Seeing Morgans' frightened expression, Cudius sighed, shook his head, and said, "Your World Economy News Paper never listens to orders.

  You, Morgans, are a journalist with integrity.

  I admire your courage to tell the truth. But admiration is one thing.

  Sometimes, the damage caused by the truth is far greater than that of a lie.

  Let me ask you, if two armies are locked in a stalemate, with no reinforcements on either side, and one general decres that backup is on the way while the other admits he is alone and helpless—who do you think will win?"

  Morgans didn't dare to hesitate and immediately answered, "The one who cims he has reinforcements will win."

  "Exactly. This is one of the powers of lies. Those in power must always consider the bigger picture. It may seem ruthless, but it is necessary. If given a choice, no one wants to distort truth and reality, but if there is no choice, one must be ruthless. Would you agree?" Cudius asked again.

  "Your Highness is absolutely right," Morgans replied, not daring to contradict him.

  Cudius took another sip of tea, gnced at Morgans, and said, "This isn't the first time you've gone against the World Government, is it? Do you need me to list all your offenses?"

  Cold sweat dripped down Morgans' back. He shook his head but remained silent, terrified that saying the wrong thing would lead to immediate execution.

  "To avoid trouble, you keep your World Economy News Paper headquarters floating in the sky, constantly changing locations every minute, every second," Cudius mused.

  Morgans quickly expined, "Your Highness, it's to better capture global events while avoiding chaotic forces that wish to exploit our news organization."

  "Perhaps," Cudius responded indifferently.

  Then, in a low voice, he said, "Stussy…"

  At his call, Stussy walked over, holding a stack of documents.

  "Show him," Cudius instructed, nodding toward Morgans.

  Stussy handed Morgans the documents. A bead of sweat formed at the corner of his brow as he opened them with trembling hands.

  Inside were detailed records of every major and minor action of the World Economy News Paper—where they had resupplied, where they had stationed their airborne headquarters, what news they had received… even the precise locations of Morgans' so-called "hidden" floating headquarters. Everything was under CP-X's surveilnce.

  "Hmph. You understand what this means, don't you? I don't need to spell it out for you," Cudius said coldly.

  Morgans swallowed hard, looking at Cudius with growing fear. He dared not utter a word.

  Satisfied that the intimidation had sunk in, Cudius pced his teacup down and said, "Morgans, do you have a powerhouse like the Golden Lion under your command?"

  "No…"

  "What about Roger?"

  "No."

  "Newgate?"

  "Not at all."

  "Then do you think you can hide from me? Do you think you can stand against me?" Cudius asked, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

  Morgans trembled all over, his teeth chattering. "I can't hide from Your Highness… and I can't fight Your Highness either…"

  "As long as you understand that," Cudius nodded.

  After a brief pause, he said, "Sit down."

  Morgans sat down hesitantly, his body still shaking from fear.

  "I didn't call you here today to settle old scores, nor do I have the time to dwell on them," Cudius said softly.

  Hearing this, Morgans secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but he was still on edge. This man was too powerful. Morgans had interviewed countless major figures before—Newgate, Charlotte Linlin, even Kaido.

  But none of them had ever made him feel this terrified, especially when Cudius hadn't even id a hand on him. It was just the sheer pressure he exuded.

  "In the past, I was too zy to deal with you. But soon, I will start handling things myself.

  I need someone who listens to me.

  If I say east, he dares not say west.

  If I say a lion is a tiger, he must accept that as truth.

  A mouthpiece for public opinion… Morgans, do you understand what I mean?"

  Though Cudius' tone was light, his words struck Morgans' heart like a hammer.

  Morgans' lips trembled as he nodded. "I understand, Your Highness."

  "You're a smart man, so I won't bother making threats. But you should know, if I wanted to destroy you, I could do so with a flick of my wrist," Cudius continued.

  Morgans immediately nodded, "Yes, Your Highness, I understand."

  Cudius, appearing satisfied with his compliance, softened his tone slightly and said, "That said, as I mentioned earlier, I do admire you, Morgans. You started from nothing, even when faced with bankruptcy, and built the World Economy News Paper into what it is today. That proves you are capable, intelligent, and know how to read the situation.

  I like people like that."

  Before Morgans could respond, Cudius continued, "The World Economy News Paper is impressive, but it's still missing something. I pn to have Spandine assist you. No objections, I assume?"

  Morgans didn't dare to say a word out of line. He knew exactly what this meant.

  Spandine—the most loyal hound at Cudius' feet, the ruthless leader of CP-X, a man who obeyed orders without question.

  On the surface, it sounded like Spandine was being sent to "help," but in reality, wasn't this just the complete nationalization of the World Economy News Paper?

  Bitter as it was, Morgans had no choice but to swallow it.

  "Yes, Your Highness. Thank you for your consideration. I will cooperate fully with Lord Spandine," Morgans said quickly.

  Cudius nodded again. "Spandine is a busy man. He won't have time to micromanage you. You'll continue your usual work, but when I need you."

  "I will immediately follow Your Highness' orders and do whatever you ask," Morgans interrupted, his voice full of obedience.

  "Good. You're catching on quickly," Cudius said approvingly.

  After a short pause, he continued, "Your current title sounds grand—the so-called 'Emperor of the Underworld.' But in reality, you're just a newspaper vendor.

  Up until now, you've been free to move as you please.

  Now, you work for me.

  Shouldn't I at least give you a formal status? Stussy, go to the CP-X archives and create a file for Morgans. From today onward, he is one of us."

  Hearing this, Morgans finally rexed a little.

  It seemed His Highness had no intention of killing him. This was, in a way, a form of reassurance.

  Though the "recruitment" process had been rather forceful, there was no room for negotiation. Cudius had simply decided, and that was that.

  But did Morgans dare to refuse?

  Of course not.

  In fact, there was even a strange sense of relief. He had just secured a powerful backer.

  Sure, his newspaper was no longer truly independent, but at least he was still alive. Just moments ago, he had thought he was doomed—now, he had a way forward.

  His reaction was swift. As soon as Stussy turned to handle the paperwork, Morgans dropped to his knees again and said sincerely, "Thank you for Your Highness' grace. I am honored."

  "Do your job well.

  In the future, the World Government may establish an official press and propaganda department. If that happens, you could become its minister.

  Wouldn't that be better than just running a newspaper?"

  Cudius waved him up as he spoke.

  Carrot and stick—Cudius was no miser. As long as Morgans didn't step out of line, he was more than willing to give the man a future.

  But if he ever tried to pull any tricks, Cudius would make sure Morgans understood what true terror was.

  ***

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