After hearing Hancock's explanation, Rolan finally understood the reason behind her strange behavior.
It all traced back to the day he attacked the Celestial Dragons. Those figures had long been the deepest nightmare carved into Hancock's heart. From that moment on, she had followed every piece of news about him. Without even realizing it, admiration had slowly transformed into infatuation.
Rolan lifted a hand and brushed his face lightly, his thoughts drifting with faint, dry amusement. So even the so called most beautiful woman in the world of One Piece falls this hard.
"Th then… Rolan sama," Hancock said softly, her voice trembling like a nervous kitten, "can I invite you to have dinner with me?"
Her words were gentle, filled with careful hope.
Rolan already knew that rejecting her outright would only crush her completely. He also understood very clearly that Hancock's feelings were sincere, just dangerously intense. Still, he had no reason to refuse free hospitality from the ruler of an island.
"Fine," he replied calmly. "Let me see what Amazon Lily has to offer."
The moment he agreed, Hancock's legs nearly gave out beneath her. Rolan caught her by instinct before she collapsed. Her body felt light in his arms, carrying a faint sweet fragrance.
"Th this is mar marriage," she murmured weakly.
Rolan's brows twitched faintly. "Do not jump to conclusions."
Even so, seeing the legendary Empress reduced to such a state was… strange. He finally understood how absurd it must have looked when he once saw Hancock behave this way toward Luffy. Experiencing it firsthand was something else entirely.
Soon after, Hancock personally led Rolan through the streets of Amazon Lily.
The entire island bustled with life. Vendors shouted from every direction.
"Fresh Sea King meat, hunted this morning."
"Newly roasted wild boar, come and taste."
"Custom forged broadswords, forty pounds solid steel."
Every stall owner, every passerby, every craftsman was a woman. Strong, sharp, and disciplined. This was a nation where every citizen was a warrior.
Yet the moment Hancock appeared, the reaction was immediate.
"Hancock sama."
"Snake Princess."
"She looked at me."
"Hancock sama, I love you."
Rolan walked quietly at her side, his expression indifferent. The worship she inspired did not surprise him. Strength ruled this land, and she stood at its summit. Beauty only sharpened that authority.
Hancock ignored the crowd completely, her hand firmly holding onto Rolan's sleeve as she led him forward.
Suddenly, a small black cat darted out from the crowd and rubbed affectionately against her heel.
"Who allowed a filthy creature onto my road," Hancock said coldly, lifting her foot and kicking the cat away.
An elderly woman hurried forward, scooping the frightened animal into her arms. "I apologize, Hancock sama. It was my fault."
Hancock gave her a brief glance. "Be careful next time."
Then, turning back to Rolan, her tone softened instantly. "Please do not mind that, Rolan sama. She did not mean it."
The contrast was so sharp it was almost jarring. Rolan noted it quietly. Absolute tyranny to outsiders, complete tenderness toward him.
They soon arrived at the wide plaza before the palace. A combat tournament was in progress, the stands filled with cheering spectators.
"Hancock sama has arrived."
At once, the eyes of the entire crowd turned toward them.
"Please guide us, Hancock sama."
She merely shook her head. "Continue."
Rolan observed the duel in the arena. Both combatants were already using Armament Haki, and their Observation Haki had just begun to awaken. Scanning the island with his senses, he quickly realized that several warriors here surpassed even them.
Only then did he fully grasp why Kuma had once sent Luffy to this island. Haki was abundant here. It was exactly what Luffy had lacked before the New World.
Hancock soon brought Rolan into the palace banquet hall. The enormous room was empty except for a massive dining table prepared for two.
"Please wait a moment, Rolan sama," she whispered near his ear. "I will prepare everything myself."
For the ruler of an island and one of the Shichibukai to behave this way would have shocked the entire world. Yet she seemed to take genuine joy in it.
Not long after, Hancock returned carrying a decorative plate carved with snake patterns. Upon it lay neat rows of white pastries adorned with pink heart shapes.
"These are pastries I made just for you."
Rolan took one calmly and placed it into his mouth. The pastry melted instantly, releasing a gentle sweetness laced with a faint floral scent.
He ate another.
Hancock watched him nervously, hands folded before her chest.
"They are excellent," Rolan said plainly. "Better than I expected."
That single line was enough to make her beam with happiness.
"This is only the appetizer," she said brightly. "Please wait. I will prepare the main dishes as well."
She hurried off again.
Rolan leaned back slightly and exhaled. From ancient times to now, heroes fall to beauty just the same.
Within two hours, the dining table was filled edge to edge with lavish dishes. Hancock knelt beside him, personally feeding him each one.
If the warriors of Amazon Lily had witnessed this scene, it would have shattered what little emotional stability they had left.
Rolan did not enjoy being served like this, yet he allowed it to continue. Each time he accepted a bite, Hancock's face lit up in pure joy. That simple reaction was enough to make her persist.
The meal stretched late into the evening.
Finally, Rolan could no longer eat another bite. Only then did Hancock withdraw.
The sky outside darkened gradually.
"What troubles you," Rolan asked, noticing her sudden hesitation.
Hancock bit her lip, clearly struggling with her thoughts before finally speaking. "Rolan sama… please remain here. I am going to bathe."
Rolan paused.
"So direct," he muttered under his breath.
Without warning, voices rang out across the palace.
"Everyone evacuate. Hancock sama is going to bathe."
In an instant, the Kuja Pirates pulled the curtains shut, sealing off the palace entirely.
The atmosphere inside shifted without a single word.
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