Rocks Band: I have 48 Imperial Arms.

It's like some kind of switch has been triggered.

A series of fair-skinned, beautiful maids dressed in maid outfits walked slowly from the doorway, carrying trays of various sizes. They entered one after another, placing the plates on the table meticulously.

They were all well-built, beautiful, and very well-mannered. It was clear that they were carefully selected maids. Even with Locke's experience of seeing many beautiful women, they were all rated as excellent or above 80.

And it's not like it used to be!

All the maids who could appear in the palace had been vetted countless times and were absolutely innocent.

absolute!

absolute!

Absolutely! It will never happen again!

In the beginning, the royal palace was in a predicament where it was filled with spies planted by various forces in the North Sea, and no one could be trusted except for Sebastian and Alice.

Finally...

They're gone and will never return!

Everything is completely different now! (VI.)

Chapter 186: New Goals, New Direction!

"Wow~"

"Is this a specialty from Your Highness's hometown?"

"It tastes amazing!!"

Leone picked up a piece of smoked ham and closed his eyes with a satisfied look on his face.

When facing outsiders, they are an arrogant and unruly army.

But among our own people.

When she relaxes, she's a lively and carefree girl, just like a playful kitten.

"No~"

"Absolutely fantastic!"

Joel nodded with a look of approval.

These delicious dishes are all unique; even though she came from a very high social class, she had never tasted such delicacies before.

It looks simple, but it's not luxurious.

But it tastes much better than many exquisite dishes.

Akame, who was eating quietly, also showed a hint of satisfaction in her eyes, clearly enjoying it as well.

That "three-three-three" is of course true!

These were all replicas that Locke made when he was bored, imitating the taste from his memory. However, the method of replication was that he said his subordinates would do it. There was no way around it; a prince of 100,000 people is still a prince.

Having lived here for so many years, besides diligently cultivating myself, I have also brought some changes to this country in my spare time, although the population was too small before, only around 100,000.

It is called a kingdom, but in reality it is just the population of a town or county. The slight changes it brings are not obvious, or rather, it takes a lot of time to develop and change.

However, as Locke grew stronger and Esdeath trained a powerful army that was invincible and unstoppable, Noxus greatly expanded its territory. This also acted as a catalyst, allowing the seeds left by Locke to have enough soil to flourish.

"Alice..."

"You are interested."

Locke nodded in satisfaction, his eyes slightly twitching.

It feels really good to be cared for and cherished. Apart from the Teigu users who completely depend on him for their existence, Alice and her husband are the only two people Locke can trust.

After experiencing the treacherous world of piracy, this kind of complete trust becomes even rarer and more precious.

Before!

He sailed away alone.

Sebastian and his men, who have managed the kingdom so well, have proven that his trust has not been in vain.

-

"Your Highness!"

"Your Highness!"

A row of maids, holding the hems of their robes, greeted Locke.

His eyes showed genuine respect and admiration for Confucianism.

Many people took advantage of the brief encounter to show off their most attractive features, hoping to catch Locke's eye. Even if they couldn't become the Queen Consort of the Kingdom overnight, spending a night with Locke would be a life-changing event for them.

As for betrayal...

Doing something underhanded?

Everyone!

They never considered that the spies who had been ruthlessly executed by Esdeath had already served as a bloody warning of their fate, and that Noxus's power would not allow them to lose their minds and do such a thing.

"Your Highness!"

"Your after-dinner drink is here."

Sebastian entered carrying a bottle of aged red wine, his white gloves spotless. He gently uncorked the bottle, and the sweet aroma of the wine wafted out.

When poured into a glass, it is a rich, amber-like liquid.

After preparing the dinner and drinks, he leisurely took out a report from his pocket and respectfully handed it to Locke, saying, "This is a report on the changes in the kingdom's internal migrations since you went to sea."

"The major changes are listed above. As for the detailed contents, they have been compiled and placed in the royal study, ready for you to peruse at any time."

One hand rests on the chest.

After giving a meticulous bow, Sebastian stepped back half a step and moved behind Locke to show his respect.

'Your Highness…'

'You're getting stronger and stronger!!'

'Even the number of subordinates around me is increasing...'

Sebastian was startled.

Looking at the girls and women sitting down around Locke, although they couldn't accurately pinpoint each other's strength due to their own limitations.

But the oppressive aura emanating from them, like that of savage beasts, was enough to terrify him. Even facing a powerful pirate hadn't made him this uneasy.

Even though he had already restrained his aura and suppressed his power to the extreme, the subtle suppression emanating from different levels was already almost unbearable for his keen senses.

If I really had to describe it...

That's it! An oppressive aura comparable to that of Admiral Esdeath!

'this!'

'Is this the power His Highness possesses?!'

Sebastian was deeply shaken, completely awestruck by Locke's power...

Wow…

The sound of pages turning filled the dining table.

Locke sipped his red wine while looking at the report. Everything was written clearly and categorized, showing that a lot of thought had been put into it. A quick glance was enough to understand the changes.

Noxus!

Noxus now!

It is far from the frail and weak state it once was.

While Esdeath led her iron cavalry in battles and training, Noxus's reputation spread far and wide, making it an undeniable behemoth in the entire North Sea.

Especially as Locke's strength grew and his reputation spread throughout the Grand Line and the New World, what Noxus received in return was, of course, unparalleled prestige.

Their overwhelming strength and astonishing achievements are truly terrifying, like a rising sun.

As a result, Noxus became untouchable, and its development proceeded incredibly smoothly.

"Your Highness."

"The threat from Germa has been completely eliminated."

"The Rocks Pirates too..."

Sebastian was clearly not unaware of the situation at sea; in fact, this world-shaking news had already been spread around the world by news birds carrying newspapers.

"So, are you planning to go out to sea again after your 0.6?"

Sebastian asked nervously, already feeling somewhat overstepping his bounds as the butler.

But having watched Rocks grow up, he couldn't help but feel concerned. The New World was far too dangerous, fraught with danger. Even an unparalleled figure like Rocks could die...

He couldn't help but worry.