Lucci said in a low voice, "You've seen the World Government. Given the current world situation, they are unstoppable. Only by cooperating with us does Flower Country have a future."
"But the price is too high..."
The King frowned, "The World Government only demands ten billion annually, but what you want is the lifeblood of Flower Country's economy. Even O'hara finds it difficult to deal with Flower Country. Lucci, you used to be part of the World Government's Intelligence Organization, so you should understand our foundation."
"Of course, those considered 'strong nations' have always been the core force that makes up the world. However, what we want is not everything, merely to allow your goods to flow freely with ours. Allowing us to build factories here can help you with taxes."
Lucci nodded: "With sufficient tax revenue, paying the celestial gold in the future will not be difficult."
"I know what you did in Alabasta."
The King of Flower Country removed a small round pair of sunglasses, revealing eyes wise enough to see through the world, "The more you do this, the less I can agree."
The rulers of strong nations are not easily dealt with.
"Do you lack confidence in your own country?"
Lucci smiled faintly: "People of Flower Country live well, unless they struggle to survive, why would anyone want to leave their homeland? Even we often long for our home."
"Also, our Captain has said, when dealing with strong nations, we are genuinely cooperative. As long as you don't break the agreement, you can serve as O'hara's downstream market and collaborate with us permanently. You know our Captain's reputation."
"Of course, the promises of Disaster hold a lot of value. I've paid attention to major events in the Pirate Realm, and they have not been his direct actions."
The King of Flower Country nodded again, pondering while staring silently at Lucci.
Lucci was in no rush, simply picking up his teacup and sipping slowly.
Different from before, Lucci now possessed a calm and authoritative elegance, with occasional glances emitting a chilling light that resonated deeply.
The King of Flower Country's eyebrows furrowed and relaxed intermittently, maintaining this for a few minutes before Lucci slowly spoke:
"Before I came, the Captain told me, every 'strong nation' in the world has its unique aspects. The world is vast even for us, having reached our limits; the first half of the New World is our territory now."
"But with technology, we must communicate and exchange with other countries; otherwise, we'll be like the World Government, stagnant and uninterested in oceanic interactions, keeping us from flourishing. Flower Country needs to prosper more, right?"
The King of Flower Country nodded instinctively and, after considering for a while, seemed to resolve on a certain decision and said to Lucci:
"What stronger policies exist? I know O'hara's market is very advanced, and our resources profit inside, but for my citizens, I hope for even better trade. For instance, our goods should have free movement in and out of O'hara..."
Lucci glanced at him, put down his teacup, and said:
"Coming as an envoy, I have certain authority. I can agree to your requests, but with conditions... you cannot impose trade bans on us. Our people can establish industries and purchase land in Flower Country."
As soon as he finished, when the King of Flower Country was about to speak, Lucci quickly added:
"Certainly, we won't take actions targeting minor countries. We won't expand territory in the North Sea and West Sea. However, if your people are willing to go to O'hara, you cannot obstruct them. We'll abide by the rules like in Alabasta, not committing any transgressions."
The King of Flower Country slightly lowered his head, his pupils flickering.
O'hara...
As a newfound powerful force deemed a 'top nation' in the world, it was brought to existence by Disaster.
Pirates view him as the pinnacle of their realm, and ambitious kings certainly regard him as a supreme ruler.
How long has Sage, a Pirate, occupied a nation in the New World?
Absolutely less than three years!
From Pirate to King, even if he doesn't admit it, he still governs his territories as the Governor of the Disaster Pirates, yet the kings have long acknowledged him as a king.
In a short period, he went from nothing to occupying the first half of the New World thoroughly, not in the pirate-style protection fee, but a complete takeover like a kingdom.
They don't see issues in Sage's model; they just acknowledge Sage's superior governance, mastering the islands in the first half of the New World with the strongest rule.
The entire first half of the New World!
Disparities between nations and individuals are substantial.
In personal eyes, Sage has always exuded immense power, renowned for his strength.
But in national eyes, some things are discounted.
If at the start Sage, who occupied Gares, was merely seen as a strong Pirate, becoming one of the 'Four Emperors' meant he was simply a famous Pirate, reaching the top as only a medium-low level among 'strong nations.'
So-called Pirates, globally, are merely a relatively popular industry, and by linking with the Underworld, they can only contend with the Navy.
Committed to overthrowing the World Government, the Revolutionary Army targets kingdoms, none of which are large-sized presently, and no instance of a 'strong nation' being toppled by the Revolutionary Army has surfaced.