Chapter 77: Chapter 77: Family Banquet
Rose Manor,
"We need to host a banquet,"
"The family has taken the right path, and it's time to invite the 'big figures' of this town to gather."
First, they replaced the Jaidi family, then established favorable trade relations with Arcanlia, and now they have defeated the agents of CP3. The Don Quixote family has finally solidified its position.
Next, it's time to focus on growth.
"On one hand, we need to fully digest the legacy of the Jaidi family, accumulate wealth through maritime trade, and also help alleviate the pressure from Odysseus."
Upon hearing this, Jora looked at Rosinante with gratitude.
Trade is a two-way street. The "Fairy Tale Town," which was left half-ruined by the White Dragon Pirates, needs a large amount of resources. At the same time, they need to sell the agricultural products of their Five Nations Alliance to compensate for the losses caused by the war.
"On the other hand, our bodies are in a growth stage, requiring a lot of meat for nutrition: preferably the foundation-building foods like savage beasts and sea kings."
"At the same time, we need formidable training, exploring as we go."
"Excellent Devil Fruits are also a way to become stronger."
This point is evident from the future "Don Quixote Family."
The senior members of the "old generation" wasted their developmental time because they were involved in minor matters, leading to mediocre results.
In contrast, 16-year-old Delin Jie took down several top-tier bounty hunters on his own! Not to mention Tralfagar Law, cultivated by the Don Quixote family, who defeated even one of the Four Emperors...
All of this is due to the "old generation" not fully growing, lacking guidance.
"In the coming period, we will stay in 'Sparta Mairuz' for training."
"So, it's crucial to gain recognition from local powers."
When Rosinante and the others went to Odysseus, they plowed through enemies. Simultaneously, when the White Dragon Pirates attacked Odysseus, they brought along many other pirate crews.
Consequently, a "vacuum period" of pirates appeared on the route from Sparta Mairuz to Odysseus.
Rosinante plans to delegate future maritime affairs to her subordinates, allowing family members to focus on training and building a strong foundation.
If the "upper society" of this city causes trouble behind the scenes, this plan will undoubtedly face difficulties.
Therefore, a banquet that showcases the family's strength and status is essential.
"Alright,"
Doflamingo nodded in agreement with Rosinante's suggestion, then raised a question.
"But we lack experience in hosting banquets..."
"Leave it to me."
Jora stepped forward. When it comes to noble banquets, not just the Don Quixote family, even the whole Sparta Mairuz would struggle to find someone with more experience than her.
After all, she had been a queen for over a decade, familiar with both small and grand gatherings.
"Then, let Wesk act as the assistant."
Rosinante snapped her fingers,
"We are currently the most powerful force in Sparta Mairuz, and it's time to display our authority."
"Within a day, whether it's food and drink, decorations, musicians, or performers, everything must be prepared!"
------------
Soon,
Under Jora and Wesk's command, numerous people moved around Rose Manor like ants.
As Rosinante mentioned, with the current strength of the "Don Quixote Family," there's no dissenting voice left in Sparta Mairuz. This banquet... including its preparations, is about showcasing the family's status and power.
By the afternoon, two hours before the banquet's official start time, guests had started to arrive one after another.
Those who arrived early were generally "small" merchants, "small" factory owners, and similar roles. The larger the influence, the later they would arrive – this seemed to be an established convention.
Of course, the term "small" is in comparison to the major players who would come later.
Sparta Mairuz, as an industrial port city, could only accumulate 'mountains of scrap iron' due to its scale. These guests are at the very least capitalists who control the livelihoods of dozens or even hundreds of people.
Although the banquet had not officially started, these people had already begun forming circles, exchanging information, negotiating deals, and striving to increase their wealth.
As the sun gradually set, discreet yet luxurious carriages arrived at Rose Manor one after another, bringing in well-dressed and elegantly mannered nobles and major factory owners.
The moment these individuals appeared, they would immediately become the centers of attention within their respective circles. Small factory owners and merchants would unconsciously gather around them, exchanging pleasantries, compliments, and flattery, all to secure their favor.
Their aim was simply to make sure they receive some 'favor' from these influential figures.
Of course, everyone's gaze would covertly observe one place:
In the center of the hall, directly facing the entrance, there was a heavily adorned, solid, and high-backed main seat.
Though Doflamingo had undergone a rapid growth spurt under ample nourishment, he still appeared somewhat 'slender' seated on this tall throne.
However, with Rosinante by his side, flanked by Torrebor, Diamante, Vergo, Pica, and others, all standing or seated with arms crossed near the main seat, it made them an intimidating presence that one dare not underestimate.
"The Mayor has arrived."
As the time neared for the banquet to commence, a soft sound came from outside the door. Suddenly, all voices in the hall vanished, catching Rosinante's attention as she was leaned back in her seat.
Unlike her 'Silence' ability, the power here was from authority.
"I'll go welcome the Mayor,"
Rosinante found herself somewhat intrigued by this discreet ruler of Sparta Mairuz.
Moreover, they had given her and her group a prior 'warning', which could be seen as a favor to the Don Quixote family.
When Rosinante reached the entrance, she saw an elderly man being carefully assisted by Captain Smoker.
The old man's hair was silver-white, and his skin was marked with age spots. But different from his aged appearance, his lively eyes made one unconsciously overlook his age.
He leaned on a cane, and the aura developed over years of high office naturally emanated from him.
This reminded one of how, regardless of the Jaidi family, the current Don Quixote family, or even in more distant times, this old man had always managed the town. He controlled the lives of hundreds of thousands, and a single word from him could easily trigger turmoil in the town!
This was the power of class authority.
While Rosinante observed the old man, the old mayor was observing Rosinante as well.
Although the teenager standing at the door appeared composed, his intrinsic vigor and exuberance couldn't be concealed! Like a world-class sword sheathed but exposing a remarkably sharp edge.
Unlike the old mayor who followed the 'collective power' approach, this half-grown teenager relied on his personal might.
Power could come from physical strength as well.
"Miss Rosinante Nandi."
The old mayor smiled, and the powerful aura that had filled the room momentarily receded.
"A few days ago, the banquet at my house was disrupted by thugs, and your esteemed family was almost harmed. I've come today to apologize."
From the moment he spoke, the old mayor displayed a humble stance.
"You're too kind, Mayor."
Facing the seemingly ordinary elderly man before her, Rosinante stepped forward and extended her hand in a slight bow toward the hall.
"Those unruly thugs have already been dealt with by us. It had nothing to do with Mayor. There's no need for any apologies. Please—"
As the silver-haired old mayor entered the hall, everyone in the room bowed in respect. Except for the Don Quixote family across the room and Doflamingo leaning against the main seat.
"Hehe, don't stand on ceremony, everyone."
As if in his own home, the old man waved his hand casually while he walked.
"I'll just pester young Miss Rosinante Nandi and the head of the Don Quixote family for a few words and then leave. The rest of you, please make yourselves at home."
As the old mayor approached Doflamingo, even Torrebor and the others were inexplicably subdued by his presence, while Doflamingo himself pointed at him with evident interest.
"Please, take a seat."
After Pica placed a chair behind the old mayor, Doflamingo sat up slightly from his reclined position.
"Mayor, what would you like to discuss?"
···
"Rosinante Nandi!"
Just as Rosinante was about to approach and eavesdrop on the conversation between the old mayor and Doflamingo, a voice sounded behind her.
"···Mr. 404?"
Turning around, Rosinante looked with surprise at the white-coated elderly researcher at the door.
Although he had sent an invitation to the "Blackwater Security Company," this kind of "business-social" event didn't seem to fit Germa 66's style. They should not attend such gatherings.
Behind the door, apart from the lab-coated researcher "404," there was also the sunglasses-clad combat personnel "8674" resembling a governor.
"Hehe, surprised to see me?"
Although the elderly researcher wasn't keen on socializing, that didn't mean he lacked emotional intelligence. High intelligence and low emotional intelligence are usually mutually exclusive unless someone simply doesn't care.
"Indeed,"
Dealing with someone like him, Rosinante didn't need to put on any pretenses.
"Please, this way,"
Walking to a corner of the hall, Rosinante glanced over him. The white lab coat that the elderly researcher wore had scorch marks and holes. It was clear he wasn't here to attend the banquet. Most likely, he was here to confirm information:
"I heard you took out two high-ranking agents of CP3?"
As expected, he cut right to the point when he began to speak.
"That's right."
Rosinante wasn't surprised that he had clear information about this.
Behind the "Blackwater Security Company" stood "Germa 66," and behind "Germa 66" was the Vinsmoke family.
As the "Mobile Kingdom" that once ruled over the entire North Blue and still aimed to do so, it would be strange if they were unaware of everything happening at the Mayor's Manor.
"Good, very good, to have such strength at such a young age."
After a somewhat forced praise of Rosinante, the short and balding elderly man got straight to the point.
"Mr. Rosinante Nandi... Have you ever heard the name 'Vinsmoke'?"
?
"If you're referring to the 'Vinsmoke' family that once used force to rule the entire North Blue, then yes, I have heard of them."
In this corner, Rosinante had set up a 'Silence Barrier,' ensuring their conversation wouldn't be overheard. Therefore, she candidly admitted:
"But that's just a legend—"
"No,"
"That's not a legend."
Since he intended to win her over, the elderly researcher didn't mind revealing some information.
"The Vinsmoke family is real. Their reign over the North Blue is historical, and even now, this great family still exists!"
After saying this, the elderly researcher focused on Rosinante, seeing 'confusion' on her face, which then transformed into 'realization.'
This inward nod of Rosinante's head pleased the elderly researcher – it's straightforward to deal with intelligent individuals.
"Could it be—"
Rosinante intentionally dragged her words, and the elderly researcher nodded in response.
"That's right, the master of 'Germa 66' is none other than the Vinsmoke family!"
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(End of this chapter)
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