Half a month later, Qin Ge arrived in the North Sea aboard a gigantic snail ship again.
Although he had accepted Doflamingo's invitation, only Qin Ge from Jelma had gone; Gauchi had yet to accompany him. Gauchi remained stationed at the Second Headquarters.
This decision was made after discussions between the two because there was a certain level of danger associated with this invitation.
While it might sound harsh, having Gauchi come along would only be a burden if this invitation became a trap.
Though Gauchi was skilled, compared to figures like Doflamingo, his strength was undoubtedly inferior, and it was more convenient for Qin Ge to act alone.
Doflamingo had yet to enter the New World to reclaim Dressrosa, originally belonging to the Donquixote royal family.
Therefore, the headquarters of the Donquixote family are currently located on a prosperous island in the North Sea.
The journey was calm, almost too quiet, like the calm before a storm. In this atmosphere, Qin Ge smoothly reached the island where the Donquixote family was headquartered.
Naturally, this island's government had long been infiltrated by the Donquixote family. Although the royal family officially controlled it, it was clear that Doflamingo had taken over the absolute control of the king.
As the gigantic snail ship entered the harbour, it was evident that many Donquixote family soldiers were guarding it.
The conspicuous '66' emblem on the gigantic snail ship immediately drew the attention of the Donquixote family members. A tall man dressed like an indigenous person stepped forward among the crowd.
He had a solemn look as he gazed at the gigantic snail ship docked in the harbour. This man was Diomande, the highest-ranking officer of the Donquixote family's square troops and the leader responsible for receiving guests at the port.
If other minor factions had arrived, Diomande could have casually sent a subordinate to welcome them. However, since this time, the meeting involved one of the leading forces, Jelma, he undoubtedly needed to receive them personally.
"Welcome, representatives of Jelma, to the Donquixote family. I am Diomande. What can I do for you?" Diomande intended to maintain a respectful attitude upon seeing the Jelma soldiers disembarking from the gigantic snail ship.
However, when he saw Qin Ge, whom the group surrounded, his expression suddenly changed, and he immediately revealed a mix of shock and anger.
It was clear that Diomande recognized Qin Ge, and he was undoubtedly aware that Qin Ge was the one who had killed Raollg. Thus, his face showed fluctuations in emotion.
"What's this? Is this how the Donquixote family treats guests? Instead of warmly welcoming visitors from afar, you're showing murderous intent?
I'm unsure if I want to participate in the upcoming meeting right now!" Upon arriving at the harbour, Qin Ge glanced at Diomande and spoke calmly.
As soon as he spoke, many other leaders of the factions participating in the meeting couldn't help but stop and cast doubtful and wary glances.
"This is the Blood Dragon Swordsman. I can't believe the representative of Jelma is him. But what did he mean by his words just now?"
"I'm not sure, but that person from the Donquixote family has a strong hostility towards the Blood Dragon Swordsman. Could this meeting be a trap set by the Donquixote family to deal with Jelma?"
"This development isn't very reassuring. I already had some apprehensions about this meeting, fearing it might be a trap by the Donquixote family to take over the arms trade. Now, this feeling of unease is growing stronger!"
The arms trade had become fiercely competitive due to the collapse of the Rosemary Syndicate. Although most factions had accepted Doflamingo's invitation, there was still a lingering caution about the upcoming meeting.
Qin Ge's words undoubtedly amplified the unease among these factions while creating an image of Doflamingo as an untrustworthy character.
Upon hearing the escalating discussions around him, Diomande quickly realized that if things continued in this direction, it might lead to many factions choosing to withdraw.
"Don't misunderstand, everyone. The Donquixote family organized this meeting to strengthen cooperation with all of you and harboured no hostile intentions!" Diomande hastily explained, raising his voice.
"Is that so? Well, then, shouldn't you show the proper respect? At the very least, you should apologize for your earlier inappropriate behaviour towards me!" Qin Ge interrupted directly.
Diomande's words choked in his throat, but he had no choice but to say, with a hint of bitterness, "I apologize for my earlier impulsive behaviour. I'm sorry."
Diomande's clenched fists nearly tore through his palms as he uttered these words. With his head lowered, he concealed the anger and gnashing of his teeth in his eyes.
Forced to apologize to the murderer of his comrade, this was undoubtedly an excellent humiliation for Diomande, who had always held a high position within the Donquixote family.
However, he had to do this now, or else he couldn't stabilize the other factions. This would lead to the failure of this meeting, a responsibility he couldn't afford to bear.
"Very well. Recognizing one's mistakes and making amends is the way of a good child. Could you show me the way, then? I'm not particularly interested in continuing to enjoy the sea breeze here.
I hope you've already prepared me a sumptuous feast and fine wine!" Qin Ge put down his knife, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and then looked calmly at Diomande.
"Meeting you wasn't scheduled this early. After all, there are still many guests who haven't arrived. I came here to meet the fearsome Blood Dragon Swordsman in advance!" Doflamingo, who had arrived at the scene with a remarkably audacious and wicked smile, interrupted.
He walked into the palace from the entrance, sat at the opposite end of the dining table, and looked meaningfully at Qin Ge. With a single glance at Doflamingo, Qin Ge showed no signs of being perturbed by his revelation of his true identity.
Instead, he acted like he hadn't heard, continuing to eat with composure.