Chapter 66

Jasmine slightly froze upon realizing Gao Wen’s intentions, quickly saying:

“This is a treasure your father spent hundreds of millions of Berries to acquire from the Grand Line!”

“Hmm~”

Gasha playfully stuck out her tongue:

“After all, one person can only consume one Devil Fruit. Since Father gave it to me, I naturally have the right to dispose of it.”

“I cannot offer any assistance to Mr. Gao Wen, who is about to enter the Grand Line—but this Devil Fruit is different.”

Jasmine rubbed her temple, feeling a pounding headache, and couldn’t help but harbor a faint resentment toward Gao Wen.

Before meeting Gao Wen, Gasha had seemed to her nearly a perfect lord—aside from her unremarkable appearance.

Brave, wise, learned, kind—you could see every virtue taught in noble etiquette classes on her.

In just a few years of managing the port, she had earned everyone’s respect; if this path continued, she truly might have challenged her brothers for the inheritance.

But after meeting Gao Wen, Gasha had become like someone possessed.

He’s just a good-looking, strong, slightly gentle pretty boy, isn’t he?

Well.

Sounds pretty appealing.

Jasmine recalled Gao Wen’s face—like a prince stepped straight from a romance novel—and said weakly:

“Miss, before we can match it to a bestiary, we don’t even know its name. Have you considered it might be a useless ability?”

“Uh…”

Gasha froze:

“Then let’s wait until we confirm this fruit’s ability before giving it to Mr. Gao Wen.”

“Zan Gao and the others said Mr. Gao Wen still has some time before he sets sail.”

“Mm-hmm~”

Jasmine nodded vigorously, not wanting to dwell further on the topic, and shifted to the news she’d heard at the port:

“By the way, I heard the Haishangcantingbaladi will arrive at Crow Harbor tomorrow and stay for three days.”

Gasha’s eyes lit up:

“That restaurant rated highest by the World Economic News in the East Blue?!”

“Mm.”

“Then we’re going there tomorrow!”

……

The next day.

Nightfall.

Crow Harbor was brightly lit.

Along the docks stood a row of ship-based shops selling goods from the East Blue and beyond—even from the Grand Line.

People bustled through the harbor, having long recovered from the previous war.

Now under the protection of the Gao Wen Pirates, the surrounding waters had grown safer, and the port had become even more prosperous than before.

Most prominent among the shops was a restaurant in the center—or rather, a ship shaped like a giant fish.

“Baratie~”

Gasha softly spoke the restaurant’s name.

Several guards followed her, alert to the crowd, yet still couldn’t help sniffing the air—the scent drifting from the restaurant was utterly unforgettable.

Just one whiff, and you couldn’t forget it.

Soon.

A young man, about sixteen or seventeen, with short golden hair, handsome features, and gentlemanly manners, strode toward Gasha.

The young man was Sanji, currently training as a chef aboard the Baratie.

The moment he saw Gasha, his heart pounded hard. He hurried forward, bowing gracefully:

“Madam, this way, please. I shall provide you with the finest service~”

“Thank you.”

Gasha thanked him and followed Sanji into the restaurant.

……

A few minutes later.

On the second-floor observation deck.

Sanji poured red wine for Gasha with elegant motions, his eyes constantly glancing at her, his breathing slightly heavier.

But Gasha’s gaze was drawn to a wanted poster pinned to the wall:

“Knight Gao Wen, bounty: 85 million Berries? Has Mr. Gao Wen’s bounty increased again?”

Gasha’s lips curled into an involuntary smile.

She had learned by now that a bounty reflected a pirate’s threat level—and also served as proof of strength.

Gao Wen’s rising bounty clearly meant the Marines were taking him more seriously, and his fame now overshadowed every other pirate in the East Blue.

Gasha wore an expression of quiet pride.

Jasmine nodded:

“Miss, don’t you know yet?”

“This happened over a month ago. Ever since the battle at Crow Harbor ended, Mr. Gao Wen’s bounty has been at this level.”

As she spoke,

Jasmine’s voice trailed off, noticing the exhaustion in Gasha’s eyes, and felt a sudden, aching pity:

“Port affairs have returned to normal. You should take a break for yourself.”

Gasha shook her head with a smile:

“Mr. Gao Wen is advancing toward his dream—I can’t let him outpace me.”

“I must first make this the most prosperous port in the East Blue.”

As the two women spoke, they failed to notice Sanji had stopped his actions entirely.

He lowered his eyes, his expression unreadable, until their voices faded, then spoke:

“Ladies, I advise you not to idolize that kind of man—he abandoned the woman who loved him most and survived alone.”

“I will never accept such a man bearing the title of knight!”

Hearing Sanji’s unmasked anger, Gasha frowned slightly:

“The man I know—the one who faced down Provincial Military Commander Krieg’s fleet alone to protect Crow Harbor’s civilians—would never do such a thing.”

Sanji clenched his teeth, nearly roaring:

“Don’t you know yet?”

“Within three months of that man setting sail, Queen Guinevere was executed!”

Gasha froze, about to speak in Gao Wen’s defense, when a low voice cut in:

“Sanji!”

“You’ve frightened our guests!”

The two women turned to see an old man with an absurdly long chef’s hat and one crippled leg frowning at Sanji, bellowing:

“You idiot, do you remember what I told you? Absolutely never be so crude toward women!”

Seeing Sanji bow his head in shame, Zepo turned to Gasha and explained:

“Please forgive him. Queen Guinevere meant something special to this boy.”

“After all…”

“You damn old man!”

Sanji interrupted Zepo, and was immediately kicked into the sea by him.

Splash!

Water splashed up, drawing glances from passersby.

Zepo then turned to Gasha and the others with an apologetic bow:

“My sincerest apologies—your meal tonight is on the house.”

“No need.”

Gasha’s expression turned cold. With this, she had no appetite left. She turned and left with Jasmine and the guards.

On the street.

Sanji, just climbing out of the water, watched Gasha stride away in silence. He lit himself a cigarette, stood alone for a long while, then walked back into the Baratie.

He muttered under his breath:

“I guess I don’t deserve the title of knight either.”

……

At the same time.

East Blue.

A skull flag with a round shield fluttered in the sea breeze.

The Gao Wen Pirates sat gathered on deck, watching Nami play a movie via a Den Den Mushi projector.

The seductive queen falls for the loyal knight.

(End of chapter)