The Kingdom of Lexter on the island of Cyprus: The Gray Pearl of the West Blue!
In the central waters of the West Blue lies a unique island nation—the Kingdom of Lexter. This kingdom, blessed with an advantageous geographical position, is not only a member nation of the World Government but also one of the most influential trade hubs in the West Blue region. However, what truly made Lexter famous worldwide was its thriving underground economy.
The port of the Kingdom of Lexter welcomed merchant ships from all over the world every day, vessels loaded with goods of dubious provenance. From stolen royal jewels to artifacts looted from archaeological sites, from wanted works of art to rare, lost literary treasures—if you could pay the price, there was almost nothing you couldn't buy in Lexter's black markets. This unique commercial environment earned Lexter the title "The West Blue's Fence."
The kingdom's government was well aware of this grey economy but chose to turn a blind eye. These underground transactions brought immense tax revenue to the kingdom every year, underpinning its prosperity. Beyond the trade in stolen goods, Lexter also boasted the largest black market in the West Blue, where one could easily acquire all sorts of contraband: weapons banned by the World Government, dangerous biochemical products, even information on Devil Fruits.
Early one morning on the West Blue's seas, a massive pirate ship flying the Jolly Roger of the Beasts Pirates cut through the waves. On deck, the Beasts Pirates' lead scientist, Queen, was intently studying a nautical chart. He adjusted his sunglasses, his eyes suddenly lighting up.
"Boss Kaido," Queen said, walking briskly toward the captain who was drinking, "according to my calculations, we're less than half a day's sail from the Kingdom of Lexter. They have some special materials I need there, and we also need a suitable channel to liquidate the gold we have on hand."
Kaido set down his gourd, his brass-bell eyes turning to Queen. "Wororororo... Interesting. Let's go take a look then."
At Kaido's command, the flagship of the Beasts Pirates changed course and headed at full speed toward the Kingdom of Lexter.
When this colossal pirate ship slowly sailed into Lexter's port, it immediately caused a great commotion. The crowds on the docks scattered like startled fish, vendors frantically packed up their stalls, and the port guards gripped their weapons nervously, yet dared not make a move.
Kaido's massive frame was the first to appear at the ship's railing. He looked down upon the port, a playful smile hanging on his lips. When he stepped off the ship, his heavy footsteps made the entire dock shudder.
The Port Commander steeled himself and stepped forward, sweat glistening on his forehead under the sun. "K-Kaido-dono," he stammered, "may I ask what brings you to the Kingdom of Lexter?"
Kaido narrowed his eyes, an aura of danger instantly enveloping the commander. "Are you questioning me?"
The commander waved his hands in fright, almost falling on his backside. "N-No, I wouldn't dare! I merely wished to ask if there was anything I could do for you."
Unexpectedly, Kaido suddenly burst into laughter, the sound rumbling through the port like thunder. "Wororororo... Relax. I'm just here this time to let my crew buy some things."
"I see, Mr. Kaido." The commander wiped the sweat from his brow. "When your ship docked just now, His Majesty the King contacted me via Den Den Mushi. His Majesty wishes to invite you to the palace for a discussion. He wants to receive you personally."
Kaido raised a thick eyebrow, seeming quite interested in the invitation. He turned and issued orders to the officers behind him. "Queen, take some men and convert our goods into Berries. Also, buy what you need."
"Understood, Boss Kaido." Queen nodded, already starting to mentally calculate his shopping list.
Kaido continued assigning tasks. "Gavin, take some men and purchase daily supplies on this island. Enel, you go help."
"Yes, Captain," Gavin and Enel responded simultaneously. Gavin began observing the port's layout, looking for possible procurement points; Enel, on the other hand, yawned boredly, clearly not very interested in such chores.
"Sebastian, you and the rest stay with the ship," Kaido said to his first mate.
"Aye, aye," Sebastian replied with a steady nod.
Finally, Kaido looked at his two most capable subordinates. "King, Bullet, Urouge, you three come with me to meet this country's king. I'm rather curious what he wants with me."
Led by the Port Commander, Kaido, accompanied by King, Bullet, Urouge, and several elite pirates, set off in a grand procession toward the palace. On the streets they passed, pedestrians cleared the way, shops hurriedly closed their doors, and the entire capital fell into a peculiar, tense atmosphere due to the arrival of this legendary great pirate.
Meanwhile, Queen had already led a squad of pirates toward the black market. He held a detailed procurement list filled with various rare materials and contraband. Gavin and Enel began searching the city for suitable suppliers to replenish the ship's daily supplies.
The black market of the Kingdom of Lexter was even more vast than imagined. Queen walked through maze-like alleyways, shops on both sides displaying all sorts of strange and unusual wares. Masked merchants peddled unknown potions, veiled women showcased ancient artifacts, and burly men hawked all kinds of weapons.
"Looking for something, customer?" A hunchbacked old man blocked Queen's path, shrewd light glinting in his cloudy eyes.
Queen pushed up his sunglasses and pulled a list from his coat. "Can you get these things?"
The old man took the list, squinting at it for a long while before suddenly showing a look of surprise. "These are all contraband... However, in Lexter, there's nothing you can't buy." He smiled mysteriously. "It's just the price..."
"Money isn't an issue," Queen interrupted impatiently. "As long as the goods are genuine."
While Queen was busy with his purchases, Gavin and Enel were in the city's public marketplace looking for daily supplies. Unlike the shadowy black market, the transactions here were legal, with neat shops lining the streets and hawkers' cries rising and falling.
"Such a boring task," Enel yawned. "Why do I have to do this sort of thing?"
Gavin ignored the little boy's complaints, focused on checking the quality of the goods. "The Captain gave us a task. Just carry it out diligently."