Blatant Blackmail and Extortion!
Caw—Caw—Caw!
A black crow flew over Harald's head. His face was as dark as burnt ash.
The moment he saw the scroll in Klein's hand, his eyelids twitched violently!
He cursed inwardly, 'Why did I have to run into this kind of scumbag Marine? First he fights to be Loki's father, now he wants me to pay child support? Is this guy even human!?'
The atmosphere grew quiet. Only the howling snowstorm and the bubbling, corrosive hiss of magma filled the air.
"You can't even bring yourself to invest in your own son…" Klein sighed. "I don't know if you're a good king—but I do know for sure, you're not a good father."
"You…" Harald flared up, nostrils heaving, momentarily speechless. "Humans are not only deceitful and cunning, they're also… also shameless!"
He couldn't help but recall the kind, pure-hearted humans he had met in the past.
When Elbaf was struck by natural disaster and famine, it was humans who extended a helping hand, braving danger to deliver boatloads of food to help Elbaf survive the crisis.
Now, seeing the Marine uniform on Klein's body—it stung his eyes.
First he steals my son…
Now he's brazenly using 'child support' as an excuse to extort me. I've never seen someone this shameless in my life!
"King Harald is the greatest ruler Elbaf has ever had!" one of the giant warriors couldn't help but speak up.
Klein ignored him, eyes locked instead on the massive Treasure Tree Adam behind Harald. His gaze gleamed a ghostly green, like a starving wolf eyeing its prey.
"Harald, if you don't have gold or Beli… surely you've got some Devil Fruits or Treasure Tree Adam lumber, right?"
"..." Harald's eyes bulged wide; his heart skipped a beat. 'Don't tell me—'
He's after the Devil Fruit Elbaf has been guarding for generations!?
"No way!"
Harald refused flatly, without hesitation. "The fruit is out of the question. As for the Adam wood... I can give you a bit of that!"
"Take it and leave Elbaf immediately. You're not welcome here!"
Klein rubbed his chin. "That works too. I'll be waiting by the waters near the tavern—make sure you send a generous load. After all, when our son grows up, regular ships won't be able to handle his size."
"Huff—Huff—" Harald inhaled deeply, his chest rising and falling sharply. His hand clenched tightly around the hilt of his massive sword.
He really…
Really wanted to cleave this insatiable human in half with a single swing!!
Hold it in!
Deep breaths!
Harald forced himself to calm down. If a full-blown conflict broke out with Klein now…
Elbaf might not be able to handle the consequences. If Dorry and Brogy were still here, maybe he wouldn't have to worry so much.
Especially with the recent years bringing disaster after disaster to Elbaf—including the queen's death.
"Thanks a bunch—" Klein grinned. "I'll raise Loki well. Maybe he'll even help Giants and humans get along one day!"
He knew… that was Harald's dream.
Sure enough—
At those words, Harald's whole body trembled. The fierce, savage look on his face softened into one of solemn dignity. "I too hope more Giants can leave Elbaf, see the broader world, and live peacefully alongside humans."
"My wife, Ida, her experiences taught me… that humans are capable of astonishing kindness."
"But…"
Suddenly, his tone changed.
He lifted his head, gaze moving past Klein and into the distance—until his eyes landed on a pink-haired girl. His pupils contracted.
A glint of hostility flashed in his eyes. "Klein, is that Linlin?"
"That's right." Klein's expression darkened, sensing the change in Harald's demeanor.
At that moment, the giant elder Jarul stepped forward with several warriors, speaking solemnly:
"Klein, your strength is undeniable. But I must warn you—Linlin…"
"Linlin harbors an evil god within her!"
"It was her who destroyed an Elbaf village years ago. Even Jorul was killed by Linlin when she was only five. Later on, when the Lamb's House was rebuilt by the nuns…"
"Enough!" Klein cut him off coldly. He already knew all this.
His face turned grim. "You're several centuries old, and you're still blaming everything on a child? I don't care what happened back then…"
"Right now, she's mine. And if anyone tries to hurt Linlin—"
"You'll be making an enemy of me!!"
Klein's gaze sharpened, unleashing a dangerously oppressive aura that chilled the surrounding giants to the bone.
"Barahahaha—!" Harald suddenly laughed, his eyes full of approval. "Now I can rest easy entrusting Loki to you!"
"Elbaf has plenty of Treasure Tree Adam. I'll have people send it your way soon!"
"Your Majesty…" Jarul looked stunned.
Harald walked up to him, his eyes heavy with helplessness. "Revenge is one way to solve a problem… but if it comes at the cost of an even greater tragedy, if it puts all of Elbaf at risk…"
"As king, I can't choose that path."
Jarul's body trembled slightly, but Harald had already walked past him. "Warriors, we're going home!"
Klein's aura receded immediately. He too turned around, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. "You're an interesting one, Harald. Maybe this decision of yours will change Elbaf's fate."
Suddenly—
Harald halted mid-step. After standing still for a few seconds, he turned sharply, eyes locking onto Loki.
Sensing his father's gaze, Loki clenched his fists, jaw tightening, his face twisted into an icy, distant expression.
"Lo… Loki," Harald's eyes were shadowed in darkness as he spoke. "Forgive me—for not being there for you and your mother."
"But…"
"Never doubt this—I love you. Now go. Sail the seas. Learn all you can from humans. Find those who love you!"
"Go become the bridge between Giants and humans!!"
"Father—!" Loki's composure shattered. Tears soaked his bandages, flowing freely down his face. His clenched fists loosened.
He broke into a sprint toward Harald—even stepping into scalding magma without flinching.
Throwing himself into Harald's embrace, Loki burst into tears, pouring out years of pent-up sorrow in loud sobs.
Harald gently patted his back, speaking in a rarely heard soft voice. "As king of Elbaf, I have duties to fulfill. I'm not making excuses for my mistakes…"
It wasn't just Loki who broke down—Harald himself struggled to control his emotions, unsure how to express them.
Loki clung to Harald's clothes, holding him tightly, choking on his words. "Father, I… I…"
"I understand. We share a bond that cannot be severed. Now go. We'll meet again on the seas. You'll come home to Elbaf one day."
Harald knew his son didn't speak much—less than even himself.
The Giant race lived three times longer than humans. One day, when Klein was long gone…
Loki would return to Elbaf.
At least, that's what Harald believed.