Chapter 128: Cobra’s Decision
“Alabasta?”
“Grandfather, you still have this connection with the Nefertari Family? How come I never heard you mention it before?”
“Your father and I were friends with the previous King of Alabasta, but that guy wasn’t as sturdy as me. He’s been dead for almost twenty years. If I hadn’t run into Cobra today, once I’m buried too, this connection would probably end there.”
In the lush green garden filled with clusters of vibrant flowers, under the entirely white gazebo, Sokachio uncorked the wine bottle and downed a third of the rum in one gulp.
He wiped the wine stains from his mouth. “El, what do you think of Alabasta?”
Elus thought seriously for a moment and replied sincerely: “No particular opinion. Alabasta is too far away. Though it’s a super great power with a long history, …..now it’s just like that. A single sand crocodile has thrown the vast country into turmoil.”
Though it’s very possible that somewhere in Alabasta is hidden [Pluto], this super warship.
However, he had already obtained the Pluton Blueprint. Though he couldn’t yet fully decipher the related technology on it, once he absorbed the science and technology of the Jermma Kingdom, even if he couldn’t restore it all, he could still expect to recreate some of the super warship’s power.
“Alabasta still has value.”
Sokachio said, gripping the wine bottle in his hand, his gaze passing through the bottle at the deep red liquor. “Whether it’s the accumulated history or the reputation at the World Conference…..it’s all very valuable. Even if the civil war has made many people doubtful, as long as Alabasta hasn’t completely fallen, no one with any brains would underestimate it. It might stand up again at any time.”
“If we can make Cobra owe us a favor, El, if you need anything in Paradise later, having the Alabasta Kingdom—a country with wide connections and deep foundations—supporting you would make things much easier.”
“If it’s not too much trouble, El, can you lend a hand?”
“Sure.”
“Mm…..huh? Really no problem?”
“What problem could there be?”
Elus smiled. “Alabasta is just a bit far away. It doesn’t have too much trouble itself. The Holy Land can stop direct martial power from aiding Alabasta, but it can’t reach me. A single sand crocodile isn’t some trouble I can’t handle.”
“Also, Grandfather, you’re right. Alabasta’s influence in the first half of the Grand Line is indeed crucial. If we can build goodwill and befriend the Nefertari Family, it’s all gain and no loss. Even without seeking any benefits, it’s good if a king like King Cobra who cares for his people can live one more day.”
“Heh heh!”
Sokachio took another swig of rum and laughed heartily.
Though he had always worried that this eldest grandson’s ambition was too fierce and might bring unbearable danger to the Sokachio Family, he had to admit that having such a capable grandson was indeed a great source of pride. He could show him off every time he met old friends.
Once he finished laughing, he continued: “El, for this matter…..do you have any ideas?”
“Hard to say. No matter how desperate Alabasta is, to get involved in this, we still need to ask King Cobra’s opinion. Otherwise, if the favor doesn’t land, we’ll end up seriously offending the Nefertari Family instead, and that wouldn’t be good.”
Elus pondered for a moment.
After thinking it over, he felt the best approach was still to ask Cobra’s opinion, and best to propose help as tactfully as possible, to avoid hurting King Cobra’s pride. Unfortunately, though Cobra had visited so many people, he hadn’t come to the Eckmond Kingdom’s residence.
Otherwise, if Cobra came to ask personally, that would be the easiest situation to handle.
“Grandfather, for this matter, I think you’ll still need to make the trip yourself.”
————
Sokachio was decisive and swift, acting without any delay. Moreover, the World Conference officially started tomorrow. If they didn’t settle this today, once the conference began, the kings would be busy with meetings during the day and likely communicating with allies at night or using petty tactics against enemies.
Even knowing it was hard to get results at the World Conference, it didn’t stop the kings from holding onto slim hopes and trying.
Sokachio had seen plenty of such things back in the day. He himself had been an active participant among the attendees and knew all the tricks inside. So, to discuss Alabasta’s civil war with Cobra, it was best before the conference started.
Thus,
The old man went straight to Alabasta’s residence and walked in openly through the front gate.
Cobra hadn’t returned yet. Staying there was his daughter, Nefertari Vivi. The twelve-year-old girl received Sokachio. Strictly speaking, she couldn’t yet be called a girl, just a little girl. But this little girl managed everything above and below in perfect order, warmly receiving Sokachio with impeccable etiquette, while not forgetting to send people out to find Cobra’s whereabouts.
In Sokachio’s view—
This was a good child!
Unfortunately, a bit too young, only twelve. Otherwise, she could be considered as a granddaughter-in-law for their family.
Sokachio chatted with Vivi for a couple of sentences and found that this little girl wasn’t just skilled at managing the household; her speech was also sharp. Her knowledge was somewhat shallow, but not to the point of being a caged canary. Given time, Alabasta would have a queen no less than her ancestors.
Though Cobra hadn’t returned, as Sokachio chatted with Vivi, he subtly revealed his purpose.
“…..Grandfather Sokachio, are you serious?”
Vivi widened her eyes, looking at Sokachio full of hope.
“Of course. This old man has told plenty of lies and fooled many fools, but I wouldn’t trick a little girl like you.” Sokachio chuckled. “Your grandfather and I were good friends back then. Unfortunately, he passed away too early, and the distance between the Eckmond Kingdom and Alabasta is really quite far. That’s why contact broke off after so many years.”
“Since we’ve met again at the Holy Land today, I can’t just watch a friend’s child being bullied. Otherwise, when I die, I won’t have the face to meet people.”
“Vivi, don’t rush to say thanks. This matter still needs your father to decide once he’s back, and the specifics need to be discussed slowly. Once Alabasta’s civil war really ends, you can thank this old man then.”
Vivi didn’t insist further and just continued chatting with the old man.
It had to be said.
In coaxing people to talk, Vivi’s talent was far beyond what Elus’s two younger siblings—who weren’t grown yet—could match. With her mother passing early, raised under her father’s careful nurturing, the child knew how to empathize with others but didn’t seem fragile due to the spoiling from her father and those around her.
This formed Vivi’s unique gentle and understanding temperament. As long as someone interacted with Vivi and had even a bit of softness in their heart, it was hard not to feel fondness for this little girl.
Sokachio was another example.
After just this short chat, he truly saw Vivi as his own granddaughter. Though it was just a temporary feeling that would fade with time, he still felt such a good child really should be properly cherished. A barbaric pirate like Crocodile should best be driven far away.
He didn’t have to wait long for Sokachio. The second serving of hot tea was still steaming with faint white vapor.
Cobra, having received the news, hurried back.
“Your Excellency Sokachio.”
“I said there’s no need to be so formal. Your father and I were friends; no need for such politeness. Just call me Uncle.”
Sokachio’s face was thick enough.
Cobra nearly choked. Was there really someone who climbed the pole like this? His late father and Sokachio’s friendship surely hadn’t been that close, right? Otherwise, the two countries wouldn’t have cut contact right after his father died.
But he didn’t yet know Sokachio’s purpose. Plus, with Sokachio’s age right there, by age alone he was indeed an elder. He opened his mouth but couldn’t say ‘Uncle,’ muddling through ambiguously and only asking why Sokachio had come.
Vivi, however, stood up first and roughly explained Sokachio’s purpose.
Cobra was immediately stunned.
He was a bit confused and looked doubtfully at Sokachio. No matter how kind his nature, as a king he was qualified. Between countries, exchanges always sought interests, not necessarily money, but definitely with purpose.
When he asked for help, he hadn’t expected empty words relying only on past ties to get aid. He had offered various interests as reward.
So,
What was the Eckmond Kingdom after? To proactively come offering help.
This inevitably made him worry that Sokachio’s appetite was too big, and the Alabasta Kingdom might not be able to bear the corresponding reward now.
But rejection…..
Hiss!
Yet he couldn’t harden his heart. Up to now, he still hadn’t found a single helper. If he rejected the Eckmond Kingdom, probably…..this trip to the Holy Land would end in failure. He truly had no idea how bad the domestic situation would get then.
“Your Excellency Sokachio, Alabasta’s territory is vast, but mostly desert. The civil war has also depleted much vitality. I’m afraid we can’t offer too much reward for a while…..” Cobra tactfully voiced his concern.
“Cough cough.”
Sokachio cleared his throat. Thick-skinned, he said: “No need to worry, no need. I have my purposes, but rest assured, they’re not excessive demands. After all, your father and I really were friends back then. If I didn’t know, fine, but knowing and standing by…..I wouldn’t feel good about it.”
“Also, my grandson is too much of a troublemaker now, stirring up a bunch of enemies in the New World. I’m just thinking of gaining one or two more allies, so he’s not too isolated.”
Cobra furrowed his brows.
He racked his brains, pondering if Sokachio’s words were true or false. But…..when he noticed Vivi sitting quietly on the sofa, he remembered her dangerous infiltration of Baroque Works, and sighed inwardly.
Fine, just like this!
He couldn’t watch Vivi risk herself again. The Eckmond Kingdom was different from a pirate like Crocodile after all. If the countries bordered each other, he might worry it was a sign of annexation, but they were far apart, so unlikely to swallow Alabasta whole.
No matter what schemes the Eckmond Kingdom had, the situation wouldn’t get worse.
“Your Excellency Sokachio, please help our country through this crisis.” Cobra took a breath and formally requested of Sokachio.
“Haha! Don’t worry, don’t worry. My grandson will handle this matter. It’ll be fine, guaranteed.”
Sokachio patted his chest, using Elus’s name as guarantee.
“Your grandson?”
Cobra blinked, puzzled: “Isn’t the king of the Eckmond Kingdom Berville? Has he abdicated already?”
“Bah! It has nothing to do with who’s king. Anyway, for this matter, go to El and you’ll be fine.”
Sokachio had a don’t-mind-it expression.
Cobra looked at Sokachio’s nonchalant demeanor and said no more. He didn’t know the Eckmond Kingdom’s situation well, but Elus’s name was like thunder to his ears. The Black Prince’s fierce reputation had spread even farther with time. Moreover, like that crocodile, the Black Prince was also one of the Seven Warlords.
Since Sokachio dared say so, there must be reason. No need to nitpick such…..minor issues? Sigh! It still felt a bit off—bypassing the king to deal directly with the prince. In his view, it was somewhat irregular.
Sokachio acted decisively without delay, and Cobra wasn’t one to dawdle.
Since he had already accepted the Eckmond Kingdom’s olive branch, Cobra didn’t mind making another trip to meet that Black Prince and ask face-to-face what help he could provide. Vivi, who had sat obediently silent for half the time beside him, suddenly proposed to go together.
Sokachio didn’t mind at all, very welcoming.
Cobra hesitated, looking at his daughter’s expectant gaze, his heart softened, and he agreed. Father and daughter set off together, escorted by a large group of guards, to this villa belonging to the Eckmond Kingdom’s residence. In the garden’s gazebo, they met the Black Prince—
Sokachio Elus.
Black hair, green eyes, neatly dressed, outstanding appearance, refined temperament…..Cobra’s first impression of Elus was quite good. Not the ‘cruel and bloodthirsty’ or ‘brutal as a beast’ described in some newspapers.
He inwardly sighed again at how unreliable newspaper reports had become. He stepped forward, preparing to greet Elus.
“King Cobra, hello.”
Elus stepped out of the gazebo, courteously extending his hand before Cobra could speak. They shook hands lightly, and he smilingly said a couple words to Vivi too. He gestured inviting Cobra and Vivi to sit in the gazebo.
