Chapter 103 Cooperation, Otohime Returns
"This is what took place. "
Later, in the king's palace situated on a hill, Kyros blamed himself, "As the head of the guard, I inadvertently allowed the king to get into such trouble. What a mistake. "
"Hahahaha, I'm not faulting you for this, Kyros. No one could have predicted that this would occur," King Riku chuckled, showing no concern at all. "Also, keeping Scarlet and Rebecca safe is your main duty right now."
Kyros was not just the head of the guards, but also the husband of the king's daughter and the father of his granddaughter.
"Yes, Kyros, you don't need to feel guilty," the girl Violet said with a sense of relief. "Isn't everything okay now? "
"If anything really went wrong, I could never forgive myself in this life. Therefore, King Riku, please let our family return to the palace in the future! " Kyros spoke with urgency.
Even though he wed the princess, he did not reside in the palace. Instead, the young couple lived a simple life outside.
But that couldn't continue now.
"Hahahaha, this way, I won't have to rush back and forth when I miss Scarlet and Rebecca," King Riku exclaimed joyfully. What could be better than being a united family?
"Furthermore,"
Kyros nodded earnestly, then turned to Brett and the others nearby, "Mr. Brett, Mr. Jinbei, Mr. Tesoro, I truly appreciate your help! Without your support, I can't imagine what would have happened to this country. "
"Hey, Kyros, that's what I should be saying! " King Riku replied with slight annoyance.
"Alright, alright, Father, wouldn't it be better to let Kyros handle it? " the youngest daughter soothed her father.
"This is nothing," Brett replied, shaking his head. "In the end, it's just a deal with the government. "
"Government? " King Riku frowned. It was hard to believe that the government would act this way this time.
"If it's the government, then why not send," the girl hesitated, gathering her courage, "send the navy? "
"Of course, we want to act like this incident never took place. Doesn't sending the navy make things worse? " Tesoro scoffed. "So are you ready? The government will reach out to you later so you can act like this issue doesn't exist. "
"Why would that be? " the little princess questioned in disbelief. "Doesn't that mean Doflaminga won't face any consequences? "
"This is the world government," King Riku sighed.
"Th-that—" The little princess felt very worried.
This time the government got help through a deal, but what about the next time? Who can assure that Doflamingo has really given up on this country?
Brett sensed her anxiety, so he asked, "So, do you want to team up, King Riku? "
"Team up? " The king was briefly taken aback.
"Doflamingo is my foe, and the hatred will only grow stronger after this incident. "
Brett remarked, "My enemy's enemy can be my ally, so are you interested in teaming up? "
King Riku pondered for a bit before responding, "Our nation lacks resources, and Fish-Man Island can't benefit from this. "
Brett grinned, "Political alliances count as cooperation too. If nothing goes wrong, Fish-Man Island will be at the World Conference in two years. We need some friends. I believe Dressrosa would be a great choice. King Riku, you have many connections, right? "
Even though King Riku is quite weak, he didn't consider fighting back when Doflamingo attacked him in the original story. He kept insisting that fighting back also means war, and war means endangering lives. This is troubling, but one thing is clear.
This individual is well-liked among neighboring nations, and several kings from participant countries have personal ties with him.
Joining forces with him is like gaining a set of political supporters.
Since they still need to operate under the world government for a while, having additional partners is beneficial.
"Is that the case? "King Riku nodded in contemplation.
"So, you'll ensure the safety of our land? " Violet asked with hope.
"Isn't it natural to safeguard the well-being of your friends? " Brett answered the young princess with a smile.
King Riku took a deep breath and stated seriously, "In that case, we are in agreement! "
"It's a pleasure to collaborate. "Brett beamed.
Dressrosa represents not just itself, but also includes Greenbits nearby, along with the little people dwelling there.
'However, I should take my time—no need to hurry.'
"Since this is teamwork, let me join in,"
Tesoro interjected, "I've been searching for the right place for my business, and now Dressrosa seems perfect. King Riku, would it be possible for me to set up my company here? "
"Please rest assured that I will follow this country's laws, and once my business moves, it might help this nation develop a bit,"He assured.
Undoubtedly, this person is set to become the richest man globally. The small resources he casually handles are enough for this nation to make progress.
However, his primary goal was to disturb Doflamingo as he made a swift escape.
'Dressrosa, which you failed to seize, is now my stronghold. Are you upset?' He's a petty person.
"Welcome aboard! "King Riku expressed joyfully.
He would feel fulfilled if he could enhance the lives of the citizens.Though weak, he is truly a good leader.
Next, both sides discussed the precise terms of their collaboration, and it soon became late at night.
King Riku kindly invited Brett and his group to stay in the palace for the night, and Brett accepted without hesitation.
But just before bedtime, King Riku mentioned, "By the way, there's a member of the Donquixote family who wasn't taken by Doflamingo and we caught him. He's the one you defeated first, Mr. Brett. "
'Oh, Pika.'
Yes, he punched Pika into the ground, and Doflamingo really didn't have the chance to rescue him.
"It's your decision. "
Brettt mentioned nonchalantly, "It doesn't matter if he faces execution or is given to the government. "
"But when the government gets in touch with you later, they might try to blackmail you. They will make deals to keep things quiet. "
King Riku thoughtfully nodded.
The next day, after having lunch, Brett said his goodbyes. There wasn't any reason to linger any longer.
Before he left, he requested King Riku's contact details and asked Neptune to reach out to him later to build a connection.
King Riku readily agreed. He enjoys making new friends.
Then it was time to say farewell.
"I'm heading to Umit's company" Tesoro stated, "Let's first ensure that the people there are calm. "
"And you, Brett, need to quickly grow your logistics team! "
Brett rolled his eyes.
"After wrapping up the matters at the fortress, I will move the main office here. Then it will be nearer to Fish-Man Island. "
Tesoro remarked, "It will be much easier to receive the ore that way."
"I hope this can be finished before Big Mom's tea party. "
'Yes, there's also a tea party to think about.What a hassle.'
Later, Tesoro departed by boat, and Brett headed back to Fish-Man Island with Jinbei.
While traveling, they received a call from Neptune.
Otohime was back on Fish-Man Island.
Brett couldn't help but sigh at how quickly the World Government acted.
Neptune said over the call "Anyway, come back soon, Otohime has brought something incredible. "
Brett had his suspicions.
'In any case, it's time to return quickly.'
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