Inside the opulent Dragon Palace.
By now, Coulson and the two CP7 agents had already left.
However, King Neptune and the other high-ranking officials of Fish-Man Island remained in the banquet hall, unable to disperse.
The events that had just transpired still left them in a state of shock.
"Incredible, truly incredible. Is this really the World Government? That World Government?" King Neptune sat on his grand throne, repeatedly exclaiming as he gazed toward the entrance at the far end of the hall.
Every now and then, he glanced down at the two golden scrolls in his hand.
"It feels like a dream..." Queen Otohime stood on the platform, the tear stains on her face still fresh.
The fatigue from childbirth had completely vanished.
"With this, the centuries-long wish of Fish-Man Island is about to be fulfilled. Our mermaid and fish-man races will finally be able to freely enjoy the sunlight, forests, and land of the surface world. We can openly interact with humans and even other races!"
In her view, while Fish-Man Island, located 10,000 meters beneath the sea, was good and safe, it could also be seen as a rather large cage.
"For my speech at the Levely this time, I must prepare thoroughly. I must convey to all the kings our Fish-Man Island's desire to integrate into the world's great family!"
Queen Otohime clenched her fists, cheering herself on, feeling a fire burning within her heart.
"Ahem."
At that moment, the Right Minister standing below the platform deliberately coughed twice, drawing the attention of the other three. He then spoke softly, "Your Majesty, Your Highness, may I share a few thoughts?"
"Of course!"
King Neptune agreed without hesitation.
He was not the type of king who would ignore his ministers' advice.
"Regarding this matter, on the surface, the World Government does seem to have undergone a significant change, and they have shown great sincerity toward Fish-Man Island."
As a civil official, the Right Minister's thoughts were more meticulous and complex. He slowly began to share his perspective.
"However, I believe it would be wise not to set our expectations too high. Otherwise, if things don't unfold as we hope, the disappointment would be too cruel. After all, this is the World Government..."
His words immediately cooled the room's atmosphere.
Queen Otohime also fell silent, slowly returning to her seat.
The Right Minister continued.
"Moreover, although the agreement takes effect upon the signing of the communiqué, I believe the specific actions outlined in it will only materialize after the Levely concludes."
"Of course, this is assuming the proposal passes smoothly and is strongly promoted. Otherwise, even if the World Government allows us to surface, we wouldn't dare let our citizens go!"
King Neptune nodded in agreement.
"Indeed, we must wait and see the World Government's concrete actions afterward. As for the proposal's passage..."
"I think since they've already given us a heads-up, they will likely reach out to other kings as well. The question is, which kings, and whether their influence and numbers are sufficient."
This caused Queen Otohime's eyes to dim slightly, as unease and worry began to stir within her.
"Besides, there's one more very important matter!" the Right Minister said with a troubled expression.
"Even if everything goes smoothly and the World Government is taking serious action, can we really safely leave Fishman Island and live on the surface under the sunlight? It's also difficult to migrate all our citizens up there."
"Although all of us Fishmen can breathe underwater and swim at high speeds, where would we put all the shell tools, furniture, and household items? We can't expect our citizens to abandon their belongings, can we?"
Queen Otohime looked at him with confusion.
"Why can't we start by letting a small portion of our citizens live on Sabaody Archipelago first? Later, when we find a suitable island to serve as the new Fishman Island, we can gradually migrate the rest."
"Moreover, we don't necessarily have to abandon this place. After all, some people prefer living underwater."
The Right Minister was stunned, thinking to himself: Indeed, no one said we had to migrate all our citizens at once, unless a situation arises in the future where we must abandon Fishman Island.
Indeed.
If no one destroys the holy land of Mary Geoise above, Fishman Island below would remain safe. Meanwhile.
Just as King Neptune had speculated.
At this moment, senior officials from the administrative department were either on their way to target kingdoms or already in the palaces, conveying the agenda and the attitude of the Five Elders to the kings in advance.
Of course, not all kings were included—only those who, after research and investigation by the administrative department, were likely to support this agenda.
In simple terms, they were looking for kings who treated their citizens well and were relatively kind-hearted.
Because only they would genuinely support the passage of the agenda!
For example, the desert kingdom of Alabasta.
However, something significant had recently happened in that country.
The young Prince Cobra had become king last year.
Thus, this Levely of 1498 would be the first time this 26-year-old king attended the World Conference, which held some significance, big or small.
South Blue, Sorbet Kingdom.
"Can you repeat what you just said?"
A nearly seven-meter-tall giant suddenly stood up from his humble throne.
He looked incredulously at the black-clad man below, clutching a golden scroll in his hand.
"Of course, Your Majesty Bartholomew Kuma."
The senior official from the World Government's administrative department showed no impatience, his attitude respectful and polite.
Though he didn't know the reason, the minister had specifically instructed him to treat this insignificant, impoverished kingdom with care.
With over a decade of experience as a senior government official, he dared not show the slightest neglect or disregard.
"If you support the passage of this agenda at this year's Levely, then Sorbet Kingdom's annual Heavenly Tribute will be reduced by fifty percent until the next Levely."
Bartholomew Kuma, who had always been gentle and introverted, was perhaps dumbfounded for the first time in his life.
When he first heard it, he thought his ears were playing tricks on him.
But hearing it a second time, it felt surreal.
The World Government was actually willing to reduce the Heavenly Tribute?
Such a thing hadn't happened in centuries!
The Sorbet Kingdom he governed was already notorious in the South Blue for its poverty, though decades ago, it had been doing relatively well.
But since joining the World Government, the exorbitant annual tribute has drained the nation's lifeblood.
It's estimated that in another year or two, they won't be able to pay it at all.
When that time comes, the World Government will dispatch its army.
They'll be captured and sent to Tequila Wolf, the Bridge Kingdom in the East Sea, to build bridges for the rest of their lives.
It was at this moment of utter despair that he stepped forward! Relying on his formidable physical talents and the power of the Paw-Paw Fruit.
He successfully robbed seven pirate crews at sea, seized enough treasure, and paid that year's tribute.
From then on, he was directly pushed by the entire nation to the position of king.
In the following years, he continued this pattern, leading the people in farming and fishing while venturing out alone to plunder treasure.
Except for the Navy, the World Government, and ships from other kingdoms, he robbed them all—whether they were pirates, slave traders, or vessels of any dark force.
This finally stabilized the kingdom's situation, at least temporarily.
However, as his reputation spread, it became increasingly difficult to find ships to rob in nearby waters.
The tribute still hangs like a sword over the heads of all the citizens.
But if only half the tribute were paid, the situation would be entirely different.
"So, Your Majesty, what is your answer?"
"Of course, I'll support it wholeheartedly, even without the reasons you've mentioned!"