That night, Karl also invited Uncle Darren and Karin over. With everyone gathered, the house buzzed with laughter and clinking cups until the lamps burned warm and low.
Later, in Karl's room, the three women were still giddy—wedding talk spilled from one topic to the next. Karl pushed the door open and flopped onto the bed in a cross-leg.
"My beautiful wives—what are we plotting? Count me in!"
"Lord Karl, we were discussing the ceremony!" Hancock leaned into him, eyes bright. "We're finally getting married—this concubine is so happy!"
Aili raised a hand. "Right—husband, I want my brother to come for my wedding. He's still in Jaya."
"Approved," Karl said without hesitation. "I'll fetch him in a few days."
"Lord Karl," Hancock added, "this concubine wishes for Elder Nyon and my two sisters to attend as well."
"Of course. I'll bring them."
Daphne had gone quiet. The thought of her parents tightened her chest; they must still be grieving her disappearance.
Karl squeezed her hand. "Daphne… from now on, I'm your anchor. We're your family."
"We're all your family," Aili chimed in, warm.
Daphne smiled, steadying. "I'm okay. I have you all—and Karl."
Karl hugged her, understanding without more words. Then a thought struck him.
"Right—Daphne, wait here a sec." He hopped down, opened the safe, and took out a spiky, pineapple-shaped fruit veined with milky swirls. "This is for you: a Logia—Cloud-Cloud Fruit."
Aili leaned closer. "So that's a real Logia…"
Karl placed it in Daphne's hands. "Well? Try it now?"
"Now." Daphne nodded—no hesitation for a Logia.
Aili couldn't resist a prank. "Daphne, you have to eat the whole thing for it to work."
Daphne squinted. "You little imp—you almost got me." She pointed claws at Aili, grinning. "Hancock, pin her!"
"O-okay!" Hancock giggled and caught Aili's wrists.
"Eek! Don't—haha—okay, I yield! I yield!"
The three tumbled across the blankets in a burst of laughter. Karl… politely looked everywhere and nowhere. "Ahem. Very… bright in here."
He coughed. "Beloveds, how about we pause the… strategy session. Let Daphne eat first, then I can—participate?"
"I surrender! Fruit first, fruit first!" Aili wriggled free.
"Hehe—this time, you're spared." Daphne sat up, studied the Cloud-Cloud Fruit, then bit down.
Instant regret.
"Ugh—ghh—what is this flavor!?" She choked it down, face blanching. "That was awful!"
"Hahaha, same as my first time. Here—milk." Aili thrust a cup into her hands.
Daphne downed it, exhaled. "I live again."
Karl leaned forward. "Try your power."
"Okay." Daphne lifted her palm. Soft, pearly clouds billowed into the room, light as breath. She closed her eyes, feeling the texture of humidity and charge, then called it all back with a thought.
"How is it?" Hancock asked, curious. "Besides turning into clouds."
"Mmm… I can condense rain, call storm clouds and loose lightning, sculpt cloud beasts to attack, weave a veil-cloud that looks clear from outside, and… more I'll need to explore." Daphne's eyes lit. "Also, I can make island-clouds like Skypiea."
Karl nodded, satisfied. "Good. Keep building your body too. Stronger physique, stronger fruit."
"I know," she said, smiling. "Logia or not—this world bows to Haki and muscle."
"Then tomorrow you're with me—let's fetch our guests. When we're back, we hold the wedding."
"Got it… Thank you, Karl. For… everything." Her voice softened.
Karl grinned. "Verbal thanks are cheap. How about some—practical—"
Aili popped up. "Oh! I promised Sister Lu Jiu I'd sleep over tonight. Bye!" She yoinked a robe and vanished.
Daphne coughed. "And I… told Chef Karin I'd help test recipes." She slipped out, quick as a breeze.
Karl stared at the door. "Seriously?"
Hancock fidgeted, cheeks pink. "N-not that… This concubine—wishes to give Lord Karl a child."
Karl drew her in, gentle. "It hurts, you know. Are you afraid?"
Hancock shook her head. "Aili said these days are… ideal." Her voice was a whisper.
"Then let's wish for good fortune." Karl's smile softened. He leaned in; she rose to meet him.
The lamps dimmed. Outside, the surf murmured against Tiger Roar's shore while, inside, two silhouettes folded into one. The night stretched long and tender—until, at last, quiet returned.
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on P@treon if you're interested:
patreon.com/FicHaven786