NOVEL WEB Chapter 44: Doflamingo's Shock
"Young Master, how long are we going to wait here?"
Mariejois, in a conference room.
Doflamingo sat quietly.
Behind him, Trebol asked with a frown.
They had been waiting in this room for nearly an entire day.
It was said that someone would come to discuss important matters with them, but no one had shown up yet.
What was this?
Were they being ignored?
"Fufufufu, Trebol, be patient," Doflamingo said calmly as he swirled the wine in his glass, a smirk on his face. "This is a big deal we're discussing."
"More importantly, I've already received word that the person negotiating with us this time might be a major figure."
"Although we've paid a hefty price to secure this meeting..."
"It will definitely be worth it."
"So, stay composed. The key here is not to reveal any emotions. If this really is that 'big shot,' even I can't guarantee your safety."
Doflamingo's voice grew serious toward the end.
Hearing this, Trebol froze for a moment before quickly nodding, his demeanor turning solemn.
He was well aware of Doflamingo's unique status.
Otherwise, there was no way they could have secured an audience with the World Government.
If even Doflamingo had to be this cautious, it was clear that the person they might meet this time was one of the highest-ranking individuals within the World Government.
For someone like Trebol, whose origins were humble at best, the thought was both intimidating and awe-inspiring.
Doflamingo noticed Trebol's reaction and felt somewhat relieved.
He truly regarded Trebol as family, and for this reason, he didn't want any harm to come to him.
But this time, caution was paramount.
Doflamingo had been monitoring the changes within the World Government for some time, using every resource to gather information.
For a long while, he found nothing.
Only recently did he finally uncover some startling news:
The World Government had developed a new type of weapon—one far superior to the military technology of the present day.
It was a game-changer.
So, after some deliberation, Doflamingo had come to Mariejois, aiming to strike a deal that would solidify the Donquixote Family's business dominance in North Blue.
If he succeeded, it would become the foundation of his underground empire on the Grand Line.
Even Doflamingo, who was usually calm and collected, couldn't help but feel excited.
Unlike the original story's timeline, the Donquixote Family was currently confined to North Blue.
But Doflamingo wasn't naïve.
He remembered the warning given to him by the World Government official who had arranged this meeting:
"Joker, considering all the Baileys you've funneled into our coffers over the years, let me give you a word of caution. This time, you might meet the Five Elders. Or, you might meet... someone else.
If it's the latter, control your temper.
If you die in Mariejois, don't blame me.
You should understand—the person you may meet holds an extremely high position within the World Government.
I've only heard rumors about him; I'm not even qualified to meet him in person.
So, tread carefully. This individual is said to stand on equal footing with the Five Elders."
Every time he recalled these words, Doflamingo couldn't help but shudder inwardly.
As a former Celestial Dragon, he understood the immense authority wielded by the Five Elders.
For someone to be considered their equal?
That was terrifying.
Even more unsettling was that he had no knowledge of such a figure—not even a whisper.
For a former Celestial Dragon to be kept in the dark about such an important individual was a sobering thought.
This spoke volumes about the lengths to which the World Government went to protect this secret.
Suddenly.
Tap, tap, tap.
Footsteps echoed outside the conference room.
Doflamingo instinctively straightened, his gaze fixed on the door.
With a creak, the door opened.
Doflamingo's pupils contracted as he inhaled sharply.
A man dressed in white entered the room. Though his appearance was unassuming, the overwhelming aura he exuded made Doflamingo feel as though he were suffocating.
Admiral level!
This was undoubtedly an Admiral-level powerhouse.
And Doflamingo immediately recognized the man's attire: CP0!
This Admiral-level figure was serving as a bodyguard, scanning the room for potential threats before stepping aside.
What kind of person required such protection?
The question alone sent chills down Doflamingo's spine.
Tap, tap, tap.
The sound of high heels followed.
A woman stepped into the room—Eleanor.
Doflamingo recognized her immediately.
Before he had lost his status as a Celestial Dragon, he had seen Eleanor several times.
She was formidable, but she wasn't the person they were waiting for.
Then, as expected, a third figure entered.
The man in the white robe had a face that could only be described as regal. His presence was calm yet commanding, exuding a natural air of superiority.
Doflamingo didn't hesitate.
"Doflamingo greets Your Highness!"
With practiced grace, Doflamingo stood and bowed deeply, using the etiquette reserved for royalty.
Even his signature "fufufu" laugh was suppressed.
This was not the time for frivolity.
The man, now seated across from him, nodded lightly in acknowledgment.
Eleanor's cold gaze shifted to Trebol.
"Bow your head," she ordered icily. "His Highness is not someone a lowly being like you can look upon."
The sheer weight of her killing intent bore down on Trebol, who immediately lowered his head.
"That's enough, Eleanor," Kaos said with a faint smile, waving a hand.
Eleanor complied, withdrawing her cold gaze and standing silently beside him, the picture of loyalty.
Doflamingo observed this interaction, and his heart was shocked, but he remained silent.
"I've heard of you, Joker," Kaos said, his voice calm.
Doflamingo nodded. "Yes, Your Highness."
"Actually, if those five old guys didn't consider that I might be interested in government affairs, it would be those five old guys who came to communicate with you."
"But it happens that I'm bored too, so I'll chat with you."
That's right.
Originally, such a small matter was not worth Five Elders to inform Kaos of.
But since Kaos would ascend the throne of the World Government in the future, and rule the entire World Government and he might be interested in this kind of government affairs, so the Five Elders chose to have someone tell Kaos.
If Kaos is interested, let him chat.
And in the future, things in this area will gradually be handed over to Kaos.
Doflamingo nodded slightly, but still didn't speak.
After all, he knew the five old guys Kaos was talking about.
Who else but the Five Elders?
He couldn't speak.
He can't disrespect the Five Elders with Kaos, right?
He is not qualified for this.
Doflamingo may be arrogant, but he is definitely a smart guy.
The so-called arrogance usually refers to beings who are inferior to him in terms of strength or status.
But in this place Mariejois.
He can't!
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