Purupuru...
The Den Den Mushi in Darren’s arms trilled. He drew it out and answered, "This is Darren."
A refined, respectful voice ca through. "Good evening, esteed Mr. Darren. I’m the business manager of the Pleasure District. On behalf of Queen Stussy, I formally extend a private dinner invitation for tomorrow evening. Her Majesty eagerly awaits your presence."
Oh? A private dinner?
Darren stalled for a beat, then let a wry smile tug at his mouth. His voice, however, was all polite reluctance. "I’m honored by Her Majesty’s kindness, but as a Marine, a visit to the Pleasure District may invite scrutiny. Please convey my sincere apologies to Miss Stussy."
The man’s tone remained flawlessly courteous. "This will be strictly private, Mr. Darren. No guests. Total confidentiality."
Darren frowned. "I’m buried in duties. I doubt I can make the ti."
"Her Majesty understands," the man said smoothly. "She’s willing to postpone to whatever evening suits you. She’ll await your arrival at your convenience."
"...Very well," Darren sighed, as if cornered. "If Miss Stussy insists so graciously, it would be rude to refuse. Inform Her Majesty I’ll arrange to attend."
"Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Darren. May your day be pleasant."
The man bowed and cut the line.
---
Pleasure District.
Stussy toyed with a strand of gold hair, watching the man in tails kneel before her with amused eyes and a lazy, feline smile.
"So, he agreed?" she purred.
"He did," the man replied, head low. "Though he first made every excuse—deeply reluctant."
He certainly was, Stussy thought, a husky chuckle catching in her throat. But in the end, I won the wager.
The curve of her crimson mouth grew more alluring, agate-dark eyes flashing with danger. Beneath the desk, her stockinged foot tapped, toes curling.
She could already see that despicable Marine’s face when she summoned Doflamingo and announced their alliance. Delicious.
Trying to play gas with this old fox, Darren? You’re still wet behind the ears.
"Very well. You may go."
She waved him off, unable to suppress the smile lingering at the corner of her lips.
"Make sure tomorrow’s banquet is flawless," she added lazily. "Spare no expense. Our distinguished guest must receive the Pleasure District’s highest hospitality."
Her lashes dipped, her eyes gleaming with confidence. "We mustn’t neglect our honored guest."
"Yes, Your Excellency!" He bowed deeply and withdrew.
The gilded chamber filled again with soft, seductive music.
Stussy slid a slender lady’s cigarette from a gold-embossed case. She had just brought the lighter up when the encrypted Den Den Mushi on her desk rang.
Startled, she set the cigarette down, straightened, and took the call. "Stussy reporting to the Five Elders."
A hoarse, aged voice flowed from the shell. "You’ve seen the latest paper, Stussy?"
"Yes, Your Excellencies," she answered, humble as silk. "I’m grateful for your trust in recomnding Doflamingo to the Shichibukai."
"Hm... We have always held you in high regard."
Her eyelid twitched, almost invisible.
"As for the other task we gave you last ti—its progress?" Saint Topman Warcury’s voice ca cold and flat.
Another task? She paused, then stilled.
"Rogers Darren," Warcury said. "He perford admirably in the recent operation. Sengoku has already put him forward as an Admiral Candidate."
"Talents like his must remain firmly under the Governnt’s hand."
"Use your strengths. Maintain a very close relationship with him."
Ah. So that’s it.
A slow, assured smile ward her voice. "Rest easy, Your Excellencies. I won’t disappoint you."
"Rogers Darren is now under my control," she reported.
She could feel the collective satisfaction on the other end.
"Excellent."
"You haven’t disappointed us."
"Effective imdiately, your CP0 rank is elevated."
"You’ll command resources and authority second only to the Strongest Shield of the Celestial Dragons."
"We look forward to your further achievents."
Elation swelled in her chest.
CP0—the Governnt’s supre intelligence arm—commanded all CP divisions from CP1 to CP9 and answered directly to the Gorosei. Within CP0, rank was ironclad; at the pinnacle, the Strongest Shield of the Celestial Dragons—monsters whispered to rival a Marine Admiral—held absolute sway. Their influence could eclipse even Admirals’.
And now, Stussy had risen to the tier just beneath them.
The greatest advancent of her long infiltration—and with it, deeper access, better-hidden truths, and stronger ans to protect Dr. Vegapunk.
"Thank you, Your Excellencies," she said, barely containing her joy.
"Hmph. You may withdraw," ca a faint voice.
The line went dead.
Stussy lit her cigarette and drew in slowly; the cool mint drifted across her tongue. She felt light as air.
"Now... what shall I wear to tomorrow’s banquet?" A sly smile tugged at her lips, her gaze turning dangerously bright.
She rose, alabaster feet whispering over the carpet toward the vast wardrobe. Doors opened on rows of immaculate evening gowns.
A black lace halter, a backless white slip of elegance, a gothic sheath of shadow... Beneath each, like museum pieces, glittered heels and jewelry.
Everything sparkled.
As the music brightened, she began to choose—patiently, luxuriantly—ruby lips curved in a seductive smile.
She would greet the night as a triumphant queen, draped in opulence, grace, and allure—ready to savor the sweet, perfud fruit of final victory.
To be continued...
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