Oh no!
Is this guy really here to capture the Devil's Child?
Wait, what about Kuzan?
Especially when Zephyr finished speaking, feeling Robin's body grow increasingly stiff beside him, Ian couldn't help but tighten his grip on Robin's hand. He looked at Zephyr before him and opened his mouth to say something.
Suddenly, Zephyr's previously serious expression changed again. After a burst of laughter, he returned to his cheerful expression. "So it's because he has such a beautiful wife! No wonder this guy refused to go to Marine Headquarters!"
"..."
This old guy must have done it on purpose!
Ian's eyelids twitched, and he looked at the still cheerful Zephyr in front of him speechlessly, wondering if he had recognized Robin!
But since Zephyr said it like that, Ian simply held Robin's stiff hand tighter, met Zephyr's gaze, and smiled. "This is my wife, Robin! Instructor Zephyr."
As soon as these words fell, Robin's heart, once filled with fear, seemed to be filled with light, and even her stiff body became soft and warm.
A warmth welled up from her heart, as if enveloping her whole body, relieving her fear and coldness.
Robin looked at Ian, who had unhesitatingly declared, this is my wife, to the other party, and a slight smile rose at the corner of her mouth.
She turned to look at the three marines before her, especially... The prestigious figure who was rumored to be the chief instructor at the Marine Headquarters.
She smiled and said: "Hello, thank you for taking care of Ian."
"Hahaha, I should be thanking your husband for taking care of me!"
Hearing Robin's words, Zephyr waved his hand cheerfully without showing any emotion. "That kid slapped me twice!"
"...?"
Slapped the Marine's Chief Instructor twice? My dear, you actually did something like this? Before the confused Robin could say anything,
Ian looked at Zephyr, then glanced at the two students behind him and said directly: "What are you doing here?"
"This isn't important. We can talk about it later."
But in response to Ian's question, Zephyr waved his hand with a smile on his face.
Then he glanced at the people watching him: "It's time for a banquet now. Shouldn't you be inviting us to join the feast?"
"...?"
Banquet?
At a time like this?
Just as Ian opened his mouth to say something,
"That's right, that's right. It's banquet time! It's the opening of the Sibia Village Winery."
Village Chief Martin jumped in excitedly. "Whatever business there is can wait until tomorrow. For now, let the banquet continue!"
Before Ian could object, Village Chief Martin enthusiastically wrapped his arm around Zephyr's shoulders while laughing. "Come on, old man, forget about that kid. Let's enjoy the banquet!"
"Indeed, after lying in bed for so long, I really need to enjoy such a banquet."
Zephyr acted as if he belonged there, not minding at all as Village Chief Martin led him away.
"I heard you brew your own green grape wine here? I'd love to try it."
"No problem, plenty of wine to go around! Ian's wife taught us how to brew it; it's wonderfully rich."
"Really? That boy really married an excellent wife!"
"..."
Ian stared at the two people walking away arm in arm, his face dark. But when he saw Village Chief Martin secretly gesture to him with his hands behind his back, he understood.
This old rascal!
He smiled helplessly and shook his head.
But it seemed like everything was fine now.
What was this Marine's Chief Instructor doing here?
Although he still had doubts, it seemed like now wasn't the time to ask.
Feeling Robin's tight grip on his hand, Ian smiled again and said: "Don't worry, let's continue enjoying the banquet!"
"Okay."
Hearing Ian's words, Robin's fear somehow vanished. She smiled and said: "Dear!"
"Well, sorry to bother you."
Binz, who hadn't left yet, said hesitantly. "But we're still here! Can you make some arrangements for the two of us?"
He licked his lips. "Do you have any of that green grape wine left? Let me try some too?"
"..."
Ian also came to his senses and looked at the man in front of him in surprise. "Aren't you going to that table with your teacher?"
"I just heard that the tables there are all for village elders. We don't want to disturb Zephyr-sensei's fun."
Compared to the silent Ain, Binz spoke cheerfully. "Where should we sit? There's still wine. I've been worried for so long, I need to enjoy the banquet properly."
"Just find a place."
Ian shook his head helplessly, but didn't refuse. A slight smile curled his lips as he said: "As for the wine… Village Chief Martin said there's plenty. Drink as much as you want!"
"That's great! Let's enjoy the banquet!"
Binz, without hesitation, immediately began to enjoy the banquet after hearing Ian's words.
As for Ain, the one who usually snapped like a hot pepper, today she was unusually quiet. After hesitating for a moment, she even thanked Ian before sitting down as well.
"Where's the green grape wine? Where is it?"
The Sibia Village winery opening banquet... Continues!
...
The next day, Ian, still a late riser, rubbed his waist with a look of fatigue on his face as he got out of bed.
Last night, Robin was so enthusiastic!
After opening the door and basking in the near-noon sun, Ian, who had been a little tired, instantly regained his spirits.
He had gotten up later than usual today.
At this moment, he was even somewhat glad that he had eaten the Light-Light Fruit.
In fact, after learning about the Light-Light Fruit, he had been somewhat hesitant about whether to eat it.
While it would help him push his limits and conduct extreme training, if he successfully obtained the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, this Logia Devil Fruit would definitely make him instantly stronger and guarantee him a place in the final saga.
So at the time, he hadn't eaten it.
But now… Refreshing!
He's always full of energy!
It didn't affect his evening and morning workouts at all!
It wasn't just the devil fruit that chose him; he chose the devil fruit, too.
After preparing a quick breakfast, Ian, without disturbing Robin, who was still resting, headed towards the back mountain, one-handed axe in hand.
However, just as Ian closed the door, Robin, who had been keeping her eyes closed, slowly opened them.
She touched her belly, her lips curled up slightly, her eyes hesitant yet concealing a glimmer of anticipation as she murmured: "A... Child?"
Elsewhere, Ian, who had just reached the village entrance, heard a familiar voice.
"Boy, won't you come and have a good talk with me?"
"..."
Hearing this, Ian stopped in his tracks and stared speechlessly at Zephyr, who stood nearby, his right hand bandaged but looking like a peerless master.
It was obvious he was waiting here specifically for him!