pjbooks Chapter 732 - 732: 732: The King
Chapter 732 - 732: 732: The King
"What? You Marines suspect our country is harboring people connected to the archaeologists of Ohara? That is absurd! Do you have any evidence?"In this life, he was the King.
Fury surged through him as he gripped the den den mushi, questioning the Marine on the other end.
"Even if you intend to enter our country to arrest and screen suspicious individuals, why block merchant ships from entering?"
"You should be aware that this country produces textiles and does not farm. Nearly ninety percent of our food depends on foreign trade."
"Do you intend to starve this entire nation to death?"
"Do not get agitated, King."
The Marine's voice came through, indifferent and steady.
"This is not a negotiation. It is a unilateral notice."
"From this moment onward, the World Government prohibits all vessels from entering or leaving your country."
"This measure prevents outside forces from interfering and causing casualties among Marine personnel."
The King paced restlessly, covering the den den mushi as he muttered under his breath.
"This is madness... pure madness..."
This nation had stood for decades. As a member of the World Government, it had paid tribute year after year, nearly eighty percent of its national income.
Generations of rulers had lived short lives, each sacrificing everything to ease the burden on their people.
Even the royal palace had fallen into disrepair.
And now, without a single pirate invasion, the country faced destruction at the hands of its own allies.
Suppressing his anger, he raised the den den mushi again, his voice low and firm.
"Do you understand what you are doing?"
"This country is a member of the World Government. Our people have paid their tribute."
"Connect me to Fleet Admiral Sengoku immediately. I will speak with him directly."
The Marine remained unmoved.
"Even as a member nation, your country is subject to the authority of the World Government."
"The orders we follow come from its highest authority, the Celestial Dragons."
"Please cooperate."
"The... Celestial Dragons?"
The words drained all strength from his body.
He sank into his stone throne, his mind going blank.
He knew what that meant.
Reason had no place when the Celestial Dragons were involved.
The only option was submission.
"It seems you understand the gravity of the situation."
The Marine's voice remained steady.
"Rest assured, our personnel will soon conduct inspections. Please wait patiently."
The line went dead.
...
Silence filled the hall.
After a long time, the King let out a weary sigh and looked toward his anxious minister.
"It cannot be helped."
"Purchase as much food as possible within the country. Have the royal kitchens prepare porridge, flatbreads, and vegetable soup."
"Distribute it to the people twice a day."
He paused briefly.
"Prepare for the worst. Assume one month without outside supplies."
The minister hesitated.
"But Your Majesty, if we do this, the royal treasury will be emptied..."
The King gave a faint, bitter smile.
"As long as people live, there is still hope. Go."
...
He believed one month would be the limit.
...
Just as Marine forces prepared to land and begin their search, a new order arrived.
"By command of the Gorosei, suspend entry into the Cecilia Kingdom. Maintain the blockade and await further instructions."
"But..."
"No objections. Follow orders."
"Yes, sir."
...
Two months passed.
Gaunt figures gathered along the shores, crying out in desperation, seeking escape.
Any attempt to flee was met with cannon fire.
...
Six months passed.
Even grass had been consumed. Nothing edible remained.
Hunger twisted humanity into something unrecognizable.
Parents turned on their children. Loved ones turned on each other.
It became a nightmare no one could endure.
...
One year later.
The Cecilia Kingdom became a lifeless wasteland.
No voices.
No movement.
Only silence.
...
"Why... why?!"
The Marine jolted awake, his throat raw from shouting.
Confusion churned within him, refusing to fade.
"I..."
His breathing grew uneven.
"Am I... the King?"
Then realization struck him like lightning.
"No... I am not the King."
His body trembled.
"I am the Marine who delivered the blockade order... to the King of the Cecilia Kingdom..."
Two sets of memories collided within him, clashing violently.
Two lives.
Two truths.
The weight crushed him.
"I do not deserve to live..."
Driven by despair, he picked up a fallen flintlock from the deck, pressed it beneath his chin, and pulled the trigger.
A dull hiss followed.
No pain.
His eyes opened slowly.
The muzzle had melted.
"There are only Marines who fall in battle. There are no Marines who take their own lives."
A heavy voice sounded beside him.
Fleet Admiral Sakazuki stood there, his gaze unwavering.
"Fleet Admiral..."
Shame flickered across his face.
But the memories surged again, overwhelming him.
He collapsed onto the deck, clutching his head as tears streamed down.
"Are we truly just... or are we not?"
"I cannot tell anymore... I really cannot..."