Xia, Remont, and the others listened as the two men reached an agreement in mere moments, openly discussing matters without the slightest concern for anyone else still standing there. No one dared to move.
Some felt disaster was about to fall on their heads.
The more Remont listened, the darker his expression grew. These two didn't even acknowledge the people present—as if they had already decided everyone here was as good as dead.
One aimed to target a Shichibukai, the other to overthrow the Andia Kingdom—or perhaps take revenge on it. Either way, both were shocking.
What angered Remont most was Moris's attitude. He had extended generous invitations to him many times, yet never received a clear answer. But now, with just a few words, Moris had reached an agreement with someone else.
That wasn't even the main issue. The real problem was that their target was Andia Kingdom. As president of the Felomond Trading Union, Remont could not pretend not to hear.
Xia, meanwhile, was utterly dumbfounded. Wait a minute—wasn't tonight about helping her secure the position of AKS president? Why did it feel like they had already decided the fate of the king himself? Wasn't that a bit too much of a leap?
"I can't just pretend I didn't hear that," Remont said, stepping forward as the two stopped fighting. His face was grim, his tone unyielding.
Colson also stood his ground. Though the enemy was stronger than him—something he had just realized—that made the challenge all the more meaningful. Killing the strong carried more weight than killing the weak.
"Is the Felomond Trading Union really such a problem?" Rosen turned to Moris.
"Not at all. As long as people follow the established rules, it doesn't matter how many times the leader changes. Look at me—I'm a president of a union myself." Moris replied casually.
"This won't cause your union much loss. But I want the AKS presidency to go to its rightful heir. That shouldn't be a problem, since those are your own rules. Or what, Duke—are you really going to spill blood for your king? Haven't you passed that age by now?" Rosen glanced at Remont, unfazed by his status and influence.
"How dare you speak so rudely to the Duke!" a socialite snapped, seizing the chance to show loyalty.
Power drew people like moths to a flame, and with Duke Remont present, he thought it safe to act.
But before he finished, he collapsed unconscious, struck down by Conqueror's Haki. There was no room for small fry to interrupt.
"Your king hasn't treated you well. Wouldn't it be better to just continue as president and act like nothing happened?" Rosen said, cigar clenched in his teeth, sweeping his gaze over the room. He alone was confident he could handle everyone here.
With Moris at his side, wiping them all out would not be difficult—even Remont and Colson, unless they had hidden abilities.
Remont fell into thought. Honestly, he wasn't sure he could even take one of them down. Instead, he had to worry about his own safety.
It was clear that while he seemed their opponent, the two were really watching his reaction. If he became an obstacle, they would join forces to remove him.
Two criminals with bounties of over 500 million and 900 million Berries would not show mercy.
So though Remont looked firm, in truth he was helpless and frustrated. Now was not the time to turn against two such villains.
"Forget it. State affairs are beyond a mere idle noble like me. Let's call it rumor and nothing more." Remont sighed, making his stance clear.
The others here were all under his command, including branch presidents and vice presidents.
If Remont openly ordered them, most would keep silent about what they had just heard.
"In that case, I won't interfere in your induction ceremony," Rosen said, glancing at Xia. With Aberdeen dead and Xia backed by him, becoming AKS president would face no further obstacle.
Whether Remont truly stayed out of it or not, they would not meddle with something as minor as a branch president.
"Alex, take our honored guests to enjoy Paradise," Xia instructed.
"Yes, young lady."
Remont held Colson back, deep in thought. Only after Rosen and Moris had left did he say to Xia casually, "Miss Xia, tonight those still conscious will hold your induction ceremony as AKS president. Tomorrow we'll notify the branch leaders. Please present your contract…"
"Marines is a troublesome problem you're not confident in handling?" Moris asked Rosen later, sensing more needed to be discussed.
And now that they had exposed themselves in Paradise, it hardly mattered. Few would dare report it.
After all, if the Marines dispatched an Admiral every time Rosen appeared somewhere, the cost would be unbearable. Pulling so much power from the New World would also destabilize the balance there.
Thus, once Rosen escaped the Marine Alliance's siege, it was inevitable he wouldn't face another for some time.
Chances of success were too low, unless the World Government had a clear plan—or Rosen established a permanent base. Only then would it be worth targeting.
As long as he drifted across the seas, sightings alone weren't enough to justify sending large forces. At most, nearby bases would send agents to confirm and track him.
And with Moris involved, he would certainly send people to spread false reports, block information, and sow confusion—like rumors of Rosen appearing on other islands.
"A little. I was planning to take over the Felomond Trading Union, but with you here, there's less need. Still, Remont's appearance tells me he's no ordinary man. His weary face hides sharp eyes and aura. He won't stay quiet. If Andia Kingdom falls into chaos, it will muddy the waters—and that's exactly what we need against the World Government." Rosen left Remont alive to stir the pot.
"As insidious as ever. You're not planning to trick me this time, are you?" Moris asked, sensing risk.
"Relax. We've worked together before. This is called strategy, not trickery. I heard Paradise is hosting an auction—let's take a look. If possible, I'd like to get a few Devil Fruits."
"Oh, then you've come to the right place. This is one of the top places in the world for Devil Fruit auctions each year. But you're already a user—why bother? For your crew? Most Fruits are mediocre. Developing martial skill and Haki is far more reliable. If you gamble wrong, you're stuck as a dead weight at sea."
"Fortune favors the bold. And I never said I'd eat them. Can't I collect them?"
…
"My lord, are we really just going to let this pass?" Colson asked with a smile after everyone else left.
"They're not easy to deal with. Alone, maybe—but with Moris involved, the danger to both our kingdom and us is too great. Quietly summon the branch leaders. Have them assign forces to disrupt their actions," Remont said darkly.
"Do you think they can topple the king?"
"I hope they do. Then we'll have righteous grounds for a crusade. Politics is not about raw strength alone. To prepare for them as future enemies, have a small fortress built—no sand or stone, only metal. A safe citadel."
"Isn't that too cautious? They're strong, yes, but you know direct combat isn't my strength. Should I go tonight and take their heads?"
"No. Too risky. Besides, if they want chaos in Andia, that works in our favor. For now, we watch. Until then, no direct conflict." Remont shook his head.
(End of Chapter)