Mink Tribe!
When the Mink Tribe member was brought before Nami and the others, everyone's eyes turned toward her.
No one expected that this adorable Mink Tribe member was actually won by Lindgas for the Dream Exploration Team.
"She's so cute~~~"
"As expected, cute people like cute slaves too~~~"
"If I had known it was the ladies of the Dream Exploration Team bidding, I wouldn't have joined the auction~~~"
"Me neither~~~"
While everyone was talking, the trembling Mink Tribe member stood before Nami and the others, her eyes filled with fear.
"Take off her collar," Nami said to the staff member.
"Huh?"
"Um… Nami, if we remove her collar, she might run away. She's very fast," the staff member warned politely.
"It's fine, just take it off," Nami said firmly.
"O-okay, Nami, I'll remove it now." Since the customer didn't mind, he had no reason to object.
*Click~~~*
*Jingle~~~*
The staff member unlocked the collar and removed the chain that was holding the Mink Tribe member, but she didn't run away.
Just as Nami was about to squat down to talk to her, Sugar walked over and handed her a blueberry.
"Here, eat this. Don't be afraid, we won't hurt you."
— ¶ —————————————————————
Nami stopped moving. She thought it would be good to let Sugar make contact first—after all, they were both "kids."
It would make things easier.
The Mink Tribe girl looked at the blueberry Sugar handed her, and her stomach immediately rumbled. She kept swallowing as if trying to hold back her hunger.
She slowly reached out her hand.
But in the next moment, as if she had suddenly remembered something terrifying, she frantically shook her head and shouted, "No, I don't want it! I'm not hungry! I don't want to eat! Waaaah~~~"
Sugar's face froze.
"Don't be scared. We won't hurt you..." Nami squatted down and gently reassured her.
"Nami, let's head back first," Nojiko suggested.
People in the auction house were already starting to look their way. Even though no one was doing anything, it was still uncomfortable for them.
"Alright, let's go back first," Nami said softly.
"Huh?"
"But what about the banquet later...?" Lindgas asked anxiously.
"Cancel it, Lindgas. Thanks for arranging everything today, but we're leaving now," Nojiko said calmly.
Before Lindgas could respond, Nami opened a portal, carried the crying Mink Tribe girl inside, and the others quickly followed.
After the Dream Crew left, the auction house soon returned to its usual lively atmosphere.
~~~~~~
Island 70, Villa Lodge.
With a creaking sound, a portal opened on the wall, and Nami and the others stepped out.
Ryuen and Daisy immediately looked over.
"Didn't you say you were going to the banquet? Why are you back so fast... huh??? A Mink Tribe girl?" Ryuen hadn't even finished speaking before noticing the girl hiding behind Nami, her shoulders trembling.
"Her name is Reina. She is indeed a Mink Tribe member. We just rescued her from the auction," Nojiko explained softly.
"I promised her that once we enter the New World, we'll take her home," Nami said, blinking at Ryuen.
"Ahem~~"
"I see. Reina, right? As the leader of the Dream Exploration Crew, I promise you—once we reach the New World, I'll personally take you to Zou!" Ryuen said seriously.
"R-Really...?" Reina's voice was as soft as a mosquito's.
But everyone heard her clearly.
"Of course! We're quite famous on the seas, you know! We always keep our word!" Ryuen said proudly.
"I... I heard about you when I was in Zou. My sister also..." Reina clung to Nami's leg, cautiously looking at Ryuen as she spoke in a low voice.
"Huh???"
"Our reputation has spread that far? Even Zou has heard about us?" Lia was a little shocked.
The others were just as surprised.
"Looks like we're really well-known in the New World..." Ryuen rubbed his chin, looking smug.
Little Reina hid behind Nami, her sharp eyes darting around the room, carefully observing everyone. These people felt different from the ones who had captured her.
"Reina, don't be afraid. We won't hurt you. Until we enter the New World, you can stay with us," Nami turned around, squatted down, and spoke to Reina gently.
Maybe because Nami didn't seem like a bad person, Reina slowly lowered her guard.
"Mm~" she murmured softly.
"Grumble..."
Just then, Reina's stomach growled loudly. Everyone froze for a second, then burst into laughter.
"I-I-I~~~"
"I haven't eaten in three days... I'm so hungry~~~" Reina was both embarrassed and frustrated, but she really was starving.
"Hahaha~~~"
"Reina, wait right here! I'll make you the most delicious meal ever!" Anya laughed and immediately ran into the kitchen.
"Reina, we can just wait here. I'm telling you, Anya's cooking is really delicious…" Nami said as she tried to calm Reina, who was still feeling nervous. She held Reina's hand and led her toward the dining table.
The others also walked over. Daisy stopped examining the Vivre Card because she was curious about Reina, a member of the Mink Tribe.
Once Reina sat down, everyone stared at her with curiosity.
Feeling embarrassed by all the unfamiliar faces watching her, Reina's rabbit-like face slowly turned red.
"Um… Reina, you said you have an older sister. Is she also a rabbit Mink, just like you?" Daisy asked curiously.
"Mm~~~"
"Yes, my sister is also a rabbit Mink. Her name is Carrot…"
"Carrot!" Ryuen suddenly shouted in surprise when he heard the name.
Startled, Reina immediately bolted and hid behind Nami. Her shoulders were trembling—it was clear that she was terrified of Ryuen.
"Ryuen!"
"Why are you yelling like that?!" Nami glared at Ryuen angrily.
"It's okay, Reina. He's just a clueless idiot. We don't have to pay attention to him," Nami reassured Reina gently.
The others also shot Ryuen a glare.
Ryuen looked a little embarrassed, but he couldn't help it—her sister was Carrot, the future ruler of Zou!
Though, with all the changes he had caused, he wasn't sure if Carrot would still end up becoming the king.
"Reina, your carrot seafood noodles are ready!" At that moment, Anya walked over, carrying a big, steaming bowl of noodles.
"Wow~~~"
Reina's eyes sparkled when she saw the layer of carrots on top of the noodles, and she immediately started drooling.
"Um… Can I start eating?" Reina could barely hold back.
"Go ahead, this whole bowl is for you!" Anya said with a gentle smile.
"Thank you, Anya!"
*Slurp~~*
Reina didn't hesitate anymore. She was really hungry! She quickly picked up her chopsticks and started eating in big mouthfuls.
Seeing this, the others laughed. Kids really are easy to cheer up!
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