Loyal Marine - Chapter 102: The Fall of Ohara

After chatting with Borsalino for over half an hour, Spandine had finished his business as well.

Soon, a large group of scholars emerged from the Tree of Knowledge, led by Professor Clover.

“May I have a word with Vice Admiral Benn?” Professor Clover suddenly stopped and asked as they passed Ortoren.

Spandine smiled. “Of course, Doctor. We’re all on the same side now. No need to be so formal.”

He knew full well that once the scholars like Professor Clover reached Punk Hazard, they would technically be placed under the Marines’ jurisdiction—but in reality, it was little more than imprisonment. Even so, Spandine lived by the principle of not offending others when it wasn’t necessary. Avoid grudges, avoid enemies—make allies instead.

They were prisoners now, but who could say what the future might hold? Perhaps someday these scholars would rise to prominence.

Professor Clover thanked him politely before walking toward Ortoren.

Seeing this, Olvia followed. Spandine didn’t interfere, leading the other scholars toward the port instead.

Borsalino seemed to sense something. Standing, he said, “Receiving the scholars is my duty. I’ll go make the arrangements at the port. You two talk.”

With that, he left.

Everyone had their own secrets, and Borsalino knew prying into them was rarely wise. Sometimes the more you knew, the worse it was for you. Since he and Ortoren got along well, there was no reason to linger and get in the way.

Once Borsalino was gone, Professor Clover looked at Ortoren with a complex expression before letting out a long sigh. “This time... thank you, Vice Admiral Benn.”

“I thought you’d resent me, Doctor,” Ortoren said softly.

“I did at first,” Professor Clover admitted calmly. After a brief pause, he continued, “But now, this truly is the best outcome. Ohara has been preserved, and we can continue to live in this world. That’s thanks to your mediation. We won’t forget it. So on behalf of all the scholars, I thank you.”

Ortoren waved his hand without replying.

After a moment of silence, Professor Clover asked, “Do you really believe this world can be changed?”

Ortoren paused, glanced at Olvia, then nodded. “Yes. I really do. You might not know it, but in many corners of the world, there are countless others striving toward that same goal...”

Hearing Ortoren’s answer directly seemed to ease Clover’s heart. A faint, strained smile appeared on his face as he said, “The road ahead is long, and all I see is darkness. Yet your words feel like a light guiding the way. I still cannot fully trust you—or those words—but even so, from this day forward, we scholars will take them as a beacon of hope in the dark. The world... it shouldn’t be like this.”

“I’ll do my best to keep that light from going out, Doctor,” Ortoren said with a nod.

Professor Clover smiled, then turned to Olvia. “Olvia, didn’t you also have something to say to Vice Admiral Benn?”

Olvia nodded, looking at Ortoren. “What needed to be said, I already said on the way here. But now, I have a personal request... Ortoren.”

“You don’t even need to say it. I already know—it must be about your daughter, right?” Ortoren said with a touch of helplessness.

“That’s right.” Olvia’s expression grew serious. “My daughter Robin. She’s only six years old, staying with my sister. But the Doctor told me her life there isn’t as good as I imagined. My sister has changed a lot over the years. I suppose I was too naive before... Once we leave Ohara, it’ll be nearly impossible to return. I don’t want Robin to keep living there. We may not be close enough to call each other friends, but you’re the only one in the Marines I can truly trust. Could you take her with you?”

“You’re thinking that if I take Robin, you’ll still have a chance to see her again when I eventually visit Punk Hazard, right?” Ortoren said, seeing through her thoughts instantly.

Olvia didn’t deny it, nodding. “Yes, that’s part of it.”

Considering the scholars’ value, Ortoren had already intended to maintain good relations with them—someday, they might prove crucial. But Professor Clover was old; he might not live long enough for Ortoren’s plans to unfold. As things stood, Olvia was the most likely to become the next leader of the scholars.

Besides, Ortoren personally liked Robin. To step in and change her tragic fate was no bad thing. So he nodded. “I’ll do it. I’ll take her back to Marineford and make sure she’s well cared for. You have my word.”

Olvia let out a breath of relief, finally smiling. “Then I entrust her to you.”

Seeing her expression softened Ortoren’s heart. After thinking for a moment, he added, “Come with me. At least you can say something to Robin yourself—and see her one last time.”

With Olvia guiding the way, Ortoren headed toward Ohara’s town. Before long, they arrived at the place where Robin was staying.

With Ohara under full lockdown, the residents had all heard the scholars were involved in something serious. Everyone was on edge, hardly daring to step outside unless absolutely necessary, leaving the streets of town unusually empty.

When Olvia knocked on the door, a plump woman soon opened it, peering out cautiously. The moment she saw Olvia, her face twisted in alarm, as though terrified of being associated with her. She seemed ready to scold Olvia and drive her away, but then her eyes landed on the Marine Vice Admiral standing behind Olvia. At once, she fell silent.

“Ol... Olvia?” the woman asked nervously.

Honestly, Ortoren doubted whether this woman was really Olvia’s sister—they looked nothing alike.

Olvia gave her a complicated look before saying, “Sister, I’ve come to take Robin with me.”

“Yes, yes, of course!” the woman exclaimed with obvious relief, quickly turning back to call Robin over.

Before long, Ortoren saw a little girl—his first time laying eyes on Robin. She looked even younger than he had imagined. But perhaps because she had been raised in such a stifling environment, her eyes carried a maturity unusual for a six-year-old, though it still couldn’t quite hide her childishness.

Even though it had been so long since she last saw her mother, Robin instantly recognized Olvia. The unease on her face gave way to joy as she leapt into Olvia’s arms, crying, “Mama, you finally came for me?”

Olvia hugged her tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks as she gently patted her back. “It’s Mama’s fault... it’s all Mama’s fault...”

Watching, Ortoren spoke up. “Alright, it’s time we left. The journey back to the Red Line will take at least two days. You can talk as much as you want on the way.”

Olvia clearly hadn’t expected such leeway. Grateful, she nodded to Ortoren, then held Robin close. After a final farewell to her sister, she left with him.

...

When Ortoren returned to the port, Borsalino was directing Marines to load all the books from the Tree of Knowledge onto the warship, preparing to transport them in one shipment back to Punk Hazard.

Ortoren stepped forward, gesturing toward Olvia and Robin. “Let them stay with me for the next two days. I’ll hand them back to you once we reach Mary Geoise.”

Borsalino glanced at the pair, then quickly pulled Ortoren aside to a quiet corner. “Hey, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Don’t go losing yourself over a woman. Olvia’s gorgeous, sure, but don’t fall for her. I heard it from Admiral Sengoku himself—you went to the South Blue, got married, and had kids. You’re a family man now. Don’t go starting a scandal that could wreck your career!”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Ortoren rolled his eyes.

Olvia was indeed beautiful, but Ortoren wasn’t interested in her—at least not right now.

“Anyway, I’ve said my piece. Don’t blame me if we get back to the Red Line and you try to tell me they fell into the sea and drowned. I won’t buy it. I want to see them alive, or I want to see bodies. Don’t try any tricks!” Borsalino pressed again.

He was worried Ortoren might be tempted, staging some “no witnesses” excuse and hiding her away in a so-called “golden cage.”

“I got it, I’ll return them to you! Dr. Borsalino!” Ortoren said impatiently, waving him off.