As Claudius and Nami chatted away, tending to the garden, Stussy walked into the courtyard, a docunt in hand.
Lately, Stussy had been incredibly busy. She hadn't returned to Mariejois often and had only just arrived back.
She was in the process of integrating Happy Street into the CP organization, preparing to hand over control to Spandine.
Surprisingly, Spandine wasn't particularly thrilled about this. He wasn't feeling triumphant about his growing influence—on the contrary, he was feeling increasingly burdened.
Before the reforms began, Saint Claudius had warned him that gaining power would also an taking on greater responsibilities, but Spandine hadn't expected it to be this overwhelming.
With CP-X and the traditional CP organizations now fully rged, and Happy Street added to the mix, Spandine had effectively beco the second-in-command of the entire intelligence network, answering only to Claudius himself.
Yet, rather than feeling satisfied, he felt the weight of his years catching up with him. And now, with Stussy transferring control of Happy Street to him, he was already looking for soone to delegate to.
His first move? Shalessly requesting to have Rob Lucci reassigned from Claudius' side.
Claudius had agreed without much fuss. After all, since ascending to the highest position in the World Governnt, he rarely left Mariejois. Keeping a talent like Lucci constantly in his shadow would be a waste of potential.
Back when Spandine trained Lucci as his successor, he had intentionally placed him close to Claudius—to build his credentials and foster a relationship with the supre authority. After all, only soone personally trusted by Claudius could take charge of CP.
Now, with Spandine bringing Lucci back to assu control of CP-X, the transition was well underway.
As for why Stussy wanted to relinquish her hold over Happy Street—it wasn't for any complicated reason. It was simply because Claudius never left Mariejois anymore.
After entering the courtyard, Stussy took a casual stroll before approaching the orange grove.
Just as she was about to step inside, Nia suddenly appeared, blocking her path.
"Official business?" Nia asked softly.
Stussy raised the docunt in her hand and replied, "Of course."
Nia remained silent for a mont before suggesting, "Could it wait a little while?"
Stussy blinked in mild surprise. "Why?"
"I think it's fine to let His Highness rest for a bit longer," Nia said with a small smile.
A knowing glint flashed in Stussy's eyes. She turned to the ever-gentle maid and chuckled. "Nia, you really are His Highness' most devoted caretaker."
Nia scoffed lightly. "His Highness has been far too busy. I haven't seen him this exhausted in years—let him enjoy his break."
"I rember him once saying, 'If you want to wear the crown, you must bear its weight.' I didn't fully understand it then, but now I do," Stussy mused with a sigh.
After a brief pause, she added, "But don't worry. The governnt is gradually returning to order. As long as His Highness continues sorting things out, it will all settle down soon enough. And let's be honest—His Highness is excellent at delegation, isn't he?"
Both Nia and Stussy had been by Claudius' side for years. They were well aware of his talent for passing off responsibilities to others.
Previously, the chaos of restructuring the World Governnt had forced him to personally handle countless matters. But now, with most of the work done, he would soon return to focusing solely on the bigger picture—leaving the day-to-day affairs to his subordinates.
Since Nia had made her case, Stussy decided not to press the issue. Instead, she stood and chatted with her dear friend, their conversation filled with occasional laughter.
After more than half an hour, Nia finally relented. "Just don't tell His Highness about this, or he might scold for interfering."
After all, while Nia's intentions were good, she had technically blocked official business.
Stussy chuckled. "Please, he adores you too much to be mad."
That said, Stussy didn't push any further. She simply nodded at Nia before stepping into the orange grove.
---
At this mont, Claudius had completely abandoned any notion of dignity.
After all, this was his own ho. There was no need to maintain any formalities.
He was sitting cross-legged under an orange tree, peeling an orange with a relaxed expression. He leaned back against the tree, casually popping orange slices into his mouth.
Not far from him, Nami was still plucking dried leaves from the branches, carefully tending to the trees.
Hearing approaching footsteps, Claudius lazily lifted his head.
Sure enough, Stussy soon ca into view, holding a docunt.
At the sight of her, Claudius imdiately pulled a bitter expression.
"I literally ran off to hide at ho, and yet soone still ca to chase down?" he groaned.
Nami burst into laughter. "What can you do? You're just too attractive! You always manage to attract devoted followers wherever you go."
Stussy raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Your Highness, slacking off isn't a very admirable trait."
"Yeah, yeah…" Claudius sighed dramatically, raising his hands in surrender.
Stussy smirked. "For ordinary matters, of course, I wouldn't disturb Your Highness' rest. But these are two issues that you specifically asked to be kept a priority."
Claudius tore an orange in half and held one side out toward Stussy.
Instead of using her hands, she simply bent down and took a bite directly with her mouth.
Claudius smirked at her playfulness and asked, "The matter with Fish-Man Island? What's the other one?"
Stussy swallowed the orange slice and replied, "Yes, Fish-Man Island. King Neptune has completed all necessary internal arrangents. As long as Your Highness approves, they will begin migrating those willing to leave the sea to the Calm Belt, where they will beco neighbors with Amazon Lily and Boa Hancock."
Claudius took the docunt from Stussy and skimd through it. It detailed migration plans, population numbers, and resource allocation.
Without dwelling on the specifics, he asked casually, "Any issues?"
"None. King Neptune is quite reliable—or maybe he just has a good team supporting him. Either way, everything is within the agreed-upon paraters," Stussy answered promptly.
Claudius nodded, flipped to the last page, and extended his hand.
Stussy, smiling mischievously, reached into the valley of her chest and pulled out a pen, like so kind of dinsional pocket, before handing it to him.
Claudius could feel the warmth still lingering on the pen. Smirking, he raised an eyebrow at Stussy before quickly signing the docunt.
"Whether it's Fish-Man Island or Amazon Lily, we'll continue to develop them as part of the Donquixote Family's influence," Claudius remarked after signing.
Stussy nodded, fully aware of his intent.
Claudius had long sought control over the Calm Belt—securing its influence would significantly strengthen the Donquixote Family's grip on the world.
Amazon Lily was already deeply tied to them. Boa Hancock's relationship with Claudius ensured that the island remained firmly in his corner.
As for Fish-Man Island? The bonds were strengthening. If necessary, Claudius wouldn't hesitate to use political marriages to solidify their connection.
Speaking of which, there was a young Celestial Dragon woman in the Donquixote Family, around her twenties. She could easily be married off to Prince Fukaboshi to further cent ties.
Still… it was a pity Claudius hadn't had a son sooner—otherwise, a marriage with Princess Shirahoshi would have been ideal.
After all, securing Poseidon was worth far more than just controlling Fish-Man Island.
(To be continued.)
***
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