One Piece: King of the World

Chapter 148: Chapter 148: Princess Otohime, I Have a Hundred-Million-Berry Deal to Discuss with You!?

The island had already been prepared for Claudius\' arrival, sparing him the indignity of needing to wear cumbersome bubble suits like other visitors.

The first to disembark were Claudius\' attendants, who immediately laid out a luxurious gold-threaded red carpet. The carpet stretched from the ship\'s gangway all the way to where King Neptune and Princess Otohime were waiting. Claudius\' honor guard then lined up on either side of the carpet in perfect formation.

Seeing such an extravagant display, both Neptune and Otohime were a bit taken aback. The sheer formality and grandeur were overwhelming, this was the unmistakable presence of a Celestial Dragon.

Sengoku descended the gangway first, seemingly clearing the way for Claudius. Then, slowly, Claudius himself appeared.

With his short, dazzling blond hair, a handsome face, and a tall, athletic build, Claudius cut an impressive figure. His well-toned physique, combined with his naturally commanding presence, made him undeniably charismatic.

He wore a pristine white suit, tailored from fabrics so fine they practically radiated luxury. Draped over his shoulders was a dark brown coat, creating a striking contrast that enhanced his noble aura. Every step he took down the gangway was measured and deliberate, exuding both confidence and control.

As a Celestial Dragon, Claudius knew when to lean into his high-status demeanor. His calm, unhurried steps, paired with the faint smile on his face, gave him an approachable air, but beneath it was a subtle but unmistakable sense of authority, a noble detachment that reminded everyone of his exalted position.

Behind him followed the ever-dutiful Nia, who was dressed in a classic maid\'s uniform, her hands clasped demurely at her abdomen. Beside her walked Stussy, clad in an elegant white ensemble that perfectly blended business-like refinement with feminine grace. She carried a small, sophisticated handbag and wore a tiny top hat adorned with a single flower. Together, these two women flanked Claudius like delicate yet regal ornaments, further amplifying his commanding presence.

Despite the serious tone of the scene, Claudius\' lips moved slightly as he whispered to Stussy, "Don\'t you think I\'m missing something? Maybe a low-key yet luxurious cane would really complete the look."

Stussy stifled a laugh, her eyes glinting with amusement as she whispered back, "Your Highness, are you sure you can maintain this demeanor throughout the entire event?"

Claudius smirked but resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Do you think I enjoy this charade? This level of posturing is more exhausting than fighting the Red Count. I have to maintain appearances for now this is my first time here, after all. I need to establish my authority as a high-ranking Celestial Dragon. Otherwise, I wouldn\'t bother with any of this nonsense."

Stussy covered her mouth with her hand to hide her grin. "And the cane, Your Highness?"

"I thought it would make me seem more mature and dependable," Claudius replied, his tone mock-serious.

Stussy chuckled. "Mature and dependable? You? Let\'s not forget your title—\'The Demon King of Mariejois.\' Mature and dependable people don\'t earn nicknames like that."

Claudius raised an eyebrow and shot her a sidelong glance. "You\'re getting bolder, Stussy. Are you mocking me now?"

Her smile widened, her voice teasing. "Will you punish me for it, Your Highness?"

Claudius leaned in slightly, his tone playful yet mischievous. "Once we\'re done here, I\'ve got a hundred-million-berry deal to discuss with you."

Though her experience as the Queen of Happy Street had left her largely unflappable, Stussy couldn\'t help but blush faintly at Claudius\' words. She averted her gaze with a quiet scoff, choosing not to respond further.

As Claudius continued walking, Neptune and Otohime stepped forward to meet him. They couldn\'t very well wait for him to come to them, it was only proper to greet a Celestial Dragon halfway.

"Neptune of Fish-Man Island humbly welcomes Saint Claudius," Neptune said as he bowed deeply. Despite his towering stature, he bent his massive frame respectfully, his voice polite but tinged with nervousness.

Claudius smiled warmly, his gaze meeting Neptune\'s. The contrast between Neptune\'s imposing height and his deferential posture was almost amusing. "The name of Neptune, the Great Knight of the Sea, is one I\'ve heard often during my time on the surface. It\'s a pleasure to finally meet you. You truly live up to your reputation."

Neptune felt a small sense of relief at Claudius\' words. The Celestial Dragon seemed approachable so far, not as overbearing or arrogant as he\'d feared. Perhaps this meeting wouldn\'t be as difficult as he\'d anticipated.

Claudius then turned his attention to Princess Otohime. Compared to Neptune, Otohime was petite, practically doll-like. Claudius couldn\'t help but marvel internally at how the two could have made their relationship work. The logistics must be something else, he thought, quickly dismissing the curiosity before it showed on his face.

Extending his hand to Otohime, Claudius smiled and said, "You must be Princess Otohime. I\'ve long admired your tireless efforts to bridge the gap between our two races. Your dedication is truly remarkable."

A little flustered, Otohime quickly reached out and took his hand. "Your Highness, the work you\'ve done for Fish-Man Island humbles me. It is I who admires you."

Claudius chuckled lightly. "Well, while it may sound boastful, I assure you, Princess, I am not like the typical Celestial Dragon. I\'ve come here today with genuine sincerity."

He gestured to Nia, who promptly stepped forward with a neatly prepared document. Taking it from her, Claudius handed it directly to Otohime.

"This," he explained, "is the first token of goodwill I bring on behalf of the World Government. It contains the names of merfolk and fishmen who were taken from your island and enslaved. Arrangements have already been made for their safe return. I thought it best to resolve this matter first surely, those who have been separated from their home for so long must be eager to return."

As Otohime flipped through the file, her eyes filled with tears. Each page listed names and photos of Fish-Man Island citizens who had been captured and sold into slavery. For years, Otohime had fought tirelessly to protect her people, and now, at last, there was real progress.

"On behalf of Fish-Man Island, we deeply thank you for your kindness, Your Highness," Neptune said earnestly.

Claudius nodded casually, accepting the gratitude as if it were his due. "Nia," he said, turning to his butler, "work with Lenny and Mero to ensure everyone onboard is handed over to Princess Otohime and her people."

"Yes, Your Highness," Nia responded promptly.

Claudius then turned his attention back to Otohime, a bright smile on his face. He took her hand again, this time with an added touch of excitement. "Princess Otohime, beyond the goodwill and friendship I bring today, I also have a rather...lucrative proposal. I\'d like to discuss a business opportunity worth hundreds of millions of berries with you."

Hearing this, Stussy nearly stumbled, her face turning red as her mind jumped to the wrong conclusion. Even Sengoku looked momentarily stunned. Was Claudius really that shameless? Was he flirting with Princess Otohime right in front of Neptune?

Thankfully, neither Neptune nor Otohime seemed to share their thoughts. As pure-hearted individuals, they took Claudius\' words at face value.

Otohime\'s eyes sparkled with hope. "Your Highness, we on Fish-Man Island will respond to your sincerity with our own. We are eager to hear your proposal."

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