Galette led Stussy to the center of Whole Cake Island and arranged a place for her to stay, waiting for tomorrow's wedding.
Under Galette's watchful gaze, Stussy boldly walked into the room with Zero by her side, showing no intention of concealing anything.
After Galette left, Zero raised his hand and removed his mask. His handsome face, paired with golden eyes that gleamed like sunlight, revealed his identity—Carl.
Stussy removed her hat and immediately leaped into Carl's arms, coyly calling him, "Master."
Carl smiled faintly, gently stroking Stussy's silky hair as he said,
"Stussy, you're quite bold. This is Big Mom's territory. Aren't you afraid your behavior will expose us?"
"With you by my side, Master, what's a mere Yonko? Besides..."
Stussy glanced at the window above the wall, a seductive smile playing on her lips as she said,
"After tomorrow, the so-called Big Mom Pirates will likely be history. Don't you think so, Master?"
Carl chuckled without confirming, replying,
"The night is still young. Shall we go out for a stroll?"
Uncharacteristically, Stussy didn't immediately agree. She bit her luscious red lips, stood upright, and asked softly,
"Master, don't you want to... do something else first?"
As she spoke, Stussy raised her hands to lightly tug at the red straps on her shoulders. Her crimson dress slid to the floor, revealing a body as flawless as white jade.
Stussy's angelic face and devilish figure could drive most men to madness.
Carl was momentarily stunned but soon curved his lips into a wicked smile. His intense gaze swept across Stussy's body like a tangible caress.
Even though she had shared intimate moments with Carl multiple times, Stussy found herself unable to withstand his piercing gaze. Her face flushed as she lowered her head until Carl swept her into his arms and carried her to the pink bed.
After a symphony of passion, the afternoon sun had already begun its descent.
Galette arrived at Stussy's quarters to call her for dinner. Just as she raised her hand to knock, the door was gently pushed open from within. Stussy and Carl, now fully dressed with Carl's mask back in place, stepped out together.
Galette paused momentarily before saying,
"Ms. Stussy, it's time for dinner. Allow me to escort you to the dining hall."
Stussy gracefully curtsied and said with a smile,
"Thank you for your kindness, Miss Galette."
Galette nodded slightly and resumed her role as the guide.
When the trio arrived at the dining hall, more than half the seats were already filled.
A plump white albatross wearing a black top hat waved at Stussy with a wing. Stussy returned the gesture with a polite nod and smile.
This albatross was Morgans, the ruler of the news media world. Seated at the same table was his trusted subordinate, and Charlotte Prim, a tall woman with octopus tentacles for legs who was assigned to host him.
Nearby, the other Underworld Emperors occupied adjacent tables:
Lu Feld, the loan shark.Umit, the shipping tycoon. Giberson, the smuggling king. Finally, Drug Peclo, the head of the largest assassin organization, sat further away from the others.
The other Emperors, who prided themselves on intellectual pursuits, viewed Drug Peclo with disdain. Drug Peclo, however, paid them no mind, calmly polishing a massive scythe. Beside him sat Charlotte Poire, Galette's younger sister, whose eerie smile made her resemble a slit-mouthed woman.
Seeing her elder sister, Poire abandoned Drug Peclo without hesitation and joined Galette, Stussy, and Carl.
Compared to the reserved Galette, Poire was far more outgoing. After exchanging a few words with her sister, she struck up a conversation with Stussy, her interest piqued by the "entertainment" of Happy Street, particularly its risqué ventures.
Listening to Poire's bold remarks, Galette massaged her temples in exasperation. She glanced at Carl, who had been sitting quietly, and noticed the faint glow of golden light flash behind his mask's dark lenses.
Startled, Galette's curiosity about Carl grew. Resting her chin on her hand, she nudged him lightly with her elbow and asked softly,
"Hey, what's your name?"
Carl tilted his head slightly to glance at Galette before responding in a deep, magnetic voice,
"Zero."
Galette pouted. "I mean your real name. Nobody's called Zero."
Carl fell silent, refusing to respond further.
Unfazed, Galette teased,
"Take off the mask and let me see your face."
Carl turned his head away, presenting the back of his head to her.
This simple action ignited Galette's competitive streak. She reached for Carl's mask, only for her hand to be swatted away with a sharp slap.
Staring at her reddened hand, Galette was stunned. She hadn't expected Stussy's bodyguard to dare strike a member of the Charlotte family.
Even Poire, who had been chatting with Stussy, was surprised by Carl's audacity.
Stussy, always composed, now wore a frosty expression as she said coldly,
"Miss Galette, please respect yourself. Zero is not just my bodyguard, he is also the person closest to me."
Galette frowned. She realized her earlier behavior had been childish and didn't intend to pursue the matter. However, Stussy's tone pricked her pride, and her temper flared.
Before she could retort, a hulking figure suddenly sat opposite Carl.
Stussy, Galette, and Poire all froze.
It was Drug Peclo, abandoned by Poire moments earlier.
Ignoring the women entirely, Drug Peclo, his face half-covered by a steel mask, locked his gaze on Carl.
Licking his crimson tongue across his lips, Drug Peclo remarked,
"What intense killing intent... Kid, how about joining me?"
-----------
+255 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg