"Thud, thud... thud."
The dull knocks silenced the entire Meeting Room. The arguing kings turned toward the sound.
"The 205th Reverie will begin in five minutes. Kings, please take your seats."
The Chief Steward's brow furrowed, his voice tinged with resignation.
The kings had barely entered the Meeting Room before they started arguing over the seating order.
The seats had already been assigned, but once the kings of warring nations sat near each other, the atmosphere grew heated.
"Please choose your own seats. Nations at war should not sit together."
Amid scraping chairs and muttered curses, more than a hundred kings took their seats, with trusted ministers standing behind them.
The spacious Meeting Room felt crowded with over four hundred people inside.
This temporary venue was no Mary Geoise. Its surroundings could not compare.
"Drink up. Those of you about to lose your wars should enjoy your last meal."
"You bastard, what did you say?"
"A rabble."
A cold snort rang out. The two arguing kings glared at the man who had spoken last.
"Vinsmoke Judge, cherish your last chance to attend the Reverie."
One king sneered, then ignored Vinsmoke Judge.
"Oh? Do you want to go to war with me?"
Vinsmoke Judge's mustache bristled. His voice was low and raspy.
"Silence. The council is about to begin."
The Chief Steward's shout carried throughout the Meeting Room.
The kings wore different expressions, but all looked toward the seat at the head of the table. It was empty.
According to their intelligence, only one person would sit there: an underage girl, the current queen of the World Government.
Many kings privately scorned this ruler they had never met. What could a girl in her teens accomplish? Their power would be more secure than ever for decades to come. Perhaps they could