"Harald, from what the newspapers say, you and the World Government should be completely at odds." Linlin looked at Harald, hoping for an answer directly from him.
"No! I still hope to join the World Government!" Harald's tone remained firm, without a hint of hesitation.
"Seriously! How can a giant like you be so dense!" Milim waved her small hands in frustration, her eyes filled with exasperation.
"At this point, not only has Rocks approached you, but even we from Totto Land have made contact. The World Government's wariness of you can't be erased now."
"You should be looking for another path at a time like this," Milim said indignantly.
But Harald closed his eyes and crossed his arms, looking as stubborn as a mule. In the end, Milim had talked herself hoarse, but Harald remained unmoved.
"Linlin, I can't get through to him," Milim panted, complaining to Charlotte Linlin. "This guy's head is made of solid rock. He won't listen to a single word."
Charlotte Linlin noticed that as Milim spoke, Harald's eyelids twitched a few times. Clearly, he wasn't as calm inwardly as he appeared on the outside.
After all, Harald wasn't truly incapable of reason. He knew very well that Elbaf, having been entangled with both Rocks and Totto Land, would have a hard time gaining the World Government's trust.
Even sending many giants to the Marines was not enough to prove his sincerity.
The reason Harald was so insistent on Elbaf becoming a member nation was because!
Elbaf faced food shortages and was often under attack by other pirates, putting it in a difficult position.
Harald believed that joining the World Government would provide a protective shield for his people. With the World Government's power, they could reduce external harassment of Elbaf and allow his people to live in peace.
Moreover, in the eyes of the outside world, the giant race was considered barbaric, with a very poor reputation, and was looked down upon by other countries.
Harald wanted to change this and truly integrate the giant race into the world. He believed joining the World Government was a viable path. As a member nation, they could improve the international image of the giants and gain more recognition.
After joining the World Government, he could use the power of the Marines to consolidate Elbaf's strength.
At the same time, they could get rid of some trade restrictions and freely conduct trade and other affairs with other nations, changing the chaotic situation caused by their inability to trade normally.
Furthermore, according to the World Government's rules, although member nations had to pay the Heavenly Tribute, they would also receive corresponding "protection" and some resources. Harald hoped to use this to help Elbaf develop better.
Although his intentions were good, he had put his trust in the wrong party. Even if they became a member nation, the difficulties they faced would still exist.
"Milim, let's go. We'll take a walk around Elbaf and give the Giant King some time to think." Saying this, Charlotte Linlin turned and walked out of the hotel.
Gloriosa, who had been like a shadow since they entered the hotel, followed behind Milim and dragged the reluctant girl out.
"Honestly, that guy is such a hypocrite. It's obvious he doesn't trust the World Government either," Milim grumbled as she walked.
"Now, now, Lady Milim, everyone has their own hardships. You must learn to be more understanding." Despite her words, Gloriosa didn't approve of the Giant King's blind faith in the World Government either.
Inside the tavern, the Giant King Harald, with his eyes closed, let out a long sigh.
He knew that joining the World Government at a time like this was basically impossible. And even if they did join, his country's situation might not improve much.
But Harald was out of options. This was the method he could think of with the least amount of loss.
Stepping outside the hotel, a towering figure blocked their path. He had purple hair and his eyes were wrapped in bandages.
He carried a giant spiked club on his shoulder and shouted arrogantly at Charlotte Linlin and Milim, "You lot must be outsiders. You look so tiny, you must be weak."
"Mamamama!" Charlotte Linlin immediately recognized the towering giant before her. The legendary prince of Elbaf, known as the Cursed Prince!
"You must be Harald's son, Prince Loki!"
"Don't you dare call me 'Harald's son.' The Loki of Elbaf goes only by his own name." He licked his lower lip, his tone a mixture of a child's unique arrogance and a hint of nonchalance.
"Oh! Linlin, this one's much fiercer than you were as a child. He looks like he's about to pick a fight." Milim leaned in close to Loki, her eyes seeming to recall a memory, her tone light and easy.
Looking down at the tiny figure at his feet, Loki didn't hesitate. He raised his spiked club and slammed it down. The ground shattered as the massive weapon completely covered Milim's body.
"As expected, outsiders are all so weak." Loki casually tried to lift his club.
He tugged, but the club wouldn't budge. It was as if the entire weapon had been welded to the ground.
"Huh?" A confused Loki looked down beneath his club. One of Milim's hands was embedded in the weapon itself.
"Kids really do love to cause trouble. It reminds me of when you used to go on your rampages, Linlin." With a sudden jerk, Milim's immense strength shot through the club, ripping it from Loki's grasp.
"Let's not talk about my childhood. I'm not very fond of those memories," Charlotte Linlin said, reaching out to take the spiked club from Milim.
She tested its weight and was surprised by how heavy it was. She gave Loki a surprised glance before handing the club back to him.
"You shouldn't play with such dangerous things, Prince Loki!" With that, Charlotte Linlin walked past him and continued on her way.
"Kids are so much fun! It really makes me miss how you were as a child, Linlin." Milim also paid Loki no mind and walked past him.
Seeing them all ignore him, Prince Loki, who was already starved for affection, felt the anger in his heart burn even hotter. He was just about to turn and attack Milim again.
But in the next moment, his keen sixth sense felt an intense threat, and the attack he was about to launch stopped dead in its tracks.
Only after the group had completely left Loki's sight did the intense sense of danger gradually fade.
Only then did the giant children who had been hiding behind a nearby building dare to cautiously approach Loki's side.
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