A Near Miss
"Lyle, the Big Liar"
"Lyle, the Big Liar!"
"Lyle, the Big Liar!"
…
The crowd erupted in fury. It was the anger of the deceived, the betrayed.
For power and fame, Lyle had done something truly unforgivable.
Dr. Gillian stared blankly at the documents in her trembling hands. As a doctor, she could easily discern whether the evidence was real or fabricated. But the truth was undeniable.
Charlotte glanced at Gillian's dispirited figure, unsure how to console her.
To witness the collapse of an idol, someone she had placed absolute faith in, was a devastating blow. It was as if her beliefs had been reduced to ashes.
Lyle's face turned deathly pale. He couldn't utter a single word, because no matter how he tried to defend himself, it would sound weak and meaningless.
Because the truth was undeniable.
He had taken advantage of the people's trust.
A flash of pain and regret crossed his face.
Then, with a heavy thud, he dropped to his knees before the enraged crowd.
His forehead struck the wooden platform, a dull crack echoing as blood trickled down. Tears streamed down his face as he cried out:
"I'm sorry… I'm sorry!!!"
Charlotte, standing in the audience, observed the scene. His Observation Haki picked up Lyle's emotions—deep regret, overwhelming guilt.
But… would a simple "sorry" be enough?
Vanka Setwa, standing in the crowd, was ecstatic.
Not only had he exposed Lyle's lies and regained his lost honor, but he had also completely ruined his enemy's reputation.
Power, wealth, and prestige—everything he once lost—were finally within his grasp again.
Amid the frenzied uproar, a figure slowly stood up.
An old man.
He walked toward the high podium with measured steps.
Charlotte's gaze sharpened. "That old man…"
He narrowed his eyes in confusion. What is he planning?
As the old man ascended the podium, murmurs spread across the hall.
The aged figure surveyed the crowd with calm, benevolent eyes. Then, in a peaceful yet hoarse voice, he spoke.
"My name is Augustine Bain."
"Doctor Bain?!"
Gasps of shock filled the room.
Dr. Bain was no ordinary physician. He had never sought fame or wealth, yet his medical skills were unparalleled. He had traveled across the kingdom, treating the sick for free, regardless of whether they were nobles or commoners. He was a man of integrity, respected by all.
Bain met the crowd's astonished gazes and stated firmly:
"The virus… is not fatal. Even if left untreated, it naturally disappears within a month."
Eh?
Charlotte's brows furrowed in confusion.
The audience fell into a stunned silence.
No one doubted Bain's words. He had saved too many lives. His expertise was beyond question.
But then… what did this mean?
Ignoring the murmurs, Bain continued, his voice unwavering:
"Years ago, Setwa imposed exorbitant medical fees to fuel his lavish lifestyle. Any doctors who refused to comply were exiled. Because of this, countless innocent people perished simply because they couldn't afford treatment. Families were torn apart."
Charlotte's expression darkened. A villain is simply another villain with more rot beneath the surface.
Bain then turned to Lyle, who remained kneeling on the ground, motionless. There was something complex in his gaze as he spoke his next words.
"And Lyle… he developed the virus himself to drive the king out. To ensure his plan's success, he also created the cure in advance."
"What?!"
A wave of disbelief crashed through the room.
Charlotte's mind reeled.
This entire ordeal—everything—was orchestrated?
Bain sighed. "I did not agree with his methods. But… in a twisted sense, Lyle saved this kingdom. Under his rule, people could finally afford medical care. Lives were spared."
Charlotte couldn't help but shake his head.
This… was ridiculous.
Lyle was a liar. But not entirely a liar.
Setwa's expression turned icy.
This old bastard… he opposed me back then, and now he's ruining everything again.
His eyes gleamed with malice.
Fine. If I can't take my throne back quietly… I'll take it back in blood.
Setwa's voice dropped to a cold whisper:
"Kill everyone."
The moment the order was given, armed pirates raised their flintlocks.
The hall, once filled with noise, fell into tense silence as the metallic clicks of primed triggers echoed.
To these pirates, the gathered civilians were nothing more than lambs awaiting slaughter.
Charlotte's expression twisted in disgust.
No honor. No code. Just filth.
He let out a slow breath. Whether it was because of Bain's wisdom or his own conscience—he had no choice but to act.
A low hum rumbled through the hall.
Then—
BOOM!
A terrifying wave of Conqueror's Haki exploded from Charlotte's body, sweeping across the entire venue.
"Puff! Puff!"
One by one, people collapsed like dominoes.
Pirates. Soldiers. Civilians.
All but a handful lost consciousness in an instant.
Setwa's eyes widened in horror. This monstrous pressure…!
Before he could even react, darkness swallowed his vision.
He collapsed.
The hall fell into utter silence.
Charlotte exhaled slowly, catching the fainting Gillian in his arms. Without hesitation, he turned and strode toward the remaining pirates.
Seeing Setwa fall so effortlessly shattered their morale.
One by one, they were ruthlessly taken down.
A dead pirate… is a good pirate.
Charlotte smirked, dusting off his coat. "Beautifully done."
Then, without another glance, he carried Gillian and left.
---
Outside the hall, Lina rushed forward in concern.
"Gillian! What happened?"
Charlotte waved a hand dismissively.
"She's fine. Just shaken up. Let her sleep it off."
Lina frowned, but nodded. "Alright. Leave her to me."
Taking Gillian gently from his arms, Lina carried her away.
Charlotte sighed and settled into a chair, lighting a cigarette. He watched the smoke curl upward, deep in thought.
This move… should be flawless.
He had kept a low profile since arriving here. Careful. Cautious.
Blowing out a slow smoke ring, he finally relaxed.
No fear.
…
No. That was a close one.
He chuckled to himself.
Once Gillian recovered, it was time to leave.
Time to return to Lati Island.
Humming a quiet tune, Charlotte closed his eyes.
The storm had passed.
For now.