Walking down the main street, Gorbo sniffed the enticing aromas wafting from the restaurants on either side and realized he was hungry.
"Say, should we find somewhere to eat first?"
"Agreed."
Oliver and Backan raised their hands, their stomachs already rumbling.
"You uncivilized lot."
Aeridar covered his face. "We're going to the palace for a grand meal! Why would we eat street food?"
"We'll follow the Captain's lead," Millie and Mina said in unison, immediately declaring their stance.
By this time, news of Golden Ring Aeridar, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, arriving in Dressrosa had already reached the Marines and the World Government.
Joking and bickering along the way, Aeridar's group finally arrived at the King's Plateau.
"My name is Chris T. Aeridar, and I've come to visit His Excellency Donquixote Doflamingo, King of Dressrosa." Aeridar stated his purpose to the guards at the main gate with a serious expression.
Gulp~
The several guards at the entrance swallowed hard, cold sweat beading on their foreheads as they nervously said, "A-Aeridar-sama, His Majesty the King has already given us instructions, please, please allow me to lead you up."
"Wait a moment, let me escort you. My name is Gladius."
Suddenly, a figure appeared before them.
This man wore a black steel helmet with a circular-lensed mask, stitched scars on either side of his eyes, and a deep blue trench coat adorned with metal decorations like gears.
"G-Gladius-sama."
Seeing the newcomer, the guards at the gate straightened up, fearful of making any mistake.
"Gladius, you say… then I'll trouble you." Aeridar smiled faintly, recognizing the man.
Indeed, this was Gladius, an executive of the Donquixote Family, affiliated with the Spade Army. Similar to Arlan, he was a Pop-Pop Fruit ability user.
Aeridar still had an impression of him: a man fiercely loyal to Doflamingo but with a hot temper, unable to tolerate betrayal of the Donquixote Family.
He disliked those who didn't follow plans or keep time, and he was quite shrewd, making him an excellent subordinate.
In truth, Gladius's courtesy towards Aeridar wasn't solely due to his status as a Seven Warlord of the Sea, but rather because of Aeridar's battle record against Syrons, Gecko Moria, and Demon Mask Gutte.
These three were notorious figures in the New World.
Syrons, an old-guard Vice Admiral of the Marines, whose reputation as 'Ghost Hammer' was earned through battle, possessed immense strength capable of subduing powerful pirates. Even his young master, Doflamingo, wouldn't dare claim he could defeat him.
Gecko Moria was an old-school great pirate who once rivaled Kaido of the Beasts. The mere fact that he escaped Kaido with his life was enough to prevent anyone from underestimating him.
As for Demon Mask Gutte, he was openly a fearsome great pirate in the New World, known as the 'Monster.' Covertly, he was also a highly influential figure in the underworld, a persistent thorn in Doflamingo's side.
Though it was a joint effort with Kizaru Borsalino, receiving an Admiral's recognition and agreement to cooperate, and together defeating the opponent, spoke volumes.
No matter how young or new this person was, sheer power demanded respect.
Gladius, for his part, admitted he couldn't accomplish such feats.
Since he couldn't, and someone else did, it meant the other person was stronger than him. And it was only natural to be courteous to someone stronger.
Soon, led by Gladius, the group reached the summit of the King's Plateau, arriving at the Royal Palace.
"Fufufufufu~ I didn't expect us to meet so soon."
As Aeridar and his companions entered the palace hall, a laugh echoed.
Aeridar looked up. At the far end of the hall was a six-tiered platform, where a blond man wearing sunglasses, a pink feather coat, cropped trousers, and pointed leather shoes sat on a throne, his gaze fixed on Aeridar.
"I've been waiting for this day," Aeridar said, baring his teeth in a grin as he met Doflamingo's gaze.
Then, Aeridar surveyed the hall, noticing that most of the Donquixote Family executives were present.
Two of the highest executives were there: Diamante, the top executive of the Diamante Army, dressed like a stylish native, and Trebol, a scruffy old man with snot hanging from his nose, appearing somewhat plump but actually very thin. He was the top executive of the Trebol Army.
However, Aeridar also subtly glanced at the floor and walls of the hall, suspecting that Pica, the Stone-Stone Fruit user, was hidden nearby. This individual was the top executive of the Pica Army and also the castle's guardian, seemingly never appearing before outsiders.
"Fufufufufu~ It doesn't matter. You're a guest, please have a seat. Come, taste the delicacies of Dressrosa." Doflamingo licked his lips, then gestured. A continuous stream of graceful waitresses emerged from the side, carrying various dishes and placing them on the seats arranged on both sides.
"I've always wanted to try Dressrosa's cuisine. I came specifically for a grand meal," Aeridar said with a devil-may-care shrug, taking three steps at a time to settle into the third seat on the right. Oliver and the others followed, sitting to Aeridar's right.
"What an honest fellow, fufufufu~" Doflamingo chuckled twice and said nothing more.
Next, everyone seemed to quietly eat, with only an occasional, meaningless exchange of words.
It must be said that Dressrosa's cuisine was indeed excellent. At least, judging by this meal, Doflamingo was an exceptional host. Even the wine was top-shelf; each bottle of red wine cost at least 100,000 Berries, and the white wine and beer were also of the highest quality.
After the meal, the maids cleared away the leftovers.
"You came directly to the palace to see me upon arriving in Dressrosa. Is there something specific you want? I don't believe you came just to visit me, fufufufu~" Wiping his mouth, Doflamingo went straight to the point once all irrelevant personnel had left.
After all, while both sides were Seven Warlords of the Sea, they were all unruly individuals, and their relationship wasn't particularly good. After all, Doflamingo's attempt to sink the Chris and injure Aeridar had happened not long ago.
"Visit you?"
Aeridar showed a surprised expression, then scoffed disdainfully, "Where did you get such a self-righteous idea?"
"Fufufufufu~ What a sharp-tongued fellow. It seems you've grown quite a bit stronger." Doflamingo wasn't angered; instead, he leaned back and burst into laughter.
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