Nair was stunned.
Becoming a prince right after arriving in this world had already been shocking enough, yet now, in such a short time, he was being asked to take the throne.
In the original story, someone like him had never existed.
At that time, Nefertari Vivi was still too young, and as a woman, the burden of rule had fallen solely on her father.
But now that he was here, it seemed Nefertari Cobra had made a different decision.
“What do you intend to do?” Nair asked.
“Answer me,” Cobra replied, his tone firm and unwavering.
Nair paused, taken aback by the seriousness in his voice.
Cobra was still the king of a nation.
Even if Alabasta was not among the strongest countries, ruling over millions had shaped a presence that could not be ignored.
“Yes, Father,” Nair said without hesitation.
There was no need for pointless refusal.
He was already the prince of Alabasta, and becoming king was the natural continuation of that role.
It was both duty and inevitability.
Even if he declined, the outcome would likely remain unchanged.
“Then from this moment onward, you are the new king of Alabasta.”
For a brief second, Nair thought he had misheard.
Cobra rose to his feet and slowly removed the crown from his head.
Nair’s expression stiffened.
What was he doing?
Even Pell, standing nearby, could not hide his shock.
There was no coronation ceremony, no ministers present, no witnesses, no formal declaration to the people.
It was as if the throne was being handed over in complete silence.
This was not a proper abdication.
It felt more like a final act.
Nair looked closely at Cobra.
The king’s face was pale, his exhaustion unmistakable, yet his eyes carried a depth of trust and resolve that Nair had never seen before.
This was not the same man who had lectured him repeatedly in the past.
Thinking back, those lectures might have been a form of protection.
It was even possible that Cobra had been fully aware of Sir Crocodile’s schemes from the very beginning.
“Why?” Nair asked quietly.
Cobra’s gaze did not waver.
“Anyone who tries to stop a war with blood will only create more bloodshed.
My child, I must go to the rebels and prove the royal family’s innocence myself.
No matter what methods you use, even if you gain the support of the Marines, remember this.
This is my final resolve as king.
The people cannot continue to suffer.”
Nair understood immediately.
Cobra intended to offer himself as proof, to stand before the rebel army and show that he had not used Dance Powder to steal the rain.
Even if the rebels held anger in their hearts, they would not dare harm their king.
Even so, it was a dangerous gamble.
For the first time, Since arriving in this world, Nair felt the weight of reality pressing down on him.
The situation was no longer distant or abstract.
It demanded action, and it carried consequences.
His expression grew serious.
“Understood, Father.”
This time, the word carried genuine meaning.
Cobra gave a slight nod, as if relieved, and placed the crown into Nair’s hands.
…
After a night of heavy rain, the streets of Alubarna were damp and quiet.
Nefertari Vivi walked along the road in a white robe with wide sleeves.
Her long azure hair clung slightly to her back from the lingering moisture.
She wiped the sweat from her forehead and let out a tired sigh.
Sneaking out of the palace was never easy.
Her brother had tightened security so much that even finding an opportunity had become exhausting.
Thinking about it made her pout slightly.
After a brief hesitation, she continued down the long street.
From a distance, a large duck came running toward her and quickly fell into step at her side.
It was her loyal companion, Karoo.
Karoo was a super spot-billed duck unique to Alabasta.
Strong and fast, it could carry a person across the desert with ease, rivaling even a horse in speed.
While Vivi had to sneak out, Karoo could pass through the palace gates without much trouble.