Winning Hearts

All trade negotiations rested on a foundation of strength, and this was even more true of interests between nations.

At the resumed three-nation peace talks, every word Longinus spoke in the peace treaty was eagerly embraced by the royal families and nobles of the various countries, backed by the imposing momentum of his defeat of Felix.

Although these royals and nobles knew that Longinus, as a Marine, could not do anything to them, the thought that he had sent both a Great Pirate with an 80 million Beli bounty and the King of a World Government member nation to prison in such a short time made their bodies tremble. They could not help agreeing with every word Longinus said.

The Alabasta side was even more so. King Cobra had always been an utterly devoted fan of Longinus, and Longinus had also captured the true culprit behind the murder of the previous King. This made them all worship Longinus fervently, to the point that every proposal he put forward was approved without condition.

In merely half an hour, the three nations completed diplomatic agreements that they might not have finished arguing over in half a month before. Commodore Adkin even received a joint sponsorship of one billion Beli from the three nations with a bewildered expression.

"The gap between people really is bigger than the gap between people and pigs!" Commodore Adkin sighed emotionally. Thinking of how those peace talks that had once made him miserable had ended so easily—and how he had obtained such a huge funding sponsorship without any effort—he almost felt ashamed of his former self.

The Marines following behind Commodore Adkin wore strange expressions. The Commodore's words... seemed a little off, didn't they?

Forget it. Better not remind him!

After the meeting ended, Cobra displayed the authority of a King and forcibly drove away those lustful female beasts seeking to mate, finally securing another chance to be alone with his idol.

"Major Longinus, I truly do not know how to thank you. You not only restored the royal family's reputation when it was on the verge of collapse, but also saved the fate of all Alabasta's citizens!" At this moment, Cobra finally possessed a trace of a King's composure. At the very least, he was no longer so nervous that he could not speak.

"King Cobra, I merely did what a Marine ought to do. Being able to spread the ideals of peace and Justice to more distant places is the greatest affirmation I could receive." A gentle smile rested on Longinus's lips, and he seemed as warm and pleasant as a spring breeze at all times.

"Major Longinus, I understand how steadfastly you uphold Justice. To offer money as thanks would be an insult to your noble character!" Cobra spoke with righteous conviction, then gestured for the attendant behind him to present the item he held.

Longinus sighed inwardly. Fortunately, he did not have some system that devoured money, so he had no need to insist that Cobra insult his character.

With great solemnity, Cobra removed a medal with both hands. It was a cross-shaped medal inlaid with gold and diamonds, glittering beneath the brilliant sunlight in captivating colors.

The nobles following behind Cobra could not help revealing envious expressions. That was the Alabasta Kingdom's highest medal of honor. Even throughout Alabasta's eight-hundred-year history, the number of people qualified to wear it could be counted on one hand.

If Longinus had merely avenged the royal family, he would not have been qualified to wear it. But they had also witnessed the series of proposals Longinus had put forward for the future development of the three nations. Those were truly valuable suggestions that might save Alabasta.

Therefore, even the conservative nobles raised no objections.

Having thoroughly prepared before coming here, Longinus naturally knew what this highest medal of honor represented. While secretly surprised by Cobra's boldness, he was also somewhat tempted.

Of the words fame and fortune, he valued fame far more than fortune. Pirates mostly relied on fearsome reputations to maintain their rule, while Marines needed the banner of Justice as a ladder for advancing upward.

He had appeared in newspapers many times over the past few years, but this was still the first time he had appeared before the world as a national hero.

Of course, Longinus would not appear overly eager. That would not suit the radiant image he had always maintained.

Thus, Longinus said calmly, "I merely did what I should have done. If I receive honors beyond what I deserve because of this, it would be unfair to my fellow Marines. If possible, I hope this honor can be shared with all Marines."

The surrounding Marines were deeply shaken, so moved that they could scarcely contain themselves. "Major Longinus... he actually refused that highest honor of such a level for our sake!"

Fortunately, Cobra did not disappoint Longinus. He quickly seemed to wake from a dream and said, "Major Longinus, you are right. I overlooked the other Marine Heroes who fought bravely. How about this? Major Longinus, do not rush to refuse my goodwill yet. On the other hand, if everyone is not in a hurry to return, how about I personally hold an investiture ceremony for the other Marines?"

Although the medals Cobra awarded certainly could not be of Longinus's rank, they were already the finest gift for the long-neglected lower and middle ranks of the Marines.

If they had the chance, who would not want to stand upon that dazzling stage and enjoy the glory of countless eyes fixed upon them?

Although most Marines had joined the Marines after being "fooled" by the ideals of Justice, that was precisely why they longed even more for recognition from others. Even if this was not an investiture from Marine Headquarters, an award ceremony from a World Government-recognized member nation was enough to make these lower and middle-ranking Marines so excited that they forgot themselves.

"We... we are qualified to receive medals too?"

"Long live King Cobra! Long live Major Longinus!"

Listening to the fervent cheers of the surrounding Marines, Longinus subtly curled his lips into a smile.

Longinus understood clearly that no matter what reputation he possessed outside, his most important foundation would always be the support he commanded within the Marines.

Therefore, whenever there were benefits to be gained, he would always find ways to include the other Marines. Over time, his standing in the hearts of the G2 Branch Marines had even risen far above that of many Rear Admirals and Vice Admirals.

It was also because of this that Hina, despite being so young, had learned to "win hearts" together with the older brother she admired. And when Louis came to greet them last time, those Commanders and Captains had consciously stepped behind Longinus to highlight his status.

Seeing how their King had restored the Alabasta royal family's former prestige with nothing more than medals that represented no tangible benefits, the nobles who had initially complained that Cobra was too rash—making promises freely without consulting them—also broke into smiles. It seemed that their King had stumbled upon a path better suited to Alabasta.