Chapter 26 Kuzan Visits Drum Kingdom!
The world was a vast expanse of white. Snowflakes danced and twirled in the cold wind, endlessly falling. The entire Island was draped in a layer of pure white, like a pristine carpet.
The Mountain Range formed by the continuous Snow Mountains served as a backdrop, highlighting the eight towering Mountain Peaks that pierced the clouds with magnificent grandeur. This place was Drum Kingdom, one of the Affiliated Nations under the World Government.
A quintessential Winter Island located in the first half of the Grand Line.
Despite the current snowfall, this was already considered rare good weather for this country. At least today, the wind was relatively gentle.
At the Dock, King Arnold, the current ruler with purple hair, a white fur hat, and clad in thick winter clothing, glanced at the armed Soldiers responsible for security. He incessantly instructed the officials behind him.
"Is everything prepared? The World Government's Visit Ship will arrive in half an hour. Absolutely no mistakes are allowed!"
The officials nodded and bowed obsequiously, replying hastily, "Rest assured, Your Majesty. There will be absolutely no accidents along the entire Route from here to the Main Peak. Those Carnivorous Rabbit Lapahns have already been lured five kilometers away with Raw Meat. They certainly won't be back within a few hours. The Cable Car is also ready and has been inspected many times. There are no issues whatsoever."
"Hmm, what about those two brats? Why haven't they come yet?" King Arnold asked with some displeasure.
"This... First Prince Mushiuru and Second Prince Wapol feel it's too cold outside. After all, the two princes are only five or six years old this year, they are indeed still young." The official replied with difficulty.
"Cold?"
King Arnold scoffed, "When it was even colder than this, weren't they still having snowball fights outside the Castle? Who are they trying to fool? They're just bored of waiting here. Forget it, ignore them!"
He had originally intended to bring his two sons to greet Minister Malvani, hoping to show off in front of this important figure.
This was the Minister of the Administrative Department of the World Government!
"Your Majesty, why is this Minister suddenly visiting our country?" The official asked, gazing doubtfully at the boundless Sea Surface. The snow-covered Grand Line looked quite poetic.
"I don't know either. The notice didn't say. However, I guess it should be related to this year's World Conference. Apart from that, I really can't think of anything else that would warrant a Minister of his stature to come here personally."
King Arnold spoke as he patiently waited in place.
As expected, the World Government's Visit Ship was very punctual. Thirty minutes later, escorted by two Navy Warships on either side, it slowly sailed into the Port of Drum Kingdom.
Soon, a white-haired middle-aged man in a suit and leather Overcoat, over two meters tall, and a Navy Officer, estimated to be three meters tall, disembarked from their respective ships.
At the same time, spirited and robust Marine Soldiers dispersed, instantly taking over the security of the entire Port.
"Hahaha, welcome, welcome! It is a great honor to host Minister Malvani's visit to our Kingdom. I will definitely give you a warm reception this time!"
King Arnold walked over with a hearty laugh, brimming with enthusiasm. Minister Malvani shook his hand and chuckled, "I am also under Orders from the higher-ups. Because the matter is somewhat complex and of high importance, I came here personally."
"Oh? Could you perhaps reveal what it is about?"
King Arnold's heart trembled slightly. Something involving the World Government, complex, and important – it didn't sound like good news at all.
"Hehe, it's good news. This time, Drum Kingdom, you can consider yourselves extremely fortunate. It's mainly because your reputation as a Medical Superpower is well-known overseas."
After speaking, Minister Malvani introduced the tall Navy Officer beside him.
"This is the newly promoted Admiral Candidate, Vice Admiral Kuzan, codenamed Blue Pheasant. He is also here with a very important Mission. He's not just here to escort me. I am not qualified to enjoy such high-level protection."
"Greetings, King Arnold, it's a pleasure to meet you." Kuzan nodded and greeted in a serious tone.
"Admiral Candidate? The one who is the top Logia Type Ice-Ice Fruit Ability User!" King Arnold was stunned. He felt even more uneasy and worried.
Having been a King of an Affiliated Nation for so many years and attended so many World Conferences, he still had some insight. With Vice Admiral Blue Pheasant's Strength, even if all of his guards went up against him, they wouldn't be a match, right?
"Ara ara~ That would be me. Speaking of which, this country is really nice, especially the climate and wind here, it's comfortably just right. I'm already starting to like this place."
Enjoying the cold wind and drifting snow, Kuzan gazed at the continuous Snow Mountain Range within the Island and the exaggerated eight drum-like Mountain Peaks. It was said that each of those eight Mountain Peaks was five thousand meters high.
However, upon recalling the Order he had received this time, looking at these Mountain Peaks made him feel a little tired and helpless.
"Hehehe, you will definitely like the climate of our Drum Kingdom. If you don't mind, you can stay for a few more days!"
King Arnold maintained his enthusiasm, thinking in his heart that at least with this person sitting here, he wouldn't have to worry about Pirates for a while.
Recently, for some unknown reason, there had been an increase in Pirates attempting to land on the Island and plunder, causing a sharp rise in casualties among the guards.
"Then I shall impose on your hospitality. I really do need to stay for a few days this time." Kuzan nodded.
Hearing this, King Arnold was once again filled with question marks, but he didn't continue to ask. He quickly led the two onto the Snow River Carriage that had been prepared long ago.
About an hour later, the entire procession passed through the Town amidst the gazes of a large number of Citizens and arrived at the Snow Mountain Summit. A luxurious, large-sized Cable Car was already parked there.
"Because the Royal Palace Castle is located at the summit of the Main Peak, we need to take this Cable Car up. Please rest assured, the entire process is very safe and stable, and you can also enjoy the scenery of the snow Kingdom along the way!"
King Arnold introduced as he led Minister Malvani and Vice Admiral Kuzan into the Cable Car. Five minutes later, the Cable Car started, gliding along the straight cable line towards the towering snow-colored Mountain Peak.
"From the ground to the Mountain Peak, there is a height of five thousand meters. This Cable Car is alright, but in terms of load capacity and efficiency, there should still be shortcomings, right?"
Minister Malvani said softly, looking at the scenery outside the window.
"Yes, there are two Aerial Ropeways connecting the ground and the Main Peak, so only two Cable Cars can be used at a time. Each Cable Car can carry a maximum of twenty people. This results in a situation where transporting large quantities of supplies takes too long. If we encounter a Blizzard, we even have to temporarily stop."
King Arnold sighed.
"Hehe, this time Vice Admiral Blue Pheasant is here to help you solve this problem. Drum Kingdom, this time, you really have to thank the World Government!"
After saying that, Minister Malvani looked at Kuzan beside him and asked with a smile, "How is it? Seeing the Environment in person, can you solve it?"
"A height of five thousand meters is a bit difficult. My current self can't accomplish it in one go. It will probably take ten days?" Kuzan only felt a sense of exhaustion.
The conversation between the two left King Arnold completely bewildered. At this moment, Minister Malvani pointed to the other Drum Mountain Peaks surrounding the Main Peak.
"King, how are these Mountain Peaks utilized by your country? Are there any Buildings on them?"
"No, those are all empty. Our Kingdom doesn't have that many Citizens either." King Arnold shook his head.
In fact, it was that they, the Royal Family of successive generations, did not want Civilians to live at the same altitude as them, somewhat imitating the Celestial Dragons' Mary Geoise.
"Is that so? That's good, that's great!" Minister Malvani clapped his palms happily.
[Data for this chapter: Collection 148, Recommendations 259, Comments 12]
[End of Chapter]