𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐑 // 𝐓.𝐋𝐀𝐖 𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐂

9 : return home

The sun hung low in the sky as Valeria stood at the bow of the Marine ship, watching the familiar sight of Sabaody Archipelago come into view.

The shimmering bubbles of the mangrove trees reflected the golden light, casting a soft glow across the island she hadn’t seen in years.

The salty sea breeze rustled her hair as the ship pulled into port, but for once, she felt no urgency—just a strange sense of nostalgia mixed with the tension of returning to a life she had left behind.

"Take care of yourself, Val," Darwish’s voice cut through her thoughts, his tone casual but carrying a hint of something deeper.

He stood beside her on the dock, his arms crossed as he gave her a half-smile. Lucien and Cassius were a few steps behind, ready to see her off.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back before you know it,” Valeria said, her voice steadier than she felt. She slung her bag over her shoulder, turning to give them one last look.

Lucien, ever the quiet observer, gave a small nod of acknowledgment. “Rest well, Valeria. You’ve earned it.”

Cassius, on the other hand, grinned and gave her a firm clap on the back. “Make sure you drink enough for all of us! Just don’t forget to come back and kick some more pirate ass when you’re done.”

Valeria chuckled, shaking her head at his usual boisterousness. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

With a final wave, Valeria turned and began making her way toward the heart of the Archipelago, leaving the hustle and chaos of the port behind.

The streets were just as she remembered—bustling with merchants, shipwrights, and adventurers from all corners of the world. But for her, there was only one destination she cared about right now: home.

As she passed by familiar shops and stalls, an old man sitting on the side of the road suddenly perked up. His weathered face broke into a grin as he spotted her.

“Valeria! Back from the seas, eh?” the old man called out, waving her over. “Good timing, lass. Your old man ordered three boxes of alcohol from me just this morning! Said you’ve got a customer at the bar.”

Valeria raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. “That old man never changes, does he?”

The old man chuckled and shook his head. “Nope! Still running that bar with your mother and Sachi. Place hasn’t lost its charm, though.”

With a nod, Valeria helped him load the boxes of alcohol onto a small cart before she continued toward her family’s bar.

Memories of her childhood flashed before her eyes—the clinking of glasses, the low hum of voices, and the warm light of the bar that had always been her sanctuary between the chaos of Marine life.

As she rounded the corner, the bar came into sight. The wooden exterior was exactly as she remembered, worn from years of service but still standing strong.

The faint glow of lanterns illuminated the entrance, and even from a distance, she could hear the laughter and chatter inside.

Valeria pushed open the door, the familiar creak of the hinges greeting her as she stepped inside.

The smell of alcohol and grilled food hit her immediately, along with the warmth of the place. Her eyes scanned the room—and then froze at the sight before her.

At one of the larger tables, drinking and laughing loudly, was none other than Red-Haired Shanks and the crew. His unruly red hair unmistakable as he raised a mug of ale to his lips.

And sitting beside him, sharing in the laughter, was a man she hadn’t expected to see today—her father, Silvers Rayleigh.

Valeria blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the scene. Shanks and Rayleigh were deep in conversation, oblivious to her presence as they shared stories over drinks.