Just as Lin Ye met with Rayleigh, Amazon Lily's upper ranks were engaged in a heated discussion within Snake Palace.
The air in the palace was so heavy it seemed ready to drip with water.
"Four Emperor Lin Ye has appeared in our territorial waters. This is absolutely not a good sign."
Empress Toritoma sat upon the throne, her expression grave.
Her slender fingers tapped unconsciously against the armrest, revealing the unease in her heart.
As Amazon Lily's current empress and the Kuja Tribe's Snake Princess, Toritoma knew full well that she bore the responsibility of protecting the entire island.
The female warriors in the hall lowered their heads. No one dared voice an opinion lightly.
After all, this concerned the fate of all Amazon Lily.
Just then, someone said, "You are all too young. You simply do not understand that this is a heaven-sent opportunity."
Granny Nyon, the Flame Flower, slowly entered the hall.
Though aged, her body remained ramrod straight, and every step she took was steady and powerful.
"Granny Nyon!" The female warriors present all bowed, deep respect filling their eyes.
As the empress before the previous empress, Granny Nyon had witnessed far too many storms.
She stood in the center of the hall and fixed Toritoma with a piercing gaze. "We should ask Lin Ye to fly his pirate flag over Amazon Lily. In this Great Pirate Era, without his protection, Amazon Lily will sooner or later face utter destruction."
Her words stirred up a commotion in the hall.
Some whispered among themselves, some looked worried, while others nodded quietly.
Toritoma suddenly rose to her feet, her beautiful face twisting with anger. "Impossible! Amazon Lily has never depended on any man! This is the tradition left behind by our ancestors. It is our pride!"
A vicious