Whoosh~
The gigantic rain… umbrella expanded to the horizon in one go, covering the entire country.
Alabasta, which had suffered from drought for several years, welcomed its first rain in three years.
…
…
Alubarna, the capital of Alabasta.
King Cobra leaned weakly on his throne, his eyes filled with the marks of time and exhaustion.
Since inheriting the throne, he had diligently fulfilled his duties, striving for good governance, and earning the love of his people.
However…
Now, all of that was in the past.
Over the past three years, only Alubarna, the capital, would occasionally receive rain across the entire Alabasta.
Initially, the citizens simply believed it was because heaven favored the King's benevolent rule.
They considered it a special blessing from heaven to Cobra, and took pride in it.
But…
Gradually.
As the drought continued.
People in other cities, who had long not received the nourishment of rain, were suffering greatly.
Only Alubarna, where the King resided, remained prosperous. Under such a stark contrast, it was inevitable that the populace would feel resentment.
Why?
Why exactly?
Why did it only ever rain in Alubarna?
The King is also human; he couldn't possibly control the heavens, unless he used some kind of trick!
King Cobra couldn't possibly be secretly using the prohibited Dance Powder, could he!
Our rain was plundered by the King using Dance Powder!
Unforgivable! To do such a thing… even if he's the King, it's unforgivable!
We must defend our rights! We must reclaim our rain!
Take up arms! Reclaim the future of this country from the corrupted King's hands!
This was the change in Alabasta over the past three years of drought.
With the incitement and deliberate pushing by malicious individuals.
A sweeping revolution was underway.
In just one year, the rebel army had gathered 100,000 troops.
And this number was still growing rapidly; it wouldn't be surprising if it reached several hundred thousand in another year.
The nation's turmoil and suffering left King Cobra mentally and physically exhausted, yet powerless.
Besides that, family issues also plagued Cobra.
A year ago, Princess Vivi left a letter, stating she was going to investigate the true culprit behind the scenes.
Although Cobra was worried about his daughter, with Igaram accompanying her and monthly letters of reassurance, he wasn't overly concerned.
It wasn't until a week ago that the guard captain Igaram returned, but his daughter Vivi did not.
From Igaram, Cobra learned some disheartening news.
His daughter Vivi had fallen in love at first sight with a scumbag and had 'eloped' with him.
"Sigh? Perhaps this is better for Vivi. Given the current state of the country, Vivi being here would only add to her sadness and pain. Although I don't know who that man is, as long as he treats Vivi well, and as long as Vivi is happy and they can be together, I am content!"
Cobra shook his head and whispered.
He had never been a pedantic king.
As long as Vivi liked him, even if the other party was a commoner, he could accept it.
Of course, the premise was that the other party was a good person worthy of entrusting his daughter's life to.
Just as Cobra was lost in thought.
"Your Majesty!!!"
The excited and joyful shout of the guard captain Igaram came from outside the palace.
"It's... it's raining!"
"Is it only Alubarna again?"
The wrinkles around King Cobra's eyes deepened.
Rain in the capital was not good news; instead, it would further irritate the people in other cities.
"No, no, this time it's not just Alubarna..."
Igaram gestured frantically.
"Hmm?"
Cobra, realizing what was happening, rose abruptly, filled with excitement.
"Which... which other cities are also raining?"
"Not just one, but all of them! Yuba, Erumalu, Cattley... The entire Alabasta is raining!"
"What did you say!!!"
King Cobra stumbled out of the main hall.
When he saw the rain stretching to the horizon.
An unprecedented joy and excitement consumed his entire being.
"A miracle! In the history of Alabasta, it's unprecedented for it to rain across the entire country at once! This is simply a miracle among miracles!"
Igaram cheered excitedly in the rain.
"Lord Cobra."
A giant humanoid falcon cut through the rain curtain, swooping into the palace.
"Hahaha, Bell, if you're also here to report the rain, you're a step too late!"
Igaram laughed.
"It's not about that, Captain Igaram, it's Princess Vivi... Just now, news came from Sandora Port that Lady Vivi and her party have returned!"
The vice-captain Bell the Falcon reported excitedly.
"What? Vivi is back too! Good, good, this is truly wonderful!"
King Cobra's previous gloom vanished, feeling as if his life had reached its peak.
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