you should eat something," Suzu suggested gently, watching as Anos reclined on the grand sofa near the centre of the hall.

Anos, who had been lost in thought for a moment, nodded.

"Alright," he said, sitting up slightly. His eyes then shifted toward the pillar from where the young girl had appeared earlier. "And you, young lady over there why don't you join us? You must be hungry as well."

Suzu blinked in surprise, glancing in the direction Anos had spoken. "Who…?" she began, unsure of what her King was referring to.

"Come out. His Majesty has spoken," Daiki said sternly, his sharp eyes fixed on the pillar. He had noticed the girl earlier, and now his voice carried a tone of authority.

From behind the pillar, a small head of blue hair slowly emerged, and a young girl cautiously stepped forward, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Daiki moved quickly, ready to act if necessary, but Anos's voice cut through the tension once more. "Stop, Daiki," he commanded.

Immediately, Daiki froze, retracting his hand.

"Come here, little one. Running around at your age isn't your father worried about you?" Anos asked, his tone soft and warm as he smiled at the girl.

The girl's eyes widened even further. "You… you know me?" she asked, her voice filled with both curiosity and a hint of awe.

"Your Majesty, do you know her?" Suzu inquired, mirroring the girl's confusion.

Anos chuckled softly. "In the future, we will encounter many people and many situations. When dealing with others, you must pay attention to every detail."

Daiki and Suzu exchanged glances, still unsure of what their King was referring to.

Anos gestured toward the girl. "Her clothes, her demeanour, her familiarity with this place it's not difficult to piece it together."

Daiki stared at the girl for a moment, his gaze narrowing as he studied her more closely. Her fine clothes and the air of confidence she carried marked her as someone important. This was no ordinary child.

"Come here, Princess Vivi. You must be hungry, too, right?" Anos said with a knowing smile.

Vivi blinked, her face lighting up with a mixture of surprise and admiration. "How did you know?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It's simple," Anos replied. "Your appearance and your familiarity with this palace made it obvious."

Suzu's eyes widened as the realization sank in. "Princess Vivi? Here? But we're miles away from Alubarna…"

Vivi, still in awe, stepped closer to Anos. "You are amazing!"

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