She gathered her wandering thoughts and began to enjoy her breakfast seriously, but her gaze would still unconsciously drift towards Mosen.
The reason she was stunned was actually quite simple: her brain was still involuntarily replaying the shock she felt last night in the underground chamber when she witnessed and touched that huge historical text.
The cold, rough stone surface is engraved with ancient and mysterious characters, exuding a profound and weathered aura that spans hundreds of years...
As an archaeologist who has dedicated her life to seeking historical truth, this was the first time in her life that she had come into contact with the real historical texts so closely and without any obstacles. The shock and satisfaction she felt were indescribable, and the aftertaste lingered even after a night.
Mawsen, however, did not suffer from this "academic aftereffect." For him, the historical texts were more like special objects.
His only regret was probably that he couldn't simply "collect" and take away that tall, large, and seemingly heavy stone.
After all, it was something that the Alabasta royal family had protected for generations, and it "had an owner".
Otherwise, with such a large size and weight, and supposedly being indestructible under normal circumstances, it would be an excellent "weapon" in addition to being a superb "collectible"!
He even pictured a massive Poneglyph suddenly falling from the sky during a battle, crashing down on the enemy with a whooshing sound and an aura of annihilation...
Wow, just thinking about that scene is exciting, but it must be a bit tough on the opponent.
Unfortunately, there's no hope of finding this piece in the royal tombs. Now he's more hoping for another one, rumored to be deep in the desert.
If they could find that piece, Mosen would definitely not let it go.
Thinking of this, Mo Sen wiped his mouth and began to discuss the follow-up "desert treasure hunt" plan with his companions in a voice that only the four of them could hear.
He didn't explicitly say he was looking for historical texts, but only that based on certain clues, ancient ruins or treasures might be hidden deep in the desert.
"Desert treasure hunt?!" Nami's eyes lit up instantly upon hearing this, shining even brighter than the gold tableware on the table.
For her, who has an innate and keen sense for money and treasure, these are simply the most wonderful words!
Although Mosen spoke vaguely, the words "ancient ruins" and "treasure" were enough to ignite her full enthusiasm.
She immediately began to mentally calculate the desert equipment, drinking water, maps, and possible gains she needed to prepare.
Bakara confidently raised her head, her long red hair shimmering in the sunlight: "Don't worry! With me, the goddess of fortune, here, you can find it even with your eyes closed! You might even find something else along the way!"
Robin nodded slightly, her eyes revealing interest. Ancient ruins deep in the desert are often carriers of history, not to mention the historical texts. She couldn't wait to see another one.
Just then, a clear and energetic voice suddenly interrupted from the side:
"Desert treasure hunting? I want to go too!"
Princess Vivi had somehow wandered over and overheard the latter part of their discussion.
Her big blue eyes sparkled with excitement similar to Nami's, and her face flushed slightly with excitement.
She was filled with longing for the "adventure" and "treasure hunt" that Mosen had described, especially since it was in the desert of her own country! This was much more interesting than staying in the palace and listening to those boring etiquette lessons!
“Mr. Mosen! Take me with you! I’m very familiar with the desert! I can be your guide!” Vivi pleaded eagerly, completely forgetting her status as a princess and the potential dangers.
Mo Sen and the others were taken aback when they saw Weiwei suddenly appear, looking eager to try.
Taking a princess on a desert adventure? That seems... a bit illogical.
However, before Mo Sen could figure out how to politely refuse, Weiwei had already run off like a gust of wind.
A moment later, as King Cobra sleepily entered the banquet hall to enjoy his belated breakfast, he saw his beloved daughter, like a little cannonball, suddenly pounce on him and hug his leg tightly.
"Father! Father!" Weiwei looked up at him with her big, blue eyes, inherited from her mother and capable of melting any heart of stone, filled with expectation and pleading. Her voice was sweet and soft.
"Mr. Morsen and the others are going to search for treasure in the desert! Can I go with them? I promise I'll be very good and obedient! And I can even show them the way! Please, Father!"
King Cobra: "..."
He had just gotten up, his mind still half-asleep and confused, when his daughter suddenly hugged and begged him, making him even more confused.
Desert? Treasure hunt?
What treasures wouldn't a royal princess of Alabasta have?
Aren't the gold, silver, jewels, and ancient artifacts in the national treasury enough for her to see?
Kobra rubbed his throbbing temples, feeling that he might not be able to have a peaceful breakfast.
Chapter 110, Royal Sponsorship, Luxurious Adventure Team
For an elderly father, especially a king who deeply loves his daughter but is also busy with state affairs and feels guilty because of his mother's early death, the most irresistible attack in the world is probably his little darling's pitiful request.
So when King Cobra was being held by Vivi's legs, with those blue eyes that resembled his deceased wife's, and hearing her sweeter and sweeter "Father~ please~" all he could hear, he felt his reason teetering on the brink of collapse.
He tried to stop her using reasons such as "the desert is dangerous," "you are a princess," and "the guest's identity is sensitive," but Vivi was no longer a naive little girl and accurately seized every loophole to fight back:
"Danger? Mr. Morsen and his men are here! They're incredibly capable; they even drove the 'Hyena Gang' away!"
"Can't the princess go on adventures? Father, don't you always say that to understand your country, you have to travel to every inch of its land?"
“Mr. Morsen and his family are good people! They even helped us! And I will stay with Icarum!”
"Father, please promise me! I promise I'll be obedient, I'll be careful, and I'll tell you stories from the desert when I get back!"
After a series of "father-daughter battles," Cobra's defenses were completely broken down.
Looking at his daughter's face, which was sparkling with excitement and anticipation, he seemed to see in her eyes a longing for the vast world, a world that he, because of his status and responsibilities, could not take her to realize.
Finally, after Vivi shook his arm for the nth time, Cobra sighed helplessly and raised his hands in surrender:
"Alright, alright... stop shaking me, or my bones will break." He chuckled wryly and ruffled Weiwei's hair, finally relenting: "I can go... but! You have to agree to a few conditions!"
"Yay! Father is the best!" Vivi cheered instantly. As long as he agreed, the conditions could be discussed later!
Cobra put on a stern face and raised a finger: "First, you must obey the commands of Icarus and Bell. You are not allowed to act on your own or stray too far from the group."
"Second, in any dangerous situation, protect yourself immediately; do not act recklessly. Third, report your situation once a day via Den Den Mushi. Fourth..."
He glanced at Mosen and the others in the distance and lowered his voice: "...You need to learn to observe and learn, but you also need to maintain an appropriate distance, understand?"
"Understood, understood! I agree to everything!" Weiwei nodded vigorously. As long as she could go, she would agree to forty conditions, let alone four!
Having dealt with her most difficult father, Vivi didn't stop there. She rushed back to Morsen and his group to begin "conquering" the real adventure team.
To deal with Morsen, Vivi's main tactics were "sincerity" and "usefulness": "Mr. Morsen, I'm very familiar with the Alabasta desert! I know which oases are safe, which areas might have quicksand or sandstorms, and I've heard many ancient legends and rumors about ruins! Taking me along will definitely be of great help! And..."
She winked slyly: "With me here, no one in any checkpoint or town in the kingdom will stop or question you!"
That hit the nail on the head. Mosen was initially hesitant to take a "little princess" on an adventure, mainly because he was afraid of the trouble and not being able to take good care of her.
But Vivi's words reminded him that having the princess of Alabasta with him was practically like having a "top-tier VIP pass" that allowed him unrestricted access throughout the country!
Whether it's entering sensitive areas or dealing with local officials, it will be infinitely easier. Not to mention her built-in "local guide" ability.
"Hmm...sounds good." Mo Sen stroked his chin and nodded, which was a preliminary approval of Weiwei's "joining application".
Dealing with Nami and Baccarat, with whom she had quickly become familiar, was much easier for Vivi. She made full use of her "porcelain doll" cuteness, using sweet words as if coated with honey.
Before long, Bakara had her arm around Vivi's shoulder, looking every bit the "big sister": "Alright! From now on, you're under my protection! If anyone dares to bully you, just say Bakara's name!"
Nami smiled and nodded. She had a good impression of Vivi and thought it would be nice to have another companion to make things more lively.
Although Robin didn't say much, she smiled and welcomed him.
Princess Vivi thus successfully infiltrated the "Collectors' Adventure Team" and became a special member.
Of course, no matter how much King Kobra compromised, he could not really let his only precious daughter go deep into the desert alone with Morsen and his group; the corresponding security measures had to be in place.
So while Vivi was happily packing her things, Cobra had already swiftly arranged her guards.
Captain Ikaram personally led the team. This loyal and experienced veteran was the best choice to protect Vivi and could also represent the royal family in communicating with Morsen's side when necessary.
The guard's lieutenant, accompanied by Bel the Falcon, is one of the guardian deities of the Alabasta Kingdom. He is a Zoan-type Bird-Bird Fruit user in Falcon form, possessing exceptional aerial reconnaissance and high-speed mobility, making him an excellent "eye" and quick-reaction force in the desert.
If any dire or unexpected situation were to occur, he could simply take Princess Vivi and escape.
In addition, there is a team of twelve elite royal guards, each one a top-notch individual, proficient in desert warfare, survival, and protection.
This lineup is comparable to the Alabasta royal family's luxurious security package.
Furthermore, to facilitate the movement of this "hybrid expedition" in the vast desert, Kobra generously provided top-notch logistical support:
This includes a full set of desert survival equipment, ample drinking water and food supplies, the latest desert maps and weather data, and so on.
However, what really caught Mo Sen and his group's eye was their mode of transportation: a flock of spirited, glossy-feathered large birds—the very same fast-running ducks unique to Alabasta!
"Their speed and endurance are unparalleled in the desert, and they are intelligent and perceptive, making them the best desert mounts," Kobra explained, his tone tinged with pride.
These are royal mounts, and ordinary nobles and wealthy merchants would find them difficult to obtain, let alone produce so many at once.
Looking at the spirited, fast-running ducks, and then thinking about the slow pace and bumpy ride of ordinary camels, Mosen instantly felt that the treatment he received was several levels higher.
This is like planning a road trip in a Baojun, but the other party provides a fleet of BMW-level all-terrain vehicles, top-of-the-line models with drivers!
"Your Majesty, I can't accept this..." Mosen said politely, but his eyes were already brightening, and he couldn't suppress the smile on his face. After all, who would refuse better transportation and logistical support?
“Mr. Morsen, there’s no need for you to be so polite. You are Vivi’s guests, and also guests of Alabasta. You should treat us well.” Cobra waved his hand, then said seriously, “I only hope that you can take good care of my daughter and ensure her safe return.”
"Don't worry, King Cobra, Vivi is now our partner too," Morsen solemnly promised.
Thus, the private desert expedition originally planned by Mosen was transformed into a "luxury desert expedition sponsored by the Alabasta royal family" thanks to Princess Vivi's "strong participation" and King Cobra's "uneasy support".
The compensation standards have improved significantly, and safety and convenience have increased dramatically. Of course, in return, the team has grown much larger, and the goals have become more obvious.
"Let's go! Our destination is deep in the desert!" Vivi, riding on the back of Karu the Running Duck, waved her little hand excitedly, her clear voice echoing across the square.
The grand procession, bathed in bright sunlight, departed from the capital of Albana and headed towards the golden sands that had given birth to countless legends and secrets.
Chapter 111, Desert Ruins, Bakara Card Treasure Map
[East Sea, Shimotsuki Village, Isshin Dojo]
Tashigi has successfully joined the Isshin Dojo and is currently training intently in the training field, wearing her special uniform.
Koushirou stood beside her, occasionally offering her guidance, but his gaze seemed to drift off into a daze.
In the depths of the Alabasta desert, on an ancient site eroded by wind and sand, leaving only ruins.
The midday sun hung high, baking the boundless sea of sand with waves of heat, making the air seem distorted.
However, amidst this desolate ruin, a fragrance that seemed out of place with its surroundings permeated the air.
Mosen and his entourage, along with Princess Vivi and the royal guards led by Icarus and Bell, were sitting in two groups, taking a break midway through their journey.
Instead of the usual hard bread, dried meat, and water that desert travelers typically eat, the tablecloths among Mosen and his companions were laid out with a dazzling array of delicacies!
Golden and crispy, the roasted chicken and meat skewers are glistening with oil and drizzled with sauce.
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