The shipyard was bustling now. Word of Jaya Island's prosperity had spread fast—merchants who visited carried tales back to every port they knew.
Under Daphne's direction, the island had turned into a thriving trade hub: a safe marketplace where traders could exchange goods, pay fair taxes, or sell directly to Wind Express, who would then resell to buyers across the seas.
With commerce booming, ships constantly came and went—and inevitably, some broke down. Jerry's shipyard had grown to meet that demand, now building merchant vessels and even pirate ships. Daphne's rule was simple:
"If it floats, we'll build it."
After completing Karl's earlier commission for ten submersibles, Jerry's crews were swamped with merchant orders.
The Shipyard Visit
"Jerry, how are things holding up?" Karl asked, stepping into the clamor of hammering and sawdust.
"Hahaha, better than ever! The shipwrights are busy but happy. At first, they feared we'd run out of work—now they're competing for overtime!"
Jerry's face was bright with satisfaction. "Lady Daphne's suggestions really streamlined everything. Management's smoother than ever."
Karl nodded. "Good. If any issue crops up, talk to her."
"Of course, Captain."
Satisfied, Karl left. Everything was running like clockwork.
It was time to head back to the sky—to Hancock.
Reunion Above the Clouds
Within minutes, Karl reached Skypiea and glided into the Divine Palace.
There she was—Boa Hancock, standing at the balcony, eyes lost in the endless sea of clouds.
"Hancock, I'm back. Miss me?" Karl whispered, wrapping his arms around her from behind.
"Of course, my lord. I think of you every moment…" she murmured, leaning back against his chest.
"Heh, let's eat first. Flying up here made me hungry," Karl said, guiding her toward the dining hall.
While he devoured a plate of sky-fish, Hancock didn't touch her food. She simply watched him, eyes soft and starry.
"What's wrong? Not hungry?" Karl asked, noticing her gaze.
"I just like watching you, my lord," she said, cheeks tinged pink.
"Eat a bit anyway. Afterward, let's go ride a Waver."
Her eyes lit up. "A Waver? Really?! Yes!"
She inhaled her meal in seconds, startling Karl.
"I—I just wanted to finish quickly so we can go sooner…" she said shyly.
Karl laughed. "You're perfect however you are."
"Really?" she asked, stepping closer.
"Of course. You're my wife. Everything you do, I love."
He rose and brushed a thumb against her cheek. "Now, change into something easier to ride in. That cheongsam won't work."
"Eh? But I only have cheongsams!" Hancock blinked.
Karl rummaged through his gear. "Then try this—purple combat suit. Should fit."
Moments later, she stepped out wearing it—and Karl froze.
It was stunning, a mix of power and allure.
"How is it?" she twirled lightly. "Fits well, doesn't it?"
"Perfect," he said, voice low. "Absolutely perfect."
"Then let's go!"
Riding the Sky River
They visited PaJaya, the master craftsman.
"Ha-so! Lord Karl!" PaJaya greeted, nearly dropping his tools in excitement.
"Relax, I'm just here to buy a Waver," Karl chuckled.
"Of course! Come, come!" PaJaya called to his daughter. "Conis, watch the house!"
Minutes later, Karl had picked out a sleek new Waver.
"Hop on, Hancock. Hold on tight."
"Yes, my lord~" she said, sliding behind him, arms circling his waist. He could feel her warmth against his back; she could feel his heartbeat.
"Hang on. Taking off!"
The Waver roared across the Sky River, cutting through mist and sunlight.
Hancock's laughter rang over the wind. "This is wonderful! I love this!"
Karl smiled over his shoulder. "Me too."
They didn't pay much attention to the scenery—the joy was in simply being together.
The Farewell
Several blissful days passed like that, just the two of them exploring the sky.
But eventually, messages from Elder Nyon reached them—urgent calls for Hancock to return to Amazon Lily.
"That old crone! I should turn her to stone for ruining our fun!" Hancock huffed.
Karl chuckled, pulling her close. "She just worries for your people, Empress."
"Hmph… since my lord says so, I'll forgive her. When do we leave?"
"Soon. We'll rest on Jaya tonight, then I'll send you home tomorrow."
That afternoon, they returned to the island villa—only to find Daphne, Aili, and Karin grilling meat and drinking cheerfully.
"Look who's back—the honeymooners!" Daphne teased.
"Daphne-sis!" Hancock pouted adorably.
Before Karl could reply, a small figure barreled into him.
"Uncle Karl! Hancock-sis!"
"Ann? When did you get here?" Karl blinked in surprise.
"The day before yesterday! I called Daphne-sis to pick me up," Ann said, grinning. "Tiger Howl Island was boring!"
"Come eat!" Aili waved a skewer. "Hancock, want some barbecue?"
Hancock hesitated, hand on her stomach. "Mmm… no. I don't feel well. Just a bit of nausea."
The others exchanged glances—Karl's expression froze halfway between worry and realization.
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