Sights Along the Way

The country before him seemed utterly untouched by the era's rampaging turmoil, and Dawn found it almost too surreal to believe.

After all, he had been just a kid washed up on a deserted island, lucky to be rescued by the Navy. Now, in the blink of an eye, he had become the heir to a kingdom.

And this kingdom was no small matter. If landing on the Boin Archipelago—with its mild climate, abundant food, and relatively safe environment—counted as a Silver Start, then eating the Devil Fruit, joining the Navy, and showing his potential meant he could proudly claim a Gold Start.

But now, backed by a nation with formidable strength, plus his ties to the Navy and the status this country commanded, he could call it a Diamond Start.

After learning about this kingdom, Dawn couldn't help wondering if this background was actually his cheat or his transmigration perk.

Other transmigrators into the world of pirates mostly had overpowered backgrounds, often with systems to boot.

The more scientific ones were sons of Big Mom, Celestial Dragons, or clung tightly to Luffy and his two brothers.

Or they joined the Navy through Garp, the Revolutionary Army, or just hitched a ride on a ship.

So why did his path have to be so twisted and full of setbacks?

Was every transmigrator cursed with some keyboard-pounding writer of unknown style?

Or was reality always stranger than fiction?

He grumbled to himself, but he didn't reject this background. On the contrary, having this identity was far more beneficial than harmful.

So he accepted it.

Besides, he had inherited the body of the dead Dawn, so naturally, he had to treat his original parents well—consider it a way to give the former self some closure.

"Dawn! Dawn! What are you spacing out for? Hurry up, we're leaving!" Sola shouted, waving at the dazed Dawn.

"Oh, coming." Snapping back to reality, Dawn smiled and led the group, following Adolf into the city.

With Adolf's reputation, it was easy to flag down a carriage heading into town. The driver's attitude showed that Adolf was a well-known figure, respected by the locals.

Along the way, Dawn and Sola took in the sights of the Ishtar Kingdom.

Endless green stretched out in countless fields. Looking further, they could even see a pasture, with herds of cattle and sheep grazing in twos and threes.

Beside it was a small forest, where a herd of deer could be seen running about. A little stream ran through the woods, and children were catching fish and clams to improve their meals.

The tranquil environment made it impossible to feel that the era's rampaging waves had changed this country at all. Everything was as it had always been.

Yet amidst this pastoral scenery stood towering buildings.

The contrast between city and countryside—like a residential high-rise plopped down in a village—struck Dawn as odd, yet somehow harmonious.

"Steward, what are those tall buildings next to the fields and pastures? Hina is curious." Hina pointed into the distance.

"Those buildings by the pasture are for the cowboys to live in. The ones near the fields were built collectively by the farmers who own land there. They come back to stay during harvest season," Adolf explained.

"Why build such tall buildings?" Sola asked, puzzled. "Shouldn't each family just build a small house next to their own field?"

"Because it saves land. Every piece of land here can grow a lot of food, so to avoid wasting it, this habit formed."

Adolf smiled proudly. "The people with fields nearby build a tall building together, enough to house many of them. And when not in use, it can serve as lodging for travelers or tourists at a low cost."

"I see." Dawn nodded in understanding.

He had been wondering the same thing, but the others had beaten him to the question.

This was probably the custom and tradition of the Ishtar Kingdom—a unique part of its culture.

"It feels completely different from the outside world. It's so peaceful here," Hina remarked, feeling the calm around her.

"Are we going to stay here from now on? That's nice," Sola said, looking at the endless fields and distant herds, feeling like they had found a good place.

As for Aokiji, after borrowing the carriage, he had lazily put on his eye mask and lain down in a pile of hay.

But the most important thing now was Dawn's identity. Everyone was curious about that. A group of kids held back their urge to run around as the carriage slowly entered the city.

Once inside the city, it was a completely different scene—like a big city from his past life. The contrast between the outer fields and the towering urban skyline was even more striking upon entering.

Everything here seemed so advanced.

The aroma of food being sold along the streets wafted over. Tourists scattered around, sampling all kinds of novel delicacies. One thing was consistent: the people here all seemed to be doing well.

"Isn't the contrast a bit too strong? Don't the people farming outside feel dissatisfied?"

"Your Highness, most of the people outside are engaged in agriculture and livestock farming—that's their livelihood. This area is the city of cuisine. Using the food provided by those outside, they turn it into specialty dishes, driving commercial prosperity."

"Besides, most people outside are quite leisurely and well-off. With the help of machines, they spend their free time in the city or towns enjoying good food," Adolf explained.

Hearing this, Dawn understood. He had thought there was a huge wealth gap, but that wasn't the case at all. The farmers were the real winners.

Before they knew it, the group had arrived at the royal palace. Seeing a couple who bore a resemblance to Dawn waiting at the entrance, Adolf quickly hurried over.

"His Majesty the King, Queen Rovena, your old servant has returned!"

"It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back. When we heard you were attacked by pirates, I thought I'd never see you again! But I never expected you to find Dawn on this trip!" Gaius was visibly moved to see Adolf, who had narrowly escaped death and returned to his homeland.

For people in this world, setting sail often meant an unknown voyage full of risks. One trip could mean permanent separation from home.

No wonder Gaius was so emotional, especially since Adolf had brought such great news.

"Your Majesty, allow me to introduce you. This is Prince Dawn." Adolf quickly composed himself and walked over to Dawn to make the introduction.

For a moment, the air seemed to stand still.