152 Cedric's Intrusion #152

Inside the dimly lit inn room, Vivi and Igaram huddled together, discussing their plans to uncover the identity of the Baroque Works boss and the potential threats lurking in Alabasta. As they exchanged hushed words, a soft knock on the door broke their concentration. Their eyes met, each mirroring the curiosity and caution the other felt.

With a deep breath, Vivi approached the door, her heart pounding with trepidation. She cautiously opened it, and her eyes widened in surprise as she found Cedric standing there, unmasked and holding a gleaming golden trident.

"Cedric?!" Vivi exclaimed, her nerves on edge. She quickly motioned for him to enter the room, mindful of the other Baroque Works frontier agents potentially lurking in the vicinity. Once inside, Vivi gently closed the door behind him, ensuring their conversation remained concealed from prying ears.

"How did you get here? Did anyone see you?" Vivi asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The gravity of the situation sank in as she realized the implications of Cedric's presence amidst the agents they were investigating.

Cedric shrugged, a playful glint in his eyes. "Relax, Princess. I already knocked out everyone inside the inn," he replied with a wink. "Including the Frontier agents... let's just say they won't be causing any trouble for a while."

Vivi's eyes widened in surprise and concern. "You... knocked them all out?" she questioned, trying to fathom the extent of Cedric's actions.

Cedric chuckled lightly, leaning against a nearby wall with his trident propped beside him. "Don't worry, they're only unconscious," he assured her, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips. "I needed to talk to you before I leave for Alubarna..."

Vivi's frustration was evident as she struggled to find the right words to express her disapproval of Cedric's rash actions. She pointed an accusing finger at him, her voice quivering with anger and concern. "Why did you knock everyone out? They're just regular people, and even some of the Frontier agents aren't bad people...?"

Cedric flashed a boyish grin, seemingly unfazed by Vivi's reproach. "They'll be fine," he reassured her. "I needed to ensure we could talk privately and without any interruptions. Besides, it's not like I hurt them. They'll wake up with a bit of a headache, but that's all..."

Vivi's frustration escalated, and she struggled to find the right words to express her emotions. After a brief moment of searching, she settled on a somewhat shaky insult. "Y-you... you goddamn, b-blonde, t-trident guy!" she stammered, a blush coloring her cheeks.

Cedric's laughter echoed through the room, his easygoing nature unwavering. "Well, I am blonde, and I do have a trident," he quipped, his amusement evident. "But let's get down to business before your friends wake up and start asking questions."

With a nod, Vivi composed herself and sighed, realizing that Cedric's presence here was not merely a whimsical act. "Alright," she conceded, her voice steadier now. "We're trying to find out the identity of the Baroque Works boss and their intentions... I think they want to take over the kingdom..."

Cedric's expression turned serious, and he leaned in, fully focused on the task at hand. "I already figured as much," he replied, "And I'm pretty sure they're trying to take over the island. Why ruin the reigning king's reputation otherwise?"

Vivi nodded, her curiosity piqued by Cedric's insider knowledge of Baroque Works. "What do you know about them? And what do you plan to do?" she inquired, her gaze fixed on him expectantly.

Despite her young age, the little princess didn't like relying on others. In fact, she preferred to count on herself no matter how difficult the challenges ahead of her were. However, with the fate of her kingdom in the palace, even she had to make compromises.

Cedric leaned back, crossing his arms casually as he spoke. "I have a contact within the Baroque Works Officer Agents," he revealed. "We go way back... before I even joined the Marines. I'm hoping he can provide us with valuable information about their boss and their grand plans for Alabasta."

Vivi's eyes widened with hope, realizing that Cedric's connections might be the key to unraveling the mysteries they were facing. "That could be what we need to expose their plot," she said, her voice tinged with excitement.

Cedric's playful smile turned slightly more serious as he continued, "Now, about my help... While I'm here to assist, I can't offer my services entirely free of charge."

Vivi furrowed her brows in confusion, not expecting Cedric to ask for anything in return. "What do you mean?" she asked, trying to comprehend the sudden change in Cedric's demeanor.

Cedric's eyes met hers, his expression sincere. "Normally, I'd lend a hand without expecting anything back, but I'm in need of a significant amount of money," he admitted. "I'm working towards building my own ship, and I'm currently 50 million short...."

Vivi couldn't help but chuckle at Cedric's straightforwardness. "not to worry..." she reassured him, "My father will definitely reward you for your help in unraveling this dangerous plot."

A grin spread across Cedric's face, his confidence restored. "That's exactly why I'm headed to Alubarna," he said with a nod. "I'll have a little chat with your father and see how he can support my venture."

Vivi couldn't resist raising an eyebrow as she turned to Cedric, putting on a mock hurt expression. "What? Are my words not enough to entice you?" she joked, hoping to lighten the tension that had settled in the room.

Cedric blankly looked at Vivi, giving her a once over before shaking his head and saying, "Nope..." As he watched her expression turn offended, he couldn't help but chuckle. "You know how it is, princess... I need a word from the king before I can get to work..."

Igaram, who had been silently listening, finally speaks, his expression reflecting both concern and consideration. "I don't wish to sound rude, however, you are a wanted pirate, young man..." he says, his voice measured and respectful.

He trails off for a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing, "While Princess Vivi, King Cobra, and even myself have witnessed your uprightness during the Reverie meeting, the same could not be said for everyone else in the palace..." He looks troubled, realizing the potential challenges they may face.

"It would not bode well for the king of a country to receive you into his home of all places..." Igaram concludes, shaking his head.

Cedric's calm demeanor didn't waver, and he shrugged casually in response to Igaram's concerns. "There's no need to worry," he replied calmly. "I'm more than capable of getting in and out of the palace without anyone noticing..."

Vivi nodded, appreciating Cedric's self-assurance while also recognizing the valid concerns raised. "Let's leave it to him..." she chimed in. "I'm sure Cedric wouldn't want to cause any problems for my father..."

Cedric flashed a reassuring smile at Vivi's support. "Exactly," he said, "I have no intention of causing King Cobra any more problems than he already has. I'm here to help and get paid in the process," He added, chuckling in amusement.

Igaram looked at Cedric, his eyes filled with understanding and a glimmer of trust. "Very well," he said, "But please, be cautious. The last thing we need is to create a public commotion."

Cedric nodded in agreement. "Of course," he replied, "I'll be discreet, and if I find anything substantial, I'll relay the information to you and Princess Vivi."

With their concerns addressed and a sense of cooperation restored, the trio fell into a brief moment of contemplative silence. Cedric then excused himself, citing that his friend Khalifa would be in touch with them. "Khalifa is resourceful," he said, "She'll be a valuable asset to your investigation."

Vivi's eyes brightened at Cedric's words. "I don't know this Khalifa person," she said. "But if she's your friend, I'll trust her... I'm sure she'll be a great help...."

As Cedric prepared to leave the inn room, Vivi walked over to him, expressing her gratitude. "Thank you, Cedric," she said, sincerity in her voice, "for offering your help, despite the risks involved."

Cedric chuckled lightly, his carefree attitude returning. "Hey, what are friends for, right?" he said with a wink. "I'll do what I can to aid in your cause."

With a nod of appreciation, Vivi watched as Cedric made his way to the door. Igaram stood by Vivi's side, both of them now feeling more confident about the path ahead.