Chapter 15- The Meeting

The Marine base was buzzing with conversation as the news spread like wildfire. King Arthur III had officially summoned Lucius to the royal castle, and everyone had an opinion on it.

Lucius sat in the mess hall, arms crossed, staring at his barely touched plate of food. Across from him, Jack shoveled down a plate of rice, clearly unbothered by the situation.

"So, what's the plan, Wind Boy?" Jack asked through a mouthful of food. "You gonna go meet the king?"

Lucius groaned, rubbing his temples. "Do I even have a choice? Kenny looked like he was about to drag me there himself."

Jack chuckled. "Yeah, he did seem pretty set on making sure you don't make a mess of things. But hey, look on the bright side—at least you'll get to see the inside of the castle. I hear the food's top-tier."

Lucius rolled his eyes. "Oh yeah, because I'm definitely going there for the food and not because some murder-happy king wants me in his personal army."

Before Jack could respond, the doors swung open, and Captain Kenny strode in, his usual stern expression in place.

"Lucius, you're coming with me. The king's expecting you within the hour."

Lucius let out a long sigh, pushing his plate away. "Guess I don't have a choice, huh?"

"Not unless you want to make an enemy of the most powerful man in the kingdom,"

Kenny replied dryly. "Get up. We're leaving now."

Jack gave a mock salute. "Good luck, Seaman Recruit. If you don't come back, can I have your bed?"

Lucius shot him a glare as he stood. "You're a terrible friend."

Jack grinned. "I try."

The Royal Castle

The carriage ride to the castle was silent. Lucius sat next to Kenny, arms crossed as he gazed out the window. The closer they got to the towering stone fortress, the heavier the air seemed to become.

"You're tense," Kenny observed.

Lucius scoffed. "Gee, I wonder why. Maybe because I'm about to meet a king who apparently kills people who don't do what he wants."

Kenny didn't argue. "Just be respectful. Speak only when spoken to. And do not use your Devil Fruit powers under any circumstances."

Lucius raised an eyebrow. "Even if he asks?"

Kenny met his gaze. "Especially if he asks."

Before Lucius could ask what that meant, the carriage rolled to a stop, and the doors were opened by a pair of armored knights. The castle's grand entrance loomed ahead, its massive iron gates opening to reveal a lavish interior of marble floors, golden chandeliers, and red carpets.

"Seaman Recruit Lucius, follow me," an attendant said, motioning for him to step forward.

Lucius glanced at Kenny, who gave him a firm nod. Taking a deep breath, he followed the attendant through the castle halls.

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Lucius sat in an extravagant chamber, his arms crossed as he glared at the man before him. King Arthur III of Camelot Kingdom sat atop a luxurious throne, clad in royal robes and an ever-present smirk. The room was filled with nobles, knights, and servants, all watching the scene unfold.

Arthur III steepled his fingers. "Lucius, I must extend my sincerest apologies for what transpired between you and my knight. It was never my intention for our first interaction to be one of violence."

Lucius snorted. "Oh, sure. Just a misunderstanding. Happens all the time. 'Hey, random Marine recruit, let me beat you into the ground!' Real casual."

Arthur chuckled. "You have quite the tongue on you. But that is not why you are here."

Lucius leaned back in his chair. "Let me guess—you want me to join your elite squad?" He dramatically gasped. "Wow. What a shocker."

Arthur nodded. "Indeed. You are strong, resourceful, and bear great potential. Under my guidance, you could rise to heights beyond your imagination."

Lucius deadpanned. "I like my imagination just fine, thanks. And no offense, but working under a guy who sends his knights to beat up random people doesn't sound too appealing."

A few nobles gasped. The knights clenched their fists, but Arthur merely smiled. "A bold refusal. I expected nothing less." He tapped his fingers on the throne's armrest. "In that case, how about a wager?"

Lucius raised an eyebrow. "A wager?"

Arthur leaned forward. "In six months, Camelot Kingdom will host its 990th Annual Fighting Festival. Warriors from across the four blues will participate, battling through a gauntlet of fights. If you can defeat every opponent and emerge victorious, I will let you leave unbothered."

Lucius blinked. "That's it? Just fight some guys and I get to go free?"

Arthur's smirk widened. "Of course. However... should you fail, you will swear allegiance to me. You will become my knight."

Lucius tilted his head. "Lemme get this straight. Either I beat up a bunch of guys and walk free, or I lose and become your personal punching bag?"

Arthur nodded. "Precisely."

Lucius thought for a moment. "...How strong are these guys?"

Arthur chuckled. "Some are experienced gladiators, others bounty hunters, pirates and a few I have chosen… well, let's say they have a reputation."

Lucius had a straight face. "I accept."

Arthur clapped his hands. "Splendid! Then it is settled. I shall eagerly anticipate your performance."

Lucius sighed. "Yeah, yeah. I'll be sure to put on a show."

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Later that evening, I walked through the bustling streets of the kingdom, still processing the madness of my day. "Six months to prepare for a gladiator bloodbath. No pressure at all."

"You really accepted his bet?" a familiar voice called.

I turned to see Magarett in a cloak, arms crossed and looking exasperated. "I thought you'd be smarter than this."

I shrugged. "Eh, what can I say? I have a talent for bad decisions and you here to get me another beating?"

Magarett sighed. "I'm sorry about the last time but you do realize someone like Arthur never makes bets he thinks he'll lose, right? He wants you in his ranks. This tournament won't be fair."

I grinned. "Oh, I assumed I'd be walking into some kind of rigged nonsense. That's what makes it fun." I mean after all, I'm training and in the next 6 months if there's results, then it'll be more fun!

Magarett shook her head, chuckling. "You're either incredibly brave or incredibly dumb."

"Can't it be both?"

She rolled her eyes. "Come with me."

I blinked. "Uh, where?"

Magarett sighed. "Princesses order, follow me."

I deadpanned, abuse of power but I sighed.

"I refuse, princess."

Magarett leaned in with a serious face.

"Please lucius, follow me. I have something to show you and even after that if you refuse then I'll let it go."

I looked at her seeing the desperation, as I sighed and nodded.

"Fine."

And with that, she dragged me off into the night.

To be continued....