"Let's go, Catherine!!"
After pausing for a moment, Luo Chen turned around and walked forward, calling out to Catherine was still somewhat dazed.
"Hey, Catherine..."
Seeing that she hadn't come to her senses yet, Luo Chen called her name again.
"Uh... Oh, okay!! I understand, I'm coming..."
After he called her name twice, Catherine finally snapped out of her daze, responded repeatedly, and then followed him.
Although Luo Chen's actions were somewhat cruel to her, after considering the behavior of those people, she didn't say anything more and followed them with a hesitant expression.
" Catherine, I know what you're thinking, but you need to remember who you are now. Ever since the day we were wanted by the World Government, the side representing justice has left us. In their eyes, we're nothing more than a bunch of scum and trash on the sea."
But in my opinion, some pirates who value loyalty and pursue adventure and excitement are far better than these disgusting nobles who outwardly proclaim justice but secretly commit despicable acts. And those people just now were like that. So from now on, you need to straighten out your posture and stop making that face, understand?"
As Luo Chen walked into the town, he explained and persuaded Catherine.
"Yes, I understand all of that. I was just a little unaccustomed to it earlier, but I'll be fine from now on. Also, there's no need for those words of advice. When I decided to join your ship at Marineford, I was already prepared for the consequences, so there's no need for these meaningless words."
Catherine nodded, then thought for a moment before responding.
"Alright, since you've made up your mind, I won't say any more. Now, you need to be prepared for where we're going and what troubles we might encounter. There may be even more powerful enemies waiting for us ahead..."
We must never let our guard down like we did last time, otherwise...
Luo Chen was quite satisfied with her awareness and response. After walking for a while, he seemed to remember something and turned back to remind her.
"Yes, I will..."
"Alright, let's hurry over there. I heard there's an auction tonight; maybe we'll find something unexpected..."
As they talked, they drove forward, gradually approaching the auction venue.
On the other side, in a luxurious villa, in the very center of the villa, in the master bedroom.
"Hello..."
A rough, deep, and powerful voice rang out. Several subordinates in black suits outside the door rushed over upon hearing the voice and bowed their heads to ask for instructions from the person inside.
"Yes, we are here. Lord Carlos, is there anything I can do for you?"
Two subordinates bent down and asked him.
"Hmm... Not long ago, a guy named Doli said he had an important shipment to deliver, but it hasn't arrived yet. Did something happen to it?"
The burly, powerful man inside sat up from the white double bed in the room, his eyes gleaming as he stared ahead, speaking in a somewhat excited tone.
Two other beautiful maids served him on his ship.
"Yes, not long ago, after receiving this news, Lord Takurama volunteered to go there, but so far we haven't heard a word from him, and we don't know if he's encountered any trouble."
Upon hearing Carlos's words, the two subordinates trembled and immediately knelt down to answer him.
"You don't know either? Then what am I supposed to do with you? Do you expect me to investigate this myself?"
Hearing his two subordinates answer that they didn't know, Carlos's anger flared up. He pushed aside the two beautiful women who were embracing him, walked to the door, looked down at them, and shouted angrily.
"Yes, it's all my fault. Please, sir, give me another chance. I'll go and find out the truth right away..."
One of the men in black immediately kowtowed heavily to the ground, breaking his head and drawing blood, but he seemed oblivious and continued to respectfully plead with Carlos.
"I'll give you another chance?"
Carlos looked at him mockingly.
"Yes, please give us a little time. I will soon be able to ascertain the entire course of events and present it to you..."
He understood the tone in Carlos's words, but he didn't give up begging for mercy and continued to kowtow and plead.
"Alright... I'll give you one more chance. Go and find out the truth about this incident. And if Takurama really died there, make sure all the families of those nobles are buried with him."
And bring me back the person who killed him. You can use all your power except mine. I hope you won't disappoint me, otherwise...
Although Carlos did not explicitly state the consequences of failure, his subtly chilling tone indicated that he would not let them off easily, and the price of defeat might be death.
"Yes, I understand. We will go and investigate the matter thoroughly... Then we will take our leave!"
Although this matter would be incredibly difficult, Carlos had already agreed to give them a chance, for which they were extremely grateful. They quickly pulled their companion aside to thank him, and then the two stood up and turned to leave.
"Etc..."
Just as they were about to take a step forward, Carlos's voice rang out again, causing the two to stop and turn around, looking at him with questioning eyes.
"Lord Carlos, is there anything else you require? I will do my utmost to fulfill your orders!"
The man asked him again.
"I told you to stop because I have something to tell you. Didn't you two hear what I said?"
I just said I'm only giving each of you one chance, not including him. You're leaving without my permission, buddy?
Carlos squinted at the other person and said in a mocking tone.
"Ah... but you just now..."
The man in black wanted to defend his companion, but then he suddenly remembered what Carlos had just said and realized what was going on.
Just as he was about to say something more, he saw Carlos's brutal gaze, which made him swallow the words that were on the tip of his tongue again, and slowly back away.
"Hahaha, very good, you little brat. I noticed it the moment you walked in. There wasn't a single trace of loyalty in your eyes, and even your bowing wasn't very earnest."
"Tell me, which faction are you from? This is truly amusing; someone actually dares to plant spies in the forces around me!"
Carlos picked up the sword beside the door, drew the blade, pointed it at him, and asked.
"Huh... Les, didn't you sincerely want to join Lord Carlos's ranks? How come..."
His subordinate was also shocked when he heard Carlos say this, and took a few steps back to look at him and ask.
"Hehehe, I didn't expect to be exposed. You truly deserve to be called the king of the underworld. It seems we underestimated you. But don't think you'll reveal your secrets so easily."
But now that I've been exposed, there's no point in hiding it any longer. My mission is complete; it's time for the final step... Prepare to die, Carlos!!"
Seeing that his identity could no longer be concealed, the soldier in black stopped pretending, pulled out a dagger hidden on his body, shouted loudly, and stabbed at Carlos.