When they reached the palace entrance, the warrior who had gone ahead to announce their arrival was already waiting outside.
She nodded to them in greeting, then Marguerite led Lina and the others inside.
They walked down the corridor of the front hall. Redwood pillars lined the sides, carved and painted with elaborate designs, and several more female warriors stood at the far end.
Unlike the guards they had first encountered, these women looked only mildly curious about Lina and Zoro. They didn't stare at them as if they were some rare oddity.
Marguerite kindly explained, "The women up ahead are warriors of the Kuja Pirates. They were chosen through a rigorous selection process and are strong enough to follow Lady Empress. They're the heroes of this country."
As she spoke, admiration crept into her eyes. Thanks to Marguerite's explanation, the group learned more about the country.
Amazon Lily was a nation that prized strength. Every girl was raised as a warrior from childhood, and Marguerite herself had been selected from among the best to serve as a guardian of the country.
The selection process for joining the Kuja Pirates and sailing with the queen was even more demanding. It was the dream of most of the country's people.
Lina couldn't help thinking of the foremen at the Water 7 shipyards, who were just as much local celebrities.
After leading them through the front hall, Marguerite stopped before the women and bowed respectfully. "Lady Rin, Lady Ran, Lady Kiku, I've brought the members of the Straw Hat Pirates."
"Thanks for your efforts, Chamomile. We'll take it from here."
The woman called Rin had a cigarette between her lips. She patted Marguerite on the shoulder.
She wore only a sexy vest, leaving her tanned skin exposed. A stubby rocket launcher hung