One day later.
A full moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over Flying Bird Island. The moonlight blanketed the island like a soft, translucent veil. In the center of the plaza, the statue shimmered mysteriously beneath the moon's illumination.
Weiss, having spent the day idling on the sea, returned once more to the island.
At this hour, the central plaza was bustling. At night, it became a paradise for children—aside from toys, nothing else was sold here.
Laughter and joy filled the air as children ran around the statue, waving glowing toys in their hands, utterly delighted.
Groo and Matt pushed through the crowd. Watching the happy children, Groo felt a twinge of regret—he hadn't brought his daughter along tonight.
Because he knew all too well: this night was dangerous. Most of the people here wouldn't survive the coming chaos unless someone intervened.
Because…
As they reached the front of the auction house, Groo paused. He stared at the plum blossom insignia above the entrance, lost in thought.
"Master," Matt called gently.
Everyone else was hurrying inside. Groo's motionless figure stood out in stark contrast, prompting Matt's reminder.
...
...
Matt's voice snapped Groo out of his daze. He silently followed the stream of people into the auction hall.
Outside, Weiss approached the building—a tall structure, nearly as high as the plaza's grand statue. His eyes landed on the plum blossom emblem, and he took a deep breath, glancing sideways at Theodore.
He knew this man, who had once loudly insisted on joining his ship, was the scion of a wealthy family. But he hadn't expected him to be this wealthy.
When Weiss learned that Theodore had even established a newspaper company just to spread information, he couldn't help but sigh—what a filthy rich dog.
"So," Weiss raised a brow, "this auction house is part of your family's business too?"
"Heh, of course! The Carmeline family is famous throughout the Grand Line," Theodore said proudly. "Otherwise, it wouldn't have been so easy for them to bail me out before."
Theodore took great pride in his family. Everything he had now was, in truth, thanks to them.
Weiss gave him a deep look. Was it really the family that made him who he was?
Over the past day, Weiss had gathered every scrap of information available on the Carmeline family and on Theodore himself. And what he learned made it clear—without the burden of his family, Theodore's true potential would've likely reached far greater heights.
As they climbed the grand staircase, light poured from the seven-meter-tall main entrance. Two rows of ten elegantly dressed hostesses in cheongsams stood outside, greeting the guests with practiced grace.
This place wasn't just an auction house—it was a luxury hotel as well.
Inside, Slenka was already waiting. When he saw Theodore approaching, he didn't even glance directly at him. Instead, he respectfully addressed Weiss:
"Lord Sword Demon, you've arrived. Please, this way. The auction will begin at nine tonight. Until then, you may rest in the VIP lounge."
"You must be Theodore's older brother. No need to be so formal—just call me Weiss," Weiss replied, eyeing this man who had been kidnapped more times than he could count. He seemed like a magnet for bad luck.
Just like Kadun.
Come to think of it, Kadun hadn't complained about his misfortune in a while. Was it because he was now under Weiss's command?
"This way, Lord Weiss," Slenka said, leading the way. Theodore followed at the rear, while Weiss walked between them.
Inside the grand hall, many guests were engaged in quiet conversations. These were people without the privilege to enter the VIP section—some were simply servants waiting for their masters.
All eyes now turned to Weiss—the too-young man who required the personal escort of both major figures from the Carmeline family. Who exactly was he?
They didn't stare rudely like pirates, nor did they shout in surprise. A few recognized Weiss's identity and silently backed away, slipping upstairs—no doubt heading off to inform the boss.
Others whispered amongst themselves, wondering what strategy the Carmeline family had in store now that they had aligned with such a figure. After all, the family had suffered significant losses in recent years.
"The Carmeline family's connection to the Sword Demon... Looks like they're aiming for a return to glory."
"Are we going to see the plum blossom emblem across the Grand Line again?"
Theodore walked behind them, overhearing the whispers with great satisfaction.
Let the word spread. Until Weiss clarified their relationship, none of these people would dare act rashly.
As for what came next… Weiss still hadn't agreed to let Theodore aboard his ship. That was another matter entirely.
They took the elevator to the very top floor of the hotel. The space had been fully opened up into a single expansive room, occupying the entire upper level.
The moment Weiss stepped inside, he felt it: compared to this, Groo's palace was nothing more than a rustic farmhouse.
Eight grand chandeliers lit the entire floor—bright, but not glaring. Plush sofas were arranged neatly in the center of the room. In the northwest corner, a decorative rock garden with flowing water and curling mist created an atmosphere of calm luxury.
The walls were adorned with paintings—true masterpieces. Exquisite porcelain vases rested on finely carved wooden tables.
Weiss couldn't name a single piece. He simply didn't understand this kind of thing.
But there was one word that described it all: extravagance.
As Weiss sat on the sofa, Slenka brought over a glass of red wine and placed it respectfully in front of him. Weiss didn't touch it.
"Alright," he said flatly, "Ever since I said I'd come to the auction, you've been acting all mysterious. Now this grand reception? I feel like I'm being honored more than I deserve."
Theodore knew this was his last chance. He glanced at Slenka, then said:
"I want to board your ship. I want the flag of the Sword Demon raised over the Carmeline family. I want our family to come under your protection."
Weiss blinked. "You can do that?"
He was truly surprised. In the New World, pirates often planted their flags over islands, protecting them from other pirates in exchange for tribute—basically, protection money.
The biggest example? The Four Emperors.
But a family pledging allegiance to a single person? That was unheard of.
For one, personalities were unpredictable. Allegiances could lead to servitude—or worse.
And then there was the matter of profit. The Carmeline family's influence stretched across the entire Grand Line. Their annual earnings probably exceeded that of several small nations.
Wouldn't such wealth tempt any strongman?
Even the biggest pirates were constantly seeking greater treasure. Were they really chasing after a "king's throne"? Or just more wealth?
Remember what the man who began the Great Pirate Era once asked?
Even someone like the Golden Emperor, who controlled 20% of the world's currency, never thought he had enough money.
A family was not the same as an island.
All it took was eliminating the ruling members and any dissenters, then installing loyalists—and decades, even centuries of accumulation could change hands overnight.
Who wouldn't want that?
And yet here Weiss was, face-to-face with someone making that offer.
"You really haven't considered the consequences?" he asked incredulously.
"Of course I have. But what's the difference? If I can't break into the circle of the strong, the Carmeline family will be swallowed whole in just a few years. Rather than sit around waiting to die, I'd rather take a gamble."
The idea had first crossed his mind the moment he saw the family's financial ledgers.
But it wasn't until his interactions with Weiss that he made up his mind.
Weiss was different from the other powerful figures he'd met. How, exactly? He couldn't say. But he felt it.
Maybe this wasn't the best path for the Carmeline family—but it was the most suitable one right now. And besides, if Weiss accepted, Theodore could board the ship and finally find a way to become stronger.
Weiss would gain immense wealth. The Carmeline family would gain protection. And Theodore would gain power.
It was a win-win-win.
Weiss looked up at the ceiling.
Taking Theodore in… it was like placing another pair of eyes on the ocean.
Money's not important.
...Pfft, who am I kidding? Of course it is.
The two Carmeline brothers held their breath. Weiss's decision would determine the speed at which their family rose—or fell.
Weiss finally spoke:
"Alright… But first, I want you to do something for me."
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(COMPLETED)