As the epicenter of this emotional storm, Luffy maintained the perfect composure of a seasoned scoundrel. He neither confird nor denied, neither accepted nor rejected—offering no definitive stance whatsoever.
He didn't even need to speak; his devoted companions handled all explanations on his behalf, a system refined through considerable practice.
As the self-proclaid senior wife, Ain considered her willingness to accept Vivi as her greatest concession—one that absolved her from further involvent in persuading the princess. Thus, the considerable task of convincing (or manipulating) Vivi naturally fell to Nami.
"Wait a mont," Vivi interrupted, her diplomatic training reasserting itself as she sought clarity. "I'm familiar with Amazon Lily and its famous Empress, Boa Hancock."
Despite her outrage, curiosity still flickered in the princess's eyes.
"But what about Dressrosa? If I recall correctly, King Riku Dold III still rules that kingdom."
Nami, prepared for this line of questioning, waved her hand dismissively.
"That's rely temporary. King Riku has already planned his abdication. The throne's heir is his second daughter, Viola—also known as Princess Viola of Dressrosa."
She paused for dramatic effect. "And yes, she's another of Luffy's special companions."
As Nami related this information, Vivi inhaled deeply to steady herself. She glanced toward Luffy, who had quietly moved to stand by the window, apparently absorbed in the moonlit view of Alubarna's skyline. For reasons she couldn't fully articulate, seeing him sowhat removed from the conversation eased the pressure constricting her chest.
The night breeze stirred the curtains as Luffy gazed outward, his powerful silhouette frad against the starry desert sky. Despite everything, Vivi couldn't help but admire the commanding presence he projected even in silent contemplation.
Though her knowledge of Dressrosa was limited, Vivi understood it was a significant New World nation with centuries of history. All she knew ca from diplomatic briefings—that the current ruler, Riku Dold III, was a peaceful monarch devoted to his people, and that folklore ntioned mysterious dwarves inhabiting the island.
Her father had once ntioned that Dressrosa possessed a glorious history dating back hundreds of years, though the specifics remained unclear to her.
"If Dressrosa's princess can accept sharing Luffy with others," she reasoned, "perhaps it wouldn't be entirely unreasonable for to beco one of his partners as well..."
"No! What am I thinking?!" Vivi ntally chastised herself. "He's so young yet surrounded by so many won. Who knows how many more will join his collection in the future? I can't make this mistake!"
She attempted to steel her resolve, to rember her dignity as Alabasta's princess.
Yet when she turned to glimpse Luffy's towering figure silhouetted against the window, mories of their first eting flooded back—the overwhelming sense of amazent she'd felt in his presence. Despite everything, she couldn't bring herself to abandon what they might have together.
To Vivi, Luffy represented sothing precious—her idealized hero, the shining beacon she couldn't forget no matter how hard she tried.
Like anyone captivated by their first love, she found herself extraordinarily forgiving of his flaws. Thinking of the lonely nights she'd spent reading newspaper accounts of his adventures, the collection of clippings hidden in her private chambers, Vivi simply couldn't bring herself to walk away.
In her mind's eye, she imagined the classic scenario of conscience—a tiny angel and devil perched on her shoulders, offering contradictory advice.
The miniature angel pleaded earnestly: "This man is clearly a philanderer! Don't forgive him—you deserve better!"
anwhile, the devil countered passionately: "Nonsense! There is no finer man in all the seas. So he appreciates beautiful won—what exceptional man doesn't? As long as he treats you well, what else matters?"
Both argunts held rit, leaving Vivi even more conflicted than before.
Seeing the princess's furrowed brow and obvious internal struggle, Ain decided it was ti to intervene as the group's senior mber.
"Since you're having difficulty deciding," she suggested with unexpected gentleness, "perhaps more ti together would help clarify your feelings. Why not join our diplomatic tour of the North Blue?"
The forr Vice Admiral's tone softened further. "You'll experience worlds beyond Alabasta's borders and expand your horizons. More importantly, you'll have the opportunity to better understand our... unique arrangent. When we return, you can give your answer. By then, I believe the right choice will be clear to you."
Vivi's sapphire eyes widened as sudden clarity washed over her. ntally dismissing both her conflicting inner voices, she nodded with unexpected enthusiasm.
"Yes! That sounds perfect. I—" She caught herself, adjusting her tone to project royal dignity. "I an, I really should evaluate whether Luffy and your group et my standards of approval."
Nami's lips curled into a smirk as she rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath: "As if we need a child's approval."
Vivi's enhanced royal hearing caught every word. "What was that?! I've had quite enough of your attitude, you flat-chested brat! You barely look older than —stop pretending you're so wise elder!"
Nami's face contorted with fury as she lunged forward. "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY ABOUT MY CHEST?! Say it again if you dare!"
As the two won squared off, Ain exchanged a knowing glance with Luffy, who had finally turned from the window to observe the unfolding chaos with an amused expression. For better or worse, it seed their diplomatic tour had just acquired its newest mber.
Sowhere in the royal palace, King Cobra slept peacefully, blissfully unaware that by morning, his beloved daughter would be requesting permission to embark on an extended journey with her "fiancé" and his entourage of admirers.
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