Night.
The cabin was filled with the soft, distinctive scent of Sea Clouds. Bahr sank into the fluffy Cloud Bed, the Light Shells on either side of the bed emitting a faint blue glow.
Click.
The lock turned softly as Nico Robin pushed the door open. Her amethyst velvet dress accentuated the gentle curve of her waist, the ends of her hair still damp with night dew. A mature yet crisp fragrance wafted through the enclosed Space with her movements.
Propping himself up on his elbow, Bahr curled his lips into a smirk, the Light Shell's glow casting a sly glint at the corner of his eyes. "You're here."
Playing hard to get, huh? During the day, she'd complained about his lack of boundaries, but when it came time to share his bed, she still had to walk through that door obediently.
The Cloud Bed dipped slightly under his weight as his fingers tapped a light rhythm against the sheets, like an old hunter waiting for prey to fall into his trap.
Nico Robin leaned against the cabin door, her gaze sweeping over Bahr on the Cloud Bed, a faint smile playing at her lips. "BOSS, someone from the Shandians wants to see you. Should I let them in?"
"Let Mr. 1 handle it. If he can't, throw them to that brat Enel." Bahr raised an eyebrow without even lifting his eyelids.
Those Shandian hotheads actually dared to come looking for trouble? If they really had, he wouldn't hold back.
Right now, though, he had no interest in dealing with such trivial matters. After all, compared to these insignificant affairs, he had a proper "top priority" to attend to.
"But it's a woman," Robin took half a step forward, lowering her voice slightly, the tail end of her words curling with mischief. "And a great beauty at that. Perhaps she'll bring BOSS… an unexpected surprise."
"A great beauty?" Bahr paused. If he remembered correctly, the only woman among the Shandians who could be called a beauty was Laki.
"Let her in, then. Let's see what tricks they're up to."
Robin gave a soft acknowledgment, unable to hide the curve of her lips as she turned away.
She had long figured out Bahr's weakness. The man was powerful and shrewd, but when it came to beautiful women, he had little resistance.
Before long, Nico Robin led Laki into the room.
Bahr looked up, taking her in. Laki had long, jet-black hair tied into a small bun at the top of her head. Her delicate features carried a hint of coolness in her gaze. Snow-white wings sprouted from her back, and her lavender cropped top hugged her slender waist, the neckline slightly open to reveal pale collarbones. She wore a light blue skirt, her figure slender and well-proportioned, her long legs faintly visible beneath the fabric with each graceful step.
Not bad. A real beauty. Especially that faint "married woman" aura about her—it was enough to make a man's heart skip a beat.
"I thought it'd be that blockhead who showed up. Didn't expect it to be a woman like you." Bahr's tone was laced with amusement as he stared at Laki.
Laki naturally knew who he meant—Wyper.
She hesitated before speaking softly, "The chief forbade them from taking risks. I came here without telling the others."
Their opponent was too strong, and with that "god" Enel also on their side, the Shandians stood no chance. Coming here was practically suicide.
But seeing the unwillingness in her people's eyes, she had slipped out alone under the cover of night.
"I know why you're here, but unfortunately, this trip was a waste of time." Bahr shrugged, his tone light.
The Shandians showing up could only mean one thing—the Golden Bell. But once something was in his hands, did they really think he'd just give it back?
Laki bit her lip, silent. Her gaze flickered to Nico Robin sitting on the nearby chair, her fingers unconsciously tightening.
Suddenly, she bent her knees, kneeling halfway, her snow-white wings spreading like butterfly wings, shimmering softly under the light. Her eyes burned with desperate resolve. "Sir, the Golden Bell is our sacred relic. If you're willing to return it… I—I'll do anything you ask."
She hadn't come empty-handed. After seeing how this man had treated Conis, she had figured it out—he had a thing for women.
The Shandians trying to fight head-on would be like eggs hitting a rock. The only way was to play soft. And the only bargaining chip she had left… was herself.
"Oh…" Bahr drew out the syllable, his eyes raking over Laki before he suddenly laughed. "You are quite beautiful, with a nice figure. But what makes you think you can compare to the Golden Bell? That pile of gold could build half a city if melted down. Which do you think is more valuable?"
His words cut like a knife, making Laki's heart clench.
She had heard gold was precious in the Blue Sea, but she had no other options left. Steeling herself, she pressed forward. "I—I can serve you. I'll obey any order."
As she spoke, her white wings trembled like sieves, the feathers puffing up in agitation.
Bahr studied Laki's frightened-bird demeanor and found it somewhat amusing. Reaching over to the nearby table, he picked up a cigarette and lit it, exhaling a slow smoke ring before speaking lazily, "Strip."
Laki froze, her face flushing crimson to the roots of her hair. She glanced at Nico Robin sitting nearby, then gritted her teeth and stood up, unbuttoning her clothes. As her lavender top slid to the floor, her wings fluttered nervously, the feather tips quivering.
At that moment, Nico Robin leisurely rose to her feet. "BOSS, I'll leave you two to talk. I'll excuse myself."
Bahr paid her no mind, his gaze burning into Laki. Her waist was slender yet supple, her curves full and rounded. Under the soft glow of the Light Shells, her smooth skin gleamed with a pearly sheen, outlining elegant, well-defined lines.
Resting his chin on his hand, he curled his lips into a teasing smile. "Not bad. I'll give you a chance. If you can satisfy me… maybe I'll consider returning the Golden Bell to your people."
Value was subjective. If he decided she was worth it, then she was.
Laki's eyes immediately brightened, but under Bahr's blatant scrutiny, she couldn't lift her head out of shame. Yet, thinking of the "sacred relic," she bit her lip and took two steps forward, her body swaying slightly with the movement, enough to make one dizzy…
Outside in the hallway, Nico Robin had just closed the door when she ran into a fuming Miss. Valentine, arms akimbo, blocking her path.
"Why did you bring another woman to the boss?!" Miss. Valentine stomped her feet, the lemon hair accessory on her head jingling noisily with the motion.
Sure, the boss sometimes favored this woman, but they were supposed to be on the same side. Yet here she was, playing pimp for him.
"If it's something BOSS likes, we should indulge him." Robin flicked her long hair, her tone casual, as if discussing the weather. "If you're unhappy, go in and tell him yourself."
"You—!" Miss. Valentine's face flushed red with anger, but she couldn't find the words to retort. As Robin moved to step around her, she stomped her foot in frustration.
Robin couldn't be bothered. This woman had already developed real feelings for Bahr—what was the point in arguing with her?
She was only in this partnership with Bahr for mutual benefit. There was no need to exhaust herself over a man. Remembering Bahr's "beastly" stamina—last time, she'd had to hold onto the railing just to walk the next day—she couldn't help but shudder.
Now, with Laki willingly offering herself up as a sacrifice, it was the perfect opportunity. She could keep Bahr happy while saving herself the trouble. Maybe if she scouted more beauties for him in the future, she could avoid a lot of hassle.
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