Hancock's eyes met Karl's, and her heart fluttered. To her, Karl's face was sharp, handsome... incredibly handsome. She had never seen such a beautiful man in her life.
The black suit fit him impeccably. Although Hancock didn't show it, she still felt the power of his body beneath the fabric.
She stared into Karl's eyes. What were they like! Clear, bright, without a hint of disgust or contempt for her former enslaved status. In his pupils, she saw everything she longed for. Although Hancock couldn't precisely articulate what was happening, her face spread into a blissful smile. A feeling of lightness spread through her, and the heavy chains, like a mountain, vanished without a trace.
There was no longer fear in her eyes, nor the sense of inferiority born from past experiences—only the sweet feeling of liberation.
"How did you do it?"
"It's my ability," Karl replied, gazing at the holy light in his palm, "As long as I have the strength, I can heal any wounds."
Hancock was amazed. Heal any wounds... Yes, she was truly healed!
Gazing into Karl's face, she gradually sank into a stupor, her heart beating more rapidly, and her body burned.
" miss Hancock?"miss Hancock?
Hancock returned from her thoughts at the sound of Karl's voice. Seeing his gaze, she blushed, and her knees buckled.
Karl was a bit taken aback by Hancock's sudden change in behavior. Just a moment ago, she was haughty and commanding, and now...
No, he wouldn't get involved in this! Why should he be afraid?!
If there's courage, let them fight as equals!
And no matter the depths, he would overcome them!
"Just call me Hancock, Rear Admiral Karl."
Karl nodded, rose from the deck, and adjusted his collar:
"Alright, Hancock, since your brand... um, the Gorgon curse has been lifted, you don't need to worry anymore."
"Thank you, Rear Admiral Karl, uuuu... thank you..."
Hancock hugged Karl and began to cry on his shoulder. Karl smiled and gently patted her back.
"In the future, just call me Karl..."
After some time, Hancock seemed to realize that she was wearing almost nothing besides the cloak of justice and tightly hugged Karl for several more minutes.
Is this the embrace of a man? So warm... but Karl's sword hilt is a bit irritating.
"Hancock, you should go back and get dressed! We'll discuss the summoning of the Seven Great Strong People later. By the way, my soldiers have been turned to stone because of you, undo this state!"
Hancock blushed, covered her lower body with her hands, and nodded.
"I'll remove the petrification immediately."
With a gesture, Hancock removed the petrification from the soldiers. As she walked past Karl, pretending everything was fine, she covered her flushed face with her hands, gasping from embarrassment...
On the warship.
The petrified marines were gradually coming back to their senses. They didn't remember anything that happened after being turned to stone. They only recalled that they seemed to have just saluted the Pirate Empress, and then everything became hazy.
Ain was the first to come to her senses. Her face immediately darkened. She had been deceived by that woman.
But, seeing Karl jump onto the deck, with the sky clearing up instantly from cloudy, she quickly asked:
"What's the situation?"
Karl gave her an "okay" sign.
"Don't worry, I've dealt with her!"
Ain immediately calmed down. It was a relief that the mission hadn't been compromised, but noticing the traces of the battle nearby, she still frowned.
"Have you ever fought before?"
Karl patted Ain on the shoulder and said with a smile:
"Don't worry! She'll agree to come back with us to Navy headquarters, just wait calmly."
After that, Karl's facial expression changed swiftly, and he looked at the bewildered marines:
"You disappoint me!"
"How can this be, you are marines! Your will is so weak! Ah…"
Nelson's face turned red as he bowed to Karl and apologized:
"Forgive me, Rear Admiral Karl, I... I don't know why... I... I willingly accept punishment!"
The other marines hung their heads in shame and said in unison:
"Yes! Rear Admiral!" We willingly accept the punishment!
The objective was achieved, and Karl nodded in satisfaction.
— It is wonderful that you have recognized your mistakes and are ready to make amends. From now on, I want you to approach the fight against crime and pirates with the utmost seriousness. Can you do that?
All the marines shouted in unison:
— Yes!!!
— Excellent, proceed! Clear everything unnecessary from the deck!
— Aye!
On the other side.
— Snake Princess! Are you alright? These marines were mocking you! Damn marines!
Hancock looked at the indignant warrior women and shouted:
— Shut up!
— Marigold, Sandersonia, follow me!
…
— Sister, what happened?
Hancock smiled and without hesitation showed her back to her sisters.
Upon seeing their elder sister's flawless back, the two girls' mouths dropped open in astonishment, and they exclaimed simultaneously:
— Ah! This… this… — Sister, how did you do it?
— Thanks to Karl, he removed the shameful mark from me with his power.
— Karl? Is he that Marine?
Hancock smiled sweetly:
— Yes! It's him.
After a brief moment of surprise, the two sisters embraced Hancock and began to cry:
— Wonderful! Sister, you can finally stop worrying every day… Uuu...
They were genuinely happy for Hancock and simultaneously had an idea. If this Marine named Karl could remove the shameful mark from their sister, could they also seek his help?
— Sisters, be calm. I will ask Karl to help you remove your shameful marks!
Some time later.
The Empress, dressed in a purple silk gown, boarded the warship once more. However, compared to before, she appeared less arrogant and willful, and more shy and enthusiastic.
Ain looked at Hancock with furious anger, then, with her usual expression, glanced at Karl. Something was off, very off!
Her female intuition told her that there was clearly something suspicious between these two people!
— What happened?
Karl glanced at Ain and smirked:
— Don't ask questions you're not supposed to. Weren't you taught by Officer Cran?
— Hmph…
Hancock walked up to Karl effortlessly and looked at him with a passionate gaze.
— Major General Karl, I agree to join the call of the Seven Great Strong People, but there's something I would like to tell you personally. If possible, could you come to Amazon Lily for a conversation?
Karl scratched his chin, having a rough idea of what Hancock wanted to say. He turned and shouted to Nelson:
— Nelson, steer the boat to the dock!