Chapter 103: Starting the journey.
Kobra, his patience thinning, cast an irritated glance at his guards and barked, "Prepare the Super Billed Ducks for travel. Quickly."
Moments later, he turned back to Lakeman, his tone polite but strained. "Saint Lakeman, these are Super Billed Ducks, a native species of Alabasta. They're our primary mode of travel in the desert, though taming them isn't easy. This time, I've made special preparations for you to enjoy the ride."
Lakeman barely glanced at the majestic birds, his lack of interest apparent to all.
"Oh," he said dismissively, his voice carrying no enthusiasm. Then, with a lazy wave of his hand, he added, "Forget it, King Kobra. I don't care to ride such strange creatures. They look decent, sure, but I'm far more accustomed to my luxurious carriage."
He pointed toward the ship, a smug smile tugging at his lips. "That's my ride."
Kobra, Queen Titi, and their guards turned to look. Their eyes widened as they saw a colossal pink elephant-like creature, as massive as a Sea King, descending steadily from the ship. On its back was a luxurious carriage, more akin to a portable palace, ornately adorned and large enough to comfortably house more than ten people. The elephant walked with deliberate grace, guided carefully by CP agents.
Kobra's expression softened slightly, his initial annoyance fading. While he wasn't entirely shocked—he'd witnessed the extravagance of Celestial Dragons during the Reverie at Mary Geoise—he couldn't help but feel a grudging appreciation. Unlike other Celestial Dragons, who often used human slaves as mounts, Saint Lakeman at least chose a majestic animal for travel.
'Perhaps I've judged him too harshly,' Kobra thought, his inner conflict evident. Yet, his unease lingered as he glanced at the many stunning women serving Lakeman. 'Still, the number of women he surrounds himself with... It's unsettling.'
Queen Titi and the guards, meanwhile, were utterly captivated by the sight. None of them had ever seen such a magnificent creature, let alone one with pink skin.
"How is it? Isn't my ride impressive?" Lakeman asked casually, his tone dripping with confidence.
"Saint Lakeman's ride is... extraordinary," Kobra admitted with a wry smile, his words carefully measured. "Shall we begin our journey?"