Roy naturally had no way of knowing how the major forces of West Blue were reacting and guessing, nor did he have any interest in it.
After a full day and night at sea, the next morning, the fleet finally returned to the Zephyr Kingdom.
However, the moment the ships reached the harbor and prepared to dock, the scene before them left Roy genuinely stunned.
"Prince! Welcome back!"
"This is amazing! We defeated the Gambino family! The Zephyr Kingdom has won!"
"Prince! You're incredible!!"
On the open ground before the town and the harbor stood a dense crowd of citizens, so many that it looked like the whole country had come out.
They stared at the three warships moored at the shore, packed to the brim with spoils, and they shouted with wild excitement.
"What's going on?"
The instant Roy stepped off the ship and saw this, he froze.
During the voyage, most days had been monotonous and dull. On the return trip, he was either buried in books or asleep, completely unaware of what had been happening outside.
"Prince, the news that the Gambino family has been wiped out is already spreading like wildfire across West Blue. Even though most people can't believe it was done by our Zephyr Kingdom, the citizens' trust and admiration for you is obvious."
Stanley hurried forward as he explained, looking at Roy with eyes full of reverence.
"The news has already spread?"
Roy nodded slightly, thoughtful. His gaze swept over the citizens, their faces burning with excitement and near fanatical devotion, and the corner of his mouth lifted in satisfaction.
Wasn't this exactly why he had publicly declared he would destroy the Gambino family?
For glory.
For prestige.
Now it seemed his goal had been perfectly achieved.
As for the other factions doubting the truth behind the Gambino family's destruction?
That was fine too.
Roy thought to himself that when the day came that he led an army to strike them, he would give them a truly unforgettable "surprise."
"Let's return to the palace," Roy instructed Stanley beside him.
"Yes!"
Stanley responded at once, arranging for most of the troops to remain behind to unload the gold, jewels, weapons, and ammunition, while he personally led several hundred royal soldiers to escort Roy to the palace.
Along the way, citizens watched Roy with blazing, worshipful eyes, cheering loudly.
Roy remained calm, smiling and nodding back at them. This kind of moment was perfect for building prestige. He was not stupid enough to play cold and ignore the crowd.
Beside him, the little maid, Sisi, went bright red under the countless gazes and looked completely at a loss.
Only after Roy stepped into the palace did the citizens gradually disperse, each face filled with joy and hope, the former gloom and heaviness completely gone.
It was easy to imagine that from this day forward, with the Gambino family's threat removed, the Zephyr Kingdom would gain new vitality and life.
After ensuring Roy's safe return, Stanley and the several hundred royal soldiers quietly withdrew without taking even a single step inside the palace.
Because now every soldier understood one thing.
The palace's security had already been fully handed over to the Ninja Assassination Tactical Unit.
In the Zephyr Kingdom, the palace had become the safest place without question, effectively Roy's private territory.
Without Roy's permission, even the royal army was forbidden from entering. Aside from the maids, no one was allowed to step inside.
Back in the palace, after spending two days and two nights on the ship, Roy's first act was to take a hot bath and wash away the fatigue clinging to his body.
After bathing, he changed into an exquisite white robe trimmed with gold and went straight to the royal hall without delay.
He sat high upon the throne and opened the system panel.
Host Name: Zephyr Roy
Affiliated Nation: Zephyr Kingdom
Status: Prince
Nation Level: Not unlocked (will unlock after status rises to King)
Nation Prestige: Not unlocked (will unlock after status rises to King)
Subordinate Legion: Ninja Assassination Tactical Unit
Exclusive Armament: None
"So… it's time to unlock the exclusive lottery…"
Roy stared at the panel, drew a deep breath, then closed it.
With a calm expression, he spoke to the empty hall.
"Pass down my order. Have Stanley prepare everything. Today…"
"I will ascend the throne as King."
"Yes, Prince."
A respectful voice echoed in the hall, and then silence returned.
Not long after, inside the Zephyr Kingdom's treasury, Stanley was directing soldiers as they moved the captured wealth and weapons.
Suddenly, an Anbu member appeared beside him without any warning.
"Prince's order. Prepare everything immediately. Today, the Prince will ascend the throne as King."
After speaking in an icy tone, the Anbu vanished like a ghost, disappearing as mysteriously as he had appeared.
"What?"
Stanley jumped, startled by the sudden presence. His eyes widened at the words.
But he quickly recovered, staring toward where the Anbu had vanished, his heart still pounding at that ghostly movement.
He immediately shouted at the soldiers still working.
"All of you, stop what you're doing right now…"
…
"Emergency announcement! All citizens, please pay attention! Two hours from now, His Highness the Prince of the Zephyr Kingdom, Zephyr Roy, will hold a coronation ceremony and officially ascend the throne as the new King! All citizens must go to the central square and witness this historic moment!"
"I'll repeat! All citizens, please pay attention! Two hours from now, Prince Zephyr Roy will hold the coronation in the central square and officially ascend the throne as King! Please arrive on time to celebrate together!"
"Once more! All citizens, please pay attention! Two hours from now, Prince Zephyr Roy will be crowned King. The ceremony will be held grandly in the central square! All citizens must attend and share in this glory!"
…
Throughout the towns of the Zephyr Kingdom, the loudspeaker broadcasts rang out once again.
The communicator's solemn, ceremonial voice spread into every corner of the streets, and into every citizen's heart.
(End of Chapter)
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