"... Is that so?" Tesoro's tone was dejected, but he quickly perked up: "That's fine too, as long as Stella can be happy."
"Umu, Stella and I are naturally very happy together!" Nero nodded in agreement.
Tesoro was no longer in a hurry. Nero was right here, and there was no safer place in the entire Holy Land.
"So what do you plan to do next?" Nero asked again: "I can arrange a job for you. Living a quiet life honestly from now on is also a good option."
"Next, huh..." Tesoro was also very confused. The option Nero gave him was immediately ruled out.
After all, the two of them were love rivals, not to mention that deep down, he wasn't entirely without the idea of winning Stella back.
Childhood dreams resurfaced in his mind, along with the distorted craving for money over the past few years, which led him to make a decision.
If he had money, none of this would have happened, neither with Stella nor the Celestial Dragons.
But he didn't tell Nero any of this. However, Nero also noticed his change and didn't press him.
Nero actually always maintained a relative respect for others' resolve, so she rarely pressed for answers on such matters.
"Then let's go. Join Tiger's group. I hope one day in the future, we'll meet again on the high seas."
"Ah, and Nero... thank you!" Tesoro's bangs covered his eyes, making his expression unreadable. After saying his thanks, he joined the main group and began their escape.
"I didn't expect it to be you, Nero Claudius!"
Just after Tesoro escaped, several figures emerged from the shadows of the flames.
"The Gorosei? Umu, this is our first official meeting, isn't it?" Nero wasn't surprised. Haoshoku Haki erupted, and she attacked first.
"A Nicuss noble being auctioned as a slave here, are you testing my limits?"
The air became viscous. Red demonic patterns appeared on Nero's body, and a seductive, demonic quality was added to her Haoshoku Haki.
So this is the monster Lord Imu spoke of? This abnormal feeling indeed has the potential to be more dangerous than Joy Boy.
"Although we are the overt rulers of the high seas, it's impossible for us to completely control everyone's thoughts."
Saturn Saint tapped his staff on the ground, giving a light explanation, his attitude unexpectedly submissive.
In the eyes of the Gorosei, these were minor matters, even the escape of the slaves tonight was minor.
Their purpose in coming tonight was only one: Nero!
If Nero could honestly stay in Nicuss and be an emperor for life, everyone would be happy.
Just now, Lord Imu issued a new order: try to win over Nero, and even if it doesn't work, do not become enemies with her.
If treasures could appease Nero, they should give them freely. Anyway, in the end, these would still return to the World Government's hands.
In their view, Nero would eventually die, unless she chose to submit to Lord Imu like them. Otherwise, she would at most run wild for an era.
As for Nero's unchanging appearance, the Gorosei only attributed it to her taking good care of herself, or using some other method to maintain her youthful looks.
They didn't think of Pure Gold, after all, Pure Gold almost disappeared as soon as it appeared, and even they had never seen what it looked like.
"When a subordinate causes trouble, it's fair to hold you, the leaders, accountable!"
Her body surged, red scales covered her, sharp ruby horns grew windingly, and the temperature of the burning Mary Geoise rose once again.
"Wait! Nero, we're not here to fight you."
The surrounding pressure intensified again, and the Gorosei quickly spoke to stop her.
"Then what are you here for? To invite me to dinner?"
"If you wish, we can also talk while we eat."
Nero frowned. Was this attitude really indicative of wanting to talk? At this point, shouldn't both sides at least show some muscle?
Seeing their sincere expressions, Nero understood somewhat. It seemed the one who wanted peace talks was Lord Imu.
The five of them had no disagreements, and no air of superiority, plus that strange greeting when they arrived.
It seems there's something about me that they fear!
Withdrawing her Haki, Nero's lips curved into a smile: "Umu, in that case, let's talk! Right here."
Saturn Saint, as before, spoke first: "Firstly, regarding this kidnapping and auction of the Nicuss noble, we can guarantee it will not happen a second time."
"Secondly, as compensation, what do you think of Nero Claudius Palace?"
Nero was momentarily surprised: "Umu, so generous? Bestowing upon me the status of a Celestial Dragon just like that?"
"This is not a bestowal, Nero! This is our sincerity. Your authority can even be above that of ordinary Celestial Dragons!"
"Umu, and then? To submit beneath the throne like you?"
The conversation fell silent here. Such an outcome would be the best for the Gorosei.
Even if they had to share some of the world's authority, they considered it worthwhile.
But they also knew that a rebellious young person like Nero would never be subservient to others.
Saturn Saint's voice became strained: "No, Nero, we are... partners!"
It was somewhat humiliating. These words were no less than the World Government bowing its head to Nero, and not even with a follow-up plan.
It was an overt bowing of the head. According to their original thoughts, the status of a Celestial Dragon should be bestowed upon Nero as a kind of charity.
"We are not enemies. The status of a Celestial Dragon is our sincerity."
"Umu, sincerity, huh..."
Nero's expression was teasing, successfully making the Gorosei's expressions even stiffer.
That being said, if peace talks were possible, Nero also harbored the same idea of peace talks. That so-called Imu was somewhat overpoweringly strong.
She also needed more time to grow now, so the current pretense was very necessary.
However, after the recent probing, she also understood that Imu had absolute control over the Gorosei, to the extent that they had to lower their heads and negotiate with her.
With both sides willing, the rest was about how to secure more benefits.
"I accept your sincerity, but there are still some detailed matters that I'm not good at negotiating."
Nero crossed her arms, tapping her fingers lightly: "Send someone to Nicuss. This negotiation requires a more formal environment for both you and me."
There would probably be a long honeymoon period with the World Government, so it was better to address some details she usually didn't pay attention to all at once.
Moreover, the impact of her becoming a Celestial Dragon in the Holy Land was completely different from becoming a Celestial Dragon in Nicuss.
"No problem..."
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