No one in the meeting room spoke for a long time. It wasn't that the kings had given in. They simply didn't dare speak.
The three bodies still lay in pools of blood, and no one wanted to become the fourth.
"Guards."
A large group of guards entered the meeting room. The kings' faces changed at once. They thought Werther meant to kill them all.
But the guards had not come to kill anyone. Each carried a thick stack of documents, which they handed out to the hundred-odd kings.
The kings accepted the documents in confusion. As they read, their expressions varied.
The terms were simple: the kings would give up their power and serve as mayors, much like Iceburg of Water 7.
They would surrender their thrones and command of their armies. The World Government would take control of the troops and assign them to the kingdoms to maintain order. It would also create a new post to oversee the armed forces.
Signing would turn the kings from rulers into administrators.
There were two ways to end a war quickly: one side could lose, or all armed forces could be brought under a single command.
While the kings wrestled with their decision, the meeting room door was kicked open.
"Thunder Swordsman Werther! I'm your woman! Why would you do this to me?"
Anita rushed in, covered in blood. It stained her fair cheeks, and her clothes were torn.
The Chief Steward's pupils contracted. Without hesitation, he threw a punch at Werther.
Number Three, Number Four, and the others charged as well. The three of them drove Werther back together.
"My lady, are you all right?"
The Chief Steward caught Anita. She seemed badly injured; her breathing was faint, and she coughed up a mouthful of blood.
“A Pirate will