Chapter 273: First

Standing outside the door, Teach was already overwhelmed by the sheer luxury of the corridor leading to the library. The entire space felt like a seamless masterpiece of opulence.

This corridor had no windows, yet every three meters, a lampstand made of pure sterling silver was mounted on the walls. But instead of candles, each lamp held a night pearl the size of a clenched fist, illuminating the entire corridor with a soft, radiant glow.

Even without additional lighting, the passage was bright as day.

Beyond that, the walls on both sides were adorned with priceless paintings and inscriptions. Teach, being a pirate, couldn't recognize the artists or calligraphers behind them, but he knew one thing for certain, these were treasures beyond measure.

Above the grand double doors leading into the library hung a large calligraphic inscription. Though Teach had no deep appreciation for art, he could tell that the writing carried a powerful and imposing presence.

Even with his limited education, he could still read the words:

"Books are the ladder of human progress."

The signature at the bottom read: "Donquixote. Claudius."

It seemed to be the personal handwriting of this so-called Celestial Dragon.

Just as Teach was processing all these extravagant details, the maid named Nia knocked on the door. From within, a calm and gentle voice responded, inviting them inside.

However, after opening the door, Nia did not step in. That left Teach no choice but to move forward on his own.

The moment he stepped inside, he was met with the distinct scent of books—a faint, refreshing fragrance that immediately cleared his mind. There was also another subtle aroma in the air, something soothing that made him feel unusually comfortable.

The room was vast, far more spacious than he had expected. It extended upward across three floors, each lined with towering bookshelves packed with an overwhelming number of books.

But even that wasn't the most shocking thing to Teach.

What truly left him astounded was the presence of several massive Poneglyphs sitting on the ground floor of the library.

One of them was even crimson red.

Teach had spent years aboard Whitebeard's ship, he knew exactly what these were. He had heard stories about the Poneglyphs, but more importantly, he understood what a crimson Poneglyph represented.

It was one of the four Road Poneglyphs that led to Laugh Tale.

Countless pirates scoured the seas in search of these legendary stones, yet here he was, staring at one sitting right inside a Celestial Dragon's library.

"This… this is an opportunity," Teach thought, his heart pounding.

The other Poneglyphs didn't interest him much. He had no desire to learn about the past or decipher lost history. But a Road Poneglyph? That was a different story.

Coming here was already worthwhile. Not only did he have a chance to obtain the Dark-Dark Fruit, but he had also discovered one of the keys to Laugh Tale.

If I can somehow get my hands on this…

Teach could barely contain his excitement.

Beyond the books and Poneglyphs, he noticed two figures inside the library.

One was a woman sitting quietly on the steps of the third floor, a book in her hands. Her curious gaze lingered on him.

She looked to be around twenty-five or twenty-six years old. Even Teach had to admit—she was a rare beauty. The intellectual aura she exuded, combined with her refined demeanor, made her practically flawless.

The other figure was seated at a modest desk. This man hadn't even looked up since Teach entered, remaining absorbed in his book as if nothing else existed.

Blond hair. Black-rimmed glasses. Tall but not bulky. A pristine white suit, with a black pen clipped to his chest. His handsome face carried an air of nobility, one that came naturally, not forced.

Teach recognized him instantly. There was no doubt.

This was Donquixote Claudius, the mysterious Celestial Dragon.

Teach had already prepared himself mentally for this meeting. He had discarded all sense of pride the moment he decided to come here.

Without hesitation, he hurried forward, dropped to his knees, and pressed his forehead to the floor.

With the utmost respect, he declared, "Marshall D. Teach greets Saint Claudius!"

This was standard etiquette. Teach knew the rules of the Celestial Dragons. When meeting them, you had to kneel and bow your head. That wasn't even up for debate.

More importantly, he needed something from this man.

For the sake of his ambition, Teach was willing to endure anything.

Kowtowing? That was nothing. If he had to do it ten times, he would. If he had to act subservient for years, he wouldn't hesitate.

Right now, he'd bow his head first and think later.

Besides… if playing humble could help him get the Road Poneglyph as well, then hell, he'd lick this guy's boots if necessary.

Pressing his forehead firmly against the ground, Teach waited.

But Claudius didn't respond right away.

The only sound that reached Teach's ears was the soft rustling of pages turning.

Teach knew how to play the game. He wasn't in a hurry.

He understood his position, he was just a lowly pirate. Even as part of Whitebeard's crew, he was nowhere near the level of the man sitting before him.

This was someone who had captured Roger. Someone who had defeated Golden Lion Shiki.

This was a man whose list of victories included names that even Whitebeard had to respect.

Compared to that, Teach was nothing.

Claudius had no reason to grant him an audience, yet here he was. That meant Enel must have spoken well of him.

So, Teach remained on his knees, patiently waiting for Claudius to finish reading.

Finally, after flipping through a few more pages, Claudius lifted his gaze and looked at Teach.

Seeing the pirate still kneeling in a perfect display of submission, Claudius felt an odd sense of amusement.

"This guy really is something else. He knows how to discard his pride when necessary. He'll do whatever it takes to reach his goal."

Claudius didn't find Teach's behavior pathetic. If anything, he respected it.

Many of history's greatest figures had endured humiliation for the sake of their ambitions.

Teach was no different.

He was the kind of man who could endure anything if it meant getting what he wanted.

Still, Claudius saw no need to rush.

He casually turned another page, took his time finishing the current section of his book, then slowly closed it and set it aside.

Hearing the book shut, Teach tensed. He knew this was the moment.

He immediately pressed his forehead even lower to the ground, ensuring his posture was as respectful as possible.

Claudius picked up his cup of warm tea, took a slow sip, then finally spoke.

"Rise."

"Thank you for your grace, Your Highness Claudius!" Teach responded instantly, bowing his head one last time before standing up.

As he stood, he couldn't help but feel surprised.

In his mind, Donquixote Claudius was supposed to be a ruthless warlord, a man with a terrifying presence, like a living storm. The photos he had seen from Whole Cake Island suggested a massive, muscular brute akin to Big Mom.

Yet the man before him was nothing like that.

Claudius carried himself with an air of refinement, exuding an elegant and composed temperament.

"This guy… he's nothing like what I imagined. So this is what a true Celestial Dragon is like?"

Teach didn't dare to stare directly at him. He knew better than to underestimate someone of this caliber.

Claudius, still holding his teacup, glanced at him.

"Teach," he murmured.

Teach immediately straightened. "Yes, Your Highness."

"I hear from Enel that you were part of Newgate's crew. He spoke quite highly of you… But why is it that I've never heard of you before?"

Teach quickly lowered his head. "A lowly figure like me wouldn't be worthy of Your Highness's attention."

Claudius chuckled. "Is that so?"

He set down his teacup and leaned back slightly.

"A pirate from Newgate's ship… yet you've come to see me. Why?"

Teach forced a humble smile.

"I originally thought I was coming to meet some powerful pirate… Who knew I'd end up in front of a Celestial Dragon instead?"

But he didn't let any of that show.

At this moment, he only had one objective:

Flatter. Praise.

"I have long admired Your Highness's greatness," Teach said with absolute sincerity. "I never thought I'd have the honor of meeting you in this lifetime. When I learned that Enel's master was none other than yourself, I was… overjoyed."

Claudius laughed.

Then, after a pause, he took a slow breath.

Just as Teach was trying to gauge his reaction, Claudius suddenly asked:

"Tell me, Teach… Can you guess what I smell right now?"

Teach froze.

Smell?

Panic flickered in his mind. Did I forget to bathe?

Keeping his composure, he responded respectfully, "How could I possibly guess Your Highness's thoughts?"

Claudius smiled.

"Heh. Ambition."

His voice was light, but his words carried weight.

"The scent of ambition is thick on you, Teach."

***

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