Chapter 157: Chapter 157: Enel's Big Adventure—Got Rich, Your Highness!
The Prometheus continued to glide smoothly through the deep sea as Claudius chatted casually with the girls around him. At that moment Nia approached with a Den Den Mushi in hand, saying, "Your Highness, it's Enel."
"Oh? The Thunder Lord?" Claudius asked with a chuckle.
Nia smiled as well, handing him the Den Den Mushi. "Yes, it's our very own Thunder Lord."
Taking the receiver, Claudius smiled as he greeted, "Enel, is that you? How are things lately? I hear you're going by the name 'Thunder Lord' now."
The voice on the other end of the line practically buzzed with excitement. "Your Highness! Are you paying attention to me? I'm so happy!"
Claudius couldn't help but laugh at Enel's enthusiasm. The guy really was like a loyal little puppy—eager to please, ecstatic at even the smallest bit of praise. Compared to Crocodile, who always acted like a stubborn, arrogant tsundere, Enel was oddly refreshing.
"Hahaha, of course, I'm paying attention. You're my favorite subordinate, after all," Claudius said, lying through his teeth without the slightest hesitation.
Truthfully, he hadn't been keeping track of Enel's pirate activities until Sengoku Admiral had casually mentioned them a few days ago. But hearing the excitement in Enel's voice, Claudius resolved to give him a bit more attention in the future.
"Your Highness, guess where I am right now!" Enel said, his excitement mounting.
Claudius tilted his head, trying to piece it together. Based on his earlier conversations with Sengoku, he had a rough idea of where Enel might be. "Let me guess... You're near Water 7? Or maybe you've taken one of the other routes?"
"Wrong, Your Highness! You'll never guess it! Hahaha!" Enel replied gleefully.
Claudius raised an eyebrow. "Alright then, where are you?"
"Your Highness, I've made a huge discovery!" Enel said, his voice dropping to an excited whisper. "I think I've found a great treasure!"
Claudius's curiosity was piqued. "A treasure? Tell me more."
Excitedly, Enel launched into the story of his latest adventure. As it turned out, Enel had stopped at Jaya Island on his way to Water 7. He had heard rumors about the fabled City of Gold—Shandora—and became intrigued.
Apparently, Enel recalled stories from his time on Birka about a mysterious "land" in the White Sea. Piecing everything together, he theorized that the City of Gold had been launched into the sky by the Knock-Up Stream centuries ago.
Unable to resist the allure of such a grand treasure, Enel had used the soaring current to reach the White Sea. Once there, he began exploring and soon confirmed the existence of the Golden City near Angel Island.
"I knew it, Your Highness! The Golden City is real! There's gold everywhere, but it seems like it's been in the middle of some war for centuries. But I'm sure we can take it all!" Enel said excitedly.
Claudius was equal parts amused and impressed. He had considered searching for the City of Gold years ago during his visit to Sky Island but had ultimately been too busy to follow through. Yet here was Enel, stumbling upon the treasure almost by accident.
"Well, well. It seems you've had quite the adventure, Enel. I'll figure out how to send some people up to help you," Claudius said with a smile.
After a bit more conversation, the call ended, and Claudius leaned back, deep in thought. The Golden City, Shandora... This could turn out to be a massive haul.
Enel might have stumbled into something extraordinary, but now Claudius had to figure out how to capitalize on it. With a smirk, he began planning his next move.
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