Neptune's heart gave a violent jolt at Gern's blunt question.
He knew Gern was referring to that Celestial Dragon from the Donquixote Family-the hot potato on his hands.
But for the moment, he could not get a read on Gern's attitude or intentions at all.
Was he here to demand an explanation? Or did he have something else in mind?
Neptune opened his mouth, only to freeze where he stood, unsure how to respond.
Queen Otohime, standing beside him, was an idealist, but her "idealism" only came into play when discussing long-term goals.
Faced with the oppressive presence of Gern, the man who held real control, and this thorny situation involving sensitive diplomatic matters,
she did not dare make a careless move, much less rashly trot out her theories about "communication and understanding." Of course, that was mostly because Gern's past tongue-lashings had left her scared!
All Otohime could do was frantically signal her husband with her eyes, her expression practically screaming, Darling, say something!
Meanwhile, Gern looked at the couple and relaxed his brows somewhat helplessly.
Truthfully, he did not particularly care that Fish-Man Island was sheltering a Celestial Dragon who had fallen on hard times.
Besides, this particular Celestial Dragon really did have a conscience and knew how to repay a kindness.
As for pressure from the World Government? Being called to account by the Five Elders? That was already routine for him.
What mattered more to him now was Fish-Man Island's own value and the tangible benefits it could bring G-10.
Ever since the Marines' "one body, two systems" structure had been established, G-10 Base could no longer milk Headquarters for resources the way it once had.
So, all those enormous expenses-maintaining the army, upgrading equipment, building the base, paying salaries, and even the occasional "extra" spending