Two hours later.
Ross slowly rose from the sofa, unhurriedly buttoning his shirt. As his shirt opened and closed, his broad shoulders, thick chest, and taut abs were revealed in turn, the well-defined muscle lines faintly visible, exuding a masculine aura.
This scene captivated Princess Nefertari Titi, who was reclining on the sofa.
His strong muscles were clearly defined, his face was perfectly handsome, and his stamina was so abundant that it was hard for her to believe.
Princess Nefertari Titi could feel that her previously weak body had miraculously improved.
A current of energy flowed along her newly opened meridians, making her feel lighter and more refreshed.
The feeling of being sickly disappeared, replaced by a feeling of soreness and weakness all over the body, like after soaking in a hot spring.
This was an experience that Princess Nefertari Titi had never had before.
"Princess Nefertari Titi, I am very satisfied with this compensation. In exchange, you should be able to feel that your health has fully improved."
After dressing properly, Ross turned around to admire the flawless beauty of Princess Nefertari Titi.
"Thank you, Your Highness..."
Princess Nefertari Titi bit her lip slightly, but still managed to express her gratitude.
She felt humiliated, yet strangely pleased, that she was forced to express gratitude despite being coerced.
She slowly lowered her long legs, avoiding Ross's gaze, and silently picked up the thick clothes beside her and put them on.
Drum Island is winter all year round. Even if you have just been washed by warm currents, you are still prone to getting sick again if you take off your outer clothes for a long time.
Most importantly, she was hesitant to meet Ross's gaze.
"I've heard that things have been quite turbulent in Alabasta lately."
Ross admired Princess Nefertari Titi's movements as she dressed; this half-concealed, half-revealed gesture, coupled with her shy expression, made her even more alluring.
"There have been a lot of pirates coming to the Grand Line this year, and Alabasta has also been greatly affected. The Marines don't have enough manpower to drive out all the pirates."
Princess Nefertari Titi nodded gently, grateful that Ross hadn't brought up the previous issues and had instead chosen a less awkward topic.
Three years ago, Roger started the pirate era, and countless villains and adventurers poured into the sea. At the beginning, the sea was not as chaotic as it is now, and the Marines could barely suppress them.
But when villains and adventurers became accustomed to life at sea and had no way to create wealth, plundering became inevitable.
By last year, many pirates from all over the world felt they were well-prepared and flocked to the Grand Line.
As a superpower located near Reverse Mountain on the Grand Line, Alabasta was particularly severely affected, and many pirates used it as a place to plunder.
Since they're going to resort to robbery anyway, and robbery will attract the Marines' attention, why not just rob the richest places?
"Does Alabasta have any ideas? The World Conference is next year. If Alabasta has any suggestions, I can help you get them approved."
Hearing Ross's gentle voice, Princess Nefertari Titi suddenly stopped dressing and looked at Ross in disbelief.
She thought...
Unexpectedly, there were additional gains.
It seems it's not as bad as she had imagined?
"This..."
Princess Nefertari Titi hesitated. Logically, she should have mentioned Alabasta's demands. Since Ross had asked, it meant his experience had been good, and there was a high probability he would be willing to help.
But she always felt that saying it like that would change the nature of the matter.
Did Ross force her through Igaram, or did she seduce Ross for Alabasta?
"Tell us what it is, whatever it may be."
Seeing Princess Nefertari Titi's conflicted expression, Ross's smile deepened.
He wasn't willing to give anything back because he enjoyed it; rather, he wanted to get involved in Alabasta and just needed a reason.
As for what color hat Cobra should wear, that depends on what Princess Nefertari Titi thinks.
"Well, Alabasta is indeed in a bit of a predicament. The Marines are short-handed right now, and we hope the World Government can send more Marines to drive out the pirates."
Princess Nefertari Titi hesitated for a moment before speaking, saying that she felt Alabasta was undoubtedly more important than personal honor or disgrace.
In the past year, the pirate invasions have caused nearly 10,000 additional casualties, which has already put Alabasta under considerable strain.
Compared to the lives and safety of the people, she herself seemed less important.
"Forget about the Marines." Ross shook his head. "The Marines are short-handed in various places right now. They've all been sent out. If we send more to Alabasta, we can only transfer the Marines stationed in other member states, but the other member states definitely won't agree to that."
"I see..."
Princess Nefertari Titi was somewhat disappointed; she had thought Ross would agree.
However, she could understand, since the Marines' manpower shortage was a well-known fact.
"But..."
Ross suddenly changed the subject, which made Princess Nefertari Titi's eyes show a hopeful look.
"I can offer some small assistance in my personal capacity, but there is a condition: is Alabasta willing to accept a private army stationed there?"
"Private army stationed?"
This term was somewhat unfamiliar to Princess Nefertari Titi, or rather, she had some doubts about it.
Logically speaking, Ross, as a Celestial Dragon, should have an army that is part of the World Government's organization. There's no way he could be called a private army; they couldn't possibly be pirates under Ross's command.
"Yes, a private army. When I returned to our ancestral lands before, I discovered that the nobles who managed our family's ancestral lands were oppressing the common people, so I purged them all and changed the non-affiliated country to the Jaygarcia District," Ross said with a smile.
"So, does the private army refer to the army in the Special Administrative Region that belongs exclusively to your family?"
Princess Nefertari Titi knew what Ross was worried about. Although it was called Jaygarcia District, it was actually a constituent country and might even be taking up a spot at the World Conference.
Allowing troops from the Special Region to be stationed in Alabasta is tantamount to allowing troops from other member states to be stationed in Alabasta, which could very likely cause some trouble for Alabasta.
However, Princess Nefertari Titi hesitated only briefly before making a decisive decision:
"If the pirate problem in Alabasta can be solved, Alabasta is willing to allow the special zone's troops to be stationed there and provide resource assistance."
Compared to the safety of Alabasta's citizens, the loss of reputation is insignificant.
Princess Nefertari Titi was a kind princess, and she knew that King Cobra was a kind king.
Even if it were Cobra sitting here today, he would definitely agree to Ross's proposal.
However, Cobra probably won't be sitting here, and Ross wouldn't be interested in Cobra.
Thinking of this, Princess Nefertari Titi blushed slightly.
"No problem. Now that we've reached an agreement, shouldn't we celebrate?"
"Ah?!"
Princess Nefertari Titi trembled slightly, looked up and met Ross's eager gaze, bit her lip and hesitated for a while, but finally unbuttoned the button she had just put on, and two little white rabbits that had been hidden jumped out.
For Alabasta.
…
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