Chapter 139

**Chapter 139**

Outlook III **trembled** like a leaf, his **arrogance drained**.

With just a slap, all his **self-importance crumbled**.

It seemed that **evil men** like him needed **even greater fear** to keep them in check.

Spandam ignored him and quickly turned to Carl, his **face eager**.

"Admiral Black Dragon," he said smoothly. "How do you think we should **handle** this guy?"

A **textbook sycophant**.

Spandam always understood **Carl's intentions** with just a glance—never overstepping, always **attuned** to Carl's wishes.

Outlook III was **no match for him.**

Carl was **pleased**.

Raising a hand, he **patted Spandam's shoulder**, giving him a **satisfied smile**.

Spandam nearly **shook with gratification**.

At that moment, there was **no dog more loyal than him**.

In the distance, the **middle-aged couple** looked on in stunned silence.

But the **purple-haired girl**, nestled in her mother's arms, simply **stared at Carl—curious**.

---

Just moments ago, she had been **playing hide-and-seek** with her friends.

She was the **seeker**.

By the time she finished counting, Carl and his group had **already entered the area**.

The other children had been **whisked away by their parents**, but she had been **blindfolded**—unaware.

Hearing **footsteps**, she had **run toward them**—only to find herself **standing directly in their path**.

And now?

She **understood** the gravity of her mistake.

She had **interrupted nobles**.

With the **king himself present**, she feared she might be **thrown into prison**.

But then…

She had heard **the slap**.

She had **watched** as the once **high-and-mighty noble** crumpled to the ground, his **face swollen, his authority shattered**.

The man who struck him?

**He now stood respectfully before Carl.**

Even the **king**, whom she had believed to be the **highest power in the world**, deferred to **him**.

Was there **anyone** stronger than the king?

The **little girl's awe** deepened.

Carl **noticed her gaze**.

He **walked toward her**.

The **nobles** hurried to make way, bowing as they stepped aside.

How **ironic**.

They looked **no different** from the **commoners** they so often despised.

Even the **guards** stiffened, standing at attention, avoiding **Carl's gaze**.

His **innate dominance**—the blood of the **Figarland family**—was on full display.

No matter how much he **restrained it**, the **pressure** he exuded was far too overwhelming for **ordinary men**.

The **girl's father** felt his **legs weaken**.

But Carl had **no ill intent**.

He **squatted down** in front of the girl, offering her a **gentle smile**.

"Did I **scare you** earlier?" he asked softly.

"Don't worry—it's all over now. Go back to your **parents**."

The girl **bit her lip**.

She looked **worried**—as if she had something **to say**.

Carl's **brows lifted**.

"What's wrong?" he asked, amused. "Afraid your **parents** will punish you when you get home?"

The girl **shook her head** quickly, her voice small.

"…I'm afraid that once you **leave**, that noble will **take revenge** on us…"

Her **mother's face paled**.

In an instant, she **clamped a hand over the girl's mouth**.

"**Don't talk nonsense!**" she hissed.

But she wasn't angry.

She was **terrified**.

Because, deep down, she **had the same fear**.

Carl was **untouchable**.

The **nobles wouldn't dare** move against **him**.

But he wouldn't **stay forever**.

And once he was **gone**…

Who would stop them?

Who would **protect them**?

Carl's **expression shifted**—not with anger, but **interest**.

He gently **removed the mother's hand** and turned back to the girl.

"How old are you?"

The girl **straightened up**.

"**Eight!**" she answered, obediently.

Carl **chuckled**.

She was **young**—but remarkably **thoughtful**.

He **ruffled her hair**, smiling.

"What's your name?"

The girl hesitated for only a second before answering.

"**Belo Betty!**"

Carl's **smile widened.**

He glanced toward **Dragon**, who stood quietly in the crowd.

So this was **her**.

In the original timeline, **Belo Betty** would become the **Eastern Army Commander** of the **Revolutionary Army** under Dragon's leadership.

Her **Pump-Pump Fruit** would make her an **irreplaceable force**, capable of turning ordinary people into **powerful warriors**.

She had not **eaten the fruit yet**.

But if left **alone**—it would **find its way to her**.

And now?

Now that he had **encountered** such a promising future powerhouse…

Carl had **no intention** of letting her **slip away**.

A **faint smirk** tugged at his lips.

To the **young girl**, it seemed **kind**.

**Reassuring**.

But in reality, Carl's mind was **already at work**.

---

Slowly, Carl **stood up**, turning his back to the **assembled nobles and ministers**.

His voice was **calm**.

"From now on," he said **softly**,

"No one is to **interfere** with **Betty's family**… or else…"

He raised a hand.

A single word left his lips.

"**Die.**"

Then—

A **blinding silver streak** shot from his fingertips.

In the distance—

A **mountain exploded**.

Flattened **in an instant**.

The **Kingdom of Goa** had never **seen such power**.

The nobles and commoners **collapsed to their knees**, trembling.

Even **Spandam** wiped sweat from his brow.

He had **always known** Carl was strong.

But this?

This was **beyond imagination**.

Back on the ship, he had seen Carl **repel Dragon's attack** with a mere **flash of red light**.

But now—

Seeing an entire **mountain crumble to dust**?

It was an entirely **different feeling**.

Carl, meanwhile, simply **slipped his hands into his pockets**.

His expression **bored**.

"Spandam," he called.

Spandam **immediately** stepped forward.

His **voice rang out**, filled with **malicious authority**.

"**Admiral Black Dragon's words**," he declared,

"**Are the will of the World Government.**"

"**Do you hear me?**"

Outlook III's face was **ashen**.

He threw himself to the ground—

**Kowtowing frantically.**

"**We hear! We hear!**" he shouted desperately.