The Heart Of Spring

When King Riku brought Scarlet and Viola, his two daughters, as well as Kyros, to the palace reception hall, he noticed a young man who was only fifteen years old yet had already grown to 1.85 meters. Dressed in a white suit and blue tie, with four young maids standing behind him, there was a look of amazement in his eyes.

Despite his youth, Kahn had already become the head of the Cross family at the age of nine, ruling as the mafia godfather of West Blue.

At first glance, Kahn seemed like a noble son from a distinguished family. His strength, confidence, and aura derived from his Haki made Kahn the most dazzling presence in any setting.

Scarlet, who was already full of curiosity about Kahn, held her sister's hand and followed behind King Riku, her beautiful eyes fixed on Kahn without blinking.

Sixteen years old is the stage of adolescence. Boys and girls of this age are most curious and rebellious, and it is also when their hearts start to flutter.

Twelve-year-old Hancock, eleven-year-old Nico Robin, ten-year-old Sonia, and nine-year-old Mary are not yet at the stage of opposite-sex attraction. So their relationship with Kahn is like that of siblings, with their love for him being pure and innocent.

Even if there was some romantic love in this affection, they did not realize it. On the other hand, Scarlet was different. She had already seen Kahn's bounty poster on the cover page of the Newspaper and knew what this legendary figure looked like. After seeing Kahn in person, Scarlet's heartbeat suddenly quickened.

Even Viola, who was only ten years old, thought the young man, who was as tall as her sister, looked very handsome. But because of her young age, Violet didn't have the same romantic feelings as her sister.

After a few glances at Kahn, Viola's attention shifted to the four maids behind him, particularly to Mary, who was one year younger than her. Although Sonia was the same age as Violet, she was taller than Robin, who was eleven, and Hancock, who was twelve and didn't look like a ten-year-old at all.

Robin's calm and mature demeanour, along with Hancock's confidence, made them seem older than they were. Among the four maids, only Mary seemed easy to get along with.

"Your Majesty King Riku, it is a pleasure to meet you," Kahn greeted with a smile.

"Mr Kahn, I have long admired your name," King Riku replied with a smile, extending his hand to Kahn.

Kyros, standing a step behind King Riku, kept his sharp eyes on Kahn, wary of any threat to the king. His posture showed his competence as an excellent army commander and royal guard.

Kahn and Robin were unfazed, though Hancock was a bit annoyed by Kyros. After shaking hands, Kahn sat on an expensive couch under King Riku's hospitality while Robin's four maids stood behind him. Scarlet and Viola sat on either side of King Riku, and Kyros stood behind the sofa.

"Mr Kahn, these are my daughters, the eldest, Scarlet, and the second, Viola," King Riku introduced.

"It's an honour to meet you, Your Highnesses," Kahn nodded to the sisters. "My name is Cross Kahn."

Since Robin and the sisters were only maids, Kahn did not introduce them to King Riku and his daughters.

King Riku also did not introduce Kyros.

"It's an honour to meet you too, Mr Kahn."

Scarlet, usually lively and active, restrained herself, showing the reserved demeanour of a princess. She smiled at Kahn, then got up to fetch red wine and tea, taking the initiative to serve.

After the brief introductions, King Riku got straight to the point: "Mr Kahn, you came to Dressrosa and wanted to meet with me specifically. What is the matter?"

"I'm here to discuss a business opportunity with you, Your Majesty," Kahn replied. He crossed his elegant legs, interlaced his fingers, and looked at King Riku with a smile. "I hope to establish a long-term partnership with Dressrosa."

"Oh?" King Riku's interest was piqued. "What kind of business does Mr Kahn want to conduct with our country?"

Kahn didn't answer immediately. Instead, he asked, "Does Your Majesty know about my abilities?"

"Of course," King Riku nodded. "Anyone who read the Newspaper last month would know of your abilities, Mr Kahn."

He continued, slightly in awe, "The physique of a natural destroyer like the Pirate Empress and the power of a mythical Zoan fruit—abilities even rarer than Logia types. You've achieved what countless people dream of but can never reach."

"If nothing unexpected happens, the strongest seas will soon recognize your name."

"You're too kind, Your Majesty," Kahn replied with a calm smile. "As the Newspaper mentioned, my Devil Fruit is the Zoan Dragon-Dragon Fruit: Mythical Zoan Type, Azure Dragon."

"In addition to transforming into a dragon, I possess telekinesis."

"Perhaps you're not familiar with telekinesis, but think of it as a power similar to the Paramecia Float Float Fruit."

"The ability of 'Golden Lion' Shiki—I'm sure you're familiar with it, Your Majesty, given your position in the New World."

Noticing King Riku's face gradually turning serious, Kahn continued, "Don't misunderstand, Your Majesty. I come here with good intentions to propose cooperation."

"What I mentioned earlier was to give you a clearer understanding of my abilities."

"As I said, my telekinesis is similar to the Paramecia Float Float Fruit. What the Golden Lion can do, I can do too, though perhaps not as perfectly."

"So, my telekinetic power can lift an island."

"This time, I seek to hire people from your country and ask for your assistance in recruiting additional workers from another nation to help build the headquarters of the 'Cross Family.'"

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