One Piece: Mandala Swordsman

Chapter 19 Platinum and Lead

"So, what you're selling is platinum and lead?"

“No, it’s some medicine. Recently, the mining of platinum and lead has suddenly become much stricter. What’s wrong? Why do you look so stiff?” Hartel asked, puzzled.

"So this ship hasn't transported platinum and lead before, right?"

“Yes, but I didn’t expect you to know. It seems that the reputation of North Sea Platinum Lead has spread far and wide.” Hartel said with a proud smile.

Roman's expression began to darken. She knew, of course, the dangers of platinum and lead. As a static mineral, it was harmless, but once mined, people would be poisoned.

Its danger lies not in its potent toxicity—in fact, it is quite mild—but in the accumulation of its toxicity, which can be passed on to the next generation. This accumulation can lead to the premature death of the next generation, and if the next generation has children before their premature death, those children may also die young.

Platinum and lead are such monstrous things, born with the determination to exterminate humanity.

The royal family and the world government were aware of the disastrous consequences, but they concealed everything for the sake of profit and the Heavenly Gold.

Perhaps Hartel's life, which is right before my eyes, has already entered its final countdown.

Are you all from Flevans?

"Of course, Black Cat, do you want to go take a look? If you want to stay there, you'd better change your clothes; wearing all black is too conspicuous. Hahaha!!!"

Roman's expression grew increasingly grim.

What this means is crystal clear.

Their lives were measured from the very beginning.

Although the outbreak of platinum lead poisoning had not yet occurred, their fate was almost sealed from the beginning.

Platinum lead poisoning is not a terminal illness, but the methods to treat it are not available to me right now, and saving a country is simply too difficult.

Roman found it ironic that he would even think of such a thing.

She wasn't trying to be a savior, but as a normal person, it's hard not to be affected by the loss of so many lives. But the die was cast, and no amount of struggle could save everyone.

Even if you are lucky enough to survive, the discriminatory looks are unbearable. Who can accept someone with platinum lead poisoning?

In the end, there was nowhere to go.

At first, those who died seemed to be lucky.

This misfortune will ultimately befall everyone in this country.

"Uncle Hartle, what are your dreams? Tell me, maybe I can help you achieve them?"

"Little girl, you're so clever and mischievous, so I hope you'll come and wipe out all the pirates in this world."

"This one is too difficult, let's try another one."

"Then I wish Flevans eternal prosperity!!!"

"……this……"

"Haha, Flevans is a beautiful and prosperous city. You don't need to protect it; we will develop it well."

There will be no more Flevance. These were the words Roman ultimately did not utter.

From the moment this country began mining platinum and lead again, its tragic end was already sealed.

Once platinum lead poisoning develops, there are almost no survivors.

"Black Cat, want to go check it out? Don't worry, the people there are very friendly. If you don't like staying in Flevans, you can come with me on the next voyage. With you as my bodyguard, I feel much more at ease!!!"

Roman himself was not worried about being affected by the poison. The toxicity of platinum and lead was very weak. If he hadn't stayed in Fryvanes for many years, he probably wouldn't have developed platinum lead poisoning when he died of old age.

"Take me to see it." I'm also eager to witness the final glory of this country that is about to end.

"I promise you won't regret it."

After Hartel finished speaking, he walked towards the cabin. His steering skills were exceptional, at least compared to those of the other crew members.

The white town was a world completely different from his own, which was entirely black.

If you were to ask Roman why she wears black, her answer would be simple: it's easy to wash and doesn't look dirty.

Every seemingly pretentious outfit may have only one very simple and unpretentious reason.

Life at sea isn't as glamorous as people imagine, especially living with a bunch of men. Besides, sea voyages are dangerous; anyone could die instantly. Being unkempt is perfectly normal. Apart from the navy, practically no one wants to wander around a ship dressed in all white.

They were just ordinary merchant ships, not ships belonging to high-ranking officials or nobles. It's very troublesome to clean white clothes if they get dirty, but it's different with black clothes; who would notice if they got dirty? Although there were very few crew members wearing black clothes, most of them wore dark-colored clothes, at least when there was no direct sunlight.

Roman had already thought it through when he bought the clothes. Being clean is a good thing, but you have to be mindful of the occasion. At least on a ship sailing on the ocean, being clean will drive others crazy and will only add to the burden. Putting aside everything else, it's not easy to boil a kettle of water on a ship.

It's important to know that Hartel's ship wasn't that advanced; it was already destined for scrap, and this was probably its last voyage.

However, perhaps because Roman was on the ship, Hartel and his companions seemed to have their image elevated. They started paying attention to buttons, to their hair, and even washed their faces every day.

Thinking about it carefully, it's understandable. After all, he had been under tremendous mental pressure, and only after Roman showed his strength did he relax and have the leisure to take a few hot baths.

With basic survival needs met, the level of comfort needs should be raised.

Although it sounded a bit tough, Roman found it refreshing. Unlike the glamorous Anthem, this place was dilapidated and gloomy, but Roman was very happy.

"Uncle, are you happy to have met me?"

"What nonsense are you talking about? Of course I'm happy! You're our lucky star!!!"

Hartel's voice was loud enough for everyone to hear, and everyone looked at her with kindness.

There will never be another little girl as amazing as her, and even if there were, we probably wouldn't meet her again.

That's good.

Roman knew she was seeking solace in her conscience; she didn't intend to save them because she truly couldn't.

This tragedy began 100 years ago, and the world government had long been prepared to abandon its countries, including the royal families.

Hartel just said that exports of platinum and lead have been strictly restricted in recent years, indicating that the authorities know that the country doesn't have much time left and may already be preparing to abandon it at any time.

Many tragedies stem not so much from Roger's mistakes, but from the mistakes of the world.

But compared to blaming the world, hating a particular person is more hopeful, since the source is truly difficult to trace. This is true for Hartel, and even more so for the masses.

All I need to do now is enjoy this trip.