The Baratie floated gently above the sea, its wooden decks glinting in the morning sun. Inside, the aroma of sizzling seafood, fresh bread, and rich sauces mingled with the salty ocean breeze.
Kael sat at a corner table, his new attire crisp and stylish — a dark tunic with subtle gold embroidery, boots polished to a shine. He rested his chin on his hand, casually scanning the restaurant.
'Alright, what's the plan,' he thought, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. 'It would be boring to just follow the Straw Hats around. No… I'll make my own path. My own crew. My own story.'
First things first: a ship. Not his permanent one — that would come later from Water 7 — but something small, fast, and disposable to start. Something that would let him sail without immediately drawing too much attention.
As he sipped a cup of wine, Kael felt a subtle gaze upon him. Slowly, he turned his head toward the source.
It was a woman. Stunning, elegant, and impossible to ignore. Long, flowing blue hair , eyes that shimmered like dark jewels, and an air of confidence that made everyone else in the room fade into the background.
[Pic]
Sanji himself approached, eyes shining — though noticeably flustered — as he served her.
"Here is your meal, Mademoiselle," he said, bowing lightly as he placed a steaming dish before her.
"Thank you," she replied, her smile warm and deliberate. Then, with a tilt of her head, she said, "Could you please pass this bottle of wine to that handsome man over there?"
Sanji's brow furrowed, clearly irritated, and he glanced at Kael — who sat unmoving, staring blankly.
'Fucken pretty boy,' Sanji muttered under his breath. But Kael didn't flinch. The waiter quietly handed over the wine, placing it on Kael's table without looking at him, just as Kael had predicted.
'Guess he's mad,' Kael thought, smirking. 'That woman looks rich. Maybe I can get a ship from her.'
Rising with effortless grace, he pulled his chair over and placed it in front of her table, sliding in with a soft click of wood on floorboards. His dark eyes gleamed, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
"Thanks for the wine," he said, voice smooth, almost teasing.
"Why, it's nothing," she replied, her lips curving into a seductive smile. "You looked quite parched."
Kael chuckled softly. " Names Kael Riven. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." He extended his hand across the table, letting a faint glimmer of his presence brush against hers, subtle, teasing.
The woman's hand slid into his, their fingers locking with a delicate brush of her thumb along his palm. The gesture was deliberate — unmistakable.
' It couldn't be clearer what she wanted from me,' Kael thought. ' It's been a while since I've had any… entertainment. As a god, it wasn't necessary, just a pastime. Marianne and I had months of it. It grew boring eventually.'
"I am Suzanne," she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Lady Suzanne."
Kael's smirk deepened, and he leaned back slightly, letting the tension linger.' This could be interesting, ' he mused. 'Very interesting indeed. '
The waiter returned, carrying a tray with Kael's meal — a perfectly seared fish, steaming vegetables, and a delicate sauce that shimmered under the sunlight filtering through the Baratie's open windows. The scent made Kael's stomach growl faintly, though he would never admit it out loud.
"Here we are, sir," the waiter said, setting the plate gently before him. "Bon appétit."
Kael gave a small nod, not bothering to thank him — his attention was already back on Lady Suzanne.
"So… Lady Suzanne," he began, picking up his fork with practiced elegance, "do you spend much time on floating restaurants, or is this just your preferred place for… negotiations?" His smirk was playful, teasing.
She chuckled, her purple hair catching the light as she turned slightly toward him. "Negotiations, perhaps," she replied, taking a delicate sip of her wine. "But sometimes it's just nice to enjoy the view… and the company."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Ah… the company. I see. And do you often share it with strangers who appear out of nowhere?"
"Only the interesting ones," she said, leaning slightly forward, eyes gleaming with amusement. "Those who don't seem like ordinary passersby."
He allowed himself a small laugh, savoring the sound of the waves crashing against the Baratie below. "Interesting, hmm? Then I suppose I'm in luck — and you, by extension."
Lady Suzanne's smile widened as she set her glass down. "You speak boldly… for someone I've only just met. Boldness can be… enticing."
Kael reached for his fork, cutting a piece of the fish and tasting it. The flavors were exquisite — fresh, buttery, with just enough spice to tease the palate. He chewed slowly, savoring both the meal and the conversation.
"So tell me, Kael Riven," she said, her voice lowering slightly, teasing, "what brings a man like you to these waters? Surely not the food."
He leaned back, one hand resting casually on the table. "Curiosity, mostly. I like to see how people live… fight… dream." His eyes flicked toward the horizon, then back to her, dark and unreadable. "And sometimes," he added, "I like to make a little… history while I'm at it."
Her fingers brushed her wine glass as she laughed softly. "History, you say? That sounds dangerous… and thrilling."
Kael's smirk returned, slow and deliberate. "Dangerous and thrilling are my preferred modes of operation. Life is far too boring without a little… risk."
They shared a beat, the sounds of the Baratie — sizzling pans, distant chatter, the gentle rocking of the floating restaurant — framing the moment. Kael cut another piece of fish, savoring the taste.
"You are… confident," Lady Suzanne said finally, eyes narrowing just slightly, amused. "Not many men speak to me this way. Most fumble, blush, or beg."
Kael tilted his head, a faint glint of amusement in his eyes. "I'm not most men."
She laughed, soft and musical. "No… you are not."
For a moment, it was just the two of them, enjoying fine food, quiet conversation, and the subtle, playful tension that hung between them. The ocean stretched endlessly outside the windows, waves sparkling like jewels, and Kael allowed himself a small sigh.
' This… is going to be fun, 'he thought. ' Very fun indeed.'
A few hours later, the restaurant buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses. Kael and Lady Suzanne sat side by side, their table now cluttered with half-empty plates and a nearly finished bottle of wine. The two had been talking for hours — about travels, rumors of Grand Line legends, and, between those, teasing remarks that made them both laugh more than once.
Kael leaned back in his chair, arms crossed loosely, a rare, genuine smile tugging at his lips. "You know," he said, glancing toward her, "you're surprisingly easy to talk to for someone who looks like they could buy the whole East Blue."
She chuckled, swirling the last of her wine. "And you're surprisingly charming for someone who just appeared out of nowhere."
Before Kael could respond, a shadow fell over their table. A tall man in a crisp black tuxedo stood silently behind Suzanne, his posture rigid, his expression unreadable.
"Lady Suzanne," he said respectfully, bowing slightly. "We need to leave. Master Luther has just called for you."
The cheerful air instantly dimmed. Suzanne's smile faltered, her eyes softening with annoyance.
"Of course he has…" she muttered, setting her glass down with a faint clink.
Kael observed quietly, an amused thought running through his head.
' Master Luther, huh? Must be her husband. Figures. Remind me never to trust women. Except Marianne… she's pretty cool.'
"Well," Suzanne said after a beat, her tone tinged with reluctance, "as much as I'm enjoying this, I must take my leave."
Kael gave her a small grin, tilting his head slightly. "Oh, why don't I come with you? I've been looking for a ride, honestly."
Her eyes flicked up, amusement returning to her face as her lips curled into a playful smirk. "Well… if you insist," she replied smoothly, standing from her chair.
Kael rose as well, tossing a few coins onto the table — though they were unnecessary. He doubted the Baratie would ever demand payment from someone like him.
As they made their way toward the exit, Sanji stood by the kitchen door, cigarette hanging from his lips. His blue eyes narrowed, jaw tightening as Kael walked past with Lady Suzanne on his arm.
"Fucken pretty boy," Sanji muttered under his breath again, smoke trailing behind him.
Outside, the air had grown cooler. The sky was painted in shades of orange and crimson as the sun began to dip beneath the horizon. The ocean stretched endlessly before them, waves glowing gold under the fading light.
Kael paused at the edge of the dock, breathing in the salt air. It smelled like freedom. Like stories waiting to happen.
He glanced at the woman beside him, her figure illuminated by the setting sun, and then toward the distant sea.
'Alright,' he thought, a faint grin spreading across his face, 'let's get me a ship.'
The evening wind brushed his hair as the last rays of sunlight kissed the Baratie's sails. And with that, Kael Riven stepped off into the next chapter of his adventure — unknowingly setting the stage for a storm that would shake even the calmest seas.
TO BE CONTINUED