Thump, thump, thump.
At that moment, Nyon arrived at the plaza, leaning on her crutch.
She glanced toward the palace behind her, an uneasy feeling stirring in her chest.
Something must have happened between Hancock and Rolan.
The way Hancock had looked at him earlier—it was unmistakable affection.
It seemed Hancock had fallen.
Nyon exhaled softly.
In every generation, an empress of Amazon Lily always seemed to fall for a man.
And yet, most of those loves did not end well.
She wondered whether Hancock might be the exception this time—but even so, this was bad news for Nine Serpent Island.
A man like Rolan wouldn't stay hidden for long.
If Hancock took him away, she would surely be stripped of her Shichibukai title by the World Government.
Then Amazon Lily would lose not only a powerful empress but also the protection that title afforded them.
Immediately, concern for the island's future filled Nyon's heart.
"Everyone, go back and rest. The bath is over."
Sandersonia frowned in confusion.
"Nyon, what do you mean? How could the bath be over if we weren't told?"
Marigold exchanged a questioning glance with her sister.
Nyon shook her head.
"I just know. Everyone, go back and rest."
Normally, the Empress's bath lasted two hours at most.
Tonight, it had already stretched to four, and the lanterns in the plaza burned bright in the night.
Sandersonia and Marigold exchanged worried looks before nodding.
"All right. Everyone go back. We two will stand guard tonight."
The Kuja warriors gradually dispersed, voices dying to soft murmurs as they left.
Sandersonia turned back to Nyon.
"You should rest too. With us here, nothing will happen."
Nyon sank to the ground, clutching her crutch-snake with one hand.
"You two should also—Hancock is inside the palace. She's safe for now."
Marigold hesitated before speaking.
"Nyon, does Big Sister's behavior today… seem strange to you? I've never seen her treat any man that way."
Nyon closed her eyes briefly.
With the three of them having grown up together, she knew their instincts matched.
"Yes. Hancock must have fallen in love with Rolan."
Sandersonia's eyes widened in shock.
"What? You mean… like that kind of love between a man and a woman?"
Nyon stroked the snake-crutch slowly.
"Yes. This is the tribulation every empress has faced."
Marigold swallowed hard.
"Then… what should we do?"
Nyon sighed.
"I don't know. All we can do is wait and see how Rolan behaves tomorrow."
Silence fell between them.
Without further words, they rose and returned to their posts, each lost in anxious thought.
…
At noon, sunlight pierced through the curtains, warming Hancock's cheeks.
Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, revealing their soft radiance.
In the next moment she saw him—a handsome face close above hers.
"Hancock, you're awake," Rolan said quietly.
Hearing his voice, Hancock's tired eyes softened.
She lifted her gaze to meet his.
Without warning, her cheeks flushed bright red, "… good morning."
Rolan smirked, his tone casual.
"It's no longer early—it's already noon."
About to rise, Hancock winced and frowned.
"Oof—"
Concern flickered in Rolan's eyes.
"Does it still hurt?"
She nodded slightly, cheeks still pink, glancing at a stain on the bedsheet.
Despite that, happiness shone in her expression.
Rolan's face hardened just a little.
He knew Hancock had given herself to him completely.
And now the question gnawed at him: what would happen if she discovered he was also with Robin?
Robin had grown more gentle and obedient under his command, but he couldn't guess what that cunning woman might do if she discovered the truth.
He shook his head, pushing down the thought.
Now was not the time.
He'd deal with that when he saw fit.
Sensing his inner tension, Hancock wrapped her arms around him.
"What is wrong?" she asked softly.
"Nothing," Rolan answered, voice low.
"I'm just… thinking about the road ahead."
Hancock leaned against his chest, eyes shining like stars.
"No matter what you do, I will support you."
Her earnestness stirred him.
He bent his head slightly and pressed his lips against hers.
The world narrowed to that single kiss.
"Ah—"
…
By afternoon, Rolan and Hancock exited the palace together.
Sandersonia let out a relieved breath at the sight.
"Big Sister, good afternoon."
Hancock's steps were slightly unsteady, but she stood strong.
Her eyes remained locked on Rolan, oblivious to Sandersonia's greeting.
Rolan gently patted Hancock's shoulder.
"Hancock. Your sisters are here."
Only then did Hancock seem to register the presence of three people in the hall: Nyon-Gloriosa and her two sisters, Sandersonia and Marigold.
Hancock cleared her throat softly.
"Everyone is here."
Despite her composure, she did not look ashamed.
Nyon glanced at Hancock with resignation.
"Hancock, have you and Rolan already…"
Before she could finish, Hancock's expression hardened.
"Are you going to interfere in my private affairs too, former Empress?"
Her words were confident, dangerous.
Nyon drew in a steady breath.
"Hancock, you should think carefully. You are the ruler of this land. You hold the title of Shichibukai."
Hancock extended a single finger, pointing straight at Nyon's chest.
Her voice was calm, ice-cold.
"I don't need you to dictate what I do. No matter what I do—even if it's seen as wrong—I will be forgiven."
She leaned back slightly, her posture arching like a bowstring being drawn tight.
"Why? Because I am beautiful enough."
Rolan stepped forward at once, wrapping an arm around Hancock's waist.
His grip was firm, possessive.
"Hancock, I want to speak with them now."
At his motion, Hancock relaxed completely into his embrace, shoulders loose, eyes fixed on him.
Her voice was soft, almost playful.
"All right."
Rolan helped Hancock stand tall.
Then, with quiet confidence, he addressed the three women.
"I want you to join the Ion Tempest."
"What?!" came the stunned shout.
_____
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