Chapter 139: The New Duties of the Lord of Rainland

Alabasta, Rainbase.

This place was once the stronghold of Crocodile, but now it has been granted as a fiefdom to Count Garen by the King of Alabasta. The emergence of a Lord of Rainbase was quite a significant piece of news in the local area. And with the shocking news of Crocodile’s death spreading, this prosperous port city was soon flooded with journalists from all over the world.

"That is correct. I have always considered myself a law-abiding citizen."

Garen wore a warm smile, his magnificent armor refracting a brilliant radiance under the glare of camera flashes.

"Crocodile was a massive tumor on our harmonious society. Not only did he bring catastrophic disaster to the lives and property of the people of Alabasta, but he also blatantly challenged the ruling order of the World Government’s member-state system. To contribute a modest effort toward eliminating such an outlaw, whom the masses despise to the bone, is the duty and obligation of every law-abiding citizen."

The journalists busily scribbled down Garen’s long-winded speech. Having spent most of their lives on the Grand Line, they had never encountered an interviewee so capable of speech. Soon, someone posed a sharper question.

"Lord of Rainbase."

The reporter used the noble title Garen had just acquired.

"After all, the person you killed was a Warlord of the Sea recognized by the World Government. Does this mean you will now stand in opposition to the World Government?"

"How could that be?" Garen waved his hand, his expression turning serious. "I told you, I am a law-abiding citizen. How could I ever be an enemy of the World Government, which represents justice and order?"

"In that case..." The reporter’s tone grew more aggressive, the question laced with traps. "Lord, why don’t you simply join the Marines? By not joining, are you implying that you still hold certain reservations about the World Government?"

"Absolutely not." The smile on Garen’s face became even more artificial, though he answered with meticulous care. "I ask this reporter friend not to always be thinking about manufacturing 'big news.' I am a legal lord of Alabasta, a member state of the World Government, and I enjoy friendly chats with King Wallace of the East Blue. How could I possibly have issues with the World Government?"

After saying this, Garen turned and walked away amidst a flurry of flashes, still wearing a smile. Although the reporters were unsatisfied and wanted to pursue him for more questions, Garen’s subordinates, who had been standing by, firmly blocked them.

Once out of sight, the elegant and restrained smile on Garen’s face collapsed. It wasn't because he was numb from dealing with the reporters, but because the only fierce person in his company who could truly keep him in check was currently sitting in the backstage area with a gloomy expression, waiting for him.

"Lord of Rainbase?" Miss Nami crossed her arms and glared at Garen with evident displeasure. "So, you really did stay here. What’s next? Are you going to be promoted to the Prince Consort of Alabasta?"

"Hahaha... That, that’s impossible!" Garen let out two dry laughs, explaining in a flustered manner, "Staying here to be the lord is just a matter of work requirements. We have a purely platonic friendship. Just like you and Vivi, we are all just good friends... Besides, how could I turn down such a great place as Rainbase? Nami, do you know how much tax revenue can be collected here in a year? And the inheritance Crocodile left behind, that..."

Unfortunately, money was no longer enough to tempt the current Nami.

"Hmph!" Nami just gave a cold snort and maintained her aloof demeanor, silently enjoying the cautious attitude Garen displayed before her.

Seeing the embarrassment on the face of her powerful boss—the man who could defeat a Warlord of the Sea—the secretary, Miss Robin, who stood quietly to the side, couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle. In all the years Robin had worked for various employers, Garen was arguably the strongest and most powerful. Yet, Garen possessed no airs of a powerhouse; he didn't disregard emotions like those other ruthless overlords, but was instead very considerate and caring toward the women around him, even patiently enduring the little temper tantrums of Nami, a teenage girl. To Robin, this was truly incredible. Consequently, she had gradually become accustomed to and fond of the warm atmosphere of working under Garen.

After watching the cold war between Garen and Nami for a while, Robin finally stepped forward to interrupt their meaningless conversation. She said to Garen, "Garen." Per Garen's request, Robin did not address him as "Boss." "That reporter who spoke out of turn just now—should we put him on the blacklist?"

Seeing that Garen was about to handle official business, Nami, the company's "first lady," wisely stopped her pouting and retreated to the side.

"Blacklist?" Garen shook his head and said, "Do not overestimate the integrity of such journalistic scum. If we don't let him attend the press conference, he’ll just write even nastier things."

"Then..." Robin glanced at Garen, waiting with curiosity for his solution.

Garen paused for a moment and said without hesitation, "These small-time reporters who love conspiracy theories only do it to grab attention and increase sales for profit. Stuff his 'red envelope' with a bit more cash and plug his mouth. If that doesn't work, give the others thicker envelopes too, and drown him out with a massive wave of positive reports."

"Understood." Robin nodded and recorded the matter in her schedule on her notebook. Although it was inconvenient for her to appear in public, her superior intelligence, extensive knowledge, and the capable skills honed through years of hardship quickly made her Garen’s most effective assistant. Garen’s orders could always be communicated and implemented by Robin with the fastest speed and highest efficiency.

However, after hearing Garen’s latest instruction, Robin couldn't help but harbor some private criticisms: her boss was clearly so young, yet he had learned this completely unethical method of public relations propaganda from somewhere. With Garen starting such a bad precedent, it was estimated that this "red envelope culture" would soon spread throughout the entire Grand Line.

Robin shook her head helplessly and turned to leave to convey Garen’s order. However, she hadn't taken many steps when a strange ringing sound came from her. It wasn't Robin’s Den Den Mushi, but the one Garen had left with his secretary.

"Hello?" Robin fished out the Den Den Mushi and dutifully answered. "Hello, I am the secretary of Garen, the Lord of Rainbase. May I ask who is calling?"

The facial features displayed by the Den Den Mushi were not enough to identify Robin, and it was impossible for the World Government to recognize the voice of the adult Robin, so she boldly helped Garen handle various incoming information. But the words coming from the other end of the line caused Robin’s expression to stiffen immediately.

"O-okay." Robin suppressed the panic in her heart and replied with an unchanged tone, "I will call Garen for you right away."

Saying this, Robin walked over to Garen in two or three quick steps and handed the Den Den Mushi to him with a solemn look. Garen took the Den Den Mushi, which still carried some warmth, and looked at Robin with confusion: "You’re just wearing a tight dress today, there are no pockets on you, and the skirt is even shorter than Nami’s. Where did you hide this Den Den Mushi?"

Hearing Garen’s words, the tension on Robin’s face vanished instantly. She couldn't help but turn cold and said with feigned indifference, "Boss, that is none of your concern! Just take your call! This is from Marine Headquarters."

"Marine Headquarters?" Garen was slightly startled. "People at Marine Headquarters know my private number?"

But as soon as he answered, Garen recalled that there was indeed someone at Marine Headquarters who knew his private number.

"Hahaha!" That hearty laugh came clearly through the receiver to Garen’s ear. "Garen, you kid, you really know how to make things happen! You just arrived on the Grand Line and already took down a Warlord of the Sea!"

"Garp-senpai!" Garen hurriedly struck a respectful pose to the senior who had been so supportive of him, and then lowered his voice to defend himself. "Crocodile deserved it; I killed him to uphold justice. Vice Admiral Garp, I have no intention of going against the Marines..."

"Crocodile?" Garp laughed, "That pirate can die for all I care... I’m not talking about him!"

"Then..." Garen suddenly recalled the recent big news in the newspapers about "Pluton resurfacing," and felt a surge of guilt. "Vice Admiral Garp, the matter with Gecko Moria has even less to do with me! How could I possibly know someone like Pluton... haha..."

Strictly speaking, the matter did have something to do with Garen, as he was on good terms with Crocus, and Crocus had summoned that legendary figure, Rayleigh the Dark King. By that logic, this "law-abiding citizen" was indeed a co-conspirator with a former Pirate King crew member in the plot to kill Warlord Gecko Moria.

"Eh? This has nothing to do with Gecko Moria either." Garp was confused by Garen’s reaction. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "I called to tell you... the Navy and the World Government have studied and decided that you will succeed as a Warlord of the Sea!"