Chapter 140

**Chapter 140**

Betty, still cradled in her mother's arms, **stared at Carl** with wide eyes.

She murmured,

"Mom… do **gods** really exist in this world?"

Normally, her mother would have **smiled** and told her,

"Silly child, there are **no gods** in this world."

But now—

She **nodded unconsciously**.

Not just her—

The **civilians** on both sides of the street seemed to **realize something**.

The nobles **feared Carl**, but why?

It wasn't just **his identity**.

It was **his power**—a power that could **flatten a mountain** with a single **gesture**.

Wouldn't it take only a **thought** to destroy a **kingdom**?

"Is this the power of an Admiral…?" someone whispered.

"The Navy's **strongest force**?"

Before such a person, even the **bravest army** would seem like a joke.

---

Carl glanced down at Betty and **smiled**.

"I'm just a **passing Marine**."

He squinted slightly, then mused aloud,

"Navy…?"

"If you became a **Navy officer**, you wouldn't have to **fear** those **arrogant nobles**, would you?"

The Navy soldiers behind Carl **shifted uncomfortably**.

They felt **ashamed**.

Because the little girl had **no idea**—

The man in front of her was **already** a Navy Admiral.

And **they** couldn't even begin to compare.

Carl's voice was calm, but firm.

"No."

"Becoming a **Navy officer** is just an **opportunity**."

"Whether you can **grasp it**—that's up to **you**."

Betty nodded, deep in thought.

Carl turned, his **coat fluttering in the wind**, the word "**Justice**" emblazoned across his back.

Betty suddenly called out,

"Wait! You haven't told me **your name** yet!"

Carl didn't stop walking.

His voice drifted back.

"**Carl.**"

Betty **repeated the name** in her mind.

Then, suddenly, she **jumped** out of her mother's arms.

By then, Carl and his group had already **disappeared into the distance**.

But she **stood tall**, clenched her **little fists**, and declared,

"I want to be a **Navy officer like him**!"

Just as she finished speaking—

A **light slap** landed on her head.

"Please," her mother sighed. "**Calm down for now**. Do you even know **how much trouble** you caused today?"

Betty pouted, **aggrieved**.

"I **didn't mean to**!" she huffed. "**Hmph!** But I still want to be a **Marine**!"

Her mother chuckled, **softening**.

"Alright, alright. Mommy **won't stop you**…"

She poked Betty's **forehead lightly**.

"But remember—there are **no crybabies** in the Navy~"

Betty **sniffled**, then **rubbed her tears away** with a small fist.

She muttered,

"Fine… but Mom, don't hit me on the head again."

She looked up **seriously**.

"The Navy **definitely** doesn't want **idiots**!"

---

Meanwhile—

Carl and his group, **led by the nobles**, arrived at the **palace**.

The **king**, as expected, immediately presented the **Heavenly Tribute**.

Spandam personally **inspected it**, then had it sent **directly to the ship**.

But he **wasn't worried** about anyone **stealing it**.

After all—

Saint Carl had **flattened a mountain** right before their eyes.

Anyone **stupid enough** to have **greedy thoughts**?

They'd be **digging their own graves**.

Next, a **banquet** was held in Carl's honor.

The **nobles** were all smiles, **flattering him** at every turn.

The **ladies** cast **longing glances** his way.

The **king** droned on about how "difficult" it was to **save up the Heavenly Tribute**.

But Carl?

He **wasn't interested**.

He only occasionally **spoke and laughed** with **Lucia and Ginny**, who sat beside him.

Then—

A voice cut through the chatter.

"Your Majesty."

It was **Dragon**.

His **sharp eyes** locked onto the king.

"Does paying such a **high Heavenly Tribute**… have a significant impact on **you**?"

The king froze.

He hesitated for only a second before **forcing a smile**.

"No, of course not!"

"We are **honored** to pay the Heavenly Tribute!"

"Our **Goa Kingdom** is a **proud** member of the World Government!"

Dragon didn't look away.

"But," he said slowly, "on our way here… I noticed something."

"Your **people** don't seem very **wealthy**."

His gaze was **unrelenting**.

"What do you **think** about that, Your Majesty?"

The king's expression **twitched**.

He cursed inwardly.

What kind of **fool** asks something so **obvious**?!

Of course the **commoners** were poor!

If the **Heavenly Tribute** didn't come **from them**, then **who** would it come from?!

Him?!

Dragon let out a quiet **scoff**.

He was about to press further—

But then—

Carl **set down his chopsticks**.

"Enough, Rear Admiral Dragon."

His tone was **calm**.

"You've said enough for today."

Dragon **fell silent**.

He lowered his head, his fists clenching under the table.

The **king**, however, **relaxed immediately**.

Finally.

Finally, someone had **shut this man up**.

He had **never liked** Garp or his son.

And now?

Finally, someone had **put them in their place**.

Eager to **please Carl**, the king **stood up**, reaching for a bottle of wine—

Only to **freeze** under Lucia's cold glare.

Her message was **clear**.

Carl **didn't care** for him.

He had no right to **approach**.

The king **awkwardly smiled** and **sat back down**.

The wine bottle still in his hand.

His **seat**?

The **lowest** position at the round table.

As if he were nothing more than a **servant**.

---

After the banquet, Carl **chose not** to stay in the palace overnight.

By **afternoon**, he had already **returned to the ship**.

The **king and nobles** eagerly **escorted him to the port**.

Not out of **respect**—

But out of **relief**.

Carl wasn't someone they could **befriend**.

And more importantly—

They were **terrified** of him.

Watching his **ship sail away**, the king finally began to relax.

But then—

A **minister** rushed over, holding a **Den Den Mushi**.

"Your Majesty!"

His face was **pale**.

"There's news from the **World Government**!"

The king quickly grabbed the **receiver**.

The **nobles** leaned in, listening **intently**.

Then—

A **sinister voice** crackled through the Den Den Mushi.

It was **Spandam**.

"His Excellency, **Admiral Black Dragon**, says he's **very satisfied** with your Goa Kingdom…"

The king's chest **swelled with pride**.

But then—

Spandam's next words sent a **chill down his spine**.

"So," he continued, "he has decided to **exempt the common people of the Goa Kingdom from all taxes for the next three years**."

The king's **blood ran cold**.

"The **royal family** and **nobles** will bear the remaining costs."

"You all seem **quite wealthy**, so this shouldn't be a **problem**, right?"

Spandam's voice turned sharp.

"And don't even think about shifting the **burden** onto the **commoners**…"

"Or you'll **lose your throne.**"