Momousagi…
She appeared in the original story, didn't she? A future Admiral candidate…
Arthur thought to himself briefly before turning to the little maid beside him.
"Xixi, step outside for a moment."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The young maid obediently withdrew from the room.
"Please, have a seat."
Arthur gestured toward the sofa with a faint smile.
Momousagi and Sambidi exchanged a glance before sitting down on the couch opposite him.
"Allow me to introduce myself first," Arthur said calmly. "I am the current king of the Zephir Kingdom—Zephir Arthur."
"I am Vice Admiral Sambidi of Marine Headquarters," Sambidi replied in a deep voice.
"I am Rear Admiral Momousagi of Marine Headquarters," Momousagi said with a polite smile.
"Oh? A Vice Admiral and a Rear Admiral," Arthur said lightly. "What an honor."
Despite his words, there wasn't the slightest trace of reverence on his face.
"So then," he continued with a gentle smile, "what brings two distinguished Marines to my small kingdom?"
Momousagi and Sambidi exchanged another glance.
Sambidi nodded slightly, took a deep breath, and spoke with a serious expression.
"Then I'll speak frankly. Three days ago, the Zephir Kingdom launched an attack on the Ruth Kingdom, and you annihilated a Marine force sent there for support. Is that correct?"
"Mhm. That's correct."
Arthur popped a grape into his mouth and nodded casually.
"Uh…"
Both Momousagi and Sambidi were momentarily speechless.
They had expected denial… explanations… at least some hesitation.
Instead, Arthur responded with complete calm.
It threw them off entirely.
Momousagi lightly nudged Sambidi before speaking with a charming smile.
"Mr. Arthur, the Marines have no intention of pursuing responsibility for that incident."
"As the organization responsible for maintaining order on the seas, however, the Marines must preserve our authority."
"After discussion, we've reached a solution."
She paused briefly, observing Arthur's reaction.
Seeing none, she continued.
"The Ruth Kingdom will officially be incorporated into the Zephir Kingdom's territory."
"At the same time, the Zephir Kingdom will be invited to become a member nation of the World Government."
"In the future, no matter what difficulties you encounter, the Marines will provide full support."
"However, to preserve the dignity of the Marines…"
"Regarding the destruction of the 143rd Marine Branch fleet, our superiors hope that you will join Marine Headquarters as an instructor."
"What do you think?"
After finishing, both Momousagi and Sambidi fixed their eyes on Arthur.
They wanted to read even the slightest reaction from him.
Under normal circumstances—
Almost no one would reject such an offer.
Becoming a World Government member state.
The king serving as a Marine Headquarters instructor.
Establishing close ties with the Marines.
For most forces, this was a dream opportunity.
It meant that as long as they didn't cross the line, their nation could practically move freely across the seas.
But the Marine leadership knew—
Zephir Kingdom was different.
Given the strength they had already shown, rejection was entirely possible.
And if Arthur refused—
Their orders were clear.
Destroy Zephir Kingdom.
Still, based on the limited strength Zephir had shown so far, they believed rejection was unlikely.
Under their watchful gaze, Arthur slowly curled his lips into a meaningful smile.
"To be honest," he said casually, "I expected the Marines to send a fleet… perhaps even an Admiral."
"Seems I underestimated the Marines' generosity."
He looked at them calmly.
"But as for your proposal…"
"I'm afraid I must decline."
The moment those words fell—
Momousagi and Sambidi's hearts tightened.
Sambidi's expression darkened.
"Zephir Arthur."
He stared sharply at him.
"You are challenging the rules. Do you understand that?"
"Rules?"
Arthur chuckled lightly.
He looked straight into Sambidi's eyes without the slightest concern.
"The so-called rules," he said lazily, "exist only for those who cannot survive without them."
"As for me—"
"I'm the kind of person who creates the rules and lets others follow them."
"Understand?"
His smile deepened slightly.
"And right now…"
"You've already violated my rules."
"Ridiculous nonsense!"
Sambidi abruptly straightened, his eyes flashing coldly.
"Zephir Arthur!"
"Do you truly intend to oppose the Marines to the end?"
"Do you really think your so-called Ninja Assassination Tactical Unit is invincible?"
"Do you believe a little power allows you to stand equal to the Marines?"
"I'll tell you this—"
"If Marine Headquarters gives the order and sends a fleet…"
"Your Zephir Kingdom will be wiped from existence in an instant!"
"I don't believe you."
Arthur replied with a faint smile, as if stating an ordinary fact.
"You—!"
Sambidi's face darkened instantly.
Fury surged within him.
Just as he was about to explode—
Momousagi suddenly grabbed his arm.
She turned toward Arthur with a polite apologetic smile.
"Mr. Arthur, my apologies. Vice Admiral Sambidi became a bit emotional."
"Since you're unwilling to accept our proposal…"
"We won't trouble you further."
"We'll take our leave."
With that, she pulled Sambidi up and turned to leave.
"What are you doing pulling me away?" Sambidi glared at her.
"Vice Admiral Sambidi, please calm down," Momousagi whispered. "This isn't the time to act impulsively. We must report the situation here back to Headquarters first."
"But that brat is far too arrogant!" Sambidi muttered angrily. "He doesn't take the Marines seriously at all!"
Momousagi sighed helplessly.
Honestly—
This was the first time she had ever encountered someone who treated the Marines with such disregard.
But then again…
He has the strength to back it up.
Just as they were about to reach the door—
"Wait."
Arthur's voice suddenly sounded behind them.
"Since the two distinguished Marine officers have already come this far…"
"Why leave in such a hurry?"
His tone remained light.
"But now that you've stepped inside…"
"You shouldn't rush to leave."
The moment his words fell—
The air suddenly exploded with sharp piercing sounds.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
From every direction of the reception hall—
Shadows appeared like ghosts.
Dozens of figures materialized instantly, surrounding the room completely.
ANBU members.
Their animal masks hid their expressions.
But their eyes—
Cold. Emotionless.
Locked firmly onto Momousagi and Sambidi.
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