"Or does Drum Kingdom intend to make an enemy of the Marines?"
As an Affiliated Nation, Drum Kingdom enjoyed the World Government's protection and certain privileges. That did make the Marines cautious about how they handled some matters.
But that protection certainly did not extend to a Godland that openly opposed the Marines.
The Marines might operate independently, but they were still an arm of the World Government. Their reputation was the World Government's reputation, too.
Loa was using his authority to corner her. If Kureha could truly stand by and watch the people of Drum Godland suffer, he had no qualms about going to war with the kingdom.
At Loa's words, Drake and Kureha stopped in their tracks.
That was right. Kureha was a resident of Drum Godland. If Drake fled with her, Loa would have every reason to hold the kingdom responsible.
Then all its people would suffer.
"Tch. What a despicable Marine!" Kureha took a swig of liquor and turned to glare at Loa.
Loa met her gaze without flinching and gave her a cold smile. "Before you say that, remember who you are. Besides—"
"The man you're protecting is a traitor who murdered his comrades and plotted rebellion!"
"You're calling the man who has to clean up that pile of shit despicable? Are you kidding me?"
Loa's vicious retort left Kureha momentarily stunned. But his words reminded her that, since rescuing Drake yesterday, she had never asked him what had happened.
All she knew was that Drake called himself a traitor. Nothing more.
Seeing how certain Loa was, Kureha began to hesitate.
Had I gotten something wrong?
She turned and looked Drake in the eyes.
"Tell me, kid. Why did you desert the Marines?"
"I..." Drake faltered, unable to speak for a long time.
If Kureha