Rolan stood at the edge of the island with Nami, gazing at the vast expanse of sea fading into the horizon. Vivi, the Princess of Alabasta, looked at Nami with awe in her eyes, clearly impressed by what she had just witnessed. Unlike many others, she felt excitement instead of fear when confronted with displays of power.
When Rolan first arrived in Alabasta and brought stability to the kingdom's climate, he made a promise to King Cobra. If the citizens of Alabasta wished to eventually relocate to his territory, they would be welcomed without hesitation. At the time they agreed, though Rolan did not yet possess any land in the New World. Still, the people never forgot that promise, and hopes grew that one day it would be fulfilled.
Since Rolan's philosophy and leadership took hold, life for the citizens had vastly improved. Everyone longed for the day they might move to Rolan's land, where peace and prosperity seemed more than just ideals. Now, that dream was finally coming true.
Nami shook her head with a modest smile. "It's nothing, this is just how my ability works."
Rolan glanced at her from the side. "Nami, aren't you tired?" The island before them was immense, far larger than any they had handled before. Raising it from the seabed required far more effort than Rolan had anticipated. His concern was genuine.
Nami drew her fist into her palm. "It's not much bigger than when we moved the Sky Ship to the New World before. It wasn't too demanding then." She spoke calmly, confident in her own strength. Though the cloud mass needed to lift this Sand Country was far greater, she had exerted only a portion of her physical energy to shape it.
Rolan realized she was right. He had worried unnecessarily.
"Hey, Nami, does Peach Garden have many peach trees?" Vivi asked eagerly, tugging at Nami's sleeve.
"Huh?" Nami blinked, momentarily taken aback.
Rolan chuckled and patted Vivi on the shoulder. "There aren't any peach trees here yet, but if you like, we could plant plenty."
Vivi tilted her head with curiosity. "If there are no peach trees, why is it called Peach Garden? There must be a reason behind the name."
Rolan smiled thoughtfully as he began to explain. "Back where I came from, there was a tale about a place called the Peach Garden of Ease and Contentment. It symbolized peace, harmony, and a life free from tyranny. I chose the name to reflect what I want this place to be."
"Oh, so that is why it's called Peach Garden." Vivi's eyes glowed with understanding. She already admired Rolan greatly, and now she saw even more clearly the depth of his vision. In a world where the strong often preyed on the weak and war was constant, creating a haven untouched by conflict was a powerful dream.
Nami smiled at Vivi's reaction. Many of Rolan's closest allies had agreed to the name after hearing its meaning. Judging by what they were building here, this Peach Garden might truly become a sanctuary.
After more than two days of careful sailing, Alabasta and Durutol were finally positioned beside the main island of Lungan. Rolan led Vivi, Cobra, Igaram, Chaka, Umon Belu, and Durutol's Queen toward the center of Rolan's settlement.
"Wow! Is this Peach Garden?" Vivi exclaimed, stunned by the scale and beauty of the city before them.
Buildings nestled against the mountainsides, arranged in a way that felt both natural and orderly. Lush greenery intertwined with the structures, showing a clear harmony between nature and civilization. Roads spread out like webs, making travel within the city effortless.
Everyone stood in awe. They had never seen a city so unique, so perfectly balanced between human ingenuity and the natural world.
"King!"
"Welcome, my King!"
"We are honored, Lord Rolan!"
"Lord Rolan, I wish to meet you!"
"Lord Rolan, may I have your autograph?"
A flood of citizens greeted Rolan with overwhelming enthusiasm. There were too many to respond to individually, so Rolan smiled and nodded politely as they passed.
Seeing this, relief washed over both Umon Belu and Durutol's Queen. They had come here hoping for fair treatment, perhaps even a slight easing of their burdens. But what they found far exceeded their expectations. Under Rolan's command, Peach Garden was not just peaceful, it was thriving. There were no threats to safety, no oppression, no needless suffering. The people truly lived in peace.
Hope filled their hearts for the first time in a long while.
Suddenly, a group of graceful figures hurried toward Rolan. "Husband, welcome back!" Hancock exclaimed before leaping into Rolan's arms without hesitation.
Robin and Lina followed close behind. Given the crowded space, they did not show their affection as openly as Hancock, but their longing was evident.
"Aren't I back now?" Rolan said, letting Hancock down with a gentle smile.
"Is this Princess Vivi?" Hancock asked as she extended her hand toward Vivi.
Vivi took her hand warmly. "Yes, Sister Hancock. I am Nefertari Vivi, Princess of Alabasta."
Hancock smiled, her expression softening. "I trust our Lord Rolan treated you well?"
Vivi nodded. "Yes, Lord Rolan has been very kind to me."
"That's good. If he ever bothers you, just let me know," Hancock teased, raising her fist playfully.
Rolan held up his hands innocently, indicating he meant no harm.
Vivi turned and smiled at Lina. "Sister Lina, I've always admired your strength."
Lina linked her arm with Vivi's. "Vivi, what would you like to eat? I'll prepare it for you."
Vivi thought for a moment. "I'd like roast duck."
Lina grinned. "Then I'll make roast duck, braised duck, and boiled duck."
Karoo, startled by the mention of duck, whimpered and hid behind Igaram.
Vivi laughed. "Thank you, Sister Lina."
She then looked at Robin. "Robin, long time no see!"
Robin chuckled. "It has been a while, Miss Vivi."
Vivi smiled again as the two reminisced about old days. Igaram leaned close to King Cobra, whispering his concern, but Cobra just shook his head with a calm expression.
Umon Belu could only laugh quietly to himself, pretending not to notice the affectionate reunion happening before him.
Just then, another familiar voice called out.
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