At the workshop in the capital of Alabasta.
Since they were close to Alabasta, the commander of the Northern Army, Karasu, arrived with his people in just one day.
Karasu changed into work clothes. His previous attire was too flashy. He silently smoked, listening to Dragon talk about his experiences in Alabasta and the decision he had made yesterday.
At first, Karasu didn't believe it, but when he actually saw Dragon open a box and show 60 billion Belli he earned this month, he was bewildered.
How is this possible?!
Isn't it true that the entire world is in a desperate state? But here, people can spend trillions of Belli on projects?!
One trillion Belli!
Even the annual Heavenly Tribute isn't this grand.
The door swung open wide.
The figure of Belo Betty appeared before the two of them.
"How did it go?" asked Dragon.
In truth, he was quite confident; the King of Alabasta had no reason to refuse.
Unexpectedly, Belo Betty's expression turned a bit strange.
"He refused?" Karasu sighed with relief.
"No," a strange light appeared in Belo Betty's eyes. - His Majesty is younger than I thought, and he has more courage. He rejected my proposal and informed me that the Law of Alabasta stipulates that people can work a maximum of 14 hours a day, and 16 hours is too inhumane. If we want to take on this work, we must ensure good treatment for the workers…
Is he really so kind to the workers?
Karasu and Dragon looked at each other and saw surprise in each other's eyes.
Doesn't he know that 16 hours a day is a standard schedule for workers around the world?
Many people rest only four or five hours a day, and they can't even eat their fill!
Besides, - Belo Betty's tone was a bit strange as she looked at Dragon and Karasu, - what do you think of my outfit?
Red long sleeves, a short skirt, and a tie - it's very cool.
It's her signature outfit.
Very good and… attractive, - Karasu said confidently.
This guy said I can't wear this outfit. He gave me an additional 100 billion Belli and asked me to buy two sets of clothing for myself and our workers…
Unable to say anything, Dragon was overwhelmed and excited.
Belo Betty took out a golden Royal bank check with Ezekiel's autograph on it. The amount was indeed 100 billion Belli.
Karasu's mouth hung open, and he was speechless for a moment.
This King is just throwing money around!
100 billion Belli?
Where on earth does this guy get his money from?
They blankly stared at the glamorous Belo Betty, who had casually received a check for 100 billion Belli. Then they licked their chapped lips and forced crooked smiles on their grim faces.
Your Northern Army is in a pitiful state, - Betty remarked.
Karasu wanted to respond, but all words got stuck in his throat. Truth be told, he was envious and somewhat regretted not having seen King Ezekiel.
He vowed that next time, to meet this man, he must go to him personally.
And also wear the worst clothes!
The most tattered ones!
.....
In the Alabasta Palace.
Jinbei looked at his dark and sophisticated Alabasta military uniform. For a moment, he was hesitant, and then couldn't help but speak:
Your Majesty, these 100 billion Belli for the Revolutionary Army, do you really think that's normal?
Jinbei... - Ezekiel smiled and set aside the pen he was holding. - Actually, I hope they can find their place in the World Government. An investment of 100 billion Belli is not a loss. I believe that people like them will use the money wisely.
In a typical technological world, it might happen that investments in infrastructure don't pay off quickly, but because human strength in this world is immense, and with the existence of devil fruits and various technologies, it develops unpredictably.
Compared to the money Ezekiel was making, 100 billion Belli was nothing.
He believed the leader would understand that the additional funds he provided were, in themselves, a form of recognition.
Alabasta is not an enemy of the Revolutionary Army.
Ideally, the Revolutionary Army should directly overthrow the World Government, and dealing with them is much better than dealing with the World Government.
Your Majesty, - Jinbei finally couldn't hold back, as there is enough workforce on Fish-Man Island as well.
The workforce on Fish-Man Island has always been attractive to Ezekiel. But due to the absurd pride of the Fishmen - their unwillingness to work for humans, he couldn't convince Neptune.
For survival, the Fishmen rely on the rich sea. They do not lack food, and if it weren't for the Heavenly Tribute, it's unlikely any of them would engage in real labor.
But seeing the enormous salary, Jinbei genuinely began to feel envious.
If you can convince Neptune, I am ready to offer you a project worth no less than 1 trillion Belli, - he made a generous offer that Jinbei couldn't refuse.
Ezekiel had a plan for the Underwater City, which had been postponed until now.
"Finally, it can be realized," Ezekiel thought with a smile.
The "Underwater City" project is a grand project that only the Fishmen can carry out.
After all, those with the Ishi Ishi no Mi fruit abilities cannot work in the sea.
Even if the Academy of Sciences invents a device capable of isolating from seawater, completing this project would still be difficult. The Fishmen are the best workforce in the underwater world.
One trillion for the Underwater City is an absolutely trivial amount.
This city is not the same as the Heavenly Island; the Heavenly Island is meant for refuge. The Underwater City will become Ezekiel's base for developing underwater resources.
The one possessing the power of Poseidon should use the sea as their garden.
Even if I have to give my life for it, I will definitely be able to convince King Neptune! - Jinbei knelt down and wholeheartedly expressed his firm stance.
"Hey, don't say such dangerous things! King Neptune treats you well."
Seeing Jinbei's determined gaze, a hint of embarrassment flashed in Ezekiel's smile, but there was nothing more to say. Wasn't this the right thing to do?