The impromptu seminar on governance lasted a full two hours.
When Luffy finally suggested they conclude their bath—his fingertips thoroughly wrinkled from the extended immersion—Cobra appeared reluctant to end their discussion. The king had grown increasingly animated as he shared insights accumulated through decades of rulership.
Throughout their exchange, Cobra had learned extensive details about Luffy's policies in Wano. Each revelation only strengthened his already favorable impression of his prospective son-in-law. By the time they parted, the elderly monarch was still grasping Luffy's hand, emphasizing final points about balancing firmness with compassion when leading a diverse population.
Luffy, of course, agreed respectfully with Cobra's wisdom before asking the same attendant who had escorted him to assist the slightly intoxicated king back to his royal chambers.
The cool evening breeze that greeted Luffy as he exited the bathhouse provided welcome relief after the prolonged heat. As he walked, droplets of water still clinging to his hair occasionally dripped onto his shoulders, sending slight shivers down his spine in the desert night air.
Meanwhile, that same breeze gradually cleared Cobra's mind as he was escorted back to his quarters. By the time he sank into his luxurious royal bed, he had regained most of his mental clarity.
Reflecting on their bathhouse conversation, Cobra nodded to himself, pleased with Luffy's demonstrated leadership philosophy. Despite his youth, the Admiral's actions embodied the justice he claimed to uphold. He hadn't disappointed the countless citizens who regarded him as a symbol of hope in troubled times.
Yet something nagged at the king's consciousness—a persistent feeling that he'd overlooked something important. He had specifically arranged this private meeting with Luffy for a particular purpose, yet somehow...
"Blast it all!" Cobra suddenly exclaimed, startling his attendant. "I completely forgot to ask about those rumors!"
The king groaned and covered his face with a pillow. Somehow, Luffy had managed to completely derail his intended interrogation about those troublesome newspaper reports.
After parting ways with Cobra, Luffy had no intention of seeking out other officials. Escorted by a palace attendant, he made his way directly back toward his guest quarters.
As they approached his door, the maid noticed his hesitation. "Is something the matter, Admiral?" she inquired, wondering if he required additional service.
Luffy paused, his heightened senses detecting three distinct auras within his chamber. With a resigned shake of his head, he addressed the attendant. "Everything's fine. You may return to your duties. Thank you for your assistance."
Though clearly puzzled, the maid maintained her professional demeanor. She offered a respectful bow before departing, leaving Luffy alone before his chamber door.
After a moment's contemplation, he grasped the ornate handle and pushed the door open gently.
Click.
The soft sound of the latch catching announced his entrance. Near the room's expansive bed, three women who had been engaged in animated conversation immediately turned toward the sound, their expressions varying as they recognized him.
Ain and Nami appeared entirely comfortable with the situation, but Vivi visibly startled, quickly rising from her seated position on the edge of the bed.
"Admiral Luffy," she said hurriedly, her formal address betraying her nervousness. "I hope you'll forgive the intrusion. When we found your room empty, we weren't certain when you'd return. I apologize for entering without permission."
The princess still wore her elaborate white formal dress from the welcoming ceremony. The exquisite garment, perfectly tailored to her figure, created a striking visual contrast against the room's rich colors—a testament to how the right attire on the right person could create an almost breathtaking impression.
"You're being far too formal, Princess Vivi," Luffy replied smoothly, closing the door behind him. "I'm merely a guest in your palace. You, as the rightful heir to Alabasta, may go wherever you please within these walls."
Relief visibly washed over Vivi's features upon hearing he took no offense at her presence. However, her expression quickly shifted to mild dissatisfaction at his mode of address.
After tucking a strand of blue hair behind her ear—a nervous habit she'd developed in recent years—Vivi clasped her hands behind her back and adopted a more casual tone.
"Please, just call me Vivi," she suggested with forced lightness, though a faint blush colored her cheeks. "This isn't our first meeting, after all. Wouldn't you consider us friends by now?"
Though her delivery aimed for casualness, the hopeful undercurrent in her voice was unmistakable.
Noting her reaction, Luffy decided to test the waters. With a playful smile, he countered, "Just friends? And here I thought you'd come to discuss our marriage arrangements at this late hour, my dear Vivi."
The princess was completely unprepared for such direct teasing. Her eyes widened dramatically, mouth opening and closing without producing coherent words as her face flushed crimson.
"What exactly do you think you're doing?!"
The sharp interjection came not from the flustered princess but from Nami, who had materialized beside them holding a bright red apple. With theatrical disgust, she took a dramatic bite and grimaced. "Ugh, so sour!"
Whether her comment referred to the fruit or Luffy's flirtatious behavior remained deliberately ambiguous.
Ain likewise offered Luffy a disapproving glare, rolling her eyes expressively before taking Vivi's hand and guiding the still-blushing princess back toward the bed.
"Don't mind him," she advised Vivi gently. "He often speaks nonsense when he's tired. It's best not to take anything he says after diplomatic functions too seriously."
As Vivi allowed herself to be led away, her expression reflected a complex mixture of embarrassment, disappointment, and something else—perhaps determination. Whatever silent communication had passed between the three women before his arrival, it seemed Luffy had just stumbled into the middle of something far more complicated than standard diplomatic protocol.
For all his tactical brilliance in battle and growing political acumen, the Admiral suddenly found himself navigating potentially more treacherous waters than any he'd faced on the Grand Line.