"Remember to deliver the food on time. I can't have my beloved wife going hungry."
After stepping out of the cabin holding the slave cage, Saint Xildes gave a haughty order to the CP1 members.
"Yes, Saint Xildes-sama."
The CP1 members nodded respectfully.
"Oh, right—one more thing..."
Saint Xildes paused, then turned back.
"The highest-ranking Marine in the North Blue... that Daren fellow."
CP1 was momentarily stunned. Recalling the gift previously sent by the North Blue Admiral, he bowed and said,
"Are you thinking of promoting him, my lord? Daren, the top commander of the North Blue Marines, currently holds the rank of Captain under Marine Headquarters. According to reliable intelligence, he's already been placed on Marine Headquarters' priority training list and granted admission to the Marineford Officer Training Camp..."
"He's quite capable—his skills and vision are impressive. Under his command, the North Blue has seen significant improvements in both order and economic development. He's definitely worthy of promotion."
"Promotion?"
Saint Xildes-sama suddenly burst into laughter, as if he'd just heard the most absurd joke.
He sneered.
"No. I meant, find a chance to kick him out of the Marines... then kill him."
The CP1 leader froze, momentarily unable to follow the twisted logic of the Celestial Dragon.
"Did that man offend you, my lord?"
Though Celestial Dragons had immense power and could decide a person's fate on a whim, Daren wasn't just anybody.
Anyone granted a place in the Marineford Officer Training Camp was considered a top prospect by Marine Headquarters.
Even for the World Government, to rashly eliminate a key officer with full command over the North Blue Marines—someone with real authority—was no easy task.
At the very least, they'd need a reason that held up on paper.
"Offend me? No..."
Saint Xildes let out a strange, raspy laugh.
The CP1 member immediately dropped to one knee, trembling with fear.
"Then... may I ask what the reason is?"
Saint Xildes shot him a sideways glance—then, without warning, stomped on his head, slamming him into the floor and splitting his scalp open.
"Do I need a reason to make a decision?"
"No, you don't!!"
Seeing Saint Xildes-sama fly into a rage, the CP1 leader trembled violently, face pale. He didn't even dare wipe the blood from his face.
Saint Xildes let out a cold snort.
"If I had to give a reason..."
His eyes narrowed, gaze filled with cruelty.
"He looked at me the wrong way."
"I hate the way he looks at me. Is that good enough?"
With those words, he walked into his private cabin.
Unlike the quarters used to hold slaves, Saint Xildes' personal cabin was spacious, brightly lit, and extravagantly decorated.
Soft carpets covered the dry floor, and warm light glowed from ornate oil lamps.
Saint Xildes cast a glance toward the so-called gift sent by the North Blue Admiral.
Large crates filled with gold and silver treasures were stacked high, filling the entire room. Their multicolored shine reflected off every surface, drenching the space in a dazzling golden hue.
A look of satisfaction spread across the Celestial Dragon's face.
He took off his mink coat and tossed it carelessly to the floor.
Walking past the mounds of treasure, he approached a secret door at the far end of the cabin and unlocked it.
The hidden door creaked open slowly...
"Come out, my dear."
Saint Xildes licked the corner of his mouth.
His desire surged uncontrollably, and in the depths of his narrow eyes, a violent, feverish red light flickered.
Soon, a woman slowly crawled out from behind the secret door.
She had a delicate face, but her hands and feet were bound in heavy shackles.
Her expression was vacant and numb. Her pupils were dull and lifeless, and from her bright red lips, saliva dripped continuously.
A twisted, maniacal grin spread across Saint Xildes' face as he began to laugh in a sick, deranged way.
He casually pressed a button on the nearby gramophone.
Soon, the soft, seductive sound of a saxophone began to fill the cabin...
...
Outside the cabin, on the deck of the official ship.
"Boss, are you okay?"
The CP1 members looked at the blood on their leader's face and couldn't help but ask.
"It's nothing. To be disciplined by Saint Xildes-sama is an honor."
The CP1 leader smiled proudly.
He wiped the blood from his face, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, handed one to each of his men, and lit one for himself.
Phew...
The CP1 members leaned against the ship's railing, exhaling thick clouds of smoke, wearing relaxed expressions.
They all enjoyed this feeling.
The rich smoke of premium tobacco, mixed with the damp chill of the snow-laden air, filled their lungs—peaceful and satisfying.
Standing atop this luxurious, exalted government vessel, gazing out over the boundless sea, it felt as if the whole world lay beneath their feet.
Every time they arrived at an island, the stupid, lowborn commoners would kneel before their masters, looking up at them with fear and trembling.
That feeling gave them the illusion of nobility.
This was the kind of life only men like them—worthy enough to serve the "gods"—deserved to enjoy.
At that moment, the smooth, indulgent sound of a saxophone began to drift faintly from within the cabin.
Mixed within it were the manic laughter of a Celestial Dragon, the crack of a whip, and the anguished cries of a woman.
Hearing the familiar tune, a trace of envy flashed across the eyes of the CP1 members.
"Saint Xildes-sama has started again..."
"I wonder if he'll be generous enough to gift us his toy after he's done this time?"
"Hehehe..."
"..."
As if remembering something worth savoring, a knowing grin appeared on each of their faces.
"You bunch of degenerates..."
The CP1 leader shook his head with a wry smile, helpless as he looked at his men.
Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly froze.
Because he realized his subordinates were all staring behind him, eyes wide with terror.
A chill crept up his spine.
The CP1 leader turned around—his eyes slowly widening.
In front of the grand government vessel...
A man stood suspended midair on a floating metal board.
The sea breeze whipped through his wide, white cape as snow fell all around.
He held a finger to his lips.
Smiling.
Radiating killing intent.
"Shh..."
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / PinkSnake