Ryuen and Vivi landed on the palace square in Alabasta. The flame clouds slowly disappeared. The surrounding guards bowed, respectfully welcoming their princess home.
King Cobra was already standing at the palace gate, a loving smile on his face, his eyes full of relief.
"Father!" Vivi jumped off the flame cloud and walked forward quickly, her face filled with the joy of reunion.
"Vivi, you're finally back." King Cobra gently patted Vivi's shoulder, a trace of heartache flashed in his eyes, "You've worked hard during this time."
Vivi was stunned for a moment, then shook her head and said with a smile, "Father, I don't have to do anything. I just stayed on Nine Snake Island for a few days. It's Father who had to deal with those hateful CP0... But luckily, Father is back safe."
King Cobra nodded, then looked at Ryuen and nodded slightly in greeting, "Mr. Ryuen, thank you for escorting Vivi back all the way."
Ryuen smiled and waved his hand, "King Cobra, you're too polite. Vivi is my partner, so it's right to escort her."
King Cobra smiled slightly, then stepped aside and made a "please" gesture, "Mr. Ryuen has traveled a long way and must be tired. Why don't you come in and rest first? I've already asked people to prepare dinner."
Ryuen and Vivi looked at each other, nodded, and followed King Cobra into the palace.
At the dinner, the royal family members and ministers of Alabasta gathered together, and the atmosphere was very lively.
Vivi sat next to King Cobra, a faint smile on her face, occasionally whispering a few words to her father.
Ryuen sat to the side, quietly enjoying the food, occasionally responding to greetings from the people around him.
When the banquet was halfway through, King Cobra raised his glass, stood up, looked around at everyone, and slowly said:
"Today, we are not only celebrating Vivi's return, but also welcoming the upcoming World Meeting.
This meeting will determine the future of our world. As one of the founding countries, Alabasta bears an important responsibility."
Everyone nodded, with serious expressions on their faces. Vivi also put down her cutlery and listened intently to her father's speech.
"Mr. Ryuen," King Cobra looked at Ryuen, his tone with a hint of respect, "As a core member of the Dream Exploration Group, and a key figure in overthrowing the World Nobles and the corrupt World Government, can you share your views on the future with us?"
Ryuen put down his glass, smiled slightly, and stood up:
"King Cobra, you praise me too much.
In fact, my partners and I just did what we thought was right.
The future world should be a more equal and free world.
The merger of the Navy and the Revolutionary Army, and the establishment of the new World Government, are all to achieve this goal."
King Cobra nodded, his expression solemn, "Indeed, this sea needs more equality and freedom, and Alabasta is willing to contribute its strength to this."
Vivi also stood up, her eyes firm, and said, "Father, I will continue to work hard for world peace."
King Cobra looked at his daughter with satisfaction, his eyes full of pride, "Good, Vivi, you have grown into a great leader."
After the dinner, Ryuen and Vivi took a walk in the palace garden. The night breeze was gentle, bringing a burst of floral fragrance. The moonlight shone on the two of them, making them look particularly peaceful.
"Ryuen, thank you." Vivi suddenly said, her voice soft but with a hint of firmness.
Ryuen was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "Thank me for what?"
"Thank you for your support and trust all along." Vivi raised her head, her eyes clear and sincere, "Without your and your partner's help, my father and I might already be dead."
Ryuen shook his head, his tone gentle, "Vivi, you are our partner, so you don't have to be so polite. If you say that, I will be unhappy."
Vivi smiled slightly, a flash of complex emotion in her eyes. She lowered her head and said softly, "Actually... sometimes I wonder what my life would be like if I hadn't met you."
Ryuen looked at Vivi, a hint of inquiry in his eyes, "Then what do you think it would be like?"
Vivi was silent for a moment, then slowly said:
"Maybe... I would always be trapped in the palace, unable to truly see the beauty and cruelty of this world.
It was because I met you that I realized that the world is more than just the small piece of land in front of me."
Ryuen nodded, his tone with a hint of emotion, "Yes, the world is big, full of unknowns and challenges. But it is these unknowns that make our journey meaningful."
Vivi raised her head, looking gently at the sky. Ryuen didn't say anything else.
The two continued to stroll in the garden, the moonlight shining on them, as if draping them in a layer of silver gauze.
In the night sky, the stars twinkled, as if silently watching the two partners walking side by side.
The next morning, Ryuen prepared to leave Alabasta. Vivi stood at the palace gate, watching him go.
"Ryuen..." Vivi couldn't help but say.
Ryuen, who was about to transform into his full beast form, stopped after hearing Vivi's voice. He looked at Vivi and asked in confusion, "What's wrong? Vivi."
Vivi's pretty face turned red, then she shook her head and replied:
"It's nothing.
I was thinking I would join you on this adventure.
But now I also have to take on the responsibility of handling Alabasta's affairs.
I don't know when I can set sail with everyone."
"Hehehe... Vivi, Alabasta is big, it's not easy to handle the affairs of this country well. What you're doing now is also great." Ryuen said with a light smile.
"Yes!
That's what I think too.
So I can't let my people down. I will try to be a good king of Alabasta!" Vivi said with firm eyes.
"My partners and I also believe you can definitely do it!" Ryuen said seriously.
...
A few minutes later, Vivi watched Ryuen leave, and suddenly took out a Den Den Mushi from her pocket.
The most important thing is that the Den Den Mushi was still on a call.
"Hee hee hee hee... Vivi, you're too chicken, you didn't seize such a good opportunity!"
"Hmph! Aren't you the same, you didn't tell him what you were thinking?"
"I'm different, I grew up with him, it's not easy to say when we're so familiar!"
"I don't believe it, you're just chicken!"
"...Vivi, you're so mean!"
"You're so chicken!"
"Ahhh! I really want to fly over and spank you!"
"Come on! I'm not afraid of you!"
...