When Garp arrived from Marine Headquarters to the East Blue, the civil unrest in the Kingdom of Victoria had already been quelled.
It was said that a typhoon had utterly destroyed the rebels' settlements.
The rebels, having lost their weapons and strongholds, were pursued and defeated by the navy that rushed from Loguetown, causing their forces to collapse.
Once again, Hailan's reputation spread through the noble circles of the Kingdom of Victoria.
The king even hosted a banquet in the castle, claiming to entertain Major Hailan and the brave navy who came to support him.
The scene was highly luxurious.
"Major Hailan, hello, I am the president of the local chamber of commerce. Last time, I didn't get a chance to thank you. This time, please give me the opportunity."
"No problem. You can discuss the details with Kuro. He is now my adjutant."
"Major Hailan, this is my daughter Lori. She says she has admired you for a long time."
"Loli?"
"No, Lori..."
"You scared me..."
"You are very humorous..."
"If you have any business, go talk to my adjutant, Kuro."
"Eh?"
At the king's banquet, numerous so-called "high society" individuals were eager to leave an impression on Hailan.
Although they did not know that Hailan was the son of the chief instructor at Marine Headquarters, the title "Special Major from Marine Headquarters" and the feat of "eliminating Admiral Nelson and Admiral Sam in one day" had placed Hailan on an unassailable pedestal in their minds.
Hailan was polite but brief with these people, handing them off to Kuro to handle.
Kuro was excellent at handling such matters and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Today, Kuro finally felt the sense of being the "man of status" he had always longed for.
Originally a minor official in the "Millennium Dragon Bounty Hunter Guild" of the Kingdom of Victoria, he now had nobles, ministers, and merchants bowing and scraping to him, enormously satisfying his vanity.
"What a corrupt life…"
Watching the grand array of delicacies, desserts, and the singing and dancing ladies and gentlemen in the hall, Ensign Hill muttered quietly.
With previous experiences, he now dared to say things to Hailan that he would have previously kept to himself.
Hailan swirled a glass of red wine. "It is indeed quite corrupt, but also rather nice, isn't it?"
People never dislike unfairness; they only hate being on the losing side of it. If you place them on the advantageous side, they will love and strive to maintain that unfairness.
"Sir, is red wine really that good? I can't taste it."
For personal reasons, Hailan had maneuvered Hill into the position of Colonel of the 8th Branch of the Navy stationed in the Kingdom of Victoria, East Blue.
Perhaps the dramatic ups and downs of life had made Hill relax a bit, and his face was already flushed with a light blush from the alcohol.
"To me, white wine is better—strong and powerful!"
Hailan chuckled. "I can't answer that for you. Different people have different tastes. In my hometown, some people would fight over whether salty or sweet tofu pudding is better. Who can reason with that?"
"Haha, sir, I've heard that story before. It seems that in Shells Town, 153rd Branch, a soldier named Morgan said people there would argue over whether rice balls taste better with salt or sugar."
"Great!"
Ensign Hill took another sip of white wine and looked at Hailan with a smile. "Sir, I finally understand why you spared my life."
"Why?"
"Because you're not exactly a good person either! Those nobles' gifts are quite numerous…"
Colonel Hill laughed heartily, but he felt something off about Hailan's expression.
"Do you think you're very smart?"
Hailan stared into Hill's eyes and suddenly spoke.
Hill shivered as if a beast had its sights on him, sobering up quickly from the sudden chill.
"The smarter a person is, the quicker they die. Truly smart people understand the value of playing dumb. I suggest you keep your mouth shut."
Hill, trembling, lowered his head and replied, "Y-Yes, sir… understood…"
As Hailan's face returned to a smile, Hill felt the pressure lift from his body.
Conqueror's Haki?
Hill had heard of this ability, which could easily knock people out or make them submit. However, Hailan's effect on him wasn't quite like the legends.
But the chilling sensation he just experienced was natural, not an illusion.
Could it be killing intent?
Hill couldn't figure it out.
But he realized he was indeed drunk today.
Alcohol… I should quit it.
As Hill said, Hailan was not exactly a "good person," as he didn't refuse the nobles' gifts.
He accepted everything—except for Lori.
Since the World Government did not approve the allowances and pensions he distributed to the soldiers, he had to pay out of his pocket.
Hailan was not self-deceptive; he accepted the benefits but couldn't stand being judged by others.
However, as Hill was his subordinate, Hailan had to maintain his authority as an officer—subordinates couldn't casually judge him.
Being close with subordinates like Garp was indeed an option, but such people never became excellent leaders, and Garp never intended to lead anyone.
Speaking of Garp, Hailan could only sigh.
The Monkey family truly is a peculiar bunch.
When Garp learned about what Dragon was doing, he didn't worry at all but laughed heartily, saying, "As expected of my son, truly remarkable."
You're the truly remarkable one! As a Marine Vice Admiral and hero, your son openly rebels against the government, and you still laugh? If your grandson becomes a pirate, wouldn't you die laughing—"The Monkey family is amazing; we have members in the Marines, the Revolutionary Army, and as pirates!"
Hailan didn't say this aloud, fearing a "love punch" from Garp.
But before leaving the East Blue, Hailan went with Garp to the Goa Kingdom, as Garp said he wanted to show him his adorable grandson, who had the potential to become an Admiral.