At the same time...
In another lounge of the luxury hotel, the intricately tiled wall suddenly rippled like water, and a figure in an Italian suit "floated" out from within.
"Young Master, the area has been thoroughly swept. No abnormalities detected."
Senor lowered his head respectfully as he addressed the blond young man seated on the leather sofa before him.
His hair was slicked back immaculately, every strand perfectly in place. Dressed in a dark blue Italian suit with a wine-red pocket square, he exuded a calm, mature elegance well beyond his years—despite being barely twenty.
Doflamingo adjusted his sunglasses and frowned.
"What's that woman up to this time? I've got a bad feeling about it."
He grabbed a cigarette from the coffee table, pulled one out, and casually tossed it to Senor.
"No traps? No assassins?"
Senor caught the cigarette and answered evenly.
"Confirmed."
"I've checked everything. All is normal."
"Everyone in the hotel is fully focused on preparations for tonight's banquet."
Doflamingo nodded.
He had absolute trust in Senor's competence.
Unlike the other Donquixote officers, Senor was calm, alert, and detail-oriented. Even the most delicate or high-risk tasks were handled with precision.
Most importantly, he'd earned the approval of that man.
And while Doflamingo had complicated feelings toward that man, one thing he never questioned was his judgment.
That was why, after the Wano incident, he had taken notice of Senor and began investing heavily in his development.
Senor hadn't let him down. After entering the New World, he'd quickly awakened Haki. Combined with his elusive Devil Fruit ability, his strength now surpassed even long-standing officers like Trebol.
Which is exactly why Doflamingo brought him—quietly—to this banquet hosted by the Queen of the Pleasure District.
"She said she's going to introduce me to an interesting friend tonight... I wonder what kind of character it'll be."
Doflamingo chuckled coldly, the corners of his mouth slowly curling up.
"Fufufufu... now I'm genuinely curious..."
...
Stars glittered across the night sky.
A tall figure dropped silently from the sky, landing smoothly in front of the grand entrance of the luxury hotel.
Gazing at the familiar lobby ahead, Daren smiled and casually adjusted his tousled hair and bowtie.
"Daren-san, you've finally arrived."
A sharply dressed man quickly walked out of the hotel and gave a deep, respectful bow.
"Her Majesty the Queen has been waiting in the banquet hall for quite some time."
Daren smiled, pulled out a cigar, bit down on it, and lit it.
"Yeah? Maybe I should keep her waiting a little longer."
The man in the suit: "..."
"Kidding."
Daren chuckled, clapping him on the shoulder.
"No need to be so stiff. I'm actually quite looking forward to the Queen's little dinner party."
The man wiped the cold sweat from his brow and quickly turned to lead the way.
They walked through the opulent hotel lobby and passed through a grand archway, eventually arriving at the entrance to the banquet hall.
The man stopped, made a welcoming gesture, and bowed slightly.
"Her Majesty is waiting for you inside."
"Thanks."
Daren nodded and pushed open the door with a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
The moment the heavy wooden door opened, a wave of intoxicating fragrance swept out.
Delicate gourmet dishes arranged with artistic flair. A singer shrouded in sheer fabric stood onstage, her ethereal voice drifting through the air. Soft music filled the crystal-lit hall, everything immersed in a dreamlike blend of elegance and indulgence.
Yet for all its grandeur, the opulence faded before the brilliance of the woman seated at the center.
Finely crafted jewelry. A gown tailored to perfection. A body that swayed like poetry in motion. Seated gracefully, one leg crossed over the other, her posture sculpted an exquisite silhouette in shadows and light.
That mysterious, dangerous, and impossibly noble woman lounged there, one foot lazily hooking her diamond-studded peep-toe heel, one hand resting under her chin, the other holding a slender cigarette...
And with a smile dancing in her eyes, she gazed at him—calm, amused, and utterly captivating.
"Vice Admiral Daren, it's been a long time."
Stussy's voice came out low and husky, her smile laced with supreme confidence, as if everything were already in the palm of her hand. Her narrow eyes shimmered with seductive allure.
For tonight, she had pulled countless strings behind the scenes, mobilized vast resources, and even risked backing Doflamingo as a Shichibukai in front of the Five Elders. Naturally, she had to present herself at her most dazzling and commanding—if only to savor Daren's reaction.
She wanted him to know exactly who was in control.
Thinking that, her smile became even more radiant.
She could already imagine it—the veiled maneuvers, the sharp exchanges across the banquet table.
'Hah. She's awfully sure of herself.'
Daren squinted at the alluring woman in front of him, then suddenly grinned.
"It's only been a month. You're already craving it again?"
Smack!
Stussy stumbled, nearly slamming her cheek into the table.
She broke character instantly.
Her seductive façade cracked as her expression twisted, cheeks flushing with anger and embarrassment.
This shameless bastard!
Vulgar. Completely vulgar!
Was this how a future Marine Admiral was supposed to act?
But that wasn't even the worst of it.
Before she could recover, Daren casually plopped down across from her, grabbed a fork, stabbed a massive chunk of steak, and shoved it straight into his mouth.
He barely chewed before swallowing it down in one gulp.
Then, as if utensils were too much trouble, he reached out and grabbed a stack of perfectly plated oysters with his bare hands and slurped them down noisily.
Zero decorum. Completely barbaric.
After spending the last couple of days on Little Garden with his new brothers, most of their meals—though full of things like dinosaur meat—had been rough and basic. Cooking wasn't exactly a strong suit for three giants.
Now, faced with a banquet of delicacies from across the Four Seas, Daren was practically drooling.
Besides, whatever else needed to be done could wait. You can't fight on an empty stomach, right?
As for table manners? Daren didn't care in the slightest.
Time spent with Dorry and Brogy had made him more blunt, more relaxed. Just enjoy the food. That was it.
Watching him stuff his face without sparing her so much as a glance, Stussy suddenly felt her temper flare.
She'd spent hours getting ready for this so-called "victory"—from the salon to her gown, to the flawless makeup she believed would win the night.
And this jerk hadn't even looked at her properly!
"You... Are you seriously just going to eat!?"
Stussy gritted her teeth, fists clenched tight.
Still chewing, Daren paused, glanced up over his stacked plates, and gave her a quick once-over.
"Hmm. Nice dress."
"Purple suits you."
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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