Chapter 503 Misunderstanding
"Vic may have gone to the palace by now, so you don't have to go looking for him. I have something important to do, so don't follow me anymore!"
Rebecca was a little impatient. She was in a bad mood these days. After saying this, she accelerated away from Bell. She hadn't sensed a strong aura with her observation Haki these days, and suddenly a stronger one came, and it turned out to be a big bird. She didn't know how long this kind of day would last.
Bell's bird face showed a human-like smirk, but after knowing Rebecca's identity, he was no longer worried. Now he just wanted to get back to the palace as soon as possible to report on the pirates, and also wanted to see the vice admiral of the headquarters who was abnormally strong at such a young age. Bell lowered his wings and turned to fly towards Albana.
……
In Albanas, the capital of Alabasta, Vic and his party had a big meal at a special restaurant in the city, then changed into navy uniforms and headed for the royal palace. A naval commander of his level still had to say hello when arriving at an allied country, not to mention that he had a special purpose, so he had to go to the royal palace.
Vic and his crew had wrapped themselves tightly when they were traveling, and their identity as navy officers had never been exposed, so wherever they went, apart from attracting attention with their outstanding temperament, they did not attract onlookers or make a sensation.
But now that they are all wearing uniforms and cloaks, it is completely different. The cloak of justice is a guiding light. After they came out of the restaurant, they instantly attracted the attention of passers-by and vendors.
Combined with Vic's face, they recognized Vic instantly, and then gathered in groups of three or five and whispered. They were all very curious about Vic's coming to this country, but they didn't dare to get too close or ask questions.
Vic ignored the whispers of passers-by. Although they were all compliments, they did not affect his emotions.
The Alabasta Kingdom during this period was still quite good. Although it was a desert country, the king was wise and the ministers were selfless. In such a country, the common people could still live a good life.
Next, as long as Crocodile is eliminated, future internal rebellions can be avoided, and the civilians of this country can live in peace for another ten years.
Therefore, Vic is still very optimistic about the future of these civilians. Without the future civil unrest, water shortage, food shortage, homelessness, and uncertainty about their future, Vic no longer has any sympathy for them.
Vic walked slowly towards the palace. Although it attracted a lot of attention, people consciously made way for Vic and his companions.
There were also some curious people following them, wanting to know where they were going. Albana, where the royal palace was located, was the most prosperous city in the country, and the next in line was the Rainy Land.
There are a lot of people coming and going on the street every day, so the appearance of Vic and others still caused several brief congestion on the street.
By the time Vic and his companions reached the main street, passers-by had basically guessed their destination. Some people went about their business after knowing the destination, while others became more interested and followed them all the way to the gate of the palace.
Vic still respected King Kobula very much, so he was very nice to the guards of the palace. After the guards went in to report, he waited quietly at the gate of the palace.
It also adds fuel to the prestige of King Cobra. You know, a lieutenant general like him is a guest of honor even in the member states. He doesn't have to wait outside the palace at all. He can directly arrange a meeting in the VIP room.
"It's Vice Admiral Xuanlong from the Navy Headquarters. I thought the soldiers had mistaken him for someone else. Come in! Come in!"
Cobra's voice rang out when he was ten steps away from Vic. He really thought that the guard had recognized the wrong person. How could a vice admiral of the Navy Headquarters be waiting at the door?
This was unbelievable. The lieutenant generals before were not like this. After seeing that it was indeed Xuanlong, he was suddenly shocked. Xuanlong's performance made him, the ruler of a country, think a lot at this moment.
But after being a king for so many years, he still had the shrewdness and expression management he needed, so he didn't show anything unusual. He smiled and stretched out his hand to invite Vic in.
The captain of the Kingdom Guard, Ikalem, also followed behind Cobra. He was also a good minister who was loyal to his country, but he was more like the royal butler. Although he looked rather funny, Vic still gave him a thumbs up for what he did and his courage.
"King Cobra, you are too polite. I just heard that the geographical environment of Alabasta is relatively difficult among the member states. But even in such a severe environment, under the governance of the Nefertari royal family for generations, not only did they pay the heavenly gold, but they also made the people well-fed and well-clothed. This is really rare, so I admire them very much!"
Vic spoke sincerely, he had seen it all along the way, for a country built in the desert, with such a large population, and such heavy taxes as Heavenly Gold, it was already a great achievement to be able to feed everyone!
Moreover, the throne has been passed down within the family for 800 years. If an incompetent king emerges among them, it will be difficult for the family to continue to rule. Not only will the country be destroyed, but there will also be internal strife and a change of dynasty!
Just like the situation after Crocodile caused trouble more than ten years later, if it weren't for the arrival of the Straw Hat Pirates, there would really be a change of dynasty.
Even though that was Crocodile's conspiracy, if the royal family was rotten, the situation in the country would change faster, so Wick admired this family that gave up their status as Celestial Dragons.
It is incredible that there has not been an incompetent king in 800 years. Could it be that the bloodline of the Celestial Dragons will become the top bloodline once it reaches the sea?
The Nefertari family can be said to be good at civil governance, while Doflamingo and Shanks can be said to be good at martial arts. The bloodlines of these celestial dragons who came to the underworld are all excellent!
What Vic said was all true, but Bell hasn't come back yet to report the pirates to Cobra, so these words sounded different to Cobra. Mentioning heavenly gold right after arriving?
He thought Vic was asking for the Heavenly Gold in a roundabout way, but this year's Heavenly Gold had already been paid, and the time for next year's Heavenly Gold has not yet arrived. Could it be that this young vice admiral has been corrupted by money, and is he coming to Alabasta to extort money?
As a king, Cobra naturally knew that there were some naval commanders in the navy who were just sitting there doing nothing and serving in the navy not for justice but to make money.
He was really heartbroken to see Vic in such a state at such a young age. Such a talent had been ruined by the bad atmosphere of the navy. If such a person came to Alabasta to serve him, he would definitely be able to improve the lives of the people of Alabasta to a higher level.
But he didn't dare to say it now. Vic's strength alone could destroy a country! He didn't dare to anger Vic. He was already prepared in his heart. As long as Vic didn't ask for too much, he would grit his teeth and give it to him!
Vic didn't know that Cobra had such a misunderstanding of him, so he kept smiling. He followed Cobra with Barnett and others, listening to the king's introduction to the buildings in the palace.
This palace has a long history, but it was not built into its current appearance overnight. Each generation of kings had their own ideas. From ancient times to the present, there have been modifications and new constructions.
Therefore, the buildings in the palace have different qualities, old and new. Ikalem behind Cobra is introducing which generation of kings these buildings were built. For some of the more commemorative ones, Cobra will introduce them personally.