#45 Shattering Illusions

"Did he really… kill him?"

Hancock murmured these words softly, standing there in shock, staring at the decapitated Celestial Dragon. Her mind was in turmoil, her brain completely blank.

Saying something was one thing, but actually doing it was another.

Even though Carlo had acted indifferent about the Celestial Dragon's life earlier, seeing him personally decapitate Leschar Saint left Hancock petrified.

The queen of Amazon Lily, who could turn others to stone, found herself metaphorically 'petrified' by someone else. This was unprecedented!

"What's wrong? Need me to bring his head over to confirm?" Carlo joked, seeing Hancock standing there like a stunned little girl.

"No… no, give me a moment…" Hancock stammered, trying to process the reality. He really killed him! This wasn't a dream, was it?

Hearing Carlo's question brought her back to her senses. She placed her hand on her rapidly heaving chest, struggling to speak clearly.

Carlo just raised an eyebrow and turned to Lafitte. "Since you can fly, take care of the body. Make sure it's done cleanly. We don't want the World Government on our trail before our plan is in motion."

"Understood, Vice Caiptain!" Lafitte replied, walking into the livestock quarters to retrieve the Celestial Dragon's head and body. He then spread his white wings and flew off into the distant sea.

Carlo trusted Lafitte's ability to handle tasks without needing detailed instructions. While Lafitte's combat skills were average, his meticulous nature and thoroughness made him invaluable.

"Marigold, Sandersonia, take the crew back to Amazon Lily," Hancock finally accepted the reality of the Celestial Dragon's death and gave orders to her sisters.

"Big sister!"

"You can't do this! You're our queen; the country needs you!" Sandersonia protested, worried about Hancock's determination to stay.

Marigold also tried to persuade her. "Yes, big sister. At least come back and address the citizens first. We can't explain this to Elder Nyon; she'll be furious!"

Elder Nyon—Gloriosa, was the former queen of Amazon Lily, who had saved the three sisters and made Hancock the current queen.

"Are you defying my orders? Or do you want me to break my word and be seen as dishonorable?" Hancock's commanding presence returned, making it clear she wasn't backing down.

"Tell that old woman it's my decision. I'll return when I can. In the meantime, you two will run Amazon Lily. With Elder Nyon's experience, you'll be fine."

Hancock's decisiveness left no room for argument. Marigold and Sandersonia exchanged helpless glances. They knew they couldn't change her mind.

What made matters worse was the young pirate who killed the Celestial Dragon had left a strong impression. If their sister wanted to follow him...

Still, they tried one last time. "Alright, sister. We'll agree if you accept two conditions. First, leave Margaret and her group behind to protect you. The seas are dangerous."

"Second, don't renounce your Warlord title. Our country needs that status."

Their softened tone showed they had accepted Hancock's decision but wanted to ensure her safety and the country's welfare.

Leaving Margaret and her group behind was laughable. While strong warriors in Amazon Lily, they were no match for Hancock or Blackbeard and Carlo.

Carlo saw through their plan to have someone report back to them but didn't expose it.

"You've got nerve to negotiate with me," Hancock sighed. "I'll agree to the second condition but…"

She turned to look at the group, her eyes automatically ignoring Blackbeard and the others, focusing solely on Carlo.

"It's fine by me," Carlo smiled. "It's just a few extra mouths to feed."

"Ah~" Hancock sighed in relief, her face turning red. Carlo was so charming!

Turning back to her sisters, she said, "Carlo agreed. Margaret and the others will stay with me."

Something's off!

This wasn't right!