Ancient Tomb #171
Author's note (not a rant):
Hey there,
Seems like a bit of a hiccup's cropped up in my writing style, and it's about time I admitted it. You know what? It's actually a valid point this time around— You heard right! Valid critiques from the unwashed masses of Webnovel! Shocking, I know.
So, here's the deal. Some folks have been rightly calling me out for going a tad overboard with the explanations, gestures, and describing every nook and cranny, and they're right.
You see, I've got a habit of tossing around certain moves and phrases (like "frowned" or "waved his hand") a bit too much, which I abused in my earlier stories. So, I took action. I roped in ChatGPT to help me cook up fancier paragraphs (which I would try to replicate in my own writing), using like a hundred words when ten would do just fine. You know, to buff up my vocabulary and learn new expression and all that.
Guess what? It sort of worked. But the plan slightly backfired 'cause now I've got this avalanche of over expressions the actual chapters. Brace yourselves, the next dozen or so might come off as stuffed with this kind of stuff. But here's my promise: I'll try to make up for it with more double updates, more frequently.
If you're in a hurry or you've had enough of these wordy bits, just skip 'em or skim 'em. Or, you know, if you're totally fed up, feel free to just stop reading. I promise you, no one would care.
Finally, if you haven't already, do check my Marvel fic (Marvelous Twist)
And with that out of the way, enjoy the chapter.
...
The air within the banquet hall was imbued with a sense of finality, a signal that their time together was drawing to a close. Cedric's gaze swept across the room, taking in the sumptuous decor and the atmosphere of camaraderie that had enveloped the gathering. He could feel the weight of departure looming, a reality he had grown accustomed to as a wandering soul.
As the evening's festivities wound down, King Cobra's voice rang out, drawing the attention of the room's occupants, including Cedric. The words carried a tone of gratitude and respect, a sentiment that reverberated within the grandeur of the chamber. "You have truly done our country a great service, young man," the king proclaimed, his eyes holding a mixture of admiration and appreciation.
A smile played at the corners of the king's lips as he continued, acknowledging the insufficiency of the monetary reward that had been agreed upon. "No matter how I look at it, a mere 50 million seems too little as a reward for your deeds," King Cobra admitted, his gaze unwavering as it met Cedric's.
Cedric returned the smile with a nonchalant shrug, a playful glint in his eyes. "Well, I won't deny that, but I've set the price myself because that's how much money I need, not one Beri less or more.." he replied, his words reflecting the pragmatic nature that often guided his choices. Money, while significant, was only a means to an end.
The king nodded in understanding, his expression one of dignified agreement. "That is true," he conceded, his tone contemplative. "Nevertheless, it would be a mark of shame on the royal family if we do not pay you back appropriately," he continued, a sense of duty underscoring his words.
King Cobra's gaze shifted toward Princess Vivi, a silent exchange passing between them. Vivi's smile mirrored her father's sentiments, her eyes holding a warmth that radiated from her heart. She rose gracefully from her seat, her movements fluid and purposeful as she left the banquet hall, a sense of anticipation lingering in her wake.
Cedric watched curiously, his interest piqued by Vivi's departure. His mind briefly wandered, contemplating the possible meaning behind her actions. However, before his thoughts could drift too far, Vivi returned to the hall, a sense of anticipation emanating from her as she reentered.
In her hand, Vivi cradled an object, its form concealed beneath a piece of cloth. With a subtle gesture, she beckoned two guards to join her, their presence a clear indication of the significance of what was about to transpire. The guards approached with respectful efficiency, their hands securing the cloth before gently stretching it out for all to see.
As the fabric unfurled, a long coat was revealed, its silhouette reminiscent of Cedric's own marine coat. However, a stark difference was immediately apparent—the coat was a deep, rich black, a hue that contrasted with Cedric's usual marine blue attire.
Cedric's lips curled into an amused smile as the guards revealed the back of the coat. It was a striking resemblance to his original marine coat, emblazoned with the Kanji character for "Justice." However, this one held a unique addition. Flanking the Kanji for Justice were two more characters: "Freedom" and "Strength." The arrangement intrigued Cedric, and his gaze shifted from the coat to King Cobra, silently awaiting an explanation.
With a gracious nod, King Cobra stepped forward to provide the context. His voice carried a mixture of pride and respect as he spoke, "The coat was personally commissioned by me and meticulously crafted using threads spun by the desert spiders native to Alabasta. It takes approximately three years to gather the necessary material for its creation."
Cedric's eyebrows raised, his curiosity piqued by this unfamiliar process. Before he could voice his thoughts, King Cobra continued, addressing the unspoken question in Cedric's eyes. "These threads are primarily reserved for crafting the royal garbs worn by the new king or queen during their coronation ceremony."
A chuckle bubbled from Cedric's throat as he processed the significance of the gift. "And is it really okay to give me something so important?" he mused, his lips tugging into a wry smile.
King Cobra's grin widened, the lines of age on his face deepening with his amusement. "Indeed, Cedric. Since you've made it clear that monetary rewards hold little sway over you, I thought it fitting to offer you a token of our gratitude that reflects our values."
Vivi, who had been listening attentively, chimed in enthusiastically. "And don't be fooled by its elegant appearance alone! Desert spider threads are incredibly durable, rivaling the strength of steel wire. They are resistant to water and heat, making this coat not just a symbol of honor, but a functional asset as well."
Cedric's exasperation mingled with a hint of amusement. "You've truly gone all out," he remarked, shaking his head with mock disbelief. "Tailor-made just for me... I suppose I can't turn it down now, can I?"
King Cobra's laughter rang out, a warm and hearty sound. "I would be disappointed if you did," he replied. He watched with a satisfied expression as Cedric donned the coat, the fabric settling comfortably around his form.
As the coat enveloped him, Cedric's gaze met King Cobra's. "Your generosity won't be forgotten," he affirmed, his voice carrying a sincere note.
King Cobra's eyes bore into Cedric's, a silent understanding passing between them. "It's the least we can do," the king replied and nodded toward Cedric. "Now, Vivi, is there anything else we can offer you?"
"Well... I don't want to impose, but there is one more thing..."
...
Beneath Alubarna, within the hidden depths of the Tomb of Kings, Cedric found himself leaning against the cool, sandstone wall of the Poneglyph room. The air was hushed, heavy with a sense of ancient mystery that seemed to pervade every inch of the catacombs. Around him, intricate depictions of humanoid jackals adorned the walls, their enigmatic eyes seeming to watch over the chamber's occupants.
Before him, in the heart of the chamber, stood Nico Robin. Her presence seemed to merge seamlessly with the aura of antiquity that surrounded them. Focused and deliberate, her fingers danced over the textured surface of the Poneglyph, tracing the etchings of a long-forgotten language. Every curve and line held significance, every word a piece of a puzzle Robin was determined to unravel.
Cedric's gaze shifted from the carvings to Robin, his admiration evident as he observed her intent concentration. The favor he had requested of King Cobra had been a unique one, driven by a desire to offer Robin the chance to explore the hidden history of Alabasta.
King Cobra's willingness to grant Cedric access to the Tomb of Kings was rooted in his lack of knowledge about Robin's ability to decipher the Poneglyphs. The ruse was a means to an end, a way to share this profound experience with a friend.
Cedric's intentions were to provide Robin with the opportunity she would have had in a few years if it weren't for his meddling. He wasn't one to deceive those he held in high regard, but he knew that no harm would come from this charade.
After all, his own interest in the legendary ancient weapon known as Pluton was nonexistent, and Robin's focus was solely on unraveling the mysteries of the lost history of the Voice Century.
After several minutes of Robin's focused examination, her fingers delicately tracing the intricate carvings of the Poneglyph, she finally stepped back.
The atmosphere within the Poneglyph chamber seemed to shift as she turned to Cedric, her expression composed and thoughtful. "I'm done here," she announced, her voice a quiet echo in the chamber's stillness. "We can go, if you wish."
Cedric, who had been leaning against the sandstone wall, pushed himself off with an intrigued eyebrow raised. "Oh? Already?" he queried, his curiosity piqued by Robin's apparent haste.
Robin nodded, her movements graceful and purposeful. Cedric's nonchalant response elicited a faint smile from her, and she couldn't help but appreciate his willingness to accommodate her interests. "Then let's get going," he continued, his words punctuated by a casual shrug.
However, Robin found herself momentarily taken aback by Cedric's swift agreement. His lack of curiosity about the contents of the Poneglyph, especially considering its historical significance, struck her as unusual.
Her gaze held a genuine confusion as she regarded him, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Aren't you interested in what's written in this Poneglyph?" she inquired, her tone a mixture of surprise and inquiry.
Cedric's response was both unexpected and matter-of-fact. He shook his head, his demeanor relaxed as he met Robin's gaze. "Not one bit," he stated plainly. "I don't care much for history, and even if I were, I know this particular Poneglyph doesn't say much about the Voice Century."
Robin's eyes widened marginally, her surprise evident, yet she quickly composed herself. "What do you mean?"
...
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