Gigue's Arrangements

Prompted by Spandine, Babus had no choice but to speak, "I'm sorry, I can't make that decision. If you want to enter Headquarters, you'll need to report to the recruitment office first. Admiral Zephyr is now an instructor and is in charge of recruiting and training new recruits."

Hearing Zephyr's name, even the arrogant Spandine lost some of his bluster. He knew Zephyr, in his own words, was "stubborn" – a difficult person who didn't understand compromise.

However, Zephyr's strength was undeniable; after all, he had served as an Admiral.

Spandine was self-aware enough to know that while he could swagger in front of Rear Admiral Babus under the guise of the World Government, he couldn't necessarily do the same with Zephyr.

He secretly glanced at Gigue, noticing no trace of displeasure on his face, not even a hint of a smile.

To Spandine, this expression could only mean one of two things.

One was that Gigue possessed exceptional composure, perfectly controlling his emotions even after hitting a wall with Babus.

The other was that Gigue didn't take Babus seriously at all and was brimming with confidence in his family's influence.

Although Gigue felt different from other Celestial Dragons, Spandine leaned towards the second possibility.

After all, members of the Figarland Family could do whatever they pleased!

The thought of the Figarland Family instantly dispelled Spandine's apprehension towards Zephyr.

Yes, wasn't Zephyr just an Admiral? In front of the Figarland Family, let alone an Admiral, what was Fleet Admiral Kong now?

Looking at Saint Garling's attitude towards Gigue, Spandine knew this was someone who could walk all over Mary Geoise!

The more Spandine thought about it, the straighter his back became. He raised his eyebrows and pointed at Babus, saying, "Mr. Gigue wanting to join the Marines is an honor for your Marines. Don't be ungrateful. You mentioned Zephyr, right? Here, give me the Den Den Mushi. I'll speak to him personally. I want to see if he'll give the World Government any face or not?"

Babus hadn't expected Spandine to be so audacious even after hearing Zephyr's name. But since he had already spoken, he steeled himself and reached into his pocket for the Den Den Mushi.

Gigue, however, suddenly reached out and held his arm.

"There's no need. We still have to follow the proper procedures. You just need to escort me and my friends to Headquarters."

As he spoke, he gave Spandine a nod, causing the somewhat uneasy Spandine to be overcome with emotion.

This was Gigue giving Babus a way out. Babus, not being completely oblivious, immediately agreed, stating that he would safely escort Gigue and the others to Marine Headquarters.

Kuma looked back at the cross hanging on the wall in the center of the church, his gaze filled with worry.

Gigue saw through his thoughts. He beckoned Spandine over and quietly instructed him on something. Spandine nodded vigorously.

After finishing his instructions, Gigue clapped Ivan forcefully on the shoulder, then called for Kuma and Ginny, and left the church where they had lived for six years with Babus.

Ivan stood in silence for a moment, then suddenly broke into a run, dashing out of the church.

He shouted towards the retreating figures of Gigue and the others, "Gigue, thank you! And Kuma and Ginny! You all must take care!!"

Hearing Ivan's shouts from behind, Gigue didn't look back, only a smile curving his lips.

He comforted Ginny, who was already sobbing beside him, and turned to Kuma, saying, If you find this book to your liking, remember to add it to your bookshelf to avoid losing it next time.

"Kuma, are you worried about those old people?"

Kuma was taken aback, thinking, As expected of Big Brother Gigue, he always sees through my thoughts.

"Yes... they're all old and can't do heavy labor. If they have any health problems, they won't have money for treatment..."

Gigue stopped in his tracks, looking Kuma in the eyes, and said earnestly, "Kuma, there are many people in this world like those old folks. You can't take care of all of them. Their suffering is not your fault, and you don't need to feel guilty about it."

Kuma nodded silently. He understood Gigue's reasoning, but he had also spent a long time with those elders. Leaving them behind inevitably brought him a sense of reluctance.

Gigue's serious expression softened into a smile.

"Don't worry, Kuma. I have arrangements for those old people. See, Spandine didn't follow us?"

"Huh?"

Inside the church at that moment, the ministers and nobles of the Kingdom of Sorbet stood with their heads down, like a group of schoolchildren, in front of Spandine.

Spandine's demeanor had undergone a complete transformation, a stark contrast to how he had been in front of Gigue.

He paced back and forth in front of the ministers, a cigar in his mouth, and berated them, "You people are truly useless. You can't even govern such a small country properly. So many elderly people don't even have money for medical treatment?"

The two men in suits behind him exchanged glances. From their understanding of Spandine, he was a scumbag who only cared about getting promoted and getting rich. When had he ever cared about people's livelihoods?

One of the ministers timidly said, "Lord Spandine, it's not that we don't want to, but it's all because of the former King Beckley. He kept raising taxes, in order to..."

"Enough! I don't want to hear your nonsense anymore. If that Beckley is incompetent, then let's just get a new king!"

"Okay... Huh?!"

As the ministers stared in disbelief, Spandine exhaled another puff of smoke and casually said, "This matter is settled. I heard the previous king, what was his name, Beckley? He was quite good! Let's have him take the throne again!"

"But, changing the king of an affiliated nation needs to be reported to Mary Geoise. I wonder if you, Lord Spandine..."

"Hmph! Do I need you to tell me that? Am I the kind of person who doesn't know the rules?"

Hearing this, everyone present, except Spandine himself, silently grumbled, but no one dared to say a word.

Spandine also knew that his words were indeed a bit unconvincing. In fact, he didn't have the authority.

However, since he dared to make the final decision, he naturally had his backing, and his backing came from Gigue.

Because these were all things Gigue had just instructed him to do. Thinking of Gigue, a fanatical expression surged onto Spandine's face. He threw away his cigar and wiped his ash-covered fingers on a minister's clothes.

"Let me tell you, this is all Lord Gigue's will. He is heaven, and his words are imperial decrees! You just need to do as you're told obediently, and you don't need to worry about the rest!"

After speaking, Spandine waved his hand and left grandly, escorted by two men in suits.