When water flows into a channel, it describes how a dry and cracked land, once artificially carved open, becomes flooded with rushing water, eventually forming a fully developed canal.
This idiom is a metaphor for how, under sufficiently mature conditions, it is possible to open up a new path.
———
[Two Hours Later]
Rosse slowly rose from the sofa, unhurriedly buttoning his shirt. As the fabric parted and closed, broad shoulders, a solid chest, and tight abs were revealed one by one. The well-defined muscle lines faintly appeared, his entire body radiating masculine energy.
This scene left Princess Titi, who was half-leaning on the sofa with her legs forming an M shape, staring in a daze.
Clear and firm muscle lines, a perfectly handsome face, stamina so strong it was hard for her to believe. The forcibly opened channel was not only three times wider than the original small water conduit, but over twice as long.
Moreover, after the water flowed and the channel was formed, Princess Titi could feel that her previously weak body was miraculously somewhat restored.
A warm current moved along the freshly opened path, making her whole body feel lighter. The sickly sensation disappeared, replaced by the sore and relaxed feeling one gets after soaking in a hot spring.
Just this experience alone was something Princess Titi had never possessed before.
"Princess Titi, I'm very satisfied with this compensation. In exchange, you should feel your body has completely recovered," After dressing neatly, Rosse turned around to admire the spotless, jade-like Princess Titi.
"Thank you... Your Highness," Princess Titi lightly bit her lips but still forced out words of gratitude.
Even though she was coerced, and in the end still had to express thanks, this feeling gave her a sense of humiliation. But at the same time, a strange sense of pleasure.
She slowly lowered her long legs, not daring to meet Rosse's gaze, silently picking up the thick clothing next to her and dressing herself.
Drum Island was a place where it was winter all year round. Even though she had just been washed by the warm current, going too long without outerwear would still easily cause illness.
Of course, more importantly, she didn't really dare to face Rosse's gaze.
"I heard Arabasta hasn't been peaceful lately," Rosse admired Princess Titi's movements as she dressed. That shy demeanor while half-covering herself often carried a greater sense of beauty.
"Ever since more pirates started entering the Grand Line, Arabasta has also suffered quite a bit. The marine lacks manpower and can't expel all the pirates," Princess Titi lightly nodded, grateful that Rosse didn't bring up the previous situation again, instead choosing a less awkward topic.
Three years ago, Roger started the pirate era. Countless villains and adventurers flooded into the seas. At first, the seas weren't this chaotic, and the marine could still barely suppress them.
But as those villains and adventurers became accustomed to life at sea, and since they couldn't create wealth, looting became inevitable.
By last year, many pirates from the Four Blues felt ready and all rushed into the Grand Line.
As a superpower near Reverse Mountain in the Grand Line, Arabasta was especially heavily affected. Many pirates saw it as an easy target.
After all, if they had to loot anyway and would be targeted by the marine regardless, why not rob the wealthiest place?
"Does Arabasta have any thoughts? The Levely is tomorrow. If Arabasta has any suggestions, I can help you get them approved."
Hearing Rosse's gentle voice, Princess Titi's movements suddenly paused. She looked at Rosse in disbelief.
'I thought...'
She hadn't expected there'd be additional rewards.
'Maybe... it isn't as bad as I imagine?'
"This...", Princess Titi hesitated. Logically, she should state Arabasta's demands. Rosse asking meant that the earlier experience was good, and he'd likely be willing to help.
But she felt that if she spoke now, it would change the nature of everything.
'Is it Saint Rosse using Igaram to coerce me? Or am I tempting Saint Rosse for Arabasta's sake?'
"Whatever it is, say it first," Seeing Princess Titi's conflicted expression, Rosse's eyes gleamed with greater amusement.
He wasn't offering returns because he enjoyed it. It was because he wanted to get involved in Arabasta and needed a reason.
As for what color hat Cobra would be wearing, that depended on how Princess Titi saw it.
"Alright, Arabasta is indeed in a tough spot. The marine currently lacks personnel. We hope the World Government can dispatch more Marine forces to expel the pirates," Princess Titi hesitated a moment but still spoke. She felt that compared to personal shame or honor, Arabasta was undoubtedly more important.
Over the past year, pirate invasions had caused nearly ten thousand additional casualties, and Arabasta was on the brink of collapse.
Compared to the safety and lives of the people, her own importance seemed far less significant.
"Forget about the marine," Rosse shook his head, "The marine is short-staffed everywhere right now, they're all deployed. Sending more to Arabasta would mean pulling forces from other allied nations, and those countries won't agree."
"I see...", Princess Titi was a bit disappointed. She had thought Rosse would agree.
But she could understand. The marine's shortage was a well-known fact.
"However...", Rosse suddenly changed his tone, and Princess Titi's eyes lit up with hope.
"I can offer a small amount of help under my personal name, but there's one condition. Is Arabasta willing to accept a private military presence?"
"Private military?", This term was unfamiliar to Princess Titi, or rather, it puzzled her.
By right, as a Celestial Dragon, any forces under Rosse's command should be considered part of the World Government. How could there still be a 'private military'? Surely he didn't mean pirates under his control?
"Yes, private military. When I returned to the homeland, I found that the noble managing our ancestral land was oppressing civilians, so I cleared them all out and changed the allied nation to the Jaygar Administrative Zone," Rosse said with a smile.
"So the private military refers to the forces in the Administrative Zone exclusively loyal to your family?", Princess Titi understood Rosse's concern. Although it was called the Jaygar Administrative Zone, it was still an allied nation, possibly even holding a seat at the Levely.
Having forces from the Administrative Zone stationed in Arabasta was essentially allowing another allied nation's troops into Arabasta, potentially causing issues.
However, Princess Titi only hesitated briefly before decisively stating, "If it can solve Arabasta's pirate problem, Arabasta is willing to let the Administrative Zone's troops station in the country and will provide resource support."
Compared to the safety of Arabasta's people, losing face or reputation was insignificant.
Princess Titi was a kind queen, and she knew Cobra was a kind king.
Even if Cobra were sitting here today, he would surely agree to Rosse's proposal.
'Just that... Cobra probably won't be the one sitting here, and Saint Rosse won't take a liking to Cobra either,' Thinking this, Princess Titi's cheeks flushed slightly.
"No problem. Since we've reached an agreement, shouldn't we celebrate a little?"
"Huh?"
Princess Titi's body trembled slightly. She looked up to meet Rosse's eager eyes, bit her lip in hesitation for a while, and finally undid the buttons she had just fastened. The two little white rabbits hidden inside bounced out.
'For Arabasta.'
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