Hearing Roswald's words, all the Celestial Dragons present fell silent.
Although they hated Rosinante so much their teeth itched, at this moment none of them dared to speak up.
They possessed the status of Celestial Dragons, the highest nobles in the world.
For small matters, killing a few commoners, branding people as slaves, or framing a handful of Marines or government officials, these were nothing at all. A single sentence or even a glance was enough, and plenty of people would rush to carry it out for them. All of it felt perfectly natural.
But when it came to truly major events, they did not have such authority.
Rosinante had already grown wings. He had built up a massive force and was no longer the lone man he once was, someone they could casually crush whenever they pleased.
Not long ago, even the Five Elders and certain influential figures within the clan had spoken up on his behalf.
And just recently, he had slain Golden Lion, a great pirate that even the World Government feared.
Someone like that was no longer a figure they could simply decide to eliminate.
What exactly could they use to destroy him?
"Heh, Saint Roswald, I understand how uncomfortable you feel, but that little brat Rosinante is not someone we should provoke right now."
"That's right. That kid even killed Golden Lion. As much as we hate to admit it, he's no longer someone we can deal with easily."
"You should know better than anyone, that little monster would dare do anything. He even shot our slave guards right in front of us. What wouldn't he dare to do? If you anger him, he might even point a gun at us. You must not act impulsively!"
"And besides, the Five Elders personally warned us some time ago not to provoke that little brat."
One Celestial Dragon after another tried to persuade Roswald, hoping he would not lose his head. If something really went wrong, they might all be dragged into the disaster.
"If this were only my personal grievance, I would let it go," Roswald said coldly. "But this concerns the honor of the entire Celestial Dragon race. If his so-called Nightless City truly enforces a rule where people no longer need to kneel before Celestial Dragons, then other places may follow suit. That would be a massive blow to our status."
At those words, the Celestial Dragons exchanged glances.
"This matter needs further discussion. For now, it's best to avoid Rosinante's sharp edge," some of them said, already standing up as they prepared to leave.
They had no intention of becoming Roswald's spear. They understood clearly that this was not something they could afford to get involved in.
"Everyone," Roswald said, stopping them, "I know Rosinante's strength is beyond us, but I wouldn't raise this matter without some confidence. Even certain elders within the clan find his actions unacceptable and believe he needs to be taught a lesson. And don't you think a city as beautiful as Nightless City should belong only to Celestial Dragons? If I were to buy it for one hundred million Beli, he should be grateful. Don't you agree?"
As Roswald spoke, two figures suddenly appeared behind him.
Seeing the two people at his back, the Celestial Dragons present all showed expressions of sudden realization.
As Celestial Dragons, they were extremely familiar with CP0. From what they knew, the two CP0 members standing behind Roswald were long-time followers of that great figure.
Their appearance here meant only one thing.
That person supported Roswald.
If they could obtain the backing of that great figure, then this matter might truly be possible.
At that thought, greedy expressions began to surface on the faces of the Celestial Dragons.
"Saint Roswald is right. A city as beautiful as Nightless City is fit only for Celestial Dragons. Let it become our second residence!" one Celestial Dragon said, eyes gleaming with greed.
"That's right, that's right. And when the mermaids arrive, we can just… hehehe!"
"All those strange races from around the world, it's really something to look forward to."
"Actually, the Sky Island women aren't bad either. Like that maid beside Rosinante. I'll have him hand her over to me. Once I'm done playing with her, I'll give her back."
Looking at the Celestial Dragons below, each one grinning with naked greed, Roswald's expression twisted into something ferocious.
"Rosinante," he said coldly, "this time, I'll make you regret it."