Queen Titi came into power. Lakeman’s realization.

After a night of indulgence and revelry that stretched into the early hours, Lakeman slept soundly, undisturbed by the world around him.

Meanwhile, inside King Cobra's chamber:

The king lay motionless on his grand bed, his once-vibrant face now pale and etched with a sickly hue. His breathing was shallow, and his body seemed frail, a shadow of its former self. Two seasoned doctors stood nearby, their expressions tense, as they addressed Chaka, Pell, Queen Titi, and several high-ranking ministers who had gathered anxiously in the room.

"How is His Majesty still in a coma? And why is his condition worsening day by day?" Queen Titi demanded, her voice laced with a blend of frustration and feigned grief. Her piercing gaze bore into the doctors. "You told us it was just a simple cold and fever. Why hasn't he recovered yet?"

"Your Highness," one of the elder doctors began, bowing slightly, "it was indeed a common cold and fever at first. Within two days, we nearly cured him. However, his condition inexplicably began to deteriorate. Despite our best efforts, we've been unable to identify the underlying cause."

Titi narrowed her eyes, tears welling up but not spilling over. Her voice trembled, though the emotion behind it felt oddly controlled. "Chaka, why didn't you inform me the moment his health worsened? Were you planning to hide this from me until it was too late?" she accused, her tone sharpened with faux indignation.

Chaka, the loyal leader of the royal guards, lowered his head in shame. His voice was heavy with regret. "Forgive me, Your Highness. His Majesty forbade us from telling you. When he was still conscious, he insisted that you not be burdened with this. He believed the ongoing project for Alabasta's livelihood was too important to be disrupted by his illness."

Titi pressed a delicate hand to her chest, her face painted with an expression of sorrow. "His loyalty to this kingdom is undeniable, but at what cost? Look at him now!" She gestured dramatically toward the frail king. "This is no ordinary illness. These so-called doctors can't even provide an explanation!"

"Your Highness," the older doctor interjected cautiously, his voice almost pleading, "we have exhausted all known remedies. At this point, we believe it would be prudent to seek help from the Drum Kingdom. Their expertise in medicine is unparalleled."

Titi's expression hardened with resolve. "Then I will personally travel to the Drum Kingdom. I will plead with their king to send the finest doctors to save His Majesty."

Chaka's eyes widened in alarm. "Your Highness, you mustn't leave! The kingdom needs you now more than ever. Who will govern in your absence if you depart while His Majesty is incapacitated?"

One of the ministers stepped forward, his tone measured but firm. "Indeed, Your Highness. Even if the doctors from the Drum Kingdom arrive, there's no guarantee they will cure His Majesty swiftly. The kingdom cannot afford to be without a ruler for such an uncertain period."

Another minister nodded in agreement. "We have deliberated on this matter, Your Highness, and we believe it is in the kingdom's best interest for you to assume full authority until His Majesty recovers."

Chaka added, his voice steady but filled with urgency, "Your Highness, I will personally go to the Drum Kingdom. I will ensure the best doctors are brought here as quickly as possible. Your presence is needed here, both for the king and the kingdom."

Titi hesitated, her eyes darting between Chaka, the doctors, and the ministers. Finally, she sighed, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Fine. But you must promise me, Chaka—bring the best doctors. These ordinary physicians couldn't even distinguish between a common cold and a life-threatening illness." 

Her gaze fell on Cobra, and she shook her head in mock despair. "Look at him. His hair is turning white, his vitality is slipping away with every passing moment. This disease is draining the very life out of him."

"I swear it, Your Highness. I will not return without the finest medical experts," Chaka vowed with unwavering determination.

With one last glance at Cobra, Titi stormed out of the room, her expression a carefully crafted mask of anger and grief.

Meanwhile, inside Lakeman's luxurious quarters:

When Lakeman finally awoke, the sun was dipping low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow through the ornate curtains. Stretching lazily, he glanced around and realized he was alone; the previous night's companions had already departed.

With a yawn, he called out, his voice smooth but commanding, "Maids."

Within seconds, the doors to his quarters opened, and a line of maids entered, their heads bowed respectfully. "Prepare the bath," Lakeman ordered as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed, his movements slow and deliberate.

The maids hurried to comply, and moments later, he was escorted into the grand bathroom. They attended to him with practiced precision, washing him with care and ensuring his every need was met. The scent of exotic oils and perfumes filled the air as they worked.

Once his bath was complete, the maids dressed him in his finest robes, each stitch a testament to his unparalleled status. The luxurious fabric shimmered in the soft evening light, and intricate designs adorned the hem and sleeves, highlighting his regal presence.

Standing before a mirror, Lakeman adjusted his collar, smirked, and muttered smugly: "So handsome.."

After finishing admiring himself in the mirror, Lakeman left his quarters and made his way to the grand dining hall. The room was quiet, as the evening had already set in, and most of the palace's inhabitants had eaten hours earlier.

Upon entering, he gestured to one of the royal maids still stationed nearby. "Bring me a hearty meal," he commanded, his tone authoritative. The maid bowed deeply and quickly rushed to fulfill his request.

Within twenty minutes, a lavish feast was laid out before him. The freshly prepared dishes emitted enticing aromas—roasted meats, exotic fruits, and delicacies crafted with the finest ingredients. Lakeman ate quickly but with an air of sophistication, savoring the flavors. Once finished, he rose, wiped his lips with a silk napkin, and left the dining hall, heading out of the palace.

Outside the palace, at the training grounds.

Hancock, Robin, and Lily were engaged in an intense training session. Their movements were precise and powerful as they sparred against one another, each testing the limits of their Haki. Their sweat-drenched forms glistened under the waning sunlight, and their determination was palpable.

Nearby, Kuzan watched them with a detached but focused gaze. Occasionally, he called out pointers, correcting their stances or techniques. "Robin, watch your footing. Hancock, your Observation Haki needs refinement in high-speed combat," he said, his tone even but firm. The women nodded, immediately adjusting their forms and movements based on his advice.

Lakeman, unnoticed by anyone, observed the scene briefly. Activating his Devil Fruit power, he erased his presence entirely, slipping between them undetected, even by their heightened Observation Haki. He left the training grounds without a trace, heading toward the city.

In the bustling capital, Alubarna.

The streets were alive with activity, even as the sun dipped below the horizon. Lakeman wandered through the crowd. His presence cloaked as he blended seamlessly with the throng of people. 

Merchants loudly promoted their wares, their voices rising above the chatter of the bustling marketplace. Children darted between stalls, laughing and playing, their joy contagious.

Lakeman's gaze lingered on the scenes around him. Hawkers called out, boasting the quality of their goods, while caravans passed through the streets, laden with exotic merchandise. For a brief moment, he felt a pang of melancholy.

As he strolled, his thoughts turned inward. "I still can't believe all of this is real. Maybe one day, I'll wake up in my old world, and all of this will disappear like a fleeting dream. Will I ever return to my past life? Or is this my reality now?"

Pushing those thoughts aside, he continued to wander the city aimlessly, until the fading sunlight signaled it was time to return to the palace.

On the way back, As he approached the palace, Lakeman overheard a group of citizens engaged in animated conversation. He stopped to listen, his curiosity piqued.

"Queen Titi will now rule Alabasta. What happened to King Cobra?" a merchant, who had just arrived in the city, asked in astonishment.

"You must be new here," a local replied cheerfully. "Don't you know? The king has been bedridden for nearly twenty days. The royal guards announced just a few hours ago that Queen Titi will take charge of all affairs until His Majesty recovers."

The merchant frowned in confusion. "Why are you happy about this? Isn't King Cobra a wise and benevolent ruler? I've heard he's deeply loved by his people."

"Of course he is!" the local exclaimed, his voice brimming with pride. "We pray for his recovery every day. But Queen Titi is also beloved. She persuaded Saint Lakeman to solve Alabasta's water shortage. The entire project was completed just two days ago, and we celebrated a grand feast yesterday. Now, there isn't a single place in Alabasta without abundant drinking water."

Another man, frying snacks at his shop, chimed in. "That's right! Queen Titi and Saint Lakeman have brought prosperity to our land."

However, one of the merchant's assistants smirked and muttered mockingly, "I've heard stories about Celestial Dragons. Don't they have a habit of sleeping with queens and princesses of the kingdoms they visit? Maybe your Queen Titi sacrificed her body to convince Saint Lakeman."

The locals fell silent for a moment, their faces darkening. Then, in unison, they roared in fury. "How dare you, you bastard!" Several citizens leapt at the merchant and his assistant, raining blows upon them.

"You dare insult our queen and god, Saint Lakeman? He is no ordinary Celestial Dragon—he is our savior! Queen Titi is his mother-in-law, and together, they are our hope!" shouted the shopkeeper, abandoning his frying pan to join the fray.

A group of patrolling guards arrived to break up the commotion. However, upon hearing the offensive remarks made against the queen and Saint Lakeman, they too joined in the beating. 

Eventually, the battered merchant and his assistant were left groaning on the ground as the crowd dispersed, spitting on them for good measure.

Lakeman, who had been watching from a distance, smirked. His blood-red eyes gleamed with amusement as he thought to himself, "Your queen is indeed great in bed, and she certainly knows how to please me. If only you knew the truth."

Shaking his head with a chuckle, he continued walking, his earlier melancholy swept away. "It doesn't matter if this is real or not," he mused. "Heat of her pussy is certainly real, and that's more than enough for me. Why not enjoy all the beauties this world has to offer?"

Lakeman soon reached the palace gates. The guards stood to attention as he passed, bowing deeply. Without sparing them a glance, he strode inside, his mind already planning the pleasures the night might bring.

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