In the quiet of the study, Argus and Newgate sat shoulder to shoulder, locked in yet another long, meandering conversation. The oil lamp flickered beside them, casting long shadows on parchment maps and blood-stained bounty posters.
They'd wracked their brains for hours.
But in the end?
There was still no solution. No island they could truly call safe. No sanctuary fit for the growing family they were trying to protect.
So, for now?
They shelved the issue. Priorities first. And tonight's priority?
Princess shopping.
---
That Same Night
"Husband?"
The voice was soft—gentle as a breeze drifting through the lantern-lit corridors. Serena stood at the door to the study, her silhouette backlit by the amber glow of the hallway. One hand rested lightly over her midriff, the other holding a small covered tray.
Argus glanced up, mildly surprised. "Serena? It's past midnight. What are you doing up?"
She giggled, swaying in with grace. "Hehe~ What, did you think I'd turn into a pig the moment I got pregnant? Eat, sleep, repeat?"
He smirked. "I plead the fifth."
She sat beside him, placing the tray between them. "Fruit. Cut fresh. You haven't eaten in hours."
Argus blinked. She always noticed these things. He took a slice of apple, chewed thoughtfully, and eventually relented.
"We're stuck. Again. Still no safe island. And Newgate's fallback plan? Buying one through sheer coin."
Serena arched a brow. "Through coin? Or... princesses?"
Argus gave a crooked grin. "Both, probably. The old man's idea of diplomacy is knocking on a royal door with a warhammer."
She shook her head, amused. Then, her expression softened. "We should really thank Big Brother. He's brash, but his heart is in the right place."
Then, she paused. Her eyes narrowed slightly, glinting with something calculating.
"But... if you're looking for a safe island, I might have a lead. Not confirmed. Just a childhood whisper. Something about a neutral island, protected by a fog reef. I'll dig into it. If it's more than a fairy tale, I'll let you know."
Argus leaned back, impressed. "You're full of surprises, you know that?"
"That's why you married me."
He laughed softly. She kissed his cheek and stood. "Now eat your fruit, strategist. Or I'll start managing your diet too."
---
The Next Day
The Edward Brothers set sail once more. Destination: Black Market Cluster 7.
Contrary to public myth, the underworld didn't operate from some grand throne room. It was a sprawl—a hydra with many heads. Eight major islands in the New World alone served as its nodes. Hidden, guarded, ever-shifting.
Argus and Newgate stepped onto the obsidian dock of Slave House #27, where masked attendants bowed so low their noses nearly scraped the volcanic stone.
Inside, velvet curtains hung heavy, swallowing sound. Gilded masks whispered behind fans, their perfume barely masking the sour tang of chained misery.
Argus approached the central podium, sharp eyes cutting through the luxury like a blade.
"Do you have any princesses? Fallen kingdoms."
The merchant flinched at the directness but recovered swiftly.
"Of course, honored sirs! Ten in stock. Ages seventeen to eighteen. Virgin. Educated. Refined. Prime condition."
Newgate muttered without looking up, "They clean?"
The merchant bowed deeper, voice brimming with pride. "Our house has standards, great one. No blemishes. Full certification."
Argus folded his arms. "We'll take them."
"Y-Yes, sir! Right away!" The manager nearly tripped over his own shoes rushing to prepare the contracts.
This wasn't just any merchandise. These were symbols—spoils of conquest. Once heirs to thrones, now mere currency in the blood-soaked bazaar of the sea.
Five hundred million Berries. Signed and sealed.
Newgate slung Murakumogiri onto his back with a grunt. "Gurararara~~ At this rate, little brother, you'll repopulate the world before I find the One Piece!"
Argus exhaled. "Let's just hope they don't start stabbing each other over nursery curtains."
---
Meanwhile, Back on the Ship
Shella knelt by the deck rail, gently feeding one of the baby Sea Kings through a funnel system she'd developed. Her movements were slow, precise.
Sally approached from behind, wiping her hands on her apron.
"Shella, I've been looking over island charts. There are a few potential spots. Lurga Island—rich in herbs, low pirate activity. But the wildlife's unpredictable. Next is Copperton—stable, friendly to mercenaries. Downside? High taxes and nosy governors."
Shella shrugged. "I don't know about safe islands. Fishmen only have Fishman Island, and that's not an option anymore. But... maybe we should raise our own Sea Kings. Protect the convoy that way."
Serena, standing nearby, perked up. "Actually... that might be the best idea we've heard yet. I'll tell Argus and Newgate. We need an escort fleet anyway. Also, I remember a snippet about an island named Totto island, when I was still a Princess, may be try to look into it Sally.'
Below deck, the crew whispered among themselves.
"Did you hear? Another ten royal girls?" "Our captain's not building a harem... he's building a dynasty."
A few of the older servants nodded solemnly.
"Long as he protects them, raises the kids right... maybe this ain't just another pirate crew after all."
---
(CHAPTER END)
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