"Robin, are you sure about this?"
Standing before rows of bookshelves, Olvia and Professor Clover looked at the neatly packed luggage at Robin's feet.
It was clear—Robin intended to leave.
With the Revolutionary Army's protection, they had lived safely for several years.
But Olvia knew her daughter well. Deep down, Robin longed for the outside world—
or rather, there was someone she had always wanted to find.
"Mother, Professor, I've made up my mind!"
Robin held her bag tightly, her eyes filled with determination.
"Mom, I've grown up."
Olvia let out a soft sigh and wrapped her daughter in a tight embrace.
"Go, Robin. Go chase the life you want."
She knew that with Robin's current strength, there was no stopping her anyway.
It was time for Robin to see the world.
"Thank you, Mom."
Before long, a small boat was gliding away from the island.
Olvia stood at the shore, watching her daughter grow smaller and smaller in the distance.
She wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, unsure if she had done the right thing.
Whoosh—
A gust of wind blew across the island, and the tall figure of Dragon appeared not far from them.
"Don't worry," he said calmly. "I've already arranged for Revolutionary agents to keep an eye on her. If Robin runs into danger, they'll protect her."
"Thank you," Olvia said softly.
Dragon smiled faintly. "There's no need to worry too much. If Robin finds Rayleigh's son, her safety will be guaranteed."
He looked down at the newspaper in his hand and couldn't help but sigh.
"That boy… to think he's already grown this strong. Truly unexpected."
"Malverick," he murmured, eyes deep with thought, "I look forward to seeing what kind of storm you'll bring to this world."
–––
Sabaody Archipelago
Malverick was strolling through the busy streets, holding Hancock's hand.
He wasn't some saint—having a stunning beauty by his side, how could he not enjoy it?
He glanced sideways at Hancock and couldn't help but think:
"She really is a goddess among mortals…"
Flawless white skin, an exquisite face, and curves that could drive men mad.
As they walked, heads turned everywhere they went.
But Hancock paid no attention to the stares around her.
To her, the only person in the world at that moment was Malverick.
Her gaze never left him.
That look alone nearly broke Malverick's self-control more than once.
With a beauty like this beside him—who could stay calm?
Men like "Liu Xiahui" who claimed restraint? Malverick had yet to meet one in real life.
Still, he wasn't planning to push things further right now.
Hancock's body hadn't fully recovered after years of imprisonment, and she needed time to heal.
Even if she was already strong—around the platinum level—her health came first.
"Alright," Malverick said at last, "this should be the biggest clothing shop on the whole archipelago. Let's go in."
He led Hancock into a grand boutique.
At this point, Malverick had already changed his outfit completely.
With his new look, no one recognized him—even though his wanted poster was plastered all over the world.
"Ah! Sir, are you here to buy clothes for your girlfriend?"
A sales clerk came rushing over, practically stunned by Hancock's beauty.
"Enough talk," Malverick said impatiently, tossing her a thick wad of cash.
The woman caught it quickly, her expression turning obsequiously bright.
"Of course, sir! What would you like?"
"Every women's outfit you have—one of each style."
"Y-Yes! Right away!"
Soon, a literal mountain of clothes piled up beside Hancock.
"Alright, you can go now," Malverick waved. "Don't disturb us."
"Yes, sir! Call me if you need anything."
Once they were alone, Malverick looked at the pile, then picked out a white dress.
He pictured Hancock wearing it—and quickly shook the thought away.
"Never mind," he muttered. "You'll just have to try them all on. We'll buy every one that fits."
"Okay~," Hancock said sweetly, taking the dress from his hand.
Two minutes later, she stepped out from the fitting room—
clad in that pure white dress.
For a moment, Malverick felt as though his gaze was nailed in place. He couldn't look away.
Hancock had always been beautiful, but before, her prison clothes had concealed most of her charm.
Now, with her long white legs exposed beneath the skirt, her silky black hair draped over her shoulders, and that flawless, proud face—
she was utterly breathtaking.
Damn, Malverick thought. If I can't have her, my life might as well be over.
Seeing the unhidden hunger in his eyes, Hancock shyly approached him.
"Lord Malverick… do I look good?"
For three whole seconds, Malverick said nothing.
Then he lifted her chin with one hand, studying her face closely.
Hancock didn't resist—she just stood there, letting him look.
"If anyone says you're not beautiful," he said softly, "then they're either blind… or idiots."
"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen—no exceptions."
He meant it.
He'd traveled all over, met princesses, nobles, even famed beauties—
but none could compare to the woman before him.
"Then… then do you like me?"
Hancock's heart raced as she asked the question she had been holding back.
Shakky had spoken with her about many things last night—things she'd never dared think about before.
She wanted to know his answer.
But Malverick didn't reply.
He simply waved his hand, using his power to store away all the clothes around them,
then took Hancock's hand and started walking out.
"L-Lord Malverick? Where are we going?"
"To the hotel," he said casually.
"Huh?"
"Today," he added with a smirk, "you're going to try on every single outfit for me. And when you're done—then I'll answer your question."
And so, the two of them found a luxurious suite at a nearby hotel.
The door had barely closed before Malverick pressed Hancock gently against it and kissed her deeply.
He had been holding back for far too long.
He wouldn't cross the line yet—but there was nothing wrong with indulging a little.
Hancock didn't resist. In fact, she didn't even want to.
She melted into his arms, returning his kiss with quiet, eager devotion.
A few minutes later, Malverick finally released her, letting her catch her breath.
"Lord Malverick… I…"
"Beautiful," he murmured, brushing a hand along her cheek,
"you've already lit a fire in my heart. Now…"
"…help me put it out."
With that, he swept her up into his arms.
~~--------------------------
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