In the year 1494 of the Sea Calendar, Adrian left the Kingdom of Gorde, where he, Doflamingo, and Rosinante had stayed for two years.
Doflamingo felt that this place could no longer rapidly develop and utilize resources. He left some people behind and, with Adrian's help, turned the black market here into a stable source of business.
Sitting on a sailing ship bearing the Star Sea Merchant Guild's emblem, Doflamingo sat at the bow, enjoying the sea breeze and gazing at the endless ocean.
Rosinante drank a glass of orange juice and held another, offering it to Doflamingo.
However, Doflamingo refused, so Rosinante could only give the orange juice to the attendant behind him. Then, he asked Doflamingo to move over a bit so they could sit together. The two brothers sat side by side at the bow, and Rosinante occasionally took dried fruit from the attendant's tray behind him.
Doflamingo sat cross-legged, propping his chin as he watched his younger brother, whose little legs dangled. This foolish younger brother was always like this, never serious. Just a few days ago, he sat this way and accidentally fell into the sea. Sure enough, he would have to rely on him, the eldest son, in the future.
"Young Master, Trebol would like to ask when the family meeting will be held."
A small boy with black hair approached. He wore black sunglasses, and somehow, a piece of steak was stuck to his face.
"Vergo, the steak is on your face again."
"Oh, understood, Young Master."
"Go gather them first. We'll meet in the conference room now."
"Yes."
With that, Vergo withdrew.
Doflamingo glanced at Rosinante beside him:
"Rosie... are you going?"
Rosinante's bangs always covered his eyes. He looked up, still chewing dried fruit, then shook his head.
Doflamingo said no more, simply stood up and admonished him:
"Don't fall in again."
"I know."
Doflamingo was still a little uneasy, so he called the servants to keep a close eye on him before heading to the council hall.
Adrian, who was in his private office handling official business, looked thoughtfully at an invitation in his hand.
Adrian picked up another document, which also contained an invitation.
He couldn't help but rub his forehead, then looked at the pile of papers on his desk, sighing helplessly.
Meanwhile, Doflamingo, as the eldest son, was not having an easy time either, as he was conducting his family meeting.
The four main Executives still followed him. The current focus was planning the next location, making future arrangements, managing the existing territory, recent income, and the current total funds... Only Rosinante was still casually strolling on the deck.
He was a little bored and went to Adrian's office.
"May I come in?"
"Of course, you can come in anytime."
Rosinante entered the room and saw Adrian constantly writing something with a pen, occasionally stamping a few times. Seeing Rosinante enter, he finally looked up.
"What's wrong, Rosie?"
Rosinante obediently sat in a chair beside Adrian.
"I was wondering if there's anything I can help you with."
Adrian smiled, pinched Rosinante's cheek, and replied:
"Your happiness is enough for me."
There was a strange glint in Rosinante's eyes.
He was hesitating, pondering, as if holding something back.
Adrian noticed something was amiss, stood up and locked the door to the room, then knelt beside Rosinante, asking with concern:
"What's wrong? You can tell me anything."
Rosinante didn't speak but lowered his head even deeper, continuously rubbing the blood-colored pendant Adrian had given him.
Adrian watched silently, sensed something, and embraced Rosinante, no longer speaking.
Adrian only felt Rosinante's tears dripping onto his clothes, and he slowly began to sob. Adrian patiently patted Rosinante's back, saying nothing.
After a long while,
Rosinante finally stopped crying, though he was still sniffing and rubbing his eyes.
Adrian took out a handkerchief and wiped away the lingering tears from Rosinante's eyes and the tear stains on his face.
"Aren't you going to ask me why?"
"If I asked, would you be willing to answer me, Little Rosi?"
Adrian stated calmly.
Rosinante caught his breath, tried to calm himself, and murmured in a low voice:
"Is my father... dead?"
His voice was very low, but in the quiet office, it was perfectly clear.
"Rosie, didn't I tell you about this a long time ago?"
"..."
"You knew?"
"Yes."
"Who told you?"
"I found out by accident, even though you deliberately tried to keep it from me."
Adrian sighed and asked:
"How long have you known?"
"..."
"Then... do you hate me?"
Rosinante quickly shook his head, afraid Adrian would misunderstand.
"Then, do you hate him?"
Rosinante hesitated, then nodded.
"He is your biological brother."
"..."
"His original intention was to wish you both could live a good life again."
"I know."
Rosinante's voice was a little hoarse.
Adrian pondered for a moment.
"You should talk to him directly when you have time."
"You two need to communicate. Also, even if there's some deep-seated hatred, be sensible for now. Once you're adults, you can travel freely. At that time, whatever happens, don't worry about me, even if it's a matter of life and death..."
"Anyway, if you two reach that point, there's nothing to be done. Life and death, in my opinion, are nothing significant."
Rosinante thought Adrian was just comforting him and nodded obediently.
"However, if one of you loses, you must come back and inherit the family business."
Adrian said jokingly, knowing that neither of these Little fellows would want to run his merchant guild.
After comforting Rosinante, Adrian went to find Doflamingo alone and also had a conversation with him.
Adrian only hoped that these brothers wouldn't kill each other before they came of age. Once they each set sail, life and death would be up to fate.
He knew this day would come, but he didn't expect it so soon. In the original plot, Doflamingo killed their father in front of them, causing Rosinante to run away directly. Now, Rosinante hasn't run away directly, which is the result of Adrian's efforts over the years.
That night, the lights in Rosinante and Doflamingo's rooms stayed on until midnight.