The ministers who had come to welcome Nova had long been waiting outside. Just as he stepped out of the carriage, a somewhat plump man in his thirties approached.
With a broad smile, he hurried forward to greet him, calling out as he walked, "Barfitos, Left Minister of the Alabasta Kingdom, has come under His Majesty's orders to welcome the arrival of His Majesty the King of the Tru Kingdom."
Barfitos spoke with a smile, his entire manner exceptionally respectful.
"Uncle Tos, Vivi is here too!"
Seeing that Barfitos was only chatting with Nova, Princess Vivi stood up in the carriage and called out to him with some dissatisfaction.
"Princess Vivi, you've returned too! Hurry inside. His Majesty has been very worried about you."
Barfitos spoke with a smile, then respectfully turned back to the sixteen- or seventeen-year-old Nova. Smiling, he said, "Your Majesty, King of Tru, His Majesty is waiting for you inside. This way, please!"
"Thank you for the trouble."
Nova smiled faintly, but his gaze had already begun to survey the surroundings of the royal palace.
As he spoke, Junhe suddenly led the members of the King's Guard running over from the distance in swift, orderly formation.
Traveling by sea had been much shorter than going overland. Although they had departed nearly an hour later, they had arrived at almost the same time.
"Your Majesty, this subordinate arrived late..."
Junhe hurried up to Nova and respectfully lowered his head as he spoke.
More than twenty members of the King's Guard stood behind him in neat formation. Their matching uniforms and resolute expressions drew sighs of admiration from everyone standing at the palace gates.
"It's fine. It's good that you made it. How is Barlow?" Nova asked with a slight smile.
"Your Majesty, Barlow is recuperating now. He