Scarlett was only a sixteen-year-old girl, yet her attire, demeanor, and conduct all exuded elegance and grace.
It was hard to imagine such a person giving up her princess status for love.
Seeing Black's gaze, King Riku became a little nervous.
Everyone knew the reputation of the Celestial Dragons, and he quickly tried to divert Black's attention:
"Saint Black, I toast you."
With that, he raised his glass.
Black casually took a sip and started discussing the situation in Dressrosa with him:
"As I traveled here, I noticed that your country is not wealthy."
"In fact... it's quite poor, isn't it?"
King Riku nodded shamefully:
"Yes, the Kingdom of Dressrosa has a large population, and after deducting the tenryuubito tribute each year, there isn't much money left."
Black chuckled:
"You seem somewhat displeased with the tenryuubito tribute system?"
"Oh, no, no!"
King Riku hastily denied it:
"I understand the necessity of the tenryuubito tribute."
"Whether it's the World Government's expenses or the Marine's military budget, a large sum of money is required."
"Since it's used to protect us, the affiliated nations, it's only right that we pay."
"It's just..."
He cautiously glanced at Black:
"It would be better if the amount could be reduced a little."
"Haha..."
Black shook his head and laughed:
"I can't make decisions about that."
Changing his tone, Black continued:
"Collecting the tenryuubito tribute based on population indeed has some issues."
"I heard earlier that the King of the Sorbet Kingdom in the South Blue, in order to reduce the amount of the tenryuubito tribute, split his country into two."
"This actually affects the interests of the World Government."
King Riku agreed with Black's words:
"Yes, it would be great if the amount of the tenryuubito tribute could be determined by income."
However, Black shook his head:
"You shouldn't complain about the rules for collecting the tenryuubito tribute."
"If it were truly as you say, the amount of tenryuubito tribute submitted by ninety percent of countries would decrease."
"At that point, if all of them were like your Dressrosa, relying solely on natural wealth growth, would the tenryuubito tribute still be collectable?"
"So, don't think there's a problem with this collection method; you should reflect on yourselves."
"Have you implemented any policies to promote the economy over the years?"
King Riku listened, utterly bewildered.
He might be a kind king, but he was definitely not a competent one.
However, it's understandable. To expect people in this world to devise even the most basic economic policies?
That's asking a bit much.
Dressrosa's location is quite special, almost a necessary route into the New World.
It's not just pirates who enter the New World from the Grand Line; there are also merchant ships, noble tourists from various places.
King Riku had never thought of developing industries like ports, docks, freight, tourism, service, shipbuilding, or even casinos.
The only ways he could think of to enrich the country were internal exploitation and external plunder.
Coincidentally, he was unwilling to do either of those.
In terms of national development, even without toy factories and illegal businesses, Doflamingo could do much better than King Riku.
At least he knew how to make money.
However, Black didn't explain all of this to him.
Firstly, they weren't close, and secondly, he wasn't worthy.
He changed the subject:
"Was that your daughter just now?"
King Riku immediately tensed up:
"Yes, Saint Black, that is my eldest daughter, Scarlett."
"Not bad, very elegant."
Black first praised her, and then seemingly casually said:
"When I leave, have her board my ship."
"This..."
King Riku hesitated, a troubled expression on his face.
Black looked at him, his eyes sharpening, his tone carrying the Celestial Dragons' characteristic arrogance and unquestionable authority:
"You're unwilling?"
"No, no!"
King Riku quickly denied it:
"It's just... Saint Black, my daughter is still young, and I fear she might offend you due to her lack of manners."
Black clapped his hands and laughed heartily:
"You see, isn't that convenient?"
"The Holy Land has female slaves specifically responsible for teaching manners."
"No matter how ill-mannered someone is, if they stay there for a few days, they will immediately become well-behaved upon leaving."
Cold sweat streamed down King Riku's forehead.
From Black's words, he could imagine the torment Scarlett would suffer once she was sent to the Holy Land.
King Riku was still trying to find an excuse, but Black was already growing impatient:
"On the day I leave, I want to see her on my ship."
"Understood?"
"Understood! Understood!"
King Riku nodded frantically. No matter what, he could only agree for now.
After a feast where "both host and guest enjoyed themselves," King Riku offered his palace.
Black accepted without hesitation and moved in.
The situation he mentioned earlier indeed existed, and many Celestial Dragons did act this way.
Including the original maids in Black's manor, all had received professional training.
However, once Scarlett boarded the ship, she would be one of their own.
No matter how much of a princess Scarlett was, she couldn't possibly be more mischievous than Perona, right?
...Just as Black, Stella, and Mandy were falling asleep, King Riku was wide awake.
He called Scarlett to his study, hesitating, unsure how to begin.
Scarlett was very intelligent. She noticed her father's hesitation and took the initiative to speak:
"Father, what happened? Did that Celestial Dragon make some excessive demand?"
King Riku nodded with a troubled expression:
"That Celestial Dragon... he... he said he wants you to board his ship."
Scarlett's face turned pale, and her body began to sway.
She wasn't some ignorant commoner.
As a princess, she knew very well what kind of people the Celestial Dragons were.
After a long while, a forced smile appeared on Scarlett's face:
"That's not bad either. Being able to accompany a descendant of the Creators, perhaps I can even gain some divinity."
King Riku's heart ached at the sight of his daughter.
Just then, the door was suddenly pushed open, and a tall figure rushed in, shouting at King Riku:
"No! Absolutely not! The princess must never board a Celestial Dragon's ship!"
The newcomer wore Spartan-like armor, had a samurai topknot, and a fierce expression.
At first glance, he bore some resemblance to Kozuki Oden.
It was Kyros, the Army Commander of the Kingdom of Dressrosa.
Although called an Army Commander, the distances between islands in this world are generally vast.
Except for a few countries that are too close, or islands like Bionbino Island and the War-torn Nation that haven't formed a unified government.
Most affiliated nations do not easily wage war against each other.
Therefore, Kyros's position as Army Commander was actually more akin to the captain of the royal palace guard.