"Don’t refuse so quickly. We’re not exactly forcing you; it’s more like the benefits aren’t sufficient," Gregory’s cold voice came through the phone again.
His meaning was clear: a transaction of benefits. They would pay him to act.
"Fufufufufu~ Then I’d like to hear what kind of benefits you’re prepared to offer?" Doflamingo looked around at everyone present, speaking playfully.
A smile crept onto Aeridar’s face. It seemed this guy was planning to extort them.
"The World Government isn’t unaware of your clandestine activities. Therefore, we agree to your opening an auction house in the Sabaody Archipelago, one that can openly auction anything, including slaves, as well as contraband like weapons, illegal drugs, and Seastone," Gregory’s cold voice came through the Den Den Mushi the next moment.
However, the content of his words stunned everyone, leaving some utterly dumbfounded.
"Is that why the original auction house was like that?" Aeridar was also surprised.
Normally, slave auctions were conducted in secret, or those slave rings were backed by powerful nobles or high-ranking government officials, directly selling to World Nobles. The same went for auctioning various contraband items.
Even Doflamingo wouldn’t dare to be too blatant. But now, if this were truly possible, he would make a fortune.
This made Doflamingo unable to sit still. He urgently asked, "Are you sure you can make that decision?"
"Of course, the Five Elders have given me maximum authority," came the affirmative reply from the other end of the line.
"If you dare to deceive me, even if you’re an instructor of a CP agency, I’ll make you regret it. Believe me, I have the status and power to do so," Doflamingo threatened darkly, adjusting his sunglasses with an outstretched index finger as he held the Den Den Mushi.
What he feared most now was the other party denying it later or even being discarded as a pawn.
"As one of the most excellent instructors in the CP agencies, I’ve barely managed to enter the ranks of the higher-ups. And due to my profession, I’ve naturally seen your intelligence. Since we’re asking for your help, the compensation must have already been prepared in advance," Gregory replied calmly, seemingly unaffected by Doflamingo’s threat.
"Fufufufufu~ Address." Doflamingo’s expression returned to normal, and he lightly uttered two words.
"Dismaina Island, East Coast. Hurry, or it might not be on the East Coast anymore. Also..."
Pausing, Gregory continued, "If Aeridar-san can also make it, we will also provide a substantial reward."
At the first part of the sentence, Doflamingo’s expression remained normal, but upon hearing the latter part, everyone, including Doflamingo, the Donquixote Family, and Aeridar’s crew, their faces all turned grim.
Aeridar looked coldly at Doflamingo.
Doflamingo hung up the Den Den Mushi with a dark expression, veins bulging on his forehead. He snapped at Trebol, "So many little pests. I remember ordering a blackout on this information. Have Violet investigate, then crush them all for me."
The Chris Pirates had brazenly entered Dressrosa through the port, but Doflamingo had specifically ordered a blackout on the news of Aeridar’s group arriving at the palace.
Yet, outsiders knew, and they even knew that Aeridar and his crew were right beside him. How could Doflamingo not be furious?
If the news of the Seven Warlords Alliance leaked, the World Government would surely take drastic action.
"Ne ne~ Doffy, let me handle it."
Trebol’s face was also dark. Sniffling, he left his seat and turned to exit.
"My apologies, this is on me. I’ll handle this matter properly."
Doflamingo apologized to Aeridar with suppressed anger.
Aeridar replied expressionlessly.
In truth, it wasn’t that Aeridar genuinely trusted Doflamingo. It was simply that both sides were now in the same boat; if something went wrong, neither of them could escape.
"How touching... The word ’trust’ actually applies to me, fufufufufu~ So, are you coming along?" Doflamingo leaned back, laughing softly.
He naturally didn’t believe the other party truly trusted him; it was merely a matter of attitude.
"I can’t fly, and besides, I have some accounts to settle with them," Aeridar shook his head, scoffing dismissively.
"My apologies for the poor hospitality. If you wish to stay here for a couple of days, feel free to ask my family for anything you need," Doflamingo said earnestly.
"We’re not children; we don’t need you constantly following us," Aeridar waved his hand casually.
"Then I’ll be taking my leave."
With that, a few almost imperceptible strings appeared, and Doflamingo flew away.
"Aeridar-san, I’m Diamante, one of the family’s top executives. As Doffy said, please don’t be shy. Just tell us if you need anything," Diamante said, walking over with his long, slender legs after Doflamingo departed.
"One of the top executives, so you’re also a very skilled swordsman?" Oliver looked with interest at the longsword hanging at Diamante’s waist.
"No, no, I’m not a skilled swordsman at all," Diamante said, waving his hands repeatedly.
"Hey, hey~ Don’t be so humble," Oliver raised an eyebrow.
"Really, really, I’m truly not a skilled swordsman!" Diamante waved his hands continuously, as if afraid of being misunderstood.
Oliver pouted. Since he didn’t want to admit it: "Then never mind..."
However, Oliver had only spoken half his sentence when...
Diamante immediately conceded, "Since you put it that way, I’ll admit it. I am indeed a skilled swordsman. I’m the family’s most skilled swordsman."
"..." At that moment, Oliver completely froze.
"Pfft... Hahaha..." Aeridar burst out laughing on the spot, finding the scene quite humorous.
Diamante, the top executive of the Diamante Army, a Flutter-Flutter Fruit user, the Flagman, also proficient in swordsmanship, capable of powerful sword slashes that could tear the earth. His personality was such that if praised, he would become very humble, but if the praise was retracted, he would admit his skill, and even possess a ’taunt’ ability.
With their host gone, Aeridar and his group also found it uninteresting to stay, so they left the palace.
Descending from the King’s Plateau, Aeridar took out a dark blue Den Den Mushi from his pocket and dialed.
"Moshi moshi, this is the World Government’s Office for the Seven Warlords of the Sea." The voice of a World Government official echoed from the Den Den Mushi.
"This is Aeridar. Send my reward to Dressrosa."
Aeridar clutched the Den Den Mushi, spoke only one sentence, then abruptly hung up with a "click."
Want to read ahead of schedule? Head over to my ——— (.)com/JuanFiction [remove the parentheses ( )]
There are over 100 advance Chapters available for you!