Chapter 86: I, Spandine, Am the King of Flattering!

Chapter 86: Chapter 86: I, Spandine, Am the King of Flattering!

Claudius took a good look around the small, rundown dock. The place was practically falling apart, showing none of the prestige one would expect from a "master shipwright." It looked like the kind of place barely able to produce a fishing boat, let alone a vessel worthy of royalty. "Tom, the so-called 'best shipwright,' living in conditions like this?" Claudius thought.

Turning to Spandine with a sly smile, Claudius said, "By the way, aren't you supposed to be tracking down those scholars researching taboo history alongside the Marines? What brings you here to Water 7? Don't tell me you're here to commission a ship as well?"

Spandine's face twitched, visibly uncomfortable with the question. He struggled to respond, shifting uneasily. Just as he opened his mouth to explain, a young voice cut through the tension.

"They're not here to order a ship! They're here to drag Master Tom to Enies Lobby and convict him!" The young man, known as Cutty Flam, but later famous as Franky, blurted out angrily.

"Flam!" Tom shouted, trying to silence his apprentice. He glanced at Claudius, the realization dawning that this young man was someone important, someone who could make a World Government official like Spandine grovel. He didn't want to escalate matters without fully understanding Claudius's intentions.

Feigning ignorance, Claudius frowned at Spandine, who now looked like he wanted to melt into the ground. "Convict him? On what grounds?" Claudius asked, feigning genuine curiosity. "What did Tom do?"

Spandine stammered, unable to come up with a smooth response, but ultimately surrendered to the situation. "Well, Your Highness, it's... complicated. Tom here... he built a ship for the Roger Pirates. The Oro Jackson. Given the recent... uhm... scrutiny around anything related to Roger, we were instructed to investigate anyone associated with him. Shipwright or not, building a ship for the Pirate King could make one an accomplice."

"He's just a shipwright!" Cutty Flam interjected angrily. "He didn't team up with Roger. He just made him a ship!"

Claudius chuckled and clapped Spandine on the shoulder. "So, you're just looking to climb the ranks by bringing in someone like Master Tom, huh? Trying to show off to the higher-ups?"

Spandine bobbed his head vigorously. "Yes, Your Highness. Such wisdom! Your insight and patience are truly unmatched. I could never hope to compare."

Tom finally understood the situation. This was an opportunity, one that might just save him from the trouble looming over his head. If he could win the favor of a Celestial Dragon, particularly one as influential as Claudius, he could finish his sea train project without fear of the World Government's interference.

"Your Highness," Tom said, finally making up his mind. "I'd be honored to build a ship for you. I promise it'll be one of my finest works."

Claudius's face broke into a satisfied grin. "Excellent! That's what I wanted to hear."

He turned back to Spandine and said, "Now, Spandine, since I've found a talented shipwright here, there's no need to cause trouble, is there? After all, the World Government should be nurturing talent, not stifling it. This way, Tom can put his skills to good use, benefiting us all."

"Yes, yes, Your Highness! You're absolutely correct. How could I have been so shortsighted?" Spandine agreed eagerly, eager to stay in Claudius's good graces.

"Good. Then go focus on your actual assignment, those scholars, was it?" Claudius continued, waving a dismissive hand. "When I report to the Five Elders, I'll let them know you were the one who helped me find such an excellent shipwright. They'll be pleased to hear you're fostering talent for the government."

Spandine's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Your Highness! Your generosity knows no bounds. Assisting you is the greatest honor of my life."

Claudius chuckled, amused by Spandine's endless flattery. "Alright, enough. Go on now."

Spandine quickly took his leave, bowing and scraping as he departed with his agents, clearly relieved to escape the situation without any repercussions. Once the government agents were gone, Claudius turned back to Tom with a relaxed smile.