Noticing the shore drawing closer and closer, Austin could not be bothered to keep talking.
After all, telling someone something was useless; one lesson from experience was enough.
Sitting by the side of the ship, Austin smiled and beckoned to Koala.
That frightened the little girl somewhat. After all, she had just seen how afraid the fish-man uncles seemed to be of Austin. Even Fisher Tiger, who had always carried himself with such authority, had been extremely humble before Austin.
She instinctively looked at the people beside her, but the fish-men all gave her encouraging looks.
"Go on, Koala."
"Lord Austin means you no harm."
Only after hearing them did Koala dare step forward. Austin picked her up and held her in the air.
Austin remembered this little girl. She was Sabo's childhood sweetheart and would later become a member of the Revolutionary Army.
Unlike other beautiful women who had been lovely even as children, Koala had not been much of a beauty as a child.
Her head was a little large; she had mostly just been cute.
Seeing Austin lift her up, the young Jinbe in the distance grew a little nervous. Fortunately, Austin did nothing excessive.
After merely patting her head, he handed her over to Fisher Tiger.
"We'll discuss our matters later. Take this little one home first."
Fisher Tiger took the tiny Koala. Upon hearing Austin's order, he froze briefly before smiling and nodding.
"I understand, Lord Austin."
Fisher Tiger did not sense anything amiss. He thought Austin supported his efforts to help slaves, and excitedly ran off the ship with Koala.
The two headed toward the center of the island, where Koala's family was.
Austin merely sat by the side of the ship, a faint curve on his lips as he watched him leave.
Only