"Captain Lister, thank you for saving me!"
Kaya walked up to Lister and offered a solemn thanks. Lister had not yet released Overclock. Confidence radiated off him, an aura that drew eyes and swayed hearts. Kaya felt it too—her heart thudded wildly, a dizzy, breathless flutter like falling in love.
The next moment Lister shut down Overclock and gave Kaya a mild smile. "No need to be so formal. It was just a transaction."
Kaya blinked, suddenly a little lost. Coming back to herself, she blushed. "I'll go back and tally my estate and transfer half the equity to you."
Money—Lister's eyes lit up. "Roughly how much are we talking about?"
"A few hundred million, but most of it is illiquid and spread across holdings elsewhere. At home there's only about fifty million in cash."
"I have a proposal, Miss Kaya. Could you give me all the cash? As for the rest of the estate and equity, I don't need it."
"Could you leave me a little cash? Those businesses still need working capital." Kaya hesitated.
"Then how much do you think is appropriate?" Lister asked.
"That's a bit complicated… Captain Lister, why don't you come to my home first and we'll go over the details."
"Oh? Miss Kaya, you're not afraid of a pirate anymore—inviting one to your house?"
"I'm not afraid. You saved me, and despite your strength you chose to trade gold for supplies. You may be a pirate, but you're not a bad person," Kaya said with a playful smile.
"Not a bad person? I'll take the compliment," Lister laughed. "Can I bring my people into the village? They've been cooped up on the ships for a while—let them have a drink and celebrate."
"Of course. Guests are welcome in Syrup Village—as long as they behave. Everyone, right?"
"That's right," the villagers answered. "As long as they're guests and don't make trouble, they're welcome!"
"Much obliged." Lister turned and addressed his crew. "You heard them. The villagers aren't turning us away. Once you're in the village, eat, drink, and have fun—but absolutely no trouble. Anyone who stirs it up answers to me. Understood?"
"Understood!"
Many pirates cheered; a few natural socialites were already chatting with the locals like old friends.
"Then let's go."
Syrup Village, the grand villa at its heart.
After more than an hour of discussion between Kaya and Nami, they settled on leaving fifteen million with Kaya for operating funds and transferring the remaining thirty-five million to Lister.
With the cash in hand, Lister borrowed a room.
"Golden Finger: add three points to Spirit, point three to Physique."
[Allocation complete.]
[Patron: Lister]
[Physique: 3.5]
[Spirit: 4.3]
[Gold Index: 0]
In this span he had also, by using Six Ku Senzei to consume food, gained another 0.1 in spirit and strength. Satisfied with the numbers, he nodded.
"My mental power just tripled. I wonder how long I can hold Overclock now. I'll test it when I have time."
He stepped out of the room. "Lister, you're out!" Nami and Kaya came to meet him. After a short while together, they were already on easy terms—no more "Captain Lister" and "Miss Kaya," just Lister and Kaya.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"It wasn't long."
"The staff have dinner ready. Shall we eat?"
"Good idea. Johnson's out there celebrating—let's celebrate becoming friends," Lister said to Kaya.
"Okay!"
The banquet began. Aside from Kaya as hostess, only Nami and the twelve girls attended—no male pirates. After some time with Lister, the girls had begun to understand his character and slowly put down their fear, even daring to toast him. He accepted every glass with a smile. They ate for three or four hours.
Night fell.
"Lister, Nami, it's late. You're not in a rush to leave, are you? Why not stay here for the night?" Kaya urged.
"Then we'll impose," Lister said after glancing at the sky. He slipped out briefly to tell his men they'd sail another day, then returned to the villa. The girls were already asleep. With a servant's directions he found the bath, washed up, and went to the room prepared for him.
He had just lain down when someone slipped quietly into the room, then into his bed.
"Kaya…"
"Don't talk. Kiss me."
He did not turn her away. The room fell silent as the night deepened.