Chapter 19
South Blue, Baterilla Island.
Though remote, the island served as an important resupply point for passing ships.
This brought steady extra income to the townsfolk.
After a month of sailing,
Vilin and his crew finally arrived.
Since his main purpose this time was Portgas D. Rouge,
Vilin gave the others free time to explore.
He arranged to regroup at the port in three days.
Vilin walked through the somewhat barren town streets,
casually asking locals about Portgas D. Rouge.
It didn't take long to learn her location.
Inside a small tavern in town,
Rouge was, as usual, meticulously cleaning the bar.
She sat behind the counter, waiting quietly for customers.
While she stared off into space, bored,
the door was suddenly shoved open by several rough-looking thugs.
"Rouge, today's the day for protection money."
Seeing the menacing group, worry creased her brow.
Business had been slow lately.
Fewer customers meant far less money.
She was struggling to pay this month.
"Big brothers, business has been really bad this month… Could you give me until next month? I promise I'll make it up."
Rouge looked at the local thugs with pleading eyes.
Her delicate features were clouded with anxiety.
"No way. Pay today—or else."
Impatient with her hesitation,
the thugs stormed behind the counter,
shoved her roughly to the floor,
and rifled through the drawer, stuffing every last Berry into their bag.
They even grabbed a few bottles of expensive liquor before swaggering out.
Rouge watched helplessly as they stole the money she had worked so hard to earn.
All the hardships she had endured over the years flooded back.
Tears slipped silently down her soft cheeks and fell to the floor.
At that moment,
Vilin strolled in casually.
In his hand dangled a heavy sack of Berries.
It was the very same bag the thugs had just taken.
Earlier,
Vilin had arrived at the tavern named "Flower"
and caught the two thugs leaving.
After learning they had robbed Rouge,
he knocked them out cold and retrieved her money.
Stepping inside,
he immediately saw Rouge on the floor, crying.
He dropped the sack and hurried over.
Noticing blood seeping from a cut on her leg,
Vilin gently scooped her up and set her on the counter.
He placed his palm over the wound.
Warm life energy flowed into her injury.
The cut closed rapidly before their eyes.
Rouge felt herself lifted into strong, masculine arms.
The reassuring warmth and scent of him made her cheeks flush crimson.
She stared, dazed, at the handsome, gentle man healing her.
Vilin noticed her blank, adorable stare and found it endearing.
He waved a hand in front of her face.
When she finally blinked back to reality,
he gave her a bright, warm smile.
"Hello. Could I get a bowl of your best wine?"
Hearing his voice snapped her out of her trance.
Seeing his gentle smile,
Rouge's already flushed cheeks burned brighter.
She looked like a shy young wife.
Vilin, in turn, was momentarily captivated by her beauty.
Her pink wavy hair cascaded down her snow-white neck to her waist.
A vivid red flower adorned her locks.
Her white cinched-waist dress perfectly outlined her graceful figure.
She exuded a gentle, moving charm.
Lost in the sight,
Vilin barely noticed her hurry to the cellar.
In her mind, the moment he lifted her into his arms replayed over and over.
Her heart raced faster with each step.
Knowing he had helped her,
Rouge wanted to treat him with the special wine she had personally brewed and saved for years.
When she saw Vilin still standing there daydreaming,
she hurried back with the treasured jar.
Vilin snapped out of it, accepted the wine, and watched her return to the bar.
She began absentmindedly polishing glasses, cheeks still pink.
Vilin smiled helplessly at her cute reaction.
He picked up the dropped money sack and walked over.
Under her surprised gaze,
he tossed it onto the counter.
"Here. This should be all your money."
Rouge opened the bag.
Sure enough—every Berry the thugs had stolen was inside.
"Thank you!"
Gratitude shone in her eyes as she quickly stored the money away.
"No problem. I despise bullies who prey on the weak."
"But thanks alone isn't enough—how about joining me for a drink?"
"Drinking alone is boring."
"…Okay. But just a little."
"Deal."
Vilin lifted the wine jar onto the bar.
He filled two glasses.
"Let's toast."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Aitrias Vilin—an adventurer!"
Rouge accepted the glass with a shy smile.
"I'm Portgas D. Rouge. Thank you so much for your help."
Their glasses clinked.
They smiled at each other and drank deeply.
"Ahh~ That hits the spot!"
"Best wine I've had in South Blue."
Vilin laughed heartily, savoring the burning warmth in his chest.
Rouge's cheeks flushed deeper after just one cup.
Her eyes grew slightly misty.
With two cups down,
the atmosphere between them grew warm and relaxed.
"Vilin… can you tell me about yourself?"
Rouge asked shyly, curiosity shining in her eyes.
Seeing her interest,
Vilin sipped slowly
and began recounting his adventures—
how he set sail,
how he bravely defeated pirates who tried to steal his treasures.
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