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Salo's performance at the World Council exceeded the expectations of every nation present. His toughness, decisiveness, and formidable personal strength served as a deterrent to representatives from all countries.
It was not that powerful nations did not exist, but a powerful nation did not necessarily mean that its delegates were powerful as well. Offending this wizard in a moment of rashness and ending up humiliating themselves in public was not something they desired.
From the day the Barut Kingdom joined the World Council, this nation officially gained a place in the world. Its name began spreading rapidly.
The proposals Salo supported during the conference, while opposed by many nations, also received some friendly backing. Gradually, the delegation led by Salo began making quiet contact with various countries behind the scenes.
It could be said that while the World Council was a place where nations debated their policies and agendas, it was also an important venue for diplomatic exchange between countries.
The world was simply too vast; communication between nations was troublesome. Sometimes, countries would not even know of each other's existence. At times like these, this council provided precisely such a stage.
"Wizard Salo, I've brought you an important personage. You would never guess who it is."
On the third day of the World Council, a leader of a friendly Non-human Race approached Salo with a smile.
In reality, Non-human Races were not all that different from humans. They merely possessed certain distinctions: some had special abilities, others unusual appearances. The angel race of Skypiea and the Mink Tribe of Zou were both examples of Non-human Races.
"Oh? Who is it?" Salo asked curiously.
Since the Barut Kingdom intended to establish itself as a nation, building necessary diplomatic ties was naturally essential.
"You'll never guess!"
This Non-human differed from humans mainly in his arms. His hands were covered in scales, giving them defensive capability. He belonged to an unknown race that called itself the Scale-Arm Tribe.
"Really? Still being mysterious, Obries? With our relationship, you won't even tell me directly?"
Salo shook his head and laughed.
Obries blinked mysteriously.
"This person is highly sensitive; it can't be made public. I've already prepared a suitable location for you. He's waiting there."
"Then when should I go?" Salo asked straightforwardly.
"Whenever you have time, anytime!"
Obries held Salo in great respect.
"Then let's go now."
Salo stood up. Obries froze for a moment, then quickly reacted and hurried to lead the way.
"I'll take you there. I believe our distinguished guest is already tired of waiting."
"Mm."
Salo nodded and continued questioning Obries about the visitor's identity, but Obries guarded the secret tightly, not revealing a single word, merely smiling with pursed lips.
That only made Salo even more curious.
After winding through numerous streets, the two finally stopped in front of an ordinary house in the civilian district.
"You may go in now. He's waiting inside."
Obries said with a smile, knocking lightly on the door.
"Alright."
A faint glint flashed through Salo's eyes as he opened the door and walked inside.
The moment he entered and clearly saw the person seated in the room, Salo's lips parted slightly in surprise.
"A Fish-Man?"
The figure seated before the table bore unmistakable Fish-Man characteristics. His body was enormous, and his face carried an air of authority.
"Greetings. I am Neptune, King of Fish-Man Island."
Upon seeing Salo, the towering Fish-Man stood up. His head nearly pressed against the ceiling, yet he still bent his body respectfully.
"Oh? Greetings, Your Majesty!"
Salo raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.
Still, he was not overly shocked. When he had voiced his proposals at the World Council, he had already anticipated the developments that might follow.
"My sudden intrusion upon you is presumptuous. Please forgive my discourtesy."
Neptune bowed deeply, his tone filled with apology.
"Your Majesty is too polite. Please, have a seat. Speaking like this is rather inconvenient."
Salo said with a smile.
Although Salo himself was considered quite tall, he was still somewhat shorter than Neptune. Having to crane his neck upward to speak made him uncomfortable.
"Very well, then I shall get straight to the point, Wizard Salo."
Neptune sat down and nodded.
"I sincerely thank you for supporting Fish-Man Island at the World Council. Though it was only a few words from you, to Fish-Man Island and the Fish-Men who live there, it was an immense act of kindness!"
"Even now, I still do not truly believe that humans and Fish-Men can coexist. Yet this ideal was the lifelong wish of my beloved wife, and naturally, I too must strive toward it."
Hearing those words, Salo was somewhat taken aback.
"You don't believe humans and Fish-Men can live together?"
"Yes. For a long time, I believed it was merely a shattered dream left behind by our ancestors. Humanity's cruel behavior throughout the years has done nothing but confirm this."
Neptune said sternly.
But a moment later, his expression softened again.
"However, my wife, Otohime, has always worked tirelessly for this dream. As her husband, and as the King of Fish-Man Island, I should work for their sake as well."
"When I heard your speech at the World Council, I was deeply moved."
Salo listened carefully, then praised him sincerely.
"You are a good husband, and a good king. Peaceful coexistence between Fish-Men and humans would solve countless problems and is an important safeguard for the people of both sides."
"Indeed. Otohime believes the same, and she has always devoted herself to that cause."
Neptune nodded.
"So then, Your Majesty Neptune, why have you come to see me? The council's discussion regarding Fish-Man Island has already concluded, and in the end, I did not achieve that objective."
Salo asked, puzzled.
For a king to personally set out, conceal his movements, and use various methods and resources to find him, this was no minor matter. It was astonishing.
"I heard that the monarch of your nation also supports your position?"
Neptune suddenly asked.
"That's correct. The one who instructed us to voice support for that position was precisely our king."
Salo nodded.
Neptune took a deep breath, his expression becoming incomparably solemn.
"I hope to meet with your king and discuss certain matters. Would that be possible?"
Salo paused in surprise. Neptune wanted to discuss matters with their king?
Just as Neptune said, this was indeed an extraordinary affair. One could imagine that if Neptune had come personally to pay a visit, the matters to be discussed would naturally be of great importance.
"On that matter, I must first contact our king and seek his opinion before I can give you a reply."
Since Rojen was not currently in the kingdom, Salo answered cautiously.
"That is only natural. I shall await your answer."
Neptune nodded.
"Very well, Your Majesty Neptune, please wait a moment."
Salo smiled, then turned and walked out of the room.
Ignoring Obries' astonished gaze, Salo found a quiet place on his own and dialed the Den Den Mushi.
After three beeps, the Den Den Mushi connected.
"Your Majesty, there is an important matter I must report to you."
The Den Den Mushi fell silent, its expression appearing contemplative.
Five breaths later, a voice came through.
"Go ahead."
(End Of This Chapter)
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