The figure across from him wore magnificent robes and looked every inch a flawless noble.
The smile on Hades's face filled him with terror.
Maintaining a faint pressure, Hades gazed quietly at the beautiful view beyond the floor-to-ceiling window, as though admiring it.
In truth, he was waiting for the World Government's Emissary to speak first.
"Your Highness, Pluton." The Emissary bowed respectfully.
He then took out a document and presented it to Hades.
No food or wine had been prepared at the table. He knew he was not here to enjoy himself.
Hades turned, opened the document, and scanned it.
Just as he had expected, the World Government wanted both sides to put their past grievances behind them and reestablish ties. It offered five Devil Fruits as compensation.
Next came the Arms Trade.
The World Government hoped Kronos Kingdom would refrain from using commercial competition to undermine its Arms Trade.
In exchange, it was willing to provide thirty Devil Fruits and grant Kronos Kingdom certain concessions.
It also hoped to take part in governing Fish-Man Island.
Finally, the document hinted at Wano Country. The World Government evidently wanted a share of the trade between the Pluton Pirates and Wano Country.
The World Government had clearly done its research and knew Kronos Kingdom had been secretly collecting Devil Fruits.
That was why it had offered thirty-five of them.
The battle at God Valley had cost the World Government vast assets, but those assets had belonged to the Celestial Dragons.
Much more of the World Government's wealth remained in the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, inside its Treasure Vault.
Thirty-five Devil Fruits sounded like a lot, but they were hardly a significant expense for the World Government.
Hades had no intention of accepting, however.
With that thought, he picked up a