Naturally, Arthur had no way of knowing the reactions and speculations of the various forces across the West Blue. Nor was he particularly interested.
After another day and night of sailing, the fleet finally returned to the Kingdom of Zephir the following morning.
However, when the fleet reached the harbor and prepared to dock, the sight before them stunned Arthur.
"Your Highness! Welcome back!"
"This is incredible! The Gambino Family has been defeated! The Kingdom of Zephir has won!"
"Your Highness! You're amazing!"
The open space before the harbor and town was packed with excited citizens.
They stared at the three warships docked along the shore—each one filled with spoils of war—and cheered enthusiastically.
"What's going on here?"
The moment Arthur stepped off the ship, he froze in surprise.
Life at sea was often monotonous and dull. During the voyage back, he had either been immersed in books or resting, paying little attention to outside developments.
"Your Highness," Stanley hurried forward and explained, his eyes filled with reverence, "the news of the Gambino Family's destruction has already spread across the West Blue."
"Although most people find it hard to believe that it was done by our kingdom, the citizens clearly trust and admire you."
"So the news has already spread…"
Arthur nodded thoughtfully.
His gaze swept across the crowd, whose faces were filled with excitement and fervor.
A satisfied smile appeared on his lips.
After all, the reason he had openly declared war on the Gambino Family was precisely to achieve this moment of glory and prestige.
Now, it seemed his goal had been perfectly accomplished.
As for the other forces doubting the truth?
That didn't bother him.
Arthur thought calmly—
When he led an army to strike them in the future, they would surely receive a very memorable surprise.
"Let's return to the palace," Arthur instructed Stanley.
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Stanley immediately obeyed. He ordered most of the soldiers to remain behind and unload the gold, jewels, weapons, and ammunition.
He personally led several hundred Kingdom Army soldiers to escort Arthur back to the palace.
Along the way, citizens gazed at Arthur with admiration and excitement, cheering loudly.
Arthur maintained a calm expression, smiling and nodding to them as he passed.
Occasions like this were perfect for building prestige.
He would never foolishly ignore the crowd just to act aloof.
Beside him, however, the little maid Elia was overwhelmed.
With so many people staring at her, her small face turned bright red, and she didn't know where to put her hands.
Only after Arthur entered the palace did the cheering citizens gradually disperse.
Joy and hope filled their faces.
The gloom and despair that once shrouded the kingdom had vanished.
It was clear—
With the Gambino Family gone, the Kingdom of Zephir would usher in a completely new era.
After safely escorting Arthur back, Stanley and the hundreds of soldiers quietly withdrew.
Not one of them stepped inside the palace.
Everyone in the Kingdom Army understood one thing now—
The security of the royal palace had been completely taken over by the Ninja Assassination Tactical Unit.
It could be said that within the Kingdom of Zephir, the palace had become the safest place of all.
It was essentially Arthur's personal domain.
Without his permission, no one—aside from the palace maids—was allowed to enter.
Inside the palace.
After spending two full days aboard the ship, Arthur's first action upon returning was to take a long, relaxing bath to wash away his fatigue.
Afterward, he changed into an elegant white robe trimmed with gold and hurried toward the Royal Hall.
Sitting upon the throne, he opened the system interface.
Host: Zephir · Arthur
Nation: Kingdom of Zephir
Status: Prince
Nation Level: Locked (Unlocks upon becoming King)
National Prestige: Locked (Unlocks upon becoming King)
Subordinate Legion: Ninja Assassination Tactical Unit
Exclusive Equipment: None
"So…"
"It's time to unlock the exclusive lottery."
Arthur stared at the interface for a moment before closing it.
Then he spoke calmly into the empty hall.
"Pass down my orders."
"Tell Stanley to prepare everything immediately."
"Today…"
"I will ascend the throne and become King."
"Yes, Your Highness."
A respectful voice echoed somewhere within the hall.
Then silence returned.
Not long afterward, inside the royal treasury, Stanley was directing soldiers to transport the captured treasure and weapons.
Suddenly—
An ANBU member appeared beside him without warning.
"The prince has issued an order."
"Prepare all necessary arrangements immediately."
"Today, His Highness will ascend the throne and become King."
The ANBU's voice was cold and emotionless.
Before Stanley could react—
The figure vanished like a ghost.
"What?!"
Stanley jumped in shock.
But he quickly regained his composure.
Looking toward the place where the ANBU had disappeared, he couldn't help feeling awe at their mysterious abilities.
Then he turned toward the soldiers and shouted loudly:
"Everyone! Stop what you're doing immediately!"
Soon afterward—
The loudspeakers throughout the towns of Zephir Kingdom broadcast an urgent announcement.
"Emergency notice! All citizens please pay attention!"
"In two hours, His Highness Prince Zephir Arthur will hold his coronation ceremony and officially ascend the throne as the new King!"
"All citizens are requested to gather at the central plaza to witness this historic moment!"
The announcement repeated again and again.
The solemn voice of the messenger echoed throughout every street and corner of the kingdom.
The entire Kingdom of Zephir was stirred.
Today—
A new king would rise.
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