While Black's thoughts lingered on Robin, she was quietly observing him from a short distance.
Is this the legendary Celestial Dragon? she wondered, her dark eyes reflecting a hint of purple. He doesn't seem as terrifying as the books described.
But Professor Clover's expression… he looks so tense.
Black's Observation Haki already covered the entire island, naturally detecting Robin's secret gaze. He turned and locked eyes with her, noticing her cautious, slightly trembling form.
She wore a pale cotton short-sleeved shirt over a light blue blouse, the cuffs rolled up and faintly stained with ink and pencil marks. Her dark brown overalls carried charcoal pencils and a leather-bound notebook, while her feet were clad in straw sandals commonly used by Ohara scholars.
Her long black hair cascaded like a waterfall, the naturally curled ends tied with a red ribbon in a butterfly knot, a few ginkgo leaf bookmarks from the library tucked neatly within. She looked worlds apart from the wanted poster image that had spread across the seas.
Startled at being caught, Robin's body tensed. Growing up among the volumes of the Tree of Knowledge, she instinctively understood the weight of a Celestial Dragon's gaze.
Professor Clover, mid-explanation, noticed Black's eyes shift toward Robin and followed his gaze, immediately feeling a chill.
Directly meeting the eyes of a Celestial Dragon was neither a trivial nor a minor offense.
It was minor because the punishment rested entirely on the Dragon's whim.
It was serious because most Celestial Dragons were ruthless, often taking lives on a whim. In the Tayea Kingdom, for example, everyone except Aramaki had been executed by Black's personal guards.
Without thinking further, Clover stepped in front of Robin.
"Your Excellency, Lord Black, it is our fault for not fully clearing the library. I, an old man, will bear all responsibility. Please forgive her indiscretion," he said, bowing deeply to the ground.
Black snorted softly. The scholar still knew how to act appropriately when pressed.
Yet Black's attention was fixed on Robin. Punishing an old man would achieve nothing; he had come here for her.
Ignoring Clover, Black approached Robin and rested his hand gently on her head.
Robin's body shivered slightly but she did not pull away.
"What is your name?" Black asked.
"Ni… Nico Robin," she stammered, her voice trembling. Fear clung to every syllable.
Black, however, acted as though he hadn't noticed, continuing.
"The scholars must have known of my visit today. Why are you here?"
"I… I…"
Robin was not yet the composed, world-weary woman she would become in the original timeline. Even with Black's soft expression, the oppressive presence he radiated made finding an excuse nearly impossible.
She had intended to study and apply her knowledge discreetly, but Black's Observation Haki had rendered her stealth useless.
"Lord Black…"
Clover's voice came again, as if trying to intercede for Robin.
Finally, Black's gaze shifted to the old scholar. "I am not a cruel man. I will not kill someone simply for glancing at me."
Before Clover could relax, Black's voice continued. "But rules are rules. Anyone who dares to meet the eyes of a descendant of the gods must pay the price."
"Aramaki! Tell him your experience," Black ordered.
Aramaki immediately stepped forward, towering over Clover, recounting the events in the Tayea Kingdom.
Clover hesitated. The reputation of Celestial Dragons was known worldwide, and Robin was still just a child. Though she was a scholar, any mishap would be impossible to explain to Olivia and her spouse, who had already sacrificed one life for research into ancient scripts. Another incident would be a blow Clover could never bear.
Before Clover could decide, Robin spoke up, surprising everyone.
"Your Highness, I wish to become your retainer. Please forgive my mistake," she said, her voice calm but firm.
Black inwardly chuckled. Knowledge wields power, even in the world of pirates.
The Broken Window effect still worked. Had he offered her a position outright, neither Robin nor Clover would have agreed. By catching her in a minor mistake, with Aramaki as a witness, resistance melted away naturally.
Black nodded, feigning formality. "Very well. You shall be my retainer from now on."
"Yes, Your Excellency Black."
Perona muttered quietly, "Hmph! Acting all high and mighty!" Though barely audible, being in Black's grasp made it impossible to hide.
Black glared, ruffling her pink hair until it stuck out in all directions.
"Ugh! You brat!" Perona grumbled, quickly smoothing it down, wary of further punishment.
Robin's eyes widened slightly at the scene.
No danger here, it seems… she thought, yet her mind drifted toward her mother, whose memory had grown hazy over time. A subtle sadness tugged at her heart.
With Robin officially part of his entourage, Black took his group, including Stella, Perona, Aramaki, and two CP bodyguards, to explore Ohara.
With less than a year remaining until the Buster Call, and the government likely noticing the scholarly expedition in recent months, Black intended to make the most of their time before the island's destruction.
"This is my treehouse. Whenever something upsets me, I come here to be alone," Robin explained, pointing to a small hollow in the tree. Inside, it expanded into a cozy chamber, perfectly suited for her size. Books and tools were neatly organized; the space was immaculate. Clearly, she frequently used this retreat whenever troubled.
Robin became the guide for the group around Ohara, her youthful charm far surpassing Clover's stoic presence. Black found her demeanor, a mixture of poise and playful seriousness, genuinely amusing.
She led them to the shell-strewn beaches and the forests where Devil Fruits were rumored to grow, seemingly preserving memories of a place they would likely never return to.
As evening approached, Robin visited her uncle's house to bid farewell. While her living conditions were modest compared to others in her family, it was still her childhood home. Black allowed her the visit without interference.
About half an hour later, Robin returned, a trace of melancholy in her expression. Black did not ask, knowing farewells are rarely pleasant.
"Since you're back, let's board. We are preparing to set sail for the next destination."
No sooner had they returned to the ship than a steward hurried over, clutching a Den Den Mushi in both hands.