Chapter 125: This Day, Liberation Day!
Queen Otohime's great Speech facing the entire World caused a wave of uproar that swept across all Sea Areas.
But no matter how great the external impact, it couldn't surpass the impact within this Conference Hall where fifty Kings were gathered.
Without any surprise, under the maximum influence of Will at close range, all the Kings immediately signed the Communique on the Establishment of Equal and Friendly Relations between Humans, Merfolk, and Fish-Men during the subsequent Voting Process.
And in the most important Agenda Item Voting Process, the Total Prohibition of Slave Trade and Total Liberation of World Slaves was passed unanimously!
This was the terrifying Ability of the 'Spirit King'.
As long as she sincerely believed every word she said and genuinely poured her emotions into it, and as long as listeners at close range completely heard the Speech and their Spirit and Will could not resist, then no matter their previous Stance, Identity, or Thought, they would unknowingly completely accept her Thought, achieving the so-called awakening Effect!
The unanimous passage of the Agenda Item, combined with the immediate full Live Broadcast, had an astonishing Effect!
Especially in the Kingdoms belonging to the fifty Kings, the Nobility and Officials immediately began sending people to remove the Explosive Collars from the Slaves after the Agenda Item passed.
This was because these people had also listened to the Speech attentively. Although their Three Views and Thought were not completely changed, their hearts were currently filled with emotion.
At this moment, Sensibility overwhelmed Reason. Perhaps before long, these Nobility would gradually return to their original state.
But by that time, the Kings who had received the 'Spiritual Baptism' would also have returned to their respective countries.
At the same time, the terrifying Combat Power displayed by the Marines in the previous 'ONE PIECE Great Sea Battle' had elevated the World Government's Prestige to a new peak, enough to Intimidate most of the Nobility into behaving for a period of time.
As for what happens in the future, that depends on how they are governed afterward!
This day.
On September 15th of Marine Calendar 1498, in just one day, under the Operation of the Nobility and Marines in Various Places, hundreds of thousands of Slaves regained their freedom.
The Civilians who were also moved by Queen Otohime's Speech took out Freshwater, Food, and even Berry from their homes and gave them to these 'Slaves' who were about to return to their Hometowns under the escort of the Marines.
This day.
Everywhere were tears of joy, eyes red from emotion, excited screams, and roars directed at the blue sky and Great Sea.
Amidst the Fragrance of Food and the aroma of Drink, lively parties held for the liberation of Slaves were taking place in countless Kingdoms, Cities, and Islands.
This day was designated as 'Liberation Day' by the World Government, and all Affiliated Countries were required to set it as a Holiday.
Today is destined to be a sleepless Night.
"We're back. Everything that happened before feels like a Dream, a beautiful Dream that came true..." Queen Otohime covered her chest, looking at Ryugu Palace and murmuring to herself.
Because the distance between Fish-Man Island and Mary Geoise was too short, King Neptune and Queen Otohime chose not to linger and returned directly to Fish-Man Island with their people.
However, their entourage was joined by four capable-looking ladies in black dresses. They were from CP7 and were responsible for protecting Queen Otohime personally.
Don't be fooled by their graceful appearance and lithe figures; each of them was an Elite Expert proficient in Six Powers and Two Colors of Haki, and also skilled in first aid.
Before they left Mary Geoise, Government Officials had already spoken with them and informed Queen Otohime in detail that she had been appointed as a High-Ranking Official of the Political Affairs Bureau Direct Propaganda Department, and therefore needed to be equipped with corresponding protection personnel.
Furthermore, given Queen Otohime's fragile Body, which could suffer a fracture from a sneeze, a Medical Team from the Medical Academy would also be sent to help condition, improve, and treat her.
To be honest, King Neptune was stunned when he heard this, his mouth wide open, completely unsure of what to say.
He was very confused. It was just a Speech, was it necessary to attach so much importance to his Queen?
This was also related to Im, who was behind the scenes, ordering that Queen Otohime's Observation Haki Ability not be publicly revealed for the time being.
He felt that if she knew about her Ability, then when arranging future Speeches in Various Places, she might feel that the World Government was using her special Ability, leading to some negative emotions and Thoughts.
Although it was indeed utilization, since there was no need for Queen Otohime to know, it was better not to tell her. Let her believe that her sincerity and words had moved everyone.
Of course, saying that wasn't wrong either, after all, if Queen Otohime wasn't sincere or didn't speak, it would indeed be useless.
Ultimately, King Neptune could only agree.
Refusal was impossible. The World Government hadn't given them the option to refuse; they were merely informing them out of respect.
"Ah la la la~ Since we've arrived at Ryugu Palace, I'll head back first. I'll come back at seven o'clock later." Kuzan, wearing a Coat of Justice over a white Suit, said with a smile.
"Thank you for your hard work, Vice Admiral Aokiji. Thank you very much for escorting us all the way!" King Neptune bowed his head gently to express his gratitude.
Although the round trip was short, it was still attending the Reverie, so the formalities had to be observed. Since it was stipulated that Marine Officer were responsible for the escort, Kuzan naturally had to follow.
As Aokiji left, the group, under the watchful eyes of the Sea King Army Warriors, entered the luxurious Main Hall inside Ryugu Palace.
"Otohime, go rest for a while first. We have to go out again tonight."
"Okay, I'm really looking forward to the activity tonight. I never imagined that one day I could openly visit and play on the Sabaody Archipelago..." Speaking up to this point, Queen Otohime's voice choked up, tears glistening in her eyes.
"Our Fish-man children can finally freely enjoy the Sunlight, Forests, and playgrounds!"
King Neptune sighed, "Yes, the changes in this World are so fast. Even I haven't quite gotten used to it yet. It's truly caught us off guard, the recent World Government."
Soon, Queen Otohime, escorted by the four female CP7 Guards, went to the Harem Bedroom. She needed to wash up, change Clothes, and eat something. The previous Speech had not been easy for her; mental fatigue was always unavoidable.
Soon, only King Neptune, seated on the Throne, and the Left Minister below remained in the Main Hall. The former stroked his orange-red beard and spoke first.
"When we were coming back, how are the Matters I instructed you to prepare?"
"Your Majesty, your servant has already announced the News. The Citizens were very Excited and happy to hear that they could visit the Sabaody Archipelago for a few days of fun. It's just that the number of people signing up is a bit too large..." The Left Minister showed a hesitant expression.
King Neptune pondered for a moment and asked, "Is there a limit on the number of people for the Sabaody Archipelago?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, according to the News from the Right Minister, Vice Admiral Dragon suggested keeping it under a thousand people, as the Flow of People on the Sabaody Archipelago will be very large tonight."
King Neptune nodded.
"A thousand people... Then let's do a lottery and select two hundred lucky individuals, and allow them to bring up to five Family Members. Tell everyone that those who weren't selected don't need to worry. Once the commotion from this Reverie passes, everyone will be free to visit the Sabaody Archipelago!"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
(End of this chapter)