Within the royal palace, a group of defeated men gathered to discuss their next move.
Ten billion Berries. It was a staggering sum, one that the now-destitute King Riku simply could not produce. Dressrosa's former prosperity was gone, and the royal treasury was in the red.
"Father, are we really going to give those pirates ten billion Berries?" Viola asked, looking at King Riku's deeply furrowed brow.
"I..." The king was at a loss for words. He didn't want to give the money to the pirates, but what choice did he have? He had lost his status as a member of the World Government and had earned their enmity. He had no way of seeking aid, not even the opportunity to ask.
"Your Majesty, we absolutely cannot give them the money!" Walker spoke up.
All eyes turned to him, waiting for his reasoning.
Walker didn't flinch under the scrutiny and stated his thoughts clearly. "Your Majesty, I believe these pirates have no good intentions. If we give them ten billion Berries this time, what about the next? We have no guarantee that they won't come back after they leave. If they return, what will we do then?"
Hearing this, Simmons chimed in, "He's right, Your Majesty. We cannot pay them. Pirates are vicious, greedy creatures. If we satisfy their greed this time, they will surely come back with even greater demands."
A heavy silence fell over the grand hall. Everyone waited for the master of the palace to make the final decision.
"Alas," King Riku sighed. "Do you think I don't understand what you're saying? But we truly have no other options now."
At the king's words, the faces of Walker and the others darkened. He's right. They all understood the logic. But to escape such a predicament without overwhelming power was impossible.
"No, Father! We haven't reached the point of despair yet! We still have a savior!"
Seeing the dejected state of her father and the ministers, Viola finally made up her mind. She would tell them about the solution she had learned from the Tontatta tribe.
Her words instantly captured everyone's attention. All eyes turned to King Riku's second daughter, Princess Viola.
"Your Highness, this is a moment of extreme crisis. We cannot act on impulse," Walker gently reminded her.
"I am certain," Viola said firmly.
"Viola, go on," said King Riku. Knowing his daughter's character, he trusted her and allowed her to speak freely.
"You can come out now!" Viola called out softly.
The others looked around the hall, bewildered, seeing no one.
"Hey, hey! Over here! We're here!" a tiny voice shouted from Viola's shoulder.
"Is... is that a fairy?" Walker leaned in for a closer look and jumped back in shock.
Everyone except King Riku stared curiously at the little people on Viola's person.
The king's expression soured. He hadn't expected his daughter's solution to be the Tontatta tribe.
"Viola, this is Dressrosa's affair. We cannot drag the Tontatta into our war," he said gravely.
"King Riku, we came of our own free will! Dressrosa doesn't belong to you alone!" Hearing the king scold Viola, Leo stood forward and spoke loudly, showing no deference to the monarch.
King Riku gave an awkward laugh and said no more. Since they were willing to help, he couldn't refuse their kindness.
Seeing that her father had misunderstood, Viola quickly clarified, "Father, that's not the solution I was talking about! Our strength combined with the Tontatta is not enough to defeat these pirates!"
"Then what is your brilliant idea, Your Highness?" Walker inquired.
"We can ask someone to help us! We can fight fire with fire!" Viola said excitedly. She looked to her father, hoping to see a hint of approval on his face.
After a moment of contemplation, King Riku spoke in a low voice. "Viola, your idea is a good one, but I cannot think of anyone who would extend a helping hand at a time like this. And even if they did, what does Dressrosa have left to offer? I can't imagine we have any bargaining chip that would move them."
A deathly silence fell over the room. The king was right. Relationships between people were mutual. Why would anyone help them for free?
"You don't have to worry about that, King Riku," Leo said with a touch of disdain, seeing the defeat on their faces. He stepped forward. "We have someone who can help us. If he makes a move, Dressrosa's crisis can be easily resolved."
"Is that true?"
A look of wild joy appeared on King Riku's face. He looked back and forth between Leo and Viola, seeking confirmation.
"It's true," Viola nodded.
"This is wonderful! Dressrosa is saved!" Walker and Simmons said, their voices filled with emotion.
Even Kyros, who had been standing as still as a stone pillar, showed a hint of joy.
Seeing the happiness on her father's face, Viola was also pleased, but a worry lingered in her heart. She didn't know if he would accept that person's identity as a pirate.
For now, King Riku was too overcome with joy to ask. She decided to hide the detail for the time being, waiting until everything was settled.
But the best-laid plans often go awry.
Though the king was excited, he still wanted to inquire carefully about their potential savior. It wasn't that he didn't trust the Tontatta, but Dressrosa could not endure any more destruction. What if they were letting the fox into the henhouse?
"Viola, who is this person you speak of?" King Riku asked. The ministers also looked at her with hopeful eyes.
Hearing his question, the joy on Viola's face faltered.
"What's wrong? Is it inconvenient to say?" Seeing the change in his daughter's expression, King Riku knew there was more to the story.
"Well..." Viola mumbled softly.
"Your Highness, this is a matter of utmost urgency! Please, tell us quickly!" Walker and the others urged.
Viola closed her eyes, gritted her teeth, and stomped her foot. "That person is a pirate!"
"A pirate? Another pirate?" King Riku's mind reeled, and his eyes glazed over.
"Your Highness, you must be confused!" Walker's face fell as he admonished her. "We all know what pirates are like! You're trying to drive out a tiger by letting in a wolf! In the end, we will be the ones who suffer!"
The joy on Kyros's face vanished. It was clear he shared the same sentiment as the king and his ministers.
"What do you know? Doflamingolando is not like other pirates!" Leo stepped up to speak, fiercely defending Doflamingo.
"A pirate is a pirate! A leopard can't change its spots!" King Riku said, his face hardening, his voice filled with hatred.
"Father, but they—" Viola tried to say more, but she was cut off by her father's sharp gaze.
"Say no more. Dressrosa has not yet fallen to the point where it needs a pirate for a savior," he said coldly. "We are still here. Even if I must die, I will die before Dressrosa falls. Viola, this matter does not concern you. You are tired. Go and rest."
No one else spoke up for Viola. It was clear they agreed with the king. Besides, they were grown men. How could they let a child meddle in the affairs of state?
Viola's face fell. She knew the outcome. She quickly left the palace to find her sister and see what she had to say.
The Tontatta did not leave with her. Although King Riku and the others had spoken ill of Doflamingo, their original intention was to help, so they couldn't just leave.
"Go and raise the money," King Riku commanded. "Let's get these pirates to leave for now. As long as there is a glimmer of hope, I believe Dressrosa will not fall."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Walker and Simmons exchanged a look and steeled their resolve.
Seeing that they were no longer needed, the Tontatta disappeared. King Riku had no mind to pay them any attention.
In the palace, only Kyros and King Riku remained. The father- and son-in-law shared a peaceful, if somber, moment.
"Kyros, you've worked hard as well. Go and rest. Go see Scarlett and Rebecca," King Riku said, dismissing him.
"But if I'm not here, who will protect you?" Kyros asked, straight-laced as always.
"It's alright. Go. In this situation, no one will come," King Riku said with a wave of his hand.
Seeing this, Kyros said no more. He greatly missed his wife and daughter. After everything that had happened, he understood that being with family was the greatest happiness. It was just that, right now, that happiness seemed so far out of reach.
Within the royal palace, only a defeated and lonely old man was left, tasting the bitter flavor of solitude.