The two of them walked some distance, and as the sound of the waves gradually faded, they heard footsteps approaching from afar.
A young man wearing a large black cape and a cream-colored shirt…
the first two buttons completely undone, revealing a well-built chest…
strode over with a light step.
Sixteen?
Or seventeen years old.
In any case, he was at that age where one could just begin to stand on one’s own.
His disheveled hair was tousled by the sea breeze, his steps were light and easy, and he approached with a cheerful smile.
When he drew closer, Roger could clearly sense the formidable aura emanating from the newcomer.
A swordsman…
like an unsheathed blade, sharp and full of presence.
This was their first meeting, and Roger could never have imagined that, before long, this man’s name would be etched deeply into his memory.
If he hadn’t been afflicted with a terminal illness, he might have regarded Richard as the next Joy Boy.
“Greetings, Gold Roger and Silvers Rayleigh.” “Huh?” Roger and Rayleigh both blinked in surprise.
What caught them off guard was that, on this remote little island, someone had recognized their identities.
It seemed this place wasn’t as isolated as we’d thought…
and this man showed not the slightest hint of surprise upon seeing pirates.
“We’ve got bounties on our heads, you know,” Roger reminded him with a grin.
“I’m not about to turn you in for reward money.
This is non-affiliated territory.” What he meant by “non-affiliated territory” was that it was not under the protection of the World Government.
Even if the people on this island starved to death or descended into chaos, as long as it didn’t affect affiliated nations, the Marines wouldn’t intervene.
Conversely, even if Richard went out under the title of Duke of Kuraigana Island, he would not be recognized by the Marines nor receive any attention from the World Government.
At least, that was the current situation.
“So then…
aren’t your crew members coming ashore?
If it’s you folks, with enough gold or Berry to pay, you can trade for some supplies here.” “Really?!!” Roger’s eyes widened, not expecting this young lord to be incredibly accommodating.
“In addition to fresh water, we also have plenty of goods for trade!” Roger raised a finger, speaking with natural ease and a grin.
“Well then, thank you for your kindness.
I’ll have my crew bring the goods ashore!” “Alright.” Richard turned and called out to the captain of his guard.
“Liam!” “Present!!” The tall, robust captain was fully armed, with a braid trailing down his back and powerful, muscular arms.
He strode over in a few large steps, bowed his head, and awaited orders.
“Arrange some men to help them unload the cargo.
Then, host a banquet at the castle.” “Yes, sir.” Liam had an Eastern face, fierce and sharp-eyed.
He was a veteran warrior who had followed Richard for many years…
the first foreign adventurer Richard had ever defeated.
Now, he was a loyal guardian of the Black Rose Castle.
“He’s quite a fine lord,” Roger remarked with sincere admiration.
Only someone with true personal charisma could inspire strong men to follow in his footsteps.
“Well then…
if there’s a banquet, those guys will be thrilled too.” He smiled.
…
Because the Roger Pirates had brought plenty of tradable goods, the commercial exchange had greatly benefitted the castle’s autumn stockpiles.
The savings in money and provisions allowed Richard to generously host the banquet.
During the feast, he met the three legendary figures known as Gold, Silver, and Copper.
Roger, Rayleigh, and Gaban.
Bullet, Seagull, the fish-man Sunbell.
They were all bold and unrestrained types, and the way they drank heartily made Richard feel quite at ease.
However, they all drank fruit wine, which had a rather low alcohol content.
Richard, on the other hand, drank his own home-brewed liquor…
potent enough to rival burning spirits.
Drinking it was truly fiery, like swallowing a red-hot blade that instantly made one’s blood surge with heat.
Halfway through the feast, Roger, a little tipsy, looked up and noticed that Richard kept drinking from his own gourd.
His curiosity was piqued.
“Hey, Lord, pour me a cup of your wine too.
I’ve got a feeling it might be some unexpectedly good stuff.” “Well, this stuff…
you guys probably can’t handle it.
It’s my own high-proof liquor.
Burns your throat going down.” “Oh really?!!” Roger huffed heavily through his nose.
Being told that by a young pup was really getting under his skin.
“Then I absolutely have to try it.” Roger strode over to Richard in one big step and stared eagerly at his wine gourd.
Richard gave a wry smile and shook his head, then handed the gourd over.
Roger tilted his head back and downed it in one go.
“Pfft!!!” “Ahhh!!!” “Hahahaha!!!!” Rayleigh and the others burst out laughing.
Watching their captain make a fool of himself seemed to be one of their daily pleasures.
“Pwaah!!
That’s genuinely spicy!!!
But it’s got character…
I love it!!!
Hahaha!!
Give me some more to take along!!
I’m going to miss the fine wine of Rose Castle!!” Before Richard could even respond, suddenly, from a corner of the banquet table among the younger crew members, an argument broke out.
“Hey!!
Your brother isn’t the strongest!!!
Captain Roger is!!” Shanks’ face was flushed red as he argued about something.
Meanwhile, Mihawk, seated at the head of a small round table, took a sip of his drink and said calmly, “No.
My brother is the strongest man in the world.
Nobody surpasses him.” “Fine!!
You’re Mihawk, right?!
Then let’s carry the pride of the men we admire and have a real man’s duel!!
Do you dare?!!” Shanks, at this moment, had the temperament of an irate little puppy.
Mihawk, by contrast, was like a cool and aloof cat.
He nodded calmly and said, “Very well.” Hearing this, Roger and Richard exchanged a glance, then shared a knowing smile.
“Kids these days and their arguments…
always so amusing.”