Chapter 18: Carl’s Arrangement

Under Spandam's urging, Babs had no choice but to respond,

"Sorry, but I can't make that decision. If you want to join Marine Headquarters, you'll need to go through the proper process and report to the recruitment office first. Right now, Admiral Zephyr has transitioned into an instructor, and he's responsible for the recruitment and training of new Marines."

The moment Zephyr's name was mentioned, even Spandam's arrogance wavered slightly. He knew all too well that Zephyr was notoriously **"strict"**—a man difficult to negotiate with and completely inflexible.

Still, Zephyr was undeniably powerful. After all, he had once been a **Marine Admiral**.

Spandam, though usually fearless when dealing with lower-ranking officers like Babs, knew that things would be different when it came to Zephyr.

He stole a glance at Carl, expecting to see dissatisfaction on his face. Yet, to his surprise, Carl was still smiling.

To Spandam, there were only two possible explanations for this reaction.

**One**, Carl was incredibly well-mannered, someone who could maintain perfect emotional control even when faced with setbacks.

**Two**, Carl simply didn't care about Babs at all—because he was completely confident in the power of his family.

Although Carl felt different from other Celestial Dragons, Spandam still leaned toward the second possibility.

After all, members of the **Figarland family** could do **whatever they wanted**.

As soon as Spandam reminded himself of this, his fear of Zephyr **vanished completely**.

*So what if Zephyr was a Marine Admiral?*

Compared to the Figarland family, even the current Fleet Admiral, **Kong**, was insignificant.

Spandam had seen firsthand **Saint Garling's** respect for Carl. That alone proved that Carl could walk freely through **Mary Geoise** without consequence.

Straightening his back, Spandam's arrogance returned. He pointed at Babs and declared,

"Mr. Carl wants to join the Marines. That should be an **honor** for you Marines. Don't be ungrateful. You mentioned Zephyr, right? Fine—hand me the Den Den Mushi. I'll speak to him personally. Let's see if the World Government approves or not!"

Babs had assumed Spandam would back down at the mention of Zephyr. Instead, Spandam had doubled down, making Babs anxious enough to reach for his Den Den Mushi.

But before he could do so, Carl suddenly **placed a hand on his arm, stopping him**.

"That won't be necessary," Carl said calmly. "We'll follow the proper procedures. Just take me and my friends to Headquarters."

Then, Carl gave Spandam a slight nod.

Seeing this, Spandam—who had been growing uneasy—felt an overwhelming sense of relief.

Babs took the hint and accepted the compromise. He immediately agreed to escort Carl and his companions to Marine Headquarters.

Meanwhile, Kuma turned back toward the church, his gaze lingering on the large **wooden cross** hanging on the central wall. His eyes held a trace of worry.

Carl noticed and called Spandam over, whispering something in his ear.

Spandam **nodded repeatedly**—like a bobblehead.

After that, Carl clapped Ivankov on the shoulder, gathered Kuma and Ginny, and followed Babs out of the church they had lived in for the past **six years**.

Ivankov stood still for a long moment, silent. Then, suddenly, he **bolted forward** and ran outside.

He shouted at the group as they walked away,

"Carl, thank you! And Kuma, Ginny-chan—you two better take care!!"

Hearing Ivankov's voice behind him, Carl didn't turn back. Instead, he **smiled slightly** and continued walking.

As Ginny wiped her tears, Carl placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Then, turning to Kuma, he asked,

"Kuma, you're worried about those old folks, aren't you?"

Kuma flinched. As always, Carl had seen right through him.

"...Yes," he admitted. "They're all elderly. They can't do hard labor anymore, and if they get sick, they won't have the money to see a doctor…"

Carl stopped walking and locked eyes with Kuma. His tone was **serious**.

"Kuma, there are many people like them in the world. You **can't** take care of them all. Their suffering **isn't your fault**, and you don't need to carry that guilt."

Kuma lowered his head, nodding silently. He understood Carl's words, but after spending so much time with those elderly villagers, leaving them behind still made his heart ache.

Noticing this, Carl's expression softened.

"Don't worry, Kuma," he said with a grin. "I've already made arrangements for them. **Didn't Spandam come with us?**"

Kuma blinked in confusion.

"…Huh?"

---

### Back at the Church

Inside the church, the nobles and ministers of the **Sorbet Kingdom** stood before **Spandam**, their heads lowered like guilty schoolchildren.

But Spandam was **not** the same groveling lackey he had been in front of Carl.

Now, he swaggered back and forth **with a cigar in his mouth**, puffing out smoke as he **berated** the gathered officials.

"You're all **useless**," he sneered. "You can't even run a **small** kingdom properly. There are **elderly citizens** who can't afford medical care—are you serious?"

The two **suited men** standing behind Spandam exchanged confused glances.

Based on **their** knowledge of Spandam, he was nothing more than a corrupt **opportunist** who only cared about wealth and promotions. **Since when** did he care about the well-being of the people?

A minister cautiously spoke up,

"L-Lord Spandam… it's not as if we wanted this situation. King Bekori raised the taxes over and over—"

"I don't want to hear your **excuses**!" Spandam snapped. "If Bekori was so incompetent, then **find another king!**"

The nobles and ministers **gasped** in shock.

"Wh—What?"

Spandam exhaled a cloud of smoke and continued **casually**,

"That settles it. I heard the previous king was named **Bulldog**, right? I heard he was pretty good. Fine, bring him back—**he's king again.**"

"But… but the appointment of a new king in a **World Government-aligned nation** requires approval from Mary Geoise," one minister stammered. "I-I'm not sure if—"

Spandam scoffed.

"Tch! You think I don't know the **rules**?"

At that moment, everyone in the room resisted the urge to **curse** at him internally.

They all knew Spandam was **completely unqualified** to make such a decision. He didn't have the **authority** to reinstate a king.

But Spandam wasn't worried.

Because this wasn't **his** decision.

It was **Carl's**.

And as he thought about that, his face twisted with **fanatic devotion**.

He flicked his cigar away and **wiped the ashes off his fingers**—**onto a minister's coat.**

"Listen up," Spandam declared. "This is **Lord Carl's** will. **He is God.** His words **are law**. Just follow his orders and leave the rest to me."

With that, he waved a hand dismissively and **strode out of the church**, flanked by his two suited subordinates.