Chapter 71: The Queen's Gambit
"It's such a small matter. There's no danger, and it won't be discovered by others. Isn't this Den Den Mushi a special, non-interceptable model you developed yourself? This is a secret just between you and me. I will get what you want."
Stussy put away her lipstick, a confident and perfectly measured smile on her face. Her ability to serve as an agent within CP0 and be trusted enough to become an Emperor of the Underworld was officially recognized talent. They weren't planning to kill Ian; there was no need for such tension.
"First and foremost, ensure your own safety, Stussy," Vegapunk's voice insisted, laced with worry. "Failure doesn't matter, there's still—"
Click. Brrrrr...
Before Vegapunk could finish, Stussy hung up the Den Den Mushi.
She owed her very existence in this world to Vegapunk. To her, he was like a father. After the MADS research team was disbanded and absorbed by the World Government, Stussy had joined its CP agency. As for her true motives... perhaps even she couldn't fully articulate them. But being able to use her position to help further Vegapunk's research was something Stussy would not pass up.
However...
At that very moment, just outside the entrance of the Vigis Ballroom, Ian, dressed in smart casual clothes, wore a smug smile.
It's true that the Den Den Mushi can't be monitored, but that doesn't mean the secret is safe with just two people.
"So that's why she sought me out... She's that confident she can get my blood? Tsk, tsk, tsk. Well then, I'll play along with you for a while," Ian muttered to himself.
"Major General Jock Ian? You must be Major General Ian?" A beautiful hostess from the ballroom hurried over to greet him as soon as he arrived at the door.
"Hello there, beautiful lady. Yes, that's me," Ian replied with appropriate politeness.
"Major General Ian, Lord Stussy has informed us that you are a distinguished guest. Please, come right in! I will notify Lord Stussy immediately!" The hostess bowed deeply and gestured for him to enter.
"No need for a special notification. I'd like to go and pay my respects to the Queen of the Pleasure District directly. Could you show me the way?" Ian's elegant and amiable smile gave the hostess no reason to refuse.
Inside the ballroom, Ian's arrival quickly became the center of attention.
"Isn't that the Navy's star of Sabaody? The 'Sea King,' Jock Ian!"
"As expected of Queen Stussy, she's so well-connected she even invited Major General Ian!"
"He looks even more handsome and younger than in the newspapers! Look at those powerful muscles!"
"He's not in his Marine uniform today. Is he here for the dance? There's no cat that doesn't like fish, hehe!"
Among the ladies present, some whispered subtle comments, while others boldly stepped forward to "seek companionship."
"Major General Ian, do you remember me? I'm Alankria. You came alone? Do you need a dance partner?"
Ian leaned in and whispered, "Of course I remember you, the beautiful Princess of the East. Can we talk a little later?"
"Last time at the port, it was you, Major General Ian, who defeated those pirates and saved me and my crew! Do you remember? Let's have a drink together!"
Ian responded quietly, "I remember now, Duchess! Your coat was left on the warship. Let's have a drink and talk later."
As he made his way through the ballroom, Ian managed to please everyone he spoke to, which only served to irritate the other men present.
So what if he's young, handsome, and capable?
Are they not as wealthy and powerful as we are?
Ian didn't linger long and continued to follow the hostess to Stussy's private room. Under the gaze of all those shining, eager eyes, he felt if he stayed in the main hall too long, he might be torn apart by the crowd that very night.
At the end of the corridor, in front of a door.
Knock, knock.
Knock, knock.
"Lord Stussy, Major General Ian has arrived. He is at the door."
The hostess had originally planned to announce him first, but Ian had insisted on coming straight to the door, leaving her no choice.
"Please, come in." An elegant voice came from within. The hostess opened the door for Ian and, after he entered, gently closed it behind him.
The room was exquisitely and tastefully decorated, creating a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere. It was clear Stussy had high standards for her quality of life.
In front of the dining table, Stussy walked straight toward Ian with two glasses of red wine, her movements full of charm.
"Just as the rumors say—young, handsome, and immensely talented. Major General Ian, I'm Stussy. Would you care to sit and have a drink with me?" Stussy swirled her wine glass, looking up at the tall Ian.
Ian brought his hands from behind his back and presented a bouquet of flowers to Stussy. (He'd picked them from a vase in the hall.)
"Beautiful Queen of the Pleasure District, please accept this humble gift. My heart has been pounding like crazy since receiving your invitation. It feels like a dream! I've seen your photo many times in the database. Beautiful, wonderful, absolutely wonderful!"
Ian offered exaggerated praise as he took the wine glass. Seizing the moment, he hooked Stussy's delicate, fair hand and placed it over his heart. He bent slightly to match her height, behaving like a perfect gentleman.
"Feel it. See how fast it's beating."
Stussy maintained a sweet smile throughout. Even when Ian was being so forward, she managed her expression with professional composure. CP0 agents truly had exceptional psychological fortitude.
Under Ian's intense gaze, Stussy advanced instead of retreating. Her palm slid from his heart to his shoulder. Biting her lip slightly, she said, "Haha, what a fascinating and vigorous heartbeat... I was worried the invitation I sent would be ignored by Major General Ian. I was anxious for quite a while. I'm no queen. In this room, you are the 'Sea King.' How about we sit down, have a drink, and talk?"
Her words were laced with teasing signals. Seeing Ian's lustful gaze and frivolous behavior, she felt this mission might not be so difficult after all. Men who could be seduced by beauty were rarely good at guarding their secrets.