One Piece: Wielder of the Void

55. Princess Vivi -4

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Early the next morning.

Anos finally had a good night's sleep after what felt like an eternity of sleepless nights on the turbulent seas.

Though he had become accustomed to the sway of the ship during long voyages, the stability of an immobile bed was foreign to him.

It took hours for him to find comfort and relax, but as his mind slowly drifted into sleep, the world outside carried on.

When he finally stirred, the sun was already high in the sky, signalling the late morning.

He sat up slowly, stretching out his arms. His muscles were still sore from the previous days of travelling.

It might have been nice to sleep in more, he thought, but duty beckoned him.

There was much to do, and he had no time to waste. Despite the reluctance tugging at him, Anos forced himself out of bed and prepared to face the day.

As he descended the grand staircase of the villa, he noted the luxurious surroundings.

Alabasta's grand architecture was impressive, even to a reincarnated human-like Anos.

The palace where he stayed was one of many grand estates scattered throughout the kingdom.

The marbled halls and carefully designed interiors hinted at the Kingdom's wealth and history.

But even in such grandeur, Anos couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing in the movement of the waves beneath his feet, the salty breeze that filled his lungs. Here, on land, everything was still. Too still.

When he reached the bottom of the stairs, he was greeted by the sight of a long table filled with breakfast foods.

The aroma of freshly baked bread, exotic fruits, and grilled meats filled the air.

The servants had gone to great lengths to ensure the king's morning meal was perfect.

Yet, despite the effort, Anos's sharp eye noticed something most of the food, while plentiful, was plain by royal standards.

But for the common people of Alabasta, this spread would be considered an extravagant feast.

"Your Majesty, good morning!"

Anos turned his gaze toward the voice. Suzu, one of his trusted aides, stood before him. Today, her outfit was entirely different from the day before.

She wore a miniskirt and a tube top, but she had also draped a large coat over her shoulders, paired with a wide-brimmed hat that cast a shadow over her face. Her change in appearance was striking.

Anos cocked his head, eyeing her attire with mild curiosity. "What's going on with your outfit today?"

Suzu chuckled softly, spinning in place to show off her ensemble. "I'm getting ready to head out after breakfast. The weather in Alabasta is unbearable so hot that if you don't protect your skin properly, you'll burn under the sun. This outfit is to keep me cool and covered."

Anos gave a slight nod, half-listening. His mind was elsewhere, already drifting back to thoughts of his ship.

Land did not suit him, and he longed to return to the sea. "Where's Daiki?" he asked, shifting the conversation.

"He's outside and others are preparing the carriage. We can depart as soon as you've had breakfast," Suzu said, glancing at the large spread before them.

"Ah…" A massive yawn escaped Anos's mouth before he could even think to respond. His body, still not fully accustomed to sleeping on land, felt sluggish.