Any negotiation is fundamentally based on power, and the interests between nations are even more so.
During the restarted three-nation talks, Longinus, riding on the momentum of defeating Felix, found every word he said enthusiastically endorsed by the royal nobles of each country.
Even though these nobles knew that Rougishu, as a marine, Couldn’t do anything to them, the thought that he had, in a short time, sent both an 80 million Beri bounty pirate and a king of a World Government member nation to prison made their bodies tremble. They couldn’t help but agree with everything Rougishusaid said.
The Alabasta side was even more supportive. Cobra, who became king, was already a die-hard fan of Longinus. Plus, Rougishuhad captured the culprit who killed the previous king, making them practically worship him. Every proposal Rougishumade was unconditionally approved.
In just half an hour, the three nations completed an agreement that would typically take at least half a month of bickering. Commander Adekin even found himself bewildered as he received a ten billion Beri sponsorship shared by the three nations.
“The difference between people is greater than the difference between people and pigs!” Commander Adekin sighed, ashamed of his struggles with negotiation meetings that seemed so quickly resolved. The significant sponsorship he effortlessly obtained added to his sense of inferiority.
The marines behind Commander Adekin had odd expressions, thinking the commander’s words might be inappropriate. But they decided against reminding him.
After the meeting, Cobra exerted his royal authority to forcibly disperse the eager women seeking to mate, finally securing a moment to be alone with his idol.
“Major Longinus, I don’t know how to thank you. You not only restored the nearly shattered reputation of the royal family but also saved the fate of all Alabasta’s citizens!” At this moment, Cobra finally showed some kingly steadiness, no longer too nervous to speak.
“King Cobra, I only did what a marine should do. The greatest recognition for me is to see the ideas of peace and justice spread further,” Rougishusaid said with a gentle smile, always warm like a spring breeze.
“Major Longinus, I know how committed you are to justice. Using money to express gratitude would insult your noble character!” Cobra said righteously, then signaled the attendant behind him to present the item.
Rougishusighed inwardly, relieved that his money-devouring system did not force him to accept Cobra’s “insult.”
Cobra carefully took out a medal, a cross adorned with gold and diamonds, glittering brilliantly in the sunlight.
The nobles behind Cobra looked on enviously. It was the highest honor medal of the Kingdom of Alabasta, and in its 800-year history, those qualified to wear it were few and far between.
He wouldn’t have qualified for it if Rougishuhad had only avenged the royal family. But his proposals for the future development of the three nations were invaluable, potentially saving Alabasta, which even the conservative nobles acknowledged.
Having done his homework, Rougishuknew knew what this highest honor medal represented. He admired Cobra’s decisiveness and felt somewhat tempted.
For him, fame was far more important than wealth. Pirates relied on their fearsome reputation, while marines needed the banner of justice as a stepping stone to promotion.
He had appeared in newspapers many times but was never recognized as a national hero.
However, Rougishudid didn’t show eagerness, which would contradict his consistently righteous image.
Thus, Rougishucalmly said, “I only did what I should. Receiving honors beyond my duty would be unfair to my fellow marines. If possible, I hope to share this honor with all the marines.”
The surrounding marines were deeply moved, nearly brought to tears. “Major Rougishurefused such a high honor for us!”
Fortunately, Cobra didn’t disappoint Longinus. He quickly came to his senses and said, “Major Longinus, you’re right. I neglected the other brave marines. How about this: if you’re not in a hurry to sail back, I’ll personally hold a medal ceremony for the other marines?”
Though the medals Cobra awarded wouldn’t be as prestigious as Longinus’s, it was still a great honor for the often-overlooked lower-ranking marines.
Who wouldn’t want to stand on that dazzling stage and bask in the glory if possible?
Most marines joined because they were “lured” by the idea of justice. Therefore, they hoped even more to be acknowledged. Although this wasn’t a medal from Marine Headquarters, for these mid-to-lower-ranking marines, an award ceremony from a World Government member nation was enough to excite them.
“Can we really receive medals too?”
“Long live King Cobra! Long live Major Longinus!”
Hearing the Marines’ enthusiastic cheers, Rougishusubtly curled his lips.
Rougishuknew that no matter how famous he became outside, his most crucial base would always be his influence within the Marines.
Thus, he always found ways to include other marines in beneficial matters. Over time, his status in the G2 branch of the Marines surpassed that of many senior officers.
Because of this, young Tina had already learned to “win hearts and minds” alongside her admired big brother, and when Louis greeted them, those lieutenant commanders and captains naturally stood behind Longinus, highlighting his status.
Seeing that their king had restored the prestige of the Alabasta royal family with a few symbolic medals, the nobles who had previously criticized Cobra for his impulsiveness now smiled brightly. Their king had stumbled upon a path more suitable for Alabasta.
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