Spring Island's Snowy Day

Linlin called Ruka and Milim out with her. Outside, the weather gradually darkened, and the sun was obscured by heavy clouds.

The people of Many Countries saw the scene and hurriedly brought the clothes they had hung out to dry back inside.

Vegapunk had already been waiting at the entrance, looking up at the sky.

Hearing Milim's footsteps, Vegapunk turned and said softly, "The weather is just right. Milim, send it up. I imagine this island is about to see its first snowy day."

"Leave it to me!" The Dragon Wings on her back spread wide, and Milim shot into the sky in a blur!

She quickly reached the lower middle altitude, where the dark clouds hung, and activated the Ice and Snow Maker.

Then she threw the Ice and Snow Maker into the dark clouds. One or two seconds passed, but nothing happened in the sky.

Milim had thought it would fail, but the very next instant, a brilliant flash suddenly burst forth. Then, one by one, crystal-clear snowflakes, light and graceful, slowly drifted down.

Watching the snow fall from the sky, Linlin held out her hand and caught a flake. It gradually melted in her palm, but the cold sensation remained so vivid.

Charlotte Lingling's tone sounded both like a sigh and a heartfelt reflection. "Vegapunk, I don't know how many times I've praised you already, but I still have to say it: your wisdom has absolutely surpassed this era."

"You flatter me, King Linlin!" Vegapunk's tone was respectful, but it lacked the warmth and approval he showed toward Milim.

Linlin glanced at Vegapunk, then indifferently looked away. She knew full well that, compared to her, the person Vegapunk trusted most had always been Milim.

But what did that matter? Not only was Milim her sister—even if Vegapunk had trusted someone else—

As long as they posed no harm to Many Countries and could make it better, Linlin would support them without reservation.

"It's snowing!"

"Wow, it's really snowing!"

"Isn't this Spring Island? How can it snow here?"

The people of Many Countries streamed out of their homes. As they watched the snow swirl through the sky, their eyes held none of their former fear of snow, only an appreciation for the beautiful sight.

In the past, no household had enough food to eat, and the rooms they lived in leaked cold air from every direction. There was simply no way to stay warm. Once winter came, tens of thousands would freeze to death.

Now, things were completely different. Every family had a new house, and more food than they could eat each day. They could even buy some meat every day as a treat.

People lived to eat, drink, and be merry. With food and drink already taken care of, all that remained was enjoyment. The snowy scene before them perfectly suited their mood!

"Hey, everyone, hurry to the Castle! King Linlin and Lord Milim are going to give a speech there!" A villager suddenly ran out and shouted.

Upon hearing this, the people of Many Countries ran toward the Castle without hesitation, some carrying children in their arms.

When they arrived below the Castle, Linlin was already standing above them. There was no microphone prepared; her voice was more than enough for everyone to hear.

"Everyone, please quiet down."

As Linlin's voice rang out, the previously noisy crowd instantly fell silent.

"Very good. I'm sure you're all wondering what this sudden snowy weather is about?"

Everyone below looked intensely curious, though a few had probing looks in their eyes. The next moment, Milim covered their mouths and quietly led them away.

Charlotte Lingling stepped aside, revealing Vegapunk, who had been hidden behind her.

"Who's that? Why is his head so big?"

"I saw him at the harbor before. Lord Milim brought him back."

"So he's someone Lord Milim brought back. Then he must be as capable as Giant."

"Kid, you sure know how to talk." A crouching Giant extended a finger and shook hands with the man who had praised him.

"Everyone, this is Vegapunk, the Chief Scientist of Many Countries. The technology that made it snow on Spring Island, where it is eternally spring, was developed by Vegapunk." As Linlin spoke, the people below stared at the thin figure with incredulous eyes.

They had originally thought the snow had fallen because King Linlin and Lord Milim had gained some new ability.

But they had never expected it to be accomplished through a scientist's technology. It was no wonder; they had never even had the concept of technology in their minds before.

Yet living on the Grand Line, they understood the power wielded by mighty figures very well. Milim, for example, could easily destroy an island. Though they were amazed, they were only amazed by Milim's strength.

They had never doubted Milim's abilities, but technology was an unfamiliar word to them.

Even so, they knew that this scientist before them, who could alter the weather itself, was incredible.

The crowd erupted into thunderous cheers.

"Vegapunk!"

"Vegapunk!"

"This big-headed guy is really amazing!" The giants were deeply impressed by this ability to alter the weather as well.

Vegapunk looked at the people cheering his name, their eyes filled with admiration. Though he considered himself someone who did not care much for fame—

Even so, being cheered by everyone still stirred his heart.

Vegapunk looked at the crowd and slowly began to speak. The cheers below promptly ceased. "I am Vegapunk, a scientist."

"Perhaps you don't understand what a scientist is, and it is difficult for me to explain the concept of science."

"But I can promise you this: as a scientist, I can make food more plentiful. As a scientist, I can improve the environment."

"As a scientist, I can make people happier and the world more peaceful."

"That is all!" Vegapunk bowed to the crowd below, then stepped aside.

The people below now understood what Vegapunk was capable of, and disbelief filled their eyes.

Their lives were already happy as they were, yet Vegapunk could make them even happier. Though they could no longer imagine what greater happiness would look like, they were still incredibly excited.

In their minds, if Vegapunk could make their lives better, then he was their benefactor.

Milim suddenly appeared on the stage, her face still wearing that pure, radiant smile. "Everyone, everyone! It's my turn to speak next."

With Milim's appearance, the people below grew even more excited. Some even pulled out banners bearing the words: Milim, the Cutest in the World.

Throughout Many Countries, the most imposing figure was Charlotte Lingling, while the one people knew best was Prime Minister El!

But when it came to affection and popularity, Milim stood alone at the very top.

She had long since become the symbol of Many Countries!

"Everyone, to celebrate Vegapunk's new invention, have fun these next two days. Your wages will still be paid in full."

"My only request is that you make sculptures out of ice and snow. Any kind of sculpture is fine—people, events, objects, anything."

"In the end, whoever wins will receive a prize of 10 million Belly."

"Ah! Ah!" Everyone below erupted in excitement. Not only could they play as much as they wanted, they would still receive their wages—and if they won the sculpture competition, they could earn 10 million Belly.

There was simply no reason to refuse.