The next morning, just after breakfast, Carl received a call from Stussy.
Carl answered and asked, "Stussy, have you already found the Mini-Mini Fruit?"
"Apologies, Lord Carl," Stussy replied. "The Mini-Mini Fruit is still being tracked down. I'm calling to report an urgent matter."
Unlike her usual sultry tone, Stussy's voice carried an unusual seriousness today. Carl narrowed his eyes slightly and asked, "What is it?"
"Lord Carl, based on the information you provided, our people investigated the Giant homeland, Elbaf. The situation there is highly suspicious."
"Elbaf? The so-called strongest nation of giants…"
"Precisely! According to our sources, all combat-capable adult giants in Elbaf have vanished—including Prince Loki, who was imprisoned there. Only the elderly, women, and children remain."
"Then seize those remaining and interrogate them about the others' whereabouts."
"Lord Carl, while the remaining giants are old, weak, or young, their numbers are considerable, and they still possess a degree of combat strength. Our intelligence operatives were deployed there just yesterday, and they may struggle to control the entire population. However, they have captured a few isolated giants. These captives remain tight-lipped and refuse to disclose any information regarding the missing giants. I believe something suspicious is at play."
"Tight-lipped? Heh, that only proves they're hiding something. The so-called strongest nation is nothing more than a bunch of frogs in a well. They've never even considered joining the World Government. If that's the case, then this so-called nation has no reason to exist…"
"Lord Carl, are you suggesting…?"
"Deploy CP0. Have them keep a handful of the most defiant giants alive. As for the rest—regardless of age—execute them on the spot. As for Elbaf itself, burn it to the ground. There's no place for a so-called strongest nation in this world."
"Understood, Lord Carl. We will mobilize our forces and commence the eradication of Elbaf."
...
The Den Den Mushi's eyes drooped as the call ended. Carl set the receiver down and leaned back into his chair, deep in thought about Elbaf.
Beside him, Wanda and Carrot had listened to the entire conversation. Both stared at Carl in shock until Wanda finally spoke hesitantly, "Master…"
"Hm?"
"Did you just say… you intend to wipe out the entire Giant race?"
"That's right. They refuse to submit, and now they're likely aligning themselves with Joy Boy. Why would I let them live?"
Though the giants had not yet openly declared allegiance to Joy Boy, Carl's decision to exterminate them immediately made Wanda and Carrot think of their own race—the Mink Tribe.
If they had never gone to Marineford, their fate would have been no different from the giants'. The thought sent chills down their spines. Wanda's face grew tense as she looked at Carl and asked cautiously,
"Master… what about the Mink Tribe?"
She hesitated to finish her sentence, but Carl understood her meaning immediately. The fate of the Mink Tribe was undoubtedly weighing on her mind after hearing about the giants.
Carl reached out and pulled Wanda into his embrace. Carrot immediately climbed onto Carl's lap as well, curling up like a fluffy ball.
Wanda gripped Carl's shirt tightly, her fear and anxiety evident.
Carl gently stroked the fur atop Wanda's head and said, "Wanda, what are you afraid of? Haven't I already told you? Only Pedro and his band of rebels will be punished. Do you think I would lie to you?"
Wanda quickly responded, "No! A man like you would have no reason to deceive me. I'm just… scared."
Carrot nodded firmly and snuggled closer, whispering, "Me too, Master… I'm scared…"
Carl sighed and straightened his posture. He cupped both of their chins and lifted their faces, looking at them seriously.
"What's there to fear when you're by my side? Once the war is over, I'll officially make the Mokomo Dukedom a member of the World Government. From then on, it will be under its protection."
Then, with a smile, Carl added, "But Wanda, you'll have to be the queen of the Mokomo Dukedom. As for Carrot, you can be the Minister of the Left or Right—something like that. I wouldn't trust anyone else with the kingdom."
Wanda's eyes filled with tears of gratitude, while Carrot immediately burst into tears, throwing herself onto Carl and rubbing her face against his.
"Master is the best! I was so foolish before, always talking back to you. Please forgive me!"
Carrot sobbed as she clung to Carl, rubbing her face against his cheek. Her soft, fine fur tickled him, and he playfully pushed her away, pretending to be annoyed.
"Enough! You're getting tears and snot all over my face. What kind of pet does that? Looks like you need some discipline."
Carrot wiped her face and pouted before breaking into a playful grin.
"I just love sticking close to Master! Even if you scold me, I'll still do it!"
With that, she lunged forward again, but this time, instead of rubbing her cheek, she went straight for a kiss. She clung tightly to Carl, leaving no room for Wanda to intervene.
When Carrot finally pulled back, Carl glanced at her slightly swollen lips and smirked.
"You didn't have to be so aggressive. Were you trying to eat me alive? You really aren't behaving."
Carrot knelt cutely on Carl's lap and pouted. "I am behaving! I just… lack experience compared to Sugar, that's all."
Carl raised an eyebrow with interest. "Oh? What kind of experience are you talking about?"
Carrot's face turned bright red as she lowered her head and mumbled in a tiny voice,
"In… in bed… that kind of experience…"
As soon as the words left her lips, she curled up into a fluffy white ball in Carl's arms, too embarrassed to show her face again.
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+170 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg