It was not until they knew they were alone that Law complained a little while Alyssia teased him.
The ship was getting closer to the destination as both of them were on board, but there were others in another location who were gathered to discuss it all.
The Five Elders were seated in their regular room as they were still in the middle of discussing the ongoing problems they had to deal with.
Saint Garcia Saturn was the first to speak up. "So what do you all think? Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Something like this can be quite a problem in many ways, but it could be quite beneficial for us.
The Seven Warlords system has been used to control and make use of certain influential figures, even if they once had a bounty on their head. The system itself works so that the only way to add another to it when it is full is to have someone drop out.
Either someone claims an open spot, or they must seek to remove someone to take their place. That is always how it has worked. There can be no extra Warlord, but a situation like this has never happened before."
Mars nodded slowly. "Indeed… having two influential figures come together like this only increases their power, which could become very useful to us, or it could become a potential threat.
Trafalgar Law is one such person who we have considered for a position if it were open after his recent exploits. Unfortunately, things did not work out as there was no open space available for him."
"Hmm… I think that this works out quite well. It may be unconventional, but this way, we get two of them in the place of one now that they are joined in this way. No rules or procedures are being broken this way."
"Agreed."
"Although… we cannot let this go so easily, otherwise others will think they can do as they please using their position. There must be some form of punishment or payment to appease us or the Marines."
"I agree."
"As for whether this little alliance is truly through romance and accidental or has been planned with a motive in mind, we will have to wait and see how it turns out. Let the Marines monitor the situation a little."
"We may not be so easily fooled by this show that has been put on, but the ignorant masses will. What matters most in all of this is that they will believe it. It would be better to appear magnanimous at this time."
"True. The public view could shift in the wrong direction if more forceful or fast methods are used to deal with this all."
"This little arrangement between them could prove to be beneficial for them, but who is to say that everything will go as they expect?"
"Quite true. Not everyone will be so accepting of this. There will be some with more extreme views and motivations that will not be so happy to see such a thing happening."
What they discussed had a lot of truth within it, as Alyssia had considered such possibilities quite carefully when going over the plan.
There were many outcomes, as there were all kinds of variables involved.
It did not necessarily have to be the World Government or the Marines that could be the ones to act out of rejection, as there would be many others who could do so without needing any guidance or support.
All that they needed was enough motivation and determination to carry out what they believed to be correct in their way of thinking.
Some would be far more extreme in their actions as they carried out their extreme ideologies, so Alyssia had to take more measures to protect the White Storm and those closest to her.
Some might not be so much of a threat or be able to do much damage, but others were far more dangerous and destructive.
Once they finished discussing everything, they soon passed it on to others, where there were Marines who came to greet and escort Alyssia and Law to a private room.
Alyssia moved the chairs of both of them so that they were close as she began to put her arms around him and show displays of affection through Minkship.
Borsalino was seated opposite both of them as he quietly observed everything without showing any emotion.
His slightly unserious tone of voice could be heard. "So is this all true?"
Alyssia hugged Law tighter as she rubbed her furry cheek against his. "Yes, it is. What have we been called here for?"
Law continued to blush from the close contact as he sat straight in her hold. "It is true. We got married… it was not planned, and it was an act of drunken impulsiveness. We both agreed to take responsibility and to see how it works out."
Borsalino continued without a change in his tone and attitude, making it difficult to figure out his thoughts and views. "Oh… it has been discussed that this will be allowed.
Both of you will occupy the position of Warlord as a couple if both of you agree for as long as this little alliance lasts between you both."
Alyssia sighed in response. "I see… that is a relief."
Borsalino continued. "But there needs to be an example set for both of you. A certain price must be paid."
Many beating hearts appeared in bags on the table a moment later as Law spoke up. "I believe that this should cover some of it. Many hearts of the pirates from the events that took place on Hachinosu. The Marines can do with them as they wish."
Borsalino looked over them casually. "Oh… still beating. How very fascinating. This should be quite the payment, but it is not enough."
Alyssia's gaze became serious. "What exactly is it that you want? I believe that I have already contributed quite a lot lately, but I am open to hearing what will be required of me."
She had already guessed that they would try to make the most out of the situation.
Even if they did hand over a sufficient payment, they would not accept that alone.
There would surely be more demands that would come as a result of them wishing to set an example and to put her in her place.