The people of Dressrosa are known for their passionate hearts—they love fiercely and fight tirelessly for what they want. Violet, with her unwavering determination, had no intention of giving up on her feelings.
They're just lovers, not married yet, she thought. Even if they were married, divorce is always an option. Her fighting spirit burned brighter than ever.
Little did she know, Luffy's circle of lovers was far larger than she could imagine.
The engagement ceremony in the Tontatta Kingdom was grand in name only. In reality, it was simply a gathering where everyone came together to share a meal. However, because of Mansherry's special status, the old king had invited people from all over the country to join the celebration.
Luffy sat cross-legged at a low table that had been specially prepared for him. Despite being utterly confused about the proceedings, he kept his focus on his primary goal. As the old king drank happily, Luffy decided it was the right moment to broach the subject again.
"Your Majesty," Luffy said, "I'd like to ask your permission for Mansherry to join my crew. She would be a valuable addition to our mission."
The old king, his cheeks flushed from the wine, put down his cup and scratched his head awkwardly. "Ah… isn't it a bit hasty? You've only just gotten engaged. If you want to go on a honeymoon, wouldn't it be better to wait until after the wedding?"
Three black lines appeared on Luffy's forehead. "Your Majesty, I think you misunderstood. I meant for her to join my ship as part of my crew, not for us to go on a honeymoon!"
"Go to bed?!" the king slurred, clearly too drunk to follow the conversation. "Well… although I've promised Mansherry's hand in marriage, perhaps you two should think it over a bit more."
Luffy groaned, resisting the urge to slam his head against the table. He took a deep breath and decided to ignore the old king entirely.
Turning his attention to Mansherry, who had been sitting upright in a tiny chair before him, Luffy said, "Mansherry, what do you—"
Before he could finish, Mansherry, who had overheard the king's comment, covered her face shyly with her tiny hands. Her voice quivered as she stammered, "Dear… dear, I… I don't mind going to bed with you!"
Luffy's jaw dropped.
Mansherry took a deep breath and clenched her fists. "It's okay! I'm ready to have a baby!"
"Boom!" Luffy felt as if his brain had short-circuited. He stared at the tiny princess in disbelief, thinking, Do you even hear yourself?! You're so small you wouldn't even fit in a cup, and you're talking about having a baby?!
Sighing, Luffy poked her soft cheek with his finger and said firmly, "It's not about going to bed—it's about going on a boat. I'm asking if you're willing to leave with me and become part of my crew. Our journey will take us far, and it won't be easy."
Mansherry, undeterred, beamed at him. "Of course! I'll go wherever you go, dear! I'll take care of you!"
Luffy couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "I don't know who's taking care of whom here…"
His musings were interrupted when Leo climbed onto the table. The dwarf waved his arms to get Luffy's attention.
"Benefactor," Leo said, his tone serious, "what's the situation in Dressrosa now?"
Luffy paused for a moment to gather his thoughts before answering.
"They're on the brink of collapse. The houses are destroyed, and most of the food and supplies are buried under the rubble. The Marines are doing their best to help, but Dressrosa's needs are far beyond what I can provide alone. This is a nation's crisis."
The dwarfs around the table began whispering among themselves, their faces grim. Their relationship with the Riku family had always been close, dating back 800 years. The Riku family had even allowed the dwarfs to take small items from the humans as compensation, fostering a bond of mutual support and trust.
But now, with Dressrosa in ruins and the Riku family displaced, the dwarfs felt lost.
Luffy, sensing their distress, closed his eyes and extended his Observation Haki. Within moments, he located King Riku and his family in the Marine camp.
Placing the last bite of food into his mouth, Luffy carefully stood up and placed Mansherry into the pocket of his suit. "If you want to meet King Riku, his family is in our Marine camp. I can take you to them."
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