With Ronan's acknowledgement and support, a warm, indescribable surge rose in Tesoro's chest, hardening his resolve even further.
He bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Ronan-sama! I definitely won't betray your trust!"
However, once the excitement ebbed, Ronan looked at Tesoro's still-pale face, and at the reality that, despite his great ambition, his strength was still weak. A faint frown creased Ronan's brow.
Tesoro's plan was good, but actually carrying it out would be fraught with danger.
The Underworld was a den of dragons and snakes; there would be no shortage of people coveting the Gold-Gold Fruit's powers. The World Government and the Navy would also never sit by and watch an uncontrollable economic behemoth rise.
With Tesoro's current strength, it would be very difficult to weather the initial storm.
"Your plan is very good, but…" Ronan mused, "your current strength is still not enough to even support the startup phase of something this huge."
Right now, Tesoro was simply too weak. Even with a Devil Fruit, at best he was around the level of a Marine Major.
In this Grand Line, which teemed with danger at every turn, a single misstep could mean death.
Besides, his own arrival had already altered certain "worldlines."
Because of that, Ronan couldn't guarantee Tesoro would still be able to safely reach the same end point as in the original story.
Tesoro, too, calmed down and realized this problem.
He had only just obtained his ability, had yet to develop it properly, and his personal strength was limited. If he moved alone, the risk would indeed be extremely high.
He had already started considering whether he should first find a way to raise his strength before putting his plan into motion.
Just then, Teresa, who had quietly sat to the side all this time, showed a faint smile.
"Ronan-sama, if you're worried about Tesoro-san's safety, perhaps I can travel with him for a while."
The moment she spoke, not only did Tesoro look at her in surprise, even Ronan was taken aback.
Teresa smiled lightly and continued,
"This 'business empire' Tesoro-san wants to build sounds like it will come into contact with a lot of interesting people and events in this world."
A hint of curiosity toward new things flickered in her eyes.
"If he runs into an enemy he can't deal with, I can take care of it."
Upon hearing that, Ronan began weighing things rapidly in his heart.
With the strength of the "strongest No.1 in history," as long as she didn't run into monsters on the level of Marine Admirals or the Four Emperors, Teresa was more than enough to handle almost any situation.
And just as she had said, with her sitting in the back, the startup of Tesoro's business empire would be far more stable.
"All right." Ronan nodded, making his decision.
"Then, Tesoro, in the early stage you'll move together with Teresa. She will be responsible for your safety and provide combat support when necessary. Teresa," he looked at her, "the business operations themselves are Tesoro's domain. Unless it's absolutely necessary, you don't need to interfere.
Your main task is to ensure the plan unfolds smoothly and… to protect yourself."
"Understood, Ronan-sama."
Teresa inclined her head, that same composed smile on her face.
"Thank you very much! Teresa-san, I'll be in your care from now on!"
Tesoro bowed to Teresa with solemn respect.
Teresa merely offered him a slight smile in return.
"Of course, the most important point—don't persecute civilians."
This was something Ronan had always upheld.
Even if he didn't yet have the power to challenge the rules of this world, within the range of what his strength allowed, he would still try his best to give ordinary people as much protection and safety as possible.
Tesoro nodded at once. He understood exactly what Ronan meant.
After receiving Ronan's approval, Tesoro didn't want to waste a single moment.
The very next day, he left the Sabaody Archipelago together with Teresa, and Ronan even handed his ship, the Silver Gull, over to them.
At the same time, while Ronan was still on Sabaody, the World Government dispatched Marines to escort the fifty kings representing World Government member nations to the four-yearly World Conference.
This time, the King of Lulusia was among them.
Upon hearing this news, the crown prince Seki did not hesitate in the slightest and accompanied his father on the journey to the Holy Land, Mary Geoise.
After reading the newspaper reports about Ronan, he could no longer sit still.
His purpose in going to Mary Geoise this time was very simple: to find an opportunity to curry favor with the Celestial Dragons.
With the Celestial Dragons backing him, perhaps the World Government would even dispatch powerful fighters to get rid of the guards at Ronan's side.
The King of Lulusia did not stop Seki from accompanying him.
In the end, he still hoped that this eldest son of his would inherit the throne.
A few days later—
Knock, knock, knock.
A series of knocks sounded on the door of Ronan's hotel room.
Beth and Alicia seemed to sense no malice from outside, so neither of them showed any hint of wariness.
Soon, at Ronan's signal, Beth opened the door.
Standing outside were three tall men in white suits, draped in white cloaks, each wearing a strange mask.
They were agents of the World Government's highest-level, secret intelligence organization—CP0.
Ronan recognized them at a glance.
CP0's distinctive getup was far too conspicuous; Ronan remembered them very clearly.
He had no idea why they would suddenly appear here now, but he was sure of one thing: it definitely wasn't the World Government coming to deal with him.
Just three CP0 members like these could not pose any real threat to Beth and the others.
The three stepped into the room one after another.
The leader's gaze, hidden behind his mask, swept over everyone inside and finally landed on Ronan.
He spoke.
"Ronan-sama, by order of the World Government, we are here to report an urgent piece of news to you and to convey the relevant decision."
"Three days ago, His Majesty the King of the Lulusia Kingdom and Crown Prince Seki, while en route to Mary Geoise to attend the World Conference, were attacked by an unidentified pirate crew. The royal escort fleet was completely annihilated. His Majesty and Prince Seki… were unfortunately killed."
Upon hearing this, Ronan's expression remained perfectly calm.
His eyes didn't even flicker as he listened quietly, as if CP0 were merely reporting the deaths of complete strangers who had nothing to do with him.
That so-called father in name only, and that "good big brother" Seki who had suppressed him at every turn—their deaths failed to stir even the slightest ripple in Ronan's heart.
There was no bond between them at all.
But that wasn't the part that mattered.
What CP0 said next was what truly made Ronan's expression turn complicated.
"According to the World Government Member States Succession Statutes and the Lulusia royal bloodline records, as the late king's only surviving legitimate heir, you, Ronan-sama, are the sole lawful successor to the throne of the Lulusia Kingdom."
He paused, his tone carrying a command that allowed no refusal.
"The World Government hereby orders you to immediately end all activities on the Sabaody Archipelago and return to the Lulusia Kingdom with us at once.
You are to prepare for the coronation ceremony, formally inherit the throne, stabilize the kingdom's situation, and fulfill your duties as the monarch of a World Government member nation."
(End of Chapter)
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