UchihaRemant
patreon
Chapter - 120 Heading to the Oasis, Admiration.
🕑 Added 2025-01-07 21:04:24 +0000 UTCWhen Lakeman stirred awake, his movements gently disturbed the girls nestled beside him. One by one, Hancock, Robin, and Lily opened their eyes, their gazes drawn to him as if his mere presence commanded their attention.
Smiling softly, they rose alongside him, their morning ritual beginning in unison. Together, they accompanied Lakeman to the grand marble bathroom, its opulence reflecting their master's status. There, amidst the warmth of the cascading water, they bathed together, their laughter echoing softly in the spacious chamber.
Afterward, they carefully dried and dressed Lakeman, their hands moving playfully over his body with reverent precision, ensuring every detail was perfect. Once satisfied with his attire, they attended to their own preparations, adorning themselves with the grace and elegance befitting their roles.
Meanwhile, Titi had quietly slipped out earlier, retreating to her own quarters. There, she bathed and meticulously prepared for the day, her movements deliberate and practiced. However, her peaceful routine was interrupted when a maid hurriedly knocked on her door.
“Your Majesty,” the maid said, her voice tinged with urgency, “I bring troubling news. His Majesty Kobra has fallen ill with a fever and is currently being attended to by the doctors.”
Titi’s brows knitted together in feigned concern. “Thank you for informing me. I’ll go to him immediately.”
In Kobra’s chamber, the atmosphere was heavy with worry. Kobra lay motionless on the grand bed, his face pale and his breathing shallow. Two doctors hovered over him, their expressions focused. Chaka and Pell stood nearby, their postures rigid, betraying their unease.
Titi entered the room with a composed yet concerned demeanor. “Doctor, how is His Majesty?” she asked, her voice laced with carefully crafted worry.
The elder doctor looked up and offered a reassuring smile. “Queen Titi, there’s no need for alarm. It’s just a common cold and fever. He will recover in a few days with proper rest and medication.”
The younger doctor added gravely, “However, his body is extremely fatigued. His exertions have drained him, and he must rest without interruption.”
Titi placed a delicate hand over her heart, her expression one of exhaustion. “This must be because of his excitement over Saint Lakeman and Vice Admiral Kuzan’s project. He has been working tirelessly and sleeping poorly these past few days.” She sighed and turned to Chaka. “Chaka, it seems His Majesty won’t be able to accompany Saint Lakeman and Vice Admiral Kuzan on their journey to address the water shortage issue. I will remain by His Majesty’s side to care for him. You should go in his place.”
Chaka frowned deeply, his voice firm. “Your Majesty, I must disagree. Saint Lakeman and Vice Admiral Kuzan are dedicating themselves to helping Alabasta. It might seem disrespectful if no one from the royal family accompanies them. I am but a guard—it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to represent the crown. You must go, Your Majesty. This project’s success is vital to our people, and His Majesty would not forgive himself if anything went amiss.”
Before Titi could respond, a rasping cough broke the silence.
“Cough “
All heads turned toward the bed as Kobra stirred awake. His voice, though weak, carried authority. “Titi,” he said, his tone labored but resolute, “Chaka is right. You must accompany them. Pell will go with you to ensure your safety. This project is critical for Alabasta’s future, and we cannot afford to neglect it.”
Titi hesitated, her lips trembling as she feigned reluctance. “But Your Majesty, your health—”
Kobra waved a trembling hand. “The doctors have assured me it’s nothing serious. Chaka will remain here to tend to me. You must go now. Saint Lakeman and Vice Admiral Kuzan are likely awake by now, and they must not be kept waiting. It’s already time for breakfast.”
With a deep breath, Titi nodded. “As you wish, Your Majesty. Please rest and recover.”
She turned and left the room, her expression shifting to one of determination as soon as the door closed behind her. She addressed a nearby maid, her voice clipped but composed. “Inform Vice Admiral Kuzan and Saint Lakeman that breakfast is ready and that they are expected in the dining hall.”
The maid bowed and hurried off as Titi made her way to the grand dining hall. She directed the servants precisely, ensuring every detail was flawless for their distinguished guests. The table was set with the finest silverware, and an array of dishes was artfully arranged. By the time she took her seat, everything was in place, awaiting the arrival of Saint Lakeman and Vice Admiral Kuzan.
Lakeman, accompanied by Robin, Hancock, and Lily, entered the grand dining hall. Upon arriving, he noticed that Titi and Kuzan were already seated, waiting for him.
With an air of casual confidence, Lakeman took a seat beside Titi, while the girls gracefully settled beside him. His sharp blood-red eyes flicked toward Kuzan, who sat opposite him. “Kuzan, you’re early,” he remarked with a faint smirk. Then, turning his gaze to Titi, he asked, “Why isn’t Kobra here yet?”
Titi let out a soft sigh, feigning concern. “His Majesty isn’t in good health. He caught a fever and cold because he didn’t sleep well last night—he was too excited about working with you and Vice Admiral Kuzan on the water project.” She smiled faintly and added, “I’ll be accompanying you in his place to assist with the journey.”
Lakeman leaned back slightly, his expression indifferent. “That’s fine. I hope Kobra recovers soon. Let’s eat.” With that, he began his breakfast, prompting everyone else to follow suit.
After finishing their meal, Robin and Hancock excused themselves to begin their training, leaving Lakeman, Titi, and Kuzan at the table. Lily stood quietly behind Lakeman, her presence calm and poised as always.
Lakeman glanced at Titi, his tone direct yet teasing. “So, mother-in-law, where do you want to start? I suggest we begin with the villages struggling the most to access water or at an oasis on the verge of drying up. Reviving one of those could make a big difference.”
Kuzan’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his usually composed face. He hadn’t been aware of Lakeman’s ties to the Alabasta royal family. As he processed Lakeman’s suggestion, a thought crossed his mind: ‘Saint Lakeman… he’s different. Genuine. It’s astonishing to find such a man among the Celestial Dragons—a miracle, even.’
Titi nodded thoughtfully. “That’s a reasonable plan. However, Kobra handled the arrangements, and I’m unfamiliar with the details. I’ll need to review his notes.” She motioned to a maid. “Call Pell and have him bring the list His Majesty prepared.”
Within moments, Pell arrived carrying several parchments filled with dense writing. He handed them to Titi before stepping aside.
Titi scanned the list briefly, a smile forming on her lips. “It seems Kobra already organized everything perfectly. The first location is Taar, an oasis settlement on the brink of drying up. Eight surrounding villages depend on it for water, sustaining nearly ten thousand people.”
“Good. Let’s not waste time,” Lakeman said, rising from his chair.
Titi, Kuzan, Pell, and Lily followed him as they exited the palace. Outside, Pell had arranged for super-billed ducks—desert mounts known for their incredible speed. Kuzan, Pell, and a few royal guards mounted their ducks, while Lakeman, Titi, and Lily rode together.
For this journey, Lakeman forwent his exclusive ride—a majestic giant elephant—choosing instead to remain close to Kuzan. The proximity was vital, as the system’s binding progress advanced faster when they were near each other.
Once everyone was ready, the group set out. The royal guards led the way, with Lakeman riding alongside Kuzan, Titi close behind. The super-billed ducks moved swiftly, and in mere minutes, they had left the capital city behind.
The vast desert stretched before them, but their speed didn’t falter. Occasionally, they passed through small villages and towns, their presence drawing curious gazes. Lakeman remained close to Kuzan throughout, glancing occasionally at the progress displayed by the system.
[Binding Kuzan: 3.63%]
The numbers ticked upward as they rode, unnoticed by the others.
After nearly two hours of relentless travel with only a brief rest, they reached Taar. The village chief, an elderly man in his sixties, greeted them warmly alongside a small group of villagers who recognized Titi and Pell.
“Your Majesty, Queen Titi,” the chief said, bowing deeply.
The group dismounted, graciously accepting the villagers’ welcome. Titi stepped forward, her voice steady and reassuring. “This is Saint Lakeman, a Celestial Dragon who has come to help resolve the water shortage and rejuvenate your drying oasis.” She gestured toward Kuzan. “And this is Vice Admiral Kuzan, who will be assisting as well.”
“Thank you, Saint Lakeman and Vice Admiral Kuzan, for your help,” the village chief said, bowing again. Despite his formal words, doubt lingered in his eyes—a sentiment shared by the villagers.
As the group was led toward the oasis, whispers rippled through the crowd behind them.
“Do you really think they’ll help us?” a man muttered skeptically.
“How could they? The Celestial Dragons only care about themselves. They enslave and torture—they don’t help anyone,” an older man said bitterly, his voice rising in frustration. “This is all a sham.”
“But Queen Titi wouldn’t lie,” a woman carrying a child protested softly.
“Hmph,” another villager scoffed. “A dry oasis is as good as gone. They’re just making false promises to pacify us.”
Their hushed conversations didn’t escape the ears of Kuzan, Titi, Pell, and even the village chief. They exchanged uneasy glances, worried about Lakeman’s reaction. To their surprise, Lakeman appeared unbothered, his attention fixed on the glowing screen before him.
[Binding Kuzan: 4.22%]
The group finally arrived at the oasis. Lakeman remained focused, oblivious to the murmurs and the tense atmosphere. Meanwhile, the others breathed a collective sigh of relief, silently admiring Lakeman’s apparent tolerance and composure in the face of doubt and misunderstanding.
_________________________________________________________________
Thank you to our amazing Patrons for your incredible support and contributions to our work. You're all legends.
[Sweaty Gamer]: The GODLY FAN - $50 pledged
[Gabriel Andersen]: The GODLY FAN - $50 Pledged
[Richárd Főző]: The GODLY FAN - $50 Pledged
[Wolfpack Studios]: A Die Hard Fan - $20 Pledged
[Kuroko]: A Die Hard Fan - $20 Pledged
[Shonen Zero]: A Die Hard Fan - $20 Pledged
[Tikaru Shiro]: A Die Hard Fan - $20 Pledged
[Angel Pena Gutierrez]: A Die Hard Fan - $20 Pledged
[Justin Coulter]: A Die Hard Fan - $20 Pledged
[James Murphy]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Hunter212]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Yann Schurmans]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Zekram]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Game Boy]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[The Book Nerd]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Evil_Bob]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Jessie Swann]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Avacus]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[David Lagos]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Sakai_Yt]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Luis]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[James Fleming]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Mozart 111]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Robert]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[FL e]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Blackninja Channel]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Omar Amurrio]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[NoxPax]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Michael McCowan]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Bahamut Zero]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[UNfriendly whatifer]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Paul]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[The_Hidden_Hermit]: A Super Fan - $10 Pledged
[Nick]: A Loyal Fan - $5 Pledged
[YesNoMaybeSo]: A Loyal Fan - $5 Pledged
[Pedro Ignacio Faúndez Amurrio]: A Loyal Fan - $5 Pledged
[Ivy]: A Loyal Fan - $5 Pledged
[Zeren]: A Loyal Fan - $5 Pledged
[Joshua Babineau]: A Loyal Fan - $5 Pledged
[Wes Ferrell]: A Loyal Fan - $5 Pledged
[Rj]: A Loyal Fan - $5 Pledged
