64. Aiding Alabasta
Drop Some power stones! If you like the chapter! It helps to keep me motivated to upload more!💎💎💎
---
Anos made his return to the palace and, after a momentary pause, greeted King Cobra with a respectful nod.
Their exchange was warm, and they quickly engaged in a thoughtful conversation, speaking as friends as much as kings.
Were it not for Princess Vivi's young age, Cobra might have considered forging a marriage alliance with Anos, who had an air of maturity and intelligence beyond his years.
Ignoring the background chatter in the palace, Anos accompanied Cobra into the grand hall.
Golden and emerald tapestries adorned the high stone walls, telling stories of Alabasta's rich history and victories past.
As they moved through the ornate doors, a gathering of Alabasta's ministers, dressed in fine robes with intricate patterns of Alabasta's crest, awaited them, eager to hear the details of this important conversation.
Initially, this journey was meant for a single purpose to officially join the World Government in Mariejois.
But their trip had taken an unexpected turn, burdened by the political complexities and hidden agendas that often swirled through the Grand Line.
King Cobra, however, was no stranger to such challenges. His instincts were as sharp as ever, capable of discerning the smallest hints of deception or opportunity.
Once everyone had settled, Cobra and Anos faced each other. The air was heavy with the significance of the moment; two kings with differing priorities and values were brought together in pursuit of something mutually beneficial.
Though this initial meeting would yield only a preliminary understanding, it was clear to all present that it could set the foundation for a lasting alliance between the Tru Kingdom and Alabasta.
Alabasta's left minister broke the silence. "Your Majesty, King Tru," he began, his tone respectful and measured. "King Cobra mentioned your interest in establishing economic and commercial cooperation with Alabasta. Might you elaborate on the specifics?"
Suzu, Anos's trusted scribe and aide, retrieved her leather-bound notebook, a delicate quill in hand, poised to record the king's words with accuracy and care.
Across the table, Alabasta's ministers prepared a video transponder snail to capture every word and expression, a rare privilege reserved for only the most significant diplomatic meetings.
After ensuring everything was in place, Anos adjusted his posture, signalling the gravity of his intentions.
"King Cobra," he began in a steady voice, "as we discussed earlier, our focus will remain strictly on economic exchanges."
"The partnership between the Tru Kingdom and Alabasta will involve only commerce, leaving aside military, political, or public sectors. This alliance is built solely upon economic development, aiming for mutual prosperity."
Cobra nodded in agreement, his eyes keen and thoughtful. The stakes were clear: Alabasta needed resources and employment opportunities to alleviate the hardships endured by its people, especially after recent years of turmoil.
Just as Anos was about to continue, Vivi, sitting at her father's side, stirred and began to speak.
However, Cobra, sensing her impulse, gently covered her mouth and cast her a disapproving look. His tone, though firm, carried the warmth of a protective father.
"Vivi now is not the time for idle chatter. Either remain quiet or please excuse yourself," he whispered, his words softened by a gentle smile.
Suzu, standing nearby, couldn't help but smile at the exchange, though her words carried a mild admonishment. "Forgive me, Princess Vivi, but such matters require great concentration. Perhaps, in time, you will have your negotiations to lead."
Though blunt, Suzu's words resonated with the ministers present, who understood the delicate nature of the occasion.
Vivi's presence was already an exception, given her young age, and the unexpected interruption could have jeopardized the decorum of the moment.
Yet, it also served as a reminder of her enthusiasm and the young royal's growing interest in her kingdom's future.
With an apologetic glance, Cobra turned back to Anos, his demeanour apologetic. "My sincerest apologies, King Anos. Please continue."
Anos offered a reassuring smile, gracefully setting aside the minor interruption. "Not a problem, King Cobra," he replied. "Regarding our shared economic interests, we propose establishing industries within Alabasta."
"These would include perfumes, handicrafts, textiles, and various products crafted in the Tru Kingdom. Our goal is to support employment and improve living standards for at least 50% of Alabasta's citizens within five years."
"To support this, we are prepared to contribute our expertise in infrastructure, environmental improvements, seawater desalination, and other vital projects."
"These advancements will address Alabasta's basic needs and support the stability of its people."
The ministers listened intently, glancing at each other as Anos spoke. The Tru Kingdom's proposal was more extensive than anticipated and seemed to offer solutions to many of Alabasta's pressing issues.
Suzu diligently transcribed every word, and on the Alabasta side, the video transponder snail whirred softly, capturing the entirety of the conversation.
"Naturally, we would ask that Alabasta aid Tru by setting up secure trade routes along the Grand Line and into the New World," Anos continued. "Our enterprises will operate within Alabasta's legal frameworks, paying taxes and respecting your regulations."
"Infrastructure costs can be negotiated through tax deductions or direct payment, and further details can be managed by our appointed representatives."
Anos's proposal was carefully thought out, and he delivered it with conviction.
Nearby, Suzu kept writing with swift strokes, while Daiki, the captain of the royal guard, stood silently behind.
Though Daiki was well-versed in combat and security, his frequent presence on Anos's side had allowed him to witness and gain a modest understanding of diplomatic exchanges.
He was taken aback by the ambition in Anos's words. Tru's reputation was growing in the world of commerce, yet they lacked a foothold on the Grand Line a disadvantage that severely hampered trade potential.
From the beginning, joining the World Government had been a strategic move.
Access to the Grand Line was essential, and with a partnership like this, Tru could drastically reduce its transportation costs while safeguarding its people and assets.
The proposal offered mutual benefits, yet it was clear that Alabasta, grappling with a scarcity of resources, stood to gain even more.
In the back of the hall, Alabasta's ministers exchanged thoughtful glances. They observed the young ruler before them with a mixture of admiration and disbelief.
It was rare to see someone so young exercise diplomacy with such finesse. Many of the ministers, with lifetimes of experience, had never imagined offering terms that could benefit another kingdom without extracting substantial returns.
For Alabasta, this alliance could provide the resources to overcome the shortages and financial struggles that had plagued the kingdom.
The Tru Kingdom's interests, though substantial, were focused on trade and economic development, steering clear of any political influence over Alabasta's internal affairs.
After a few moments of silent deliberation, Alabasta's ministers excused themselves and moved to a private corner to discuss the proposal.
Cobra, meanwhile, sat deep in thought, his gaze fixed upon the young king before him. He recognized the boldness in Anos's offer, as well as the potential risks.
Alabasta was in need, and this alliance could offer stability, but he understood that no partnership was ever truly without strings.
"King Anos," Cobra finally said, breaking the contemplative silence, "what you've proposed could greatly benefit our people. Today, since we've agreed upon the foundation of this alliance, I believe our representatives should discuss the finer details. Alabasta will gladly welcome Tru's emissaries to finalize these terms."
As he finished, Cobra's voice held a subtle resolve, underscoring the commitment he was making.
He saw the potential benefits but remained wary, understanding that the Tru Kingdom's interest wasn't purely charitable.
Anos had entered this agreement with clear intentions by expanding Tru's economic reach across the Grand Line, he could achieve influence on an unprecedented scale.
Anos nodded, acknowledging the king's wisdom. He knew the risks Cobra weighed and respected his discernment.
Both rulers understood that trust would grow in time, not through words alone but through actions that honoured their commitments.
This partnership represented more than economic growth; it was a gesture toward a more interconnected future, one where each kingdom's strengths would support the other's needs.
By pooling their resources, Alabasta could improve its infrastructure, while Tru could expand its trade influence, bridging the gap between two distant realms on the Grand Line.
With a sense of newfound unity, Anos and Cobra rose from their seats and clasped hands a symbolic gesture that sealed the alliance between Tru and Alabasta, witnessed by all present.
This partnership would mark a new chapter in the history of both kingdoms, one that would be recounted in tales and legends across the seas, from Alabasta's golden deserts to the verdant lands of Tru.
---
If you want to support me & read advanced chapters ahead on P@treon.
p@treon/Iamxeno
Thank you for reading!