The goals had all been achieved, and now it was time to go back.
When they came, they had been in a hurry, but on the way back, they weren't in such a rush.
They even stopped midway at a nearby island, where Ian bought a few sets of winter clothes for Robin.
While the weather in the Grand Line was mild, even a little hot, and winter hadn't yet arrived, it hadn't passed in the Sibia Village yet.
As for Robin's size... He had already memorized it.
The return trip passed without incident.
After traveling for a full day and night, the warship finally reached the Sibia Village.
When the warship docked, Ian again declined Captain Enchi's invitation and disembarked with his purchases.
As for Captain Enchi and the others… Ian had invited them to rest on the island, but Captain Enchi refused, saying there were follow-up matters that needed to be handled back at base.
Ian, barely off the boat, seemed to remember something and shouted to the warship slowly moving away from the dock: "Wait a second!"
"What is it?"
The sudden shout caused the warship to pause briefly.
Captain Enchi poked his head out and said, puzzled: "I told you already, there's no need to invite us. We don't have time right now. We've got to hurry back, write the mission report, and submit it to headquarters!"
"That's not it."
"Have you agreed to come back?"
"That's not it either."
Seeing Captain Enchi taking advantage of every opportunity, Ian raised his eyelids and said bluntly: "Remember to transfer the reward for this time, as well as the bounty from the Iron Fist Pirates, to me."
Seeing Captain: "..."
Upon hearing Ian's words, Captain Enchi, who had been a bit excited, suddenly froze in place and said angrily: "Got it! Now get the hell out of here!"
He then kicked the marine beside him. "Why aren't you moving already? Still dawdling? Do you want to write a self-reflection report? Just this time, I've taken a loss of 150 million Belly!"
"Captain, this mission can be reimbursed by headquarters!"
"You talk too much! Get the ship moving!"
"Yes, Captain!"
Ian: "..."
Ian looked speechless at the noisy scene on the ship. He knew full well what Captain Enchi meant; he was just hoping Ian would return to the Marines.
It wasn't until the warship left the dock and headed towards the 315th Branch that Ian retracted his gaze.
Carrying his axe and the items he had purchased, he started walking home.
Although he'd only been away for two days, he couldn't help but feel a strange feeling inside.
A mixture of anticipation and melancholy, as if he'd been away from home for ages. Is this what it feels like to have a family?
...
Meanwhile, elsewhere.
After Ian left, Robin continued her life as usual, wearing Ian's coat, tending to the household, and occasionally pondering the winery construction plan.
She seemed to have grown accustomed to this kind of life.
But it had to be said, this peaceful life was quite nice.
But only she herself understood... She didn't know how long this life would last, and who knew if the Marines that had been pursuing her would suddenly reappear.
For example, now or tomorrow.
So, Robin hoped to complete the plan as soon as possible, so that even after she left, the winery in the Sibia Village could continue to operate.
Of course, when she was alone, she would secretly use her Devil Fruit ability to take a break.
In fact, she seemed to quite enjoy this busy feeling. After all, when she had some free time, Robin found that her mind seemed to be wandering.
When she was alone, she felt worried and afraid, and sometimes she even wondered if her memory had never been restored, that living quietly here would be nice.
But she knew that as the sole survivor of Ohara, she couldn't live a quiet life.
As she thought about it, she couldn't help but think of Ian. Her initial worry faded somewhat, but then she began to worry again: Would Ian be discovered by that evil Admiral? Would he be in danger out there?
Will he even discover her identity?
For example, right now...
As Robin sat down to read, she found herself drifting into these worries again.
Yet the strange mix of fear and concern brought a faint smile to her lips.
She wrapped the coat tighter around her, took a sip of hot tea, rested her chin in her palm, tilted her head, and murmured with a little smile: "Is this what it feels like to be married?"
As soon as she finished her words, Robin's face froze, as if she had heard something.
Then, quickly coming to her senses, she stood up and walked towards the door.
And behind her... A hand emerged from the table, quickly gathering the books and hiding them.
Sure enough, before she even reached the door, it creaked open, and a familiar figure appeared.
Gazing at the figure draped in snow, Robin smiled. "You're back, dear!"
"I am."
Seeing Robin standing at the doorway, Ian also smiled.
After putting down his one-handed axe, he handed Robin the clothes he had bought and said: "I picked up a few winter clothes on the way. I wonder if they will suit you."
"...?!"
He bought her clothes?
Gazing at the large bag of winter clothes, Robin, who had been welcoming Ian, froze in place.
She reached out and blankly took the large package.
Ian was taken aback by this and asked, puzzled: "What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
Hearing Ian's words, Robin finally came to her senses. As if nothing had happened, she hugged the clothes tightly. "They must be perfect. My dear, you have a good eye, just like last time."
No one had ever bought her clothes before!
How moving, how thoughtful he was.
"It's getting late. I'll go get some hot water."
With a wink, she glanced at Ian and playfully said: "Honey, would you like to soak in the water first? I can help you…"
"...?"
With those words, Ian, who had been a little tired after returning, suddenly felt energized and said righteously: "Yes!"
...
Back in the Sibia Village, Ian resumed his previous peaceful life.
He woke up late, trained, and went to bed early, occasionally chatting with the Village Chief Martin.
Although the Sibia Village experienced a bitterly cold winter this year, the villagers seemed to be energized.
The snow hadn't even melted yet, and they were already rushing around looking for a site to build a winery, now here, now there.
They were constantly running around, still undecided, and no one knew what they were busy with.
Compared to the leisurely yet somewhat hectic life of the Sibia Village, the sea was even more bustling.