"Well, this is rare! Saint Warcury, I didn't expect you to call me personally."
In an extravagantly luxurious room, Roldy lounged naked in a massive bathtub. With a casual wave, he dismissed the two attendants. Tossing a pastry into his mouth, he smirked at the Den Den Mushi, which had taken on the stern face of an elder with a scarred forehead and massive handlebar mustache.
"Let's keep this brief, Roldy . Two Celestial Dragons caused trouble in your territory and were captured by your subordinate, Crocodile. On behalf of the World Government, I offer our apologies. Give us face—release them."
Warcury didn't waste words.
In truth, Roldy had known about the incident long before the call. This was his stronghold—nothing escaped his notice. Crocodile had reported immediately after capturing the nobles.
Roldy didn't particularly care.
He had no intention of killing them—that would cause unnecessary complications.
But simply letting them go?
Impossible.
"Sure," Roldy replied lazily. "Two hundred billion Berries. Fair price. No bargaining."
"Agreed. A Marine warship is already en route to Sabaody. Once the nobles' safety is confirmed, two hundred billion Berries will be transferred into your Underworld account."
"Pleasure doing business."
Warcury agreed quickly.
He had little choice.
Though Roldy didn't need the money, this transaction served a larger purpose.
The World Economy News Paper was under his control.
Two hundred billion Berries for two Celestial Dragons.
Which meant—each Celestial Dragon was worth one hundred billion.
In Roldy 's eyes, their lives had a price.
And if something could be purchased with money—
It could be exchanged for something else of equal value.
If that message spread across the seas, what would happen?
Those who harbored deep hatred for the Celestial Dragons would take notice.
If Roldy subtly encouraged it, someone might very well assassinate a Celestial Dragon and seek Roldy 's protection in exchange.
One hundred billion Berries was astronomical.
But anyone capable of breaching Celestial Dragon defenses and carrying out such an act—
That was talent worth investing in.
The Five Elders would never publicly allow such a dynamic.
But if Roldy said nothing—
Who could prove those criminals were under his protection?
And if someone tried?
"Ah, so you planted spies in my territory?"
Then perhaps fists would settle the discussion.
It was an open strategy.
The Five Elders likely understood it.
But what could they do?
Restrict the Celestial Dragons?
Their "restrictions" meant little.
"Sir."
A knock sounded at the door.
It was one of the two attendants previously dismissed—orphans raised by Roldy 's entertainment industry chief. Loyal beyond doubt.
"What is it?"
"A gentleman has arrived. He claims to be an old friend of yours."
"Oh?"
Roldy straightened slightly.
Few on the seas dared joke about being his "old friend."
He already had a guess.
Throwing on a bathrobe that exposed most of his chest, Roldy entered the reception hall.
The moment he saw the man seated inside, his grin widened.
"Looks like I guessed right. It's really you—Dragon."
He dismissed the servants and sat opposite the green-cloaked man. Pouring an absurdly expensive—and terribly unpleasant—red wine into a glass, he crossed one leg over the other and studied the familiar yet changed face before him.
"It's been a long time, Roldy ," Dragon said, removing his cloak. His face was more weathered now. The tattoo stood out sharply. His presence was steadier, more restrained.
"I never imagined you'd rise to become the King of the Next Era—and unify the Underworld."
"Here," Roldy tossed him a cigar. "Custom-made from the Tobacco Kingdom. You couldn't buy this even if you had the money."
Dragon raised a brow, lit it, and inhaled deeply.
"…Rich. Very rich."
Old friends reunited always had much to discuss.
Roldy didn't say it aloud—but he could see Dragon wasn't exactly thriving.
The clothes were clean, but clearly worn for a long time.
Dragon's organization—the Revolutionary Army—was still in its infancy. Small numbers. One minor kingdom serving merely as a base—not even under full control.
"You didn't come all this way just to reminisce," Roldy said bluntly. "You're too busy for that."
Dragon stiffened slightly, scratching the back of his head.
"Well… I did come to see you. We're friends, after all. But if you happened to sponsor me with… a little funding, that would be even better."
The Revolutionary Army was painfully short on funds.
Dragon had come seeking investment.
It was his first visit in years—and he was asking for money.
Even he felt awkward.
He took a sip of wine to steady himself.
"Gahahaha! Of course," Roldy laughed heartily. "Money's the one thing I don't lack."
Dragon looked at him in that moment and thought—
This version of Roldy was unbelievably handsome.
Dragon's smile broadened brilliantly.
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