166. I don’t want Alabasta to grow wealthy

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Anos didn't care at all about what Alabasta would become in the future. The only thing he cared about now was the interests of his own kingdom, Tru. As a king, he understood that such priorities were essential.

Cobra, on the other hand, didn't have any outstanding accomplishments as a king. Yet, he had ruled for many years and retained a remarkable understanding of people's hearts.

He should grasp the necessity of this approach, yet he seemed powerless. The policy Anos proposed was a win-win for both nations, and Alabasta could hardly refuse.

As other Kingdoms began to develop further in the future, Anos knew he could use economic influence to control Alabasta's lifeline.

Losta stood quietly nearby, attentively listening to her king. Everything she had now was given to her by him. While she had talent in business management, it was Anos who had truly applied it strategically.

"Losta! I don't want Alabasta to grow wealthy. So after you arrive there, even if all industrialization is completed, I need you to focus on building entertainment venues, including casinos. Try to secure some advance loans from them if you can. Do you understand?"

Anos spoke casually, an unreadable smile playing on his lips.

Losta stood blankly, her mind clouded with confusion. Why was she being sent to hinder Alabasta's development rather than help it flourish?

"Your Majesty, may I ask what your ultimate goal is?" Losta asked hesitantly.

"Who will work if everyone becomes rich?" Anos replied with a faint smile. "We are not there to grant them prosperity but to give them hope just enough to dream of a better life, not to live it fully. I only want the people of Alabasta to work hard for their three meals a day while we hold the real power."

"Your Majesty… wouldn't this approach cause dissatisfaction among the people of Alabasta?" Losta asked in surprise.

"Dissatisfaction? There won't be any. We won't steal or rob. Instead, we'll provide them with financial support and ensure they can eat. But spiritually? That's where we'll consume them. Ultimately, the choice is theirs, and no one will force them."

Anos's plan was inspired by strategies from his past experiences. If he wanted people to work steadily, he needed to keep their desires alive without completely satisfying them.

Losta nodded, still trying to digest the concept. As someone with extensive business experience, she struggled initially but vowed to understand the strategy thoroughly and implement it effectively.

"Do you find this method too harsh?" Anos asked with a smirk.

"No, Your Majesty," Losta replied. "It's just the first time I've encountered such a concept. I'll need some time to fully grasp it."

"Good. You'll leave tomorrow with your team. I've assigned Daiki to accompany you. Once everything is settled, report back to me using the Den Den Mushi. Show me your capabilities, Losta!"

Anos placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his tone both commanding and encouraging.

Losta's expression was solemn. She understood the weight of this responsibility.

Alabasta was vastly different from the Tru Kingdom. She wasn't sure if the results would align with her king's expectations, but she was determined to try.

"Your Majesty, I will do my best," she said respectfully.

"Go. Once this mission is complete, Tru Kingdom will begin a new wave of reforms. Much of our future will rest on your shoulders. Don't let the people of Tru down!"

Anos's words carried the weight of the entire kingdom, pressing on Losta's shoulders.

Despite her ambitions, she understood that her strength had to match her aspirations.

After Losta left, a smile spread across Anos's face. His sky-blue eyes glinted with calculated determination.

He trusted Losta, but this mission wasn't just an opportunity for her to prove herself it was also a test of her loyalty and competence.

The Tru Kingdom was on the path to solidifying its foundations before progressing further.

Anos wanted to ensure its prosperity would not rely on fragile industries like agriculture. In the short term, he could use his resources to sustain the kingdom, but in the long term, the people needed sustainable growth strategies.

After Losta departed, another figure appeared at the palace doors.

"Your Majesty…"

The man, dressed in a suit, had a strong yet unrefined presence compared to Losta's elegance.

"Kaiden, come in!" Anos called out.

Kaiden, the next Minister of Commerce, stepped into the hall. Unlike Losta, Kaiden lacked ambition but made up for it with his steadiness and reliability. In some areas, his pragmatic approach far surpassed hers.

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