Chapter 99: Prometheus, the Prophet Guiding the Light of the World

Chapter 99: Chapter 99: Prometheus, the Prophet Guiding the Light of the World

Inside the Holy Land of Mariejois, within the grand halls of Claudius's palace, little Ace was crawling around at his feet. Nia was trying to capture Ace's attention with a soft toy, waving it in front of him. But the young child seemed entirely uninterested, determined to explore on his own.

Claudius watched this scene with amusement while holding a phone in his hand. He chuckled and called out, "Nia, maybe if you tried a toy musket, he'd be more interested."

Nia looked up at him, slightly disapproving. "Your Highness, that's hardly an appropriate toy for the young master."

Claudius laughed, but before he could reply, the Den Den Mushi in his hand crackled to life. His attention shifted as the familiar voice on the other end spoke up.

"Cousin? Don't tell me there's another mission already? Furfurfur..." Doflamingo laughed over the phone.

"What? Busy already?" Claudius teased, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Busy? Absolutely," Doflamingo replied, his tone laced with satisfaction. "Since the rumor spread that I defeated Redfield, I've got a flood of new recruits begging to join the Donquixote Pirates. We've grown a lot recently." He paused, and his voice turned playful. "But you know, no matter how busy I am, if there's a task from you, I'll make time."

"You're acting like big-name pirates grow on trees," Claudius joked.

Doflamingo laughed again. "True enough, cousin. So, what's the big news this time?"

"It's that thing you've been waiting for," Claudius replied in a quieter tone.

Doflamingo went silent for a moment before asking, "Lancelot?"

"That's right. The Five Elders gave me a little heads-up to show how much they value me," Claudius said, his voice carrying a faint edge. "On the third day of next month, Lancelot will be traveling to Dressrosa."

"Hah... so they're really giving you the green light on this?" Doflamingo sounded impressed. "I knew you'd take him out eventually, but I never thought the Five Elders would practically serve him up on a silver platter for you."

Claudius smirked. "I'll send you the travel documents for Lancelot's trip. Make sure to handle it cleanly. When the news breaks, it should look like Lancelot's ship encountered an unfortunate accident in the New World... with no survivors."

"Hello, Your Highness," Stussy replied, her voice calm and smooth. "I've wrapped up business here in Water 7. Also, our ship has been completed. Tom was asking if you had a name in mind for it?"

"A name, huh..." Claudius murmured, pausing his diaper-changing efforts as he pondered the question.

Taking the hint, Nia signaled for the nannies to step in. They swiftly took over the diaper duty, gently ushering Claudius aside. He picked up the den den mushi with both hands, turning his full attention to Stussy's question.

After a moment's thought, he asked, "Do you have any suggestions?"

Stussy's voice turned playful. "How about 'The Most Handsome Celestial Dragon in History'?"

Claudius laughed. "Oh, yeah, that wouldn't look arrogant at all sailing into port."

"Personally, I think it's fitting," Stussy replied with a chuckle.

Claudius smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Thinking for another moment, he finally said, "How about 'Prometheus'?"

"Prometheus?" Stussy echoed thoughtfully. "The prophet who brings light to the world... I think it suits you perfectly, Your Highness."

"Then it's settled. The ship will be called Prometheus, the prophet guiding the world's light," Claudius said, a trace of pride in his voice as he envisioned the vessel.

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