One Piece: The True Codex

Leaving aside the dealings between William and Roy, in Kalmar City, a few days after meeting his allies Roy and William, Arcadio sought out Norton I.

The two strolled through the palace gardens as Arcadio cautiously tested the waters. "Your Majesty, ever since receiving your command, I've been unable to sleep, spending sleepless nights pondering how to strengthen our army. Unexpectedly, the very next day, a local hero visited me. Seeing my troubled state, he inquired about the cause. Upon hearing of your noble aspirations to reinvigorate the kingdom, he was deeply moved. He immediately expressed his willingness to join the royal army and offered his fleet and warriors to serve Your Majesty and defend the nation. However, I didn't agree right away, as I felt this matter required your approval."

Norton I responded with a simple "Oh," neither praising the "hero" nor showing surprise. To him, others offering their entire fortunes to him was only natural.

"How many ships does he have, and how many men?" Norton I asked directly.

"Four warships and over three hundred men, all seasoned warriors of the sea," Arcadio replied.

"There's still such an armed force within the Navia Kingdom?" Norton I raised an eyebrow, though he showed no fear or concern. The likes of Germa 66 could intimidate him because they had personally toppled a nation. "Is this man a pirate?"

"I swear on my honor, he is not!" Arcadio replied unflinchingly. "Their captain, Stolt, is a well-known chivalrous figure within the kingdom. All I've heard of him is that he helps our citizens drive away sea-bound evildoers. Moreover, he doesn't even have a bounty from the World Government—how could he be a pirate?"

"If that's the case and he's so willing, then grant his request," Norton I said casually.

Seeing that Norton I had nothing further to say, Arcadio couldn't help but remind him, "Your Majesty, such patriotic warriors deserve rewards."

"You're right. I can meet him personally and commend him face-to-face," Norton I replied.

Arcadio paused before bowing slightly and saying, "I believe Your Majesty could bestow upon him a noble title. It would set an example for others, demonstrating your generosity and wisdom. Moreover, for a true hero, you've never been stingy with rewards."

Norton I considered this for a moment and then nodded in agreement.

After leaving the palace, Arcadio shed the servile demeanor he had displayed in front of Norton I, regaining the authoritative air of a high-ranking minister. Seated comfortably at home, he ordered his servants to summon William.

William had been staying in Kalmar City for the past few days, waiting for news.

This unexpected opportunity was a rare chance for William. He had long sought official recognition from a local kingdom. With such status, his forces—whether kingdom, Marines, pirates, or trading company—could seamlessly bridge the worlds of legality and illegality, forming a vast network. This network would gradually transform the region into a semi-autonomous kingdom, where his factions could mutually shield and support each other, quietly growing stronger while minimizing the attention and influence of the World Government.

William had originally planned to delay his kingdom-related initiatives, but the invasion by Germa 66 had expedited Norton I's plans to expand the military. Faced with the burden, Norton I had passed it on to Arcadio, who—desperate and short-sighted—had turned to William. Mistaking William for an easily manipulated figure blinded by the allure of a noble title, Arcadio had unwittingly invited this ambitious wolf into the kingdom's political structure.

Such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was not something William would let slip. Thus, most of his energy was focused on this matter. As soon as Arcadio's envoy arrived, William immediately set out for Arcadio's estate.

Upon seeing the hurried and visibly excited William, Arcadio smiled knowingly.

William's recent actions had produced results. Arcadio, living in the noble district, was well-informed about its happenings. He had already heard that the day William made his proposal, he couldn't contain his excitement and rushed to other parts of the district to survey the environment. Soon after, he had impatiently sent people to purchase an estate in the noble district.

To Arcadio, who was born into a prominent family and noble status, William's behavior was laughable. However, it also made him feel that William would be much easier to control.

"His Majesty has agreed to your proposal," Arcadio said leisurely, sipping his tea. "The day after tomorrow, you'll accompany me to meet His Majesty. Once you're officially granted your title, your crew will become members of the royal army, and you will become a noble of the Navia Kingdom."

Though William inwardly scoffed at Arcadio's pretentiousness, he outwardly displayed an expression of overwhelming excitement and gratitude, nodding repeatedly as if he were too thrilled to speak.

"When you meet His Majesty, remember to restrain that uncivilized, unrefined demeanor of yours," Arcadio lectured arrogantly. "You're about to become a noble, so you must carry yourself accordingly. Don't disgrace us nobles by lowering yourself to the level of commoners."

William readily agreed, though he dismissed Arcadio's words inwardly.

The next day, dressed impeccably, William accompanied Arcadio to the royal palace.

Although William held little regard for Arcadio or Norton I, he wasn't one to seek attention unnecessarily. Today, he had taken care to dress well, donning a black formal suit. His medium-length blonde hair was slicked back with pomade, styled neatly into a swept-back look.

William's tall and muscular physique, solid yet not bulky, perfectly complemented his well-tailored suit. The dark tones of his attire added an air of gravity, highlighting his striking presence. Were it not for the slightly weathered texture of his skin—due to years of exposure to sea winds—and his hands, roughened by sword practice and covered in calluses with thick knuckles, many might mistake him for an elegant nobleman.

Guided by palace guards, the two walked through the palace. The architecture was grand enough, but for William, who had toured places like the Forbidden City and Great Hall of the People in his previous life, it was hardly impressive.

Eventually, they reached the palace hall. After being announced, they entered, and with a single glance, William took in the layout of the room.

Years of living as a pirate had honed his vigilance. His first instinct was to note the positions of the guards in the hall before focusing on the man seated on the throne—King Norton I—and the ministers standing at the base of the throne's platform.

Norton I appeared to be in his forties, with pale skin and a slightly corpulent build. His hands were soft and fair, his hairline slightly receding, and his upper lip adorned with a neatly trimmed mustache. His brown eyes were somewhat dull, and the dark circles under them were pronounced due to his complexion.

To the common citizens of the Navia Kingdom, this crown-wearing, throne-sitting figure likely exuded authority and majesty with every gesture. But to William, he was merely an aging man who rarely engaged in labor and lived a rather indulgent lifestyle.

His complexion, physique, hair color, and mustache all pointed to a life of privilege, while his hairline, dull gaze, and dark circles hinted at his character.

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