Chapter 25

Ezekiel stepped out of the room as Pell, one of the six main guards protecting Alubarna, waited respectfully by the door. He took the breakfast bread offered by Meidi and said to Pell as he walked:

"Pell, I've already mentioned that the weekly meetings start after nine in the morning, yet it's only eight now."

"Just to pay tribute to your heroism, not only I but all the officials are already waiting for you, Your Majesty," Pell smiled slightly.

The title of King grows heavier and heavier, but there are moments when Ezekiel still wishes for the freedom and ease that cannot be erased from his nature. Yet now, he is a true King.

Ezekiel took a towel and wiped himself, then handed it to Meidi with a smile and said nothing more. Finally, he donned the black cloak with golden trim that symbolized the identity of an emperor and entered the palace hall with a determined stride.

The honor guard lined up on both sides greeted the King.

Ezekiel walked along the red carpet, looking at the people on both sides; everyone bowed and knelt.

"Your Majesty!"

The palace hall was no longer as empty as before. Over 30 cities had been reintegrated, a vast labor force was liberated, and military power was unprecedentedly strengthened. The population reached hundreds of millions, marking the initial stage of centralization.

Ezekiel approached the throne step by step, turned, and looked at the restructured black official uniform because he personally liked the color black. At last, he felt like an emperor. Although Ezekiel did not demand kneeling, in this world, the basic ceremony of kneeling on one knee is strictly observed when meeting the King.

"Rise," he said.

Everyone stood up. This ancient greeting for the King of Alabasta was rarely used during King Cobra's time, not only because of King Cobra's kindness but also due to the weakening of power caused by a lack of centralization. But with such a high degree of centralization now, imperial majesty has reached its pinnacle.

"Your Majesty, thirty-four cities of Alabasta have opened banks, and the issuance of the new currency is underway, although the new currency we're issuing is still not as popular as Berries," reported the minister of finance.

"In the end, the new currency can only be used in Alabasta. That's quite understandable. Don't rush," Ezekiel smiled and motioned for the next report.

"Your Majesty, the current census has concluded..."

"Your Majesty, the army is now very enthusiastic, and many wish to meet with you personally..."

"Your Majesty, the special Tsumegeiri unit has been disbanded; would you like to create a new special unit?"

"The burial hall needs guarding..."

.........

These state matters had previously been discussed by the officials, but the final decision would be made here by Ezekiel . Fortunately, he was not a weak emperor, neither in strength nor in grandeur, unlike Cobra. He possessed the level of an Admiral, so even while managing state affairs, he didn't feel fatigue.

After the meeting with His Majesty, all the officials were now busy, and Ezekiel returned to his room.

"There are still too few top-class talents in Alabasta."

Reflecting on this, Ezekiel began considering how to recruit some talents.

Currently, four members of the Tsumegeiri unit have risen to the top, and only Pell and Chaka could barely handle them.

The talents available at present...

Ezekiel silently wrote a few names on paper.

Trafalgar Law.

Jinbe.

These two could be recruited because they have their own goals to achieve. The first seeks revenge, the second - protection. But in reality, it's easier said than done... If you want to recruit Law, you must deal with the Heavenly Yaksha Doflamingo, and to recruit Jinbe, you need to face the Emperors!

Just like...

Thinking of the last person, Ezekiel's pen paused and froze in his hand, the paper turning into crystals and finally crumbling into powder at absolute zero.

"Your Majesty, the person sent by the World Government has arrived," came Meidi's voice from behind the door.

Ezekiel replied, "Let him into the palace hall."

The door to the palace hall slowly opened, and as a tall and stout figure entered, Ezekiel , who had been distracted, suddenly became alert. He fixed his gaze on the old man.

Purple hair stuck out in all directions like a hedgehog, dark glasses sat on a wrinkled old face, and a massive mechanical right arm gleamed with a cold metallic shine. The heavy breathing and pounding heartbeat emanated from this powerful and robust body, undoubtedly radiating battle strength akin to an Admiral's.

Former Admiral Black Arm Zephyr!

"Long time no see, Your Majesty, King of Alabasta," Zephyr smiled, revealing white teeth.

This smile did not hold any favor in Will's heart. Although Zephyr addressed him as King, there was no respect in it. It was truly amusing. Did the World Government really send such a thorn...

At this time, Zephyr had not yet rebelled against the Marines; he left the Marines after Luffy went to sea. But he still stirred animosity, almost as ruthless as Akainu.

"Though you are an envoy sent by the World Government... you are still in the presence of our King of Alabasta!" Meidi couldn't hold back and said discontentedly. With her experience and knowledge, she certainly wasn't aware of the character standing before them.

"Little girl," Zephyr turned to look at Meidi, "He is your King, not my King!"

"Meidi, step out. This is the former Marine Admiral, Black Arm Zephyr," Will said with a broad smile on his face.

"Black Arm Zephyr?"

Meidi didn't know what that name meant, but she understood the four words "former Marine Admiral," and her face suddenly turned pale as she became a bit flustered.

"Apologies!" she quickly said, bowing her head.

"Prepare a room for Mr. Zephyr," Will waved his hand.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Meidi turned and left.

There was a hint of panic in Zephyr's eyes. He stared intently at Will through his sunglasses. The maid's concern wasn't due to fear, but rather a worry about offending the King.

"King of Alabasta, Ezekiel ! It seems this old man will have to change his mind about you."

"It seems you're a good King," he altered his previous demeanor and spoke a bit more kindly.

"Yes," said Ezekiel with a golden smile.

Wait, Zephyr, wait till the time when the Marines and the World Government, which you consider the foundation of Justice, deliver the most painful and deadly blow to you, causing the world you held for seventy years to completely collapse!

When the time comes, it will be clear to you