As soon as Rolan stepped into the grand hall, King Riku Dold III rose from his seat to welcome him.
"Lord Rolan, I have long heard of your great name."
Rolan walked forward calmly and inclined his head slightly. "King Riku, you are the rightful ruler of Dressrosa. There is no need for such formality. I am only a pirate."
His voice was steady and indifferent, carrying no arrogance, only a detached composure. Even so, an elderly king personally standing to greet him was not something he found entirely comfortable.
King Riku studied the man before him carefully. Rolan was far younger than he had imagined, yet his presence was heavy and restrained, like a blade still sheathed. In all his years, King Riku had met countless powerful figures, but very few carried themselves with such cold self-control.
At the very least, this man did not feel like someone driven by impulse or cruelty.
"Please, have a seat," King Riku said.
Rolan nodded and was about to sit when Kyros suddenly stepped forward and dropped to one knee.
The sound echoed sharply in the hall.
For a brief moment, everyone froze.
Rolan paused, his expression unreadable.
"Lord Rolan," Kyros said hoarsely, his head bowed, "thank you. Thank you for saving me, for saving Dressrosa, and for saving my daughter."
Kyros still remembered that voice, the one that had guided him when he was trapped in despair. Without it, the distance between him and Rebecca might never have been bridged. Because of this man, the resentment he had carried for years had finally been laid to rest.
Before Kyros' knee could fully touch the floor, an invisible force lifted him back up.
Rolan's hand was raised slightly, fingers relaxed.
"I only passed along a message," Rolan said flatly. "I did not want a father and daughter, who mattered so much to each other, to remain separated by something so meaningless."
Kyros clenched his fists. "To you, it may have been small. To us, it was a lifetime."
Rebecca watched quietly, her eyes fixed on Rolan. This was the man who had defeated Doflamingo, the man the world called the strongest. Up close, he was calm to the point of coldness, yet his actions carried weight. Without realizing it, curiosity flickered in her gaze.
Rolan took his seat along with the others.
"Lord Rolan," King Riku said solemnly, "on behalf of the people of Dressrosa, I thank you."
Rolan waved his hand dismissively. "You did not invite me here just to say thank you."
King Riku did not deny it. "Please forgive my caution. I wish to know your purpose in coming to Dressrosa."
"I came to help a companion settle a grudge," Rolan replied. "Doflamingo was the target. The fall of the Donquixote Family was incidental."
"Revenge…" King Riku murmured, then let out a quiet breath of relief. He could tell Rolan was not lying.
"Then, Lord Rolan," King Riku continued, "would you be willing to discuss matters of governance with me?"
Rolan leaned back slightly. "That depends on how much time it takes."
---
The next morning, the coast of Dressrosa was crowded with people.
A pirate ship was preparing to depart, its sails already raised.
"Lord Rolan, come eat noodles again next time!"
"Thank you, Lord Rolan! You saved us!"
"If not for you, I would still be a toy!"
Voices overlapped, cheers echoing across the shore.
Rebecca stood among the crowd, her eyes following the ship as it slowly pulled away.
"Lord Rolan… will you come back to Dressrosa someday?" she whispered.
Beside her, Violet sighed softly. "Rebecca, you know we live in different worlds."
"I know," Rebecca replied, without looking away. "But that does not mean he will never return."
"Rolan is surrounded by dangerous people and powerful women," Violet said gently. "You are the princess of Dressrosa."
Rebecca nodded. "I understand, Aunt Violet."
Even so, her gaze did not waver.
---
On deck, Lina frowned. "If King Riku plans to align with us, why not move Dressrosa to our territory as well?"
Robin smiled faintly. "Dressrosa is a member nation of the World Government. Its position allows us access to information, especially during the Reverie. Keeping it independent has advantages."
Lina nodded, half-understanding, half-not.
"Captain Rolan," Issho's voice sounded nearby.
Rolan turned his head slightly. "What is it?"
Issho hesitated briefly, then said, "I wish to ask if I may serve aboard your ship."
The decision had not been made lightly. He had seen how Rolan ruled his territory, how he handled Dressrosa, and how little regard he had for appearances. More importantly, Issho understood that changing the Marines from within was nothing more than an illusion.
Rolan extended his hand. "Very well. Ion Tempest has room for you."
Issho grasped it firmly. "Then I will be in your care, Captain."
The crew smiled. Issho's strength was unquestionable, and his presence only made the crew more formidable.
A mechanical voice echoed in Rolan's mind.
Ding. Congratulations, Host. Companion progress increased. Rewards granted: Senzu Bean x5000, Transformation Pill x5, 500,000,000 Berries.
Rolan's expression did not change. He had almost forgotten the system existed.
He reached into his coat and retrieved a small pill, handing it to Issho. "This might restore your eyesight. Whether you take it or not is your choice."
Issho accepted it solemnly.
With that, Rolan turned forward, his hands steady on the helm as the ship cut through the sea toward their next destination.
Far away, unseen eyes watched the horizon.
"Rolan will be returning soon," a voice said quietly. "Prepare to intercept him on this island."
---