King Neptune bowed respectfully to Rolan, the stoic captain of Ion Tempest, after being rescued from danger. The massive ruler was about to lower himself fully to his knees before Rolan, but with a subtle flicker of Observation Haki, Rolan stopped him from bowing all the way. As a king, he deserved proper respect, not servility.
"King Neptune, you don't need to do this," Rolan said in his usual unbothered tone. "What I did was nothing extraordinary."
Suddenly, the gentle voice of Princess Shirahoshi, her gigantic form towering above everyone, spoke out as she rushed forward, her eyes fixed on Rolan's face. "Rolan, to thank you for saving me from the Hard-Shell Tower, I want to marry you and be your wife."
Neptune froze, his expression slack. The three princes, Fukaboshi, Ryuboshi, and Manboshi, gaped in shock, certain they must have misheard.
"Shirahoshi," Fukaboshi said with disbelief as his lips trembled, "what did you just say?"
Shirahoshi blinked wide-eyed at her brothers. "Fukaboshi-san, I said I want to marry Rolan and be his wife."
At that moment, Lina spat out the food she was eating, coughing uncontrollably. She had expected a lot — but not this.
Nami forced a smile, though her grip on her fork tightened until her knuckles were white, the metal scraping the plate with a shrill noise.
Robin stayed calm, her thoughtful eyes watching Shirahoshi with a soft expression. She genuinely hoped Shirahoshi would find happiness.
Ryuboshi scratched his head and sang lightly, "So you want to marry Rolan… right?"
Shirahoshi's eyes sparkled as she smiled at the captain. "Yes, I want to marry Rolan."
Fukaboshi stepped closer, concern in his voice. "Shirahoshi, do you truly understand what marriage means?"
The princess nodded without hesitation. "Of course. It's like how Father and Mother lived together, raising children and caring for one another."
The three brothers nearly staggered. They glanced at Rolan, wondering if some kind of magic had ensnared their sister's mind. But Rolan looked just as confused, showing no sign of using any power or trickery.
King Neptune, exasperated, pinched the bridge of his nose. "Shirahoshi, marriage is a serious thing. You are still young and may not quite understand the responsibilities it carries."
Tears swelled in Shirahoshi's eyes. "Does Rolan not like me? Why would he refuse me?"
Rolan frowned, awkward. He didn't like seeing tears, yet he knew he couldn't agree to this. "I appreciate your feelings, but you're too young, and marriage isn't something to decide lightly."
Shirahoshi sobbed harder, desperately trying to explain, "Even if you have many wives, I will never begrudge you. I want to be with you."
Rolan glanced helplessly at Neptune, who looked equally overwhelmed.
Neptune ruffled his hair and tried to reason with his daughter. "Don't cry, Shirahoshi. Let's discuss this calmly. Do you truly understand what marriage means?"
Shirahoshi wiped her tears quickly, nodding with absolute certainty. "Yes, Father! If two people like each other, they can marry."
Neptune blinked, trying to accept that. "Alright… then Rolan, you explain your feelings."
Rolan sighed, unaccustomed to such personal matters. "Shirahoshi, liking someone and marriage are not the same. Love is complex, and you need maturity to understand it."
Shirahoshi tilted her head, puzzled. "But I like Rolan, and Rolan likes me too, right?"
Rolan froze. "I like you, but not in that way, so marriage isn't possible."
Her tears came again, louder this time. "So you no longer want me? So you don't want me anymore?"
Rolan rubbed his temples, feeling cornered. He looked to the three princes for support, but Fukaboshi simply shrugged, indicating he had no answer. Ryuboshi hummed quietly, and Manboshi looked solemn.
Then Rolan glanced at his crew. Lina avoided eye contact while eating. Nami's eyes said bluntly that Rolan needed to handle this mess. Only Robin gave a gentle nod, perhaps encouraging him to be honest with Shirahoshi.
Rolan exhaled slowly. "Shirahoshi, stop crying. I will… consider something, but only one thing."
Her tears immediately ceased, replaced by eager anticipation. "What is it, Rolan… sorry, husband-to-be?"
Rolan simply stared at her with an expression that said this is absurd, but fine.
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