MARINES - A ONE PIECE story (ENGLISH) - Part I

CHAPTRE CLXIV - To build an army

By dawn, the Brocelott fortress was already bustling with activity : a procession of carriages was gathered in the courtyard, ready to set out for the harbor, and the soldiers of the Round Table seemed energized by the early morning. When the Emperor emerged from the great hall, a large canvas bag slung over his back, everyone stood at attention and gave him a puzzled look.

- What is all this ? he shouted when he saw the tons of foodstuffs piled up.

Morgan made her way through the crowd and stood in front of her father, looking visibly pleased.

- Victuals for your trip, Father ! I have also had a change of clothes and weapons prepared. Two battalions are ready to accompany you to the port and set sail with you.

Utyr stepped back and threw his bag at his feet.

- Here is everything I need, girl.

She looked at the bag in surprise, not understanding.

- But... Father ! You are going after...

- I know very well what I have to do. I do not need these supplies, weapons and soldiers : I can survive on my own. The first priority is not to attract attention. The woman I go after likes to keep a low profile.

- "On your own" ? Morgan repeated in a dismayed stammer. But Father, you cannot ! You are the most wanted man in the world, how could you...

- The strongest, too ! he interrupted her. I do not need anyone else for this trip, nor to say what I can do or not. Get our smallest ship ready, that will be enough. As I said, I think I know where she hides. I will be back in two weeks.

Morgan looked annoyed. Obviously, not because of the cancellation of the preparations she had gone to the trouble of making, but rather because of the genuine concern she had for her father.

- Could I at least come with you ?

He looked at her almost tenderly but remained firm.

- No, he said sharply, putting his large hand on her shoulder. In my absence, you will be the master of Brocelott. The safety of our men, their good behavior, are now your responsibility : rule as I would.

He walked to the great gate of the fortress and saw his winged mount, with its horse-like body and eagle wings, being saddled by the groom.

- I will not be needing Lamri, he warned, but do not use him while I am gone, understood ?

Morgana nodded sadly as Utyr was engaging on the rocky road to the port. Arthur saw his sister's distress and couldn't help but reach out to her to try to comfort her.

- Do not worry. He doesn't seem to need anyone. It is rather those who would be in his way who would need an escort...

Morgana smiled and let out a small laugh, like a startle.

- I know. But I cannot help worrying about him. He is my father, after all.

She gave him a look of remorse, aware of her clumsiness.

- Our father, she corrected herself, placing her hand on his.

He smiled at her to accept her apology, but the sadness immediately returned to his sister's eyes.

- It is just that... he has been getting weaker lately. I think he is sick.

- Didn't he tell you ?

- No, he has not. Father is a very modest man, who never talks about his condition. His strength is still that of a young man, but his body is aging like all things in the world. He cannot fight forever.