"Igaram, that's how it is."
"His Highness has forgiven your offense and is willing to station his troops in Alabasta to help us drive out the pirates."
Igaram, who had been in a coma for two days due to the severity of his injuries, finally saw Princess Nefertari Titi again.
Igaram, lying on the hospital bed, breathed a slight sigh of relief after hearing Princess Nefertari Titi's words.
"Thank you for His Highness's kindness. Your Highness, what price did we pay?"
Although it was a bit embarrassing to ask, he still asked the question.
To his relief, the princess appeared unharmed, her illness completely cured, and even her spirits seemed refreshed, radiant with health.
However, Igaram was still somewhat uneasy.
Ross doesn't seem like a person who's easy to talk to, otherwise he wouldn't have been unconscious for two days.
He was afraid that Princess Nefertari Titi might have made some promise in private, otherwise he would really be unable to eat or sleep.
"That's not true, Igaram. That prince is a good person, but we need to pay a very high fee to resolve the pirate problem."
Princess Nefertari Titi felt a little guilty, and even her legs felt weak.
How could there be no price to pay?
After the initial plan was finalized, she discussed the size of the army with Ross. Given the size and situation of Alabasta, the number of ordinary soldiers was not a big deal, but at least one Vice Admiral and a hundred field officers would be needed to perfectly defend the various coastal cities.
But so many powerful individuals are enough to arm a Marine base; it's not like they'd just give them to Alabasta so easily.
Finally, after Princess Nefertari Titi offered Ross her specialty—cream puffs—he reluctantly agreed.
However, to avoid suspicion, Ross proposed hiring him for 10 billion Berries per year, which seemed reasonable to outsiders.
Princess Nefertari Titi agreed without hesitation, fearing that if Ross asked for too low a price, others in the kingdom or Cobra would notice something amiss.
If Cobra really finds out, she will be too ashamed to face anyone.
10 billion Berries is not a lot for a large country like Alabasta; if their royal family were to spend the money, they could easily raise that amount of wealth.
Alabasta has considered hiring powerful individuals, but currently, Igaram is the strongest in Alabasta. Hiring an outsider could easily lead to a situation where someone usurps the throne.
Moreover, powerful outsiders who can be hired for money are generally not very good-natured, and Alabasta is unwilling to cooperate with such people.
In comparison, no matter how bad the Celestial Dragons' reputation is, at least they have the World Government as a guarantee, and the Marines at least actually do things.
Moreover, even if the private army had some disciplinary problems, Princess Nefertari Titi felt she could handle them on her own.
It just requires a little effort...
"Your Highness, thank you for your hard work."
Igaram didn't want to deal with Ross and the others anymore, but the matter had already been decided by Princess Nefertari Titi, so he could only obey and silently listen to the princess explain the details of the cooperation.
He wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but Princess Nefertari Titi seemed to have a slightly different tone whenever she mentioned Ross.
But when King Cobra was mentioned, his tone was completely unremarkable, like that of a girl who had changed her mind...
How could that be? Why would you have such a terrible thought?
Snap!
Igaram slapped himself hard, trying to dispel these chaotic emotions.
"Igaram?"
Princess Nefertari Titi looked at him in confusion, wondering why he had hit himself.
"It's nothing, Your Highness, please continue."
Igaram quickly shook his head; he dared not voice his thoughts.
But looking at Princess Nefertari Titi, she really seems like a woman who wasn't satisfied before, but is now fully satisfied.
I can't think about it anymore, I can't think about it anymore!
This is the gentle and kind Princess Nefertari Titi. The princess and the king are so loving, how could he have such thoughts? He deserves to die.
And that prince, maybe he really is as good as Princess Nefertari Titi said.
Igaram pretended to listen attentively, but a lingering shadow hung over his heart.
...
Three days later, at the Drum Island dock.
"Your Highness, this is enough. You may return now."
At the dock, Ross and Princess Nefertari Titi walked side by side to Alabasta's ship.
Igaram followed silently behind, his injuries mostly healed as he lay in bed.
Sometimes, seeing Ross and Princess Nefertari Titi side by side, he would feel that they were a perfect match.
Compared to Cobra, Ross has much better physical attributes.
Even though Cobra is only 30 years old, he already looks like a slovenly old man.
Damn it, he's a loyal royal guard, why would he think of such things?
Igaram slapped himself again, his heart filled with guilt.
"I'll leave you here. You can return to Alabasta first. After my trip to Drum Island is over, I will stay in Alabasta for a short time, which will give me the opportunity to meet with King Cobra."
"Your Highness Ross, I welcome you to Alabasta."
Princess Nefertari Titi didn't really want to see Ross, but when she said it, her words came out completely different.
She was experiencing both psychological and physical conflict, especially after spending so much time with Ross these past three days, but Ross never touched her again.
"Yes, I will. I'll need the Princess's help to show me the culture and customs of Alabasta."
Out of aristocratic social etiquette, Ross gave Princess Nefertari Titi a hug and a cheek kiss, a common gesture among nobles.
When Ross pressed his cheek against Princess Nefertari Titi's, he could clearly feel that her breathing had become somewhat rapid.
Just as Ross predicted, sometimes the marks forcibly etched on the body are far more intense than those forged in daily life.
After a perfunctory touch, Ross quickly released Princess Nefertari Titi.
After saying goodbye again, Princess Nefertari Titi turned back and walked towards the ship with a blank expression. However, as she walked, her plump, long legs were slightly tucked inwards, giving her a slightly uncomfortable feeling.
Igaram did not notice Princess Nefertari Titi's unusual behavior. He simply knelt respectfully to Ross before walking toward the ship.
Igaram was relieved to see that Ross's interaction with Princess Nefertari Titi was very natural and that she didn't show any signs of discomfort afterwards.
He might have random thoughts, but that doesn't mean he actually thinks Princess Nefertari Titi would be the one to take the initiative.
Since Ross didn't make any underhanded moves, it meant that his assumptions were just wishful thinking, which put Igaram completely at ease.
His biggest fear was failing to protect Princess Nefertari Titi this time, allowing her to fall victim to Ross's cruelty, and ultimately betraying King Cobra's trust in him.
King Cobra, I have not failed your trust!
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