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Chapter 105 Cobra and History
Albania's city gates are built of warm yellow sandstone, carved with reliefs of lotus blossoms and desert eagles. The wind whistles through the gaps in the gates, carrying the soft sound of sand, but it cannot conceal the vibrant atmosphere inside the city.
The moment Bai Yu and his group stepped through the city gate, they were amazed by the scene before them. Under their feet was a smooth stone-paved road, and beside the road was a stream of fresh water drawn from the oasis outside the city. The clear water flowed and tinkled in the stone channel, nourishing the bougainvillea bushes along the channel. The crimson petals contrasted with the yellow sand-colored houses, creating a vibrant yet gentle color scheme.
The street market was bustling but not chaotic. Vendors wearing plain headscarves and loose robes set up their stalls, displaying agate, turquoise, dried dates and hand-woven felt. Children chased each other with pottery jars, the clear spring water inside shimmering with tiny spots of light. Even their calls for help carried the unique cheerfulness of the desert.
Rangiku picked up a honey-coated date with her fingertips and took a bite, her eyebrows curving into a smile: "I never imagined that the capital of Alabasta would be located deep in the desert, and such a lively place at that. It's much more vibrant than I imagined."
Connor was drawn to the old sugar sculptor on the street. She took small steps over and stared at the sugar spoon flying in the sculptor's hands. As the golden sugar syrup solidified into the shapes of a desert lizard and an eagle, her eyes shone like stars.
Bai Yu followed beside her, paid for her Berries, took the Sugar Eagle and handed it to her, wiping the sugar frosting off her lips with his fingertips. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Robin standing in front of a carved stone window, looking at the portrait of the king hanging inside.
It's hard to imagine that citizens would actually place a portrait of their king in their homes.
In the portrait, Cobra is dressed in a white robe embroidered with gold thread. His eyes and brows exude a gentle yet dignified air, and his gaze is fixed straight ahead, as if he can see into the hearts of every citizen.
"Unbelievable! Could such a wise and virtuous ruler really exist in this world?"
Robin shook his head, somewhat speechless. With so many countries, only one such monarch had emerged. Was it tragic or fortunate?
"By looking at the planning of the streets and alleys, the diversion of flowing water, and the order of the market, one can tell that the leaders are meticulous and truly care about people's livelihood."
"In a desert country, water is the lifeblood. To be able to channel water to every street and alley in the city, and even nourish flowers and plants, requires a courage and benevolence that no mediocre ruler can match."
Retsu Unohana walked slowly towards them, still wearing a plain white haori with pale pink cherry blossoms embroidered on the cuffs, which unexpectedly blended with the colors of Albana.
She had just passed by a clinic and saw the doctor inside providing free medicine to the poor. The young apprentice was carrying medicine pots and running around, and there was no embarrassment in his eyes, only composure: "The people's expressions do not lie. There is no fear in their eyes and they act with composure. This is the best evaluation of the rulers."
The group found an inn next to an irrigation canal to rest. The innkeeper, a burly man with a thick beard, brought them chilled coconut juice and roasted desert lamb that was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. He smiled and said, "It's all thanks to His Majesty the King. In previous years, there were many sandstorms and the waterways were in disarray. His Majesty personally led his ministers to search the entire desert and found a new oasis. He built an irrigation canal, and our lives have finally improved."
After resting, Bai Yu asked the innkeeper to convey his wish to see the king. The name cards he presented only listed a few names, but did not mention their identities.
When the news reached the palace, Cobra was sitting in the council chamber, looking at the memorial on people's livelihood in his hand. Upon hearing that a stranger was requesting an audience, and that one of them was none other than Nico Robin, the "Devil's Child" wanted by the World Government, he put down his pen, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, but no anger, only great curiosity.
Icarum, a trusted guard of the Alabasta Kingdom, looked anxious: "Your Majesty, Nico Robin is a wanted criminal by the World Government. If we meet with her, we might offend the World Government..."
Cobra raised his eyes, his gaze calm yet firm: "The World Government's arrest warrant is not necessarily fair. Alba is an independent country. As its king, I have the right to decide who to see and who not to see. Besides, a wanted criminal who dares to openly seek an audience in Alba is more honest than a cowardly schemer hiding his face."
He paused, then looked at the guard who had delivered the order: "Please have them come to the Qingxin Hall in the palace to see me. There's no need to set up any defenses; just treat them normally."
The Qingxin Hall is located on the west side of the palace, next to a water lily pond. The pond water relieves the heat of the desert. Inside the hall, there are sandalwood tables and chairs, soft woolen carpets, and a faint minty scent in the air.
When Bai Yu and his group arrived, Cobra was already waiting in casual clothes. He was forty years old, and the excessive fatigue had turned his temples a little gray, but he was upright and had a gentle look in his eyes. When he swept over everyone, he lingered on Robin for a moment, but there was nothing unusual about it. He simply raised his hand and gestured for them to enter: "You have come from afar, so please don't be so formal."
Robin took his seat first, his fingertips lightly resting on the edge of the table, and met Cobra's gaze frankly: "Your Majesty must know my identity. I have taken the liberty of seeking an audience here. Firstly, I have my own selfish reasons, and secondly, I was passing through Albana and saw the peaceful and prosperous life of the people here, which I admired. Therefore, I have come to pay my respects."
Upon hearing this, Cobra laughed heartily and gestured for Icarus to pour everyone a glass of chilled mint tea: "I've long heard of Nico Robin's reputation. The World Government calls you the Devil's Child, but to me, Ohara... well, never mind. Besides, Albana never defines a person by the World Government's standards."
He took a sip of tea, his gaze sweeping over Bai Yu with a hint of inquiry in his eyes: "This gentleman certainly has an extraordinary bearing; he must be your leader. May I ask, besides paying a visit, what other purpose do you have here?"
Bai Yu picked up his teacup, his gaze calm: "Your Majesty, we are merely passing through Alabasta on our way to the New World. Seeing how prosperous Albana has become in the desert, with its people living in peace and contentment, we know that Your Majesty is a rare and wise ruler. Our meeting is firstly to express our admiration, and secondly to use Albana's territory for a short rest. After recuperating, we will set off immediately and will not trouble you for too long. Of course, there is a third reason."
The probing look in Cobra's eyes gradually faded, replaced by a hint of appreciation: "The Grand Line is fraught with peril, and your courage is truly commendable. Although Albana is merely a desert nation, we are willing to provide convenience for guests who have traveled from afar. You are welcome to rest here. Please feel free to ask for anything you need. Of course, what is the last question?"
Bai Yu smiled and said, "Robin is a scholar from Ohara, and Alabasta has a historical text that records important information. We need to decipher it."
Bai Yu's words startled Cobra and Icarum. They were also very interested in the historical texts passed down through generations of the nation, but they couldn't read ancient scripts…
But Cobra was different. Although he couldn't read the Poneglyphs, he knew the script passed down through generations. Their Poneglyphs should record the locations of ancient weapons...
"Is that so..."
Cobra looked at the group of people in front of him and fell into deep thought.
Cobra's fingertips gently caressed the edge of the sandalwood table, and the minty scent in the hall seemed to become heavier.
He lowered his eyes in deep thought, his gaze falling on the shimmering reflection in the cup, his mind racing with various considerations. Ikaram stood to the side, his brow furrowed, his lips moving slightly, but ultimately he refrained from offering any further advice. He knew the king's temperament; once he fell into deep thought, he was weighing all the pros and cons, and any further words at this moment would only disrupt his decision.