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Cobra:.....
Anos:...
The lack of in-depth communication between the two Kings only highlighted the novelty of their meeting, a reminder that they were not yet familiar with each other.
It was a moment thick with unspoken apprehensions and cautious optimism.
"Dad, could you stop standing here? There are plenty of seats in the palace hall why can't we sit down and talk?" Vivi's voice broke the stillness. She stood by her father, her impatience unmistakable.
King Cobra, ruler of Alabasta and father to the willful princess, turned to look at her with mild surprise.
Though the king was accustomed to Vivi's frankness, her tone today had a sharper edge, reflecting her impatience with formalities. But her comment served as a needed cue.
"Please, come in, King Anos," Cobra said with an inviting gesture.
"After you, King Cobra," Anos replied with equal politeness, mirroring Cobra's courtesy.
The two kings exchanged a final nod before turning to walk side by side into the main hall.
The walls of Alabasta's royal palace were not adorned with the luxuries one might expect of a royal estate.
Instead, the decor was restrained, carrying a dignified simplicity that still managed to convey the history and strength of the Kingdom.
The architecture was solemn, almost austere, but its grandeur lay in its very restraint.
The polished marble, the towering columns, and the intricate, hand-carved woodemouldingsgs lent the hall a sense of deep-rooted majesty.
Anos took in the surroundings with a subtle nod, appreciating the strength in simplicity.
Although he was used to the flourishing decorations in his own kingdom's palace, he could sense that Alabasta's restrained beauty held in weight and reverence.
After the two kings were seated, Suzu and Daiki took their places behind Anos, their stance vigilant and deferential.
They were prepared to support their king however he needed, silently ensuring his comfort and security.
Meanwhile, palace servants glided into the hall, bringing trays of fresh fruit and carefully arranged platters of light snacks.
The scent of exotic Alabastan herbs wafted through the air, mixing with the fresh, faintly salty breeze that slipped in through the open windows.
"The Kingdom of Alabasta has stood for thousands of years," Anos began, his voice calm yet imbued with a sense of reverence. "It is one of the oldest Kingdoms in the world. I never imagined I'd have the opportunity of visiting as a guest."
Cobra nodded, acknowledging Anos's words. "King Anos, you're too kind. Alabasta has an ancient history, but as you've seen, our Kingdom is no longer what it once was."
He sighed, a hint of sorrow evident in his gaze as he looked out over the palace grounds. "Under my rule, restoring Alabasta to its former glory feels like a daunting task, as though it's beyond my reach."
"King Cobra, I must respectfully disagree," Anos replied, leaning forward with a thoughtful expression. "The Kingdom of Tru faced similar hardships, but we found that change was essential. Alabasta's current state is leagues better than ours was before."
King Cobra listened, visibly interested. There was a strength in Anos's tone that resonated with him, and he couldn't help but wonder if Anos's resilience might be the key to understanding Alabasta'n's struggles.
"You must have seen for yourself," Anos continued. "Compared to Alabasta today, Tru has undergone significant changes in recent years. We've managed to become one of the most prosperous nations across the Four Seas, let alone the Grand Line."
"Your recent gatherings and policies have inspired us, yet I realize our circumstances differ. We tried to model some of Tru's reforms here, but adapting them to our specific needs has provenā¦ challenging."
Cobra's gaze drifted as he considered Anos's words. He felt both admiration and the weight of responsibility pressing down on him.
"It's true," he said finally, nodding in agreement. "Seeing Tru's progress has inspired us. But the more we try to implement similar policies, the more complex the adjustments become. Sometimes, it's like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole."
Their conversation was interrupted by Vivi's sudden outburst.
"Dad, this isn't the time for this! It's already noon can we eat first?" Her tone was insistent, and her words broke through the serious tone with an unexpected, almost childlike urgency.
Cobra turned to his daughter, clearly exasperated but patient. He gave her a look that was both stern and indulgent.
"Vivi, I'm in the middle of a conversation with King Anos. Lunch will be served shortly," he said gently, trying to maintain his composure.
Turning back to Anos, he added, "My apologies, King Anos. Vivi is my only child, and perhaps I've allowed her a bit too much freedom. I hope you don't mind her forwardness."
"It's no trouble at all," Anos replied, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes. He picked up his water glass, taking a thoughtful sip.
Just then, Vivi raised her voice again, this time with a declaration that shocked the entire hall. "I'll marry King Anos in the future! He won't mind my little quirks!"
"Pfffffft!ā¦ cough coughā¦ gaspā¦ cough cough!"
The timing was less than ideal. Anos choked on his drink, the water barely reaching his stomach before he nearly spat it out.
Even Cobra appeared momentarily speechless, his expression caught between disbelief and mortification.
Vivi's words hung in the air, echoing around the hall.
Those present exchanged nervous glances, unsure of how to react.
It was one thing for the young princess to be outspoken, but this was a declaration with significant implications.
"Princess Vivi, this isn't the time or place for such talk," Suzu whispered, leaning in close. "People might take it seriously, and this isn't an appropriate setting for jokes."
Vivi shook her head. "I'm not joking," she insisted, her voice steady, almost solemn. "I thought about it all night, and again today. King Anos has the vision and strength to change Alabasta's future. For the sake of this Kingdom, marrying him wouldn't be a sacrifice."
"Viviā¦" Cobra's expression shifted, his usual patience replaced by a stern, fatherly authority. His voice grew firm, cutting through the stunned silence that had settled over the room.
Taking a deep breath, he continued, "Kingdom's affairs are discussed between leaders, not decided on a whim. Diplomacy and alliances are far more complex than you understand, and as kinI have to to handle them. You must trust me to act in Alabasta's best interest."
Anos observed the father-daughter exchange with silent curiosity, taking note of Vivi's conviction and Cobra's protective resolve.
Despite the abruptness of Vivi's declaration, he found her passion intriguing, if somewhat naĆÆve.
The atmosphere in the hall became tense, and those present shifted uncomfortably.
The Alabastan ministers, in particular, seemed ill at ease, their expressions a mix of shock and concern.
This was no ordinary family disagreement; it was unfolding in front of foreign dignitaries, during what should have been a formal diplomatic meeting.
"I apologize, King Anos, for Vivi's impulsiveness," Cobra said, his voice low with embarrassment.
Anos shook his head, offering a reassuring smile. "Think nothing of it," he replied his tone calm yet measured.
Turning to Vivi, he allowed his expression to grow serious. "Princess Vivi, do you understand what's involved in establishing diplomatic relations between two nations?"
Vivi blinked, caught off-guard by the directness of his question.
Anos continued, his voice steady and authoritative. "When two Kingdoms, it spans economic, political, financial, and even military domains. This isn't a simple matter of a single action or decision. An alliance must benefit both Kingdoms, securing prosperity and stability."
Cobra nodded in agreement. "King Anos speaks the truth, Vivi. Right now, we represent not ourselves, but our respective Kingdom," he affirmed, his voice resonant with conviction.
Behind him, Alabasta's ministers nodded solemnly. They had perhaps underestimated the scope of Anos's intentions.
While they'd anticipated economic discussions, they were now faced with the realization that an alliance with Tru could affect all facets of their kingdom.
After a moment of reflection, Anos offered a gentle smile. "King Cobra, it is indeed noon. Let's enjoy lunch, and afterwards, we can continue our discussions in greater depth."
The suggestion was met with relieved nods. The tension in the hall lessened, and a new anticipation settled over the gathering as they prepared for the next phase of their meeting.
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