Joy and terror were not words that normally went together, yet in Loguetown today, they had become partners.
A moment ago, dazzling fireworks and candy falling from the sky had filled the people in the square with boundless joy.
But as the Marine soldiers entered, several ceremonial cannons boomed into the sky.
Under the order maintained by the soldiers, the first king arrived before the execution platform Roy had expanded.
At that moment, everyone in the square with sharp eyes was utterly astonished by the sight.
The notices had never said that kings from World Government member nations would be coming to Loguetown. Just as everyone was bewildered by this scene,
the second, third, and fourth kings stepped onto the platform.
The once-lively atmosphere gradually and unconsciously fell quiet.
Even the children, who were best at livening up the square, keenly sensed the change in their surroundings.
Their parents held them tightly in their arms, and their mouths, once stuffed with candy, were unanimously covered by the adults.
Some children were frightened by the sudden motion, tears welling in their eyes. But with their mouths covered by their parents, their cries did not cause much of a disturbance.
"Hey, look! Th-that's Runas III, king of the Oykot Kingdom, the 'kingdom rebuilt from ruins.'"
"Look over there. That's Sterry, king of the Goa Kingdom. Why is that stingy fellow here too?"
"Isn't that King Mari of the Chalk Kingdom? Even he came!!!"
"Look, that's Big VI, king of the Boar Mountain Kingdom."
"And Queen Pear of the Apple Kingdom."
"King Rafali came too? What on earth is happening here?"
One king after another arrived on the raised platform.
Seeing one great figure after another appear, the people below the execution platform could only gape, their eyes filled with terror.
Whispers began