𝙈𝙔 𝙋𝙄𝙍𝘼𝙏𝙀 𝙃𝙐𝙉𝙏𝙀𝙍, 𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚 (𝙡𝙖)

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑: 𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐋 𝐍𝐎 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐏𝐓.𝟐

"Luffy, you didn't change your outfit? Seriously?" you say, raising an eyebrow at him.

"I like my outfit! Don't look at me like that!" Luffy replies, grinning. You giggle and shake your head as you both walk towards the main hall.

Luffy quickly joins Usopp, who's gesturing animatedly about something, while Nami is over by the fireplace, trying to charm a man with goat-like hair. You take a drink from a passing tray, sitting down and crossing your legs.

As you sip your drink, you glance at Luffy and Usopp, and a small smile plays on your lips. You can already tell that they're going to be the best of friends. Zoro strolls in shortly after, pouring himself a drink, and plops down beside you with his usual calm demeanor.

Before Zoro can say anything, the room hushes as someone clears their throat. All eyes turn to the man standing at the foot of the grand staircase. You rise and walk over to join Nami.

"May I present... Miss Kaya," the butler announces as Kaya gracefully descends the stairs.

"Kaya, you look absolutely radiant," the man says warmly.

"Merry, I'm so glad you could make it," Kaya replies with a gentle smile.

"This is a milestone. I wouldn't miss it for the world. Your parents would be so proud," Merry says, his voice full of sincerity. Kaya glances at you and Nami, admiring your dresses.

"Nami, Akane. I love those dresses on you," Kaya compliments, her eyes sparkling.

"Aww, thanks. You're beautiful too, Kaya," you reply with a shy smile.

"They belonged to my mother. They were two of her favorites," Kaya says softly, her voice tinged with nostalgia. You and Nami exchange guilty looks.

"Oh, we're sorry. We—" Nami starts, trying to apologize.

"Not at all," Kaya interrupts, smiling gently. "I'm sure she would agree they suit you splendidly." You both nod, returning her smile with one of your own.

"Kaya, I wonder if I might have your ear? There are matters concerning the transfer of ownership of the shipyard that we need to discuss," Merry says, leaning toward her.

"Merry, dear friend, it's always business with you. Tonight is about celebration. Shall we all move to the dining room?" Klahadore, the butler, cuts in smoothly.

"Yes! Oh! I'm so ready for this!" Luffy exclaims, his excitement palpable as Kaya laughs lightly.

"Excuse him, he's always hungry. He's been like this since childhood whenever he hears about food," you say, shaking your head playfully. You watch the others heading to the dining room and casually loop your arm through Kaya's.

"Don't worry about it. I'm like that too," Kaya says with a giggle as the two of you walk in together and take your seats.

Once everyone is seated, you notice that there's no more wine. You give Zoro a pointed look, and he gets the hint, calling over the maid and handing her the empty bottle.

"Thanks," you mutter to him, giving him an appreciative smile.

"I'd love to try the fish tonight," Kaya says eagerly.

"I'm sorry, Miss Kaya, but that is not possible," the butler says, his tone firm.

"Maybe just a small piece?" she asks, her voice hopeful.

"You know certain foods can affect your constitution. Here, Buchi has prepared your special soup," the butler replies, as the chef sets down plates in front of everyone. You look at Kaya's bland soup with clear disgust.