Almost instinctively, Vivi's years of royal training asserted themselves just as Luffy began to speak. The court etiquette ingrained through countless lessons helped her regain her composure, transforming her lovestruck gaze into one of appropriate diplomatic warmth.
The reunion between Admiral and Princess proceeded with formal decorum rather than the earth-shattering emotional display some observers might have anticipated.
After a brief moment of hesitation, Luffy smoothly pivoted to offer a polite greeting to the beautiful princess.
Vivi maintained her poise perfectly, responding to Luffy's formal address with an elegant yet warm reply, offering the official blessings of the Alabasta Kingdom with flawless delivery.
With these formalities concluded, their direct interaction temporarily ceased as protocol demanded.
Both understood the constraints of their public roles—Admiral and Princess—even as their eyes communicated messages no diplomatic script could contain.
As with previous diplomatic visits, Luffy proceeded through the established routine. Guided by King Cobra's introductions, he met prominent nobles and distinguished merchants of Alabasta one by one, exchanging courtesies and acknowledging their positions.
Most observers failed to notice the quick, meaningful glances exchanged between the handsome Admiral and the beautiful Princess throughout these proceedings. Their silent communication occurred through subtle cues invisible to all but the most perceptive onlookers.
Though the specific meaning of these exchanges remained their secret, King Cobra's increasingly darkened expression suggested he had noticed the silent conversation—and perhaps didn't entirely approve.
Meanwhile, Nami and Ain, following closely behind Luffy, shared knowing eye-rolls at the obvious tension between the pair.
The two women had witnessed similar scenes on previous stops of their diplomatic journey, though perhaps none quite so charged with unspoken emotion as this reunion in Alabasta.
Following tradition, Cobra hosted an extravagant welcome banquet in Luffy's honor. Drawing on his experience from numerous similar functions throughout his tour, Luffy navigated the social labyrinth with practiced ease, maintaining an appropriately pleasant expression throughout.
When approached by guests bearing wine glasses—regardless of their gender, age, or social status—he would politely clink glasses, take a measured sip, and engage in brief conversation. Then, with diplomatic skill that belied his usually straightforward nature, he would gracefully extricate himself from any attempts to secure special favors or introduce eligible daughters.
Like a slippery fish, he moved among the assembled dignitaries with surprising agility, never remaining in one conversation long enough for anyone to corner him with requests or propositions.
This technique, perfected over dozens of similar receptions, had become something of a trademark—much to the frustration of social climbers across the Grand Line.
Guests hoping to establish connections or curry favor with the famous Admiral found themselves thwarted at every turn. Fortunately, having accompanied Luffy to numerous such functions, his entourage handled the social dynamics with equal finesse, deflecting inquiries and maintaining appropriate diplomatic boundaries.
The elaborate banquet concluded earlier than many guests would have preferred. While a select few who had been formally introduced by Cobra himself managed to accomplish their objectives, most departed with their ambitions unfulfilled.
Under the king's guidance, Luffy and his companions were escorted to their designated accommodations within the palace. The Admiral's quarters, naturally, were among the most luxurious in the royal residence, reserved typically for visiting heads of state.
Upon reaching his chambers, however, Luffy did not immediately retire as might have been expected after such a long day. Instead, he removed his formal Admiral's coat, leaving only his tailored shirt, and settled comfortably on the suite's ornate sofa.
The room reflected Alabasta's distinctive architectural style—high ceilings to mitigate the desert heat, intricate geometric patterns adorning the walls, and large windows designed to capture evening breezes.
Helping himself to the assortment of exotic fruits arranged on the coffee table, Luffy waited patiently, as though anticipating a visitor.
His expectation was rewarded shortly. After approximately half an hour, a gentle knock sounded at his door.
Upon opening it, Luffy found himself facing an unfamiliar palace attendant. The young woman bowed slightly, her posture revealing a mixture of excitement and nervousness at addressing such an important figure.
"My Lord Admiral," she began respectfully, "I apologize for disturbing you at this hour. His Majesty King Cobra, concerned that you might be fatigued from your journey, has sent me to invite you to experience a traditional Alabastan relaxation ritual that might alleviate your weariness."
Studying the poised servant before him, Luffy couldn't help feeling slightly disappointed. He had half-expected either Cobra or Vivi themselves to pay him a private visit.
Perhaps, he mused, the princess's natural shyness had prevented her from seeking him out directly. Or more likely, her father was ensuring propriety was maintained.
"Since His Majesty has extended this invitation, I would be discourteous to decline," Luffy replied with diplomatic smoothness. "I'm certainly intrigued by these traditional practices you've mentioned. Please, lead the way."
The attendant bowed once more, and as she straightened, her gaze briefly—perhaps unintentionally—lingered on Luffy's face before drifting to the muscular contours visible beneath his fitted shirt. A faint blush colored her cheeks as she turned to guide him through the palace corridors.
Luffy had assumed the "traditional relaxation ritual" was merely a pretext for Cobra to speak with him privately about matters of state—or perhaps his daughter. When the attendant finally led him to their destination, however, the Admiral found himself genuinely surprised.
Before him lay a spacious chamber dominated by an enormous sunken bath, steam rising gently from its surface. The walls featured intricate mosaic patterns depicting Alabasta's history, while aromatic oils perfumed the humid air.
Bewildered, Luffy turned to his guide, his expression questioning.
"Are you certain we're in the correct location? This appears to be a bathhouse."
The maid lowered her gaze demurely, suddenly seeming unable to meet his eyes.
"You are indeed at the correct destination, Admiral. His Majesty King Cobra awaits you inside."
Though Luffy could indeed sense the king's presence within the bathing chamber, he couldn't help feeling puzzled. What sort of monarch conducted diplomatic discussions in a bath?
Still, he reminded himself, different cultures maintained different customs. In Wano, important negotiations often occurred in hot springs, while in other nations, shared meals or hunting expeditions served similar purposes.
As a visitor, he would respect local traditions, unusual as they might seem.
Glancing around the antechamber, Luffy spotted a changing area and addressed the attendant once more.
"I presume I should change my attire there?"
The moment these words left his lips, the maid's head snapped up, her eyes suddenly alight with an intensity that caught the Admiral completely off guard.
"Allow me to assist you!" she exclaimed with unexpected enthusiasm.
Luffy found himself taking an involuntary step backward, suddenly wondering what exactly King Cobra had in mind for this "traditional" Alabastan experience.