Half a month was enough time for chaos to settle.
It was also enough for the scent of blood in Mary Geoise to fade, gradually carried away by the sea breeze.
The Marines’ large-scale manhunt had finally come to an end.
Of the nearly ten thousand slaves who escaped, most had been recaptured or killed.
Only a scattered few remained unaccounted for.
The conclusion reached by the Gorosei was simple.
“Most likely dead at the bottom of the sea.”
From the towering height of the Red Line to the violent currents below, survival was uncertain even for the strongest swimmers.
Deep-sea Sea Kings and unpredictable tides made escape nearly impossible.
The only confirmed survivors were the Fish-Man slaves who had fled into the depths of the ocean.
Saint Ibarrabon V.
Nascensur spoke slowly, his voice rough.
“What remains is to clean up the loose ends.”
“Pressure Fish-Man Island into handing over those Fish-Man slaves.”
“Agreed.”
The others responded without hesitation.
Ibarrabon V.
Nascensur continued,
“There is another matter.
Zephyr has submitted his resignation again.
Thoughts?”
Jaygarcia Saturn Saint frowned.
“Still clinging to that ‘No Kill’ principle?”
“Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokiji are already capable of becoming Admirals.”
“Let him step down.
Send him to train recruits instead.”
“Agreed.”
The decision was unanimous.
With the manhunt over, the strict surveillance around Cassian’s residence was finally lifted.
For the members of the God’s Knights, it felt like a pardon.
For half a month, they had rotated shifts, watching him without pause.
It was more exhausting than guarding the Void Throne itself.
In the end, only two remained assigned to him.
Gunko, wearing a military cap with bandages covering her mouth, and Lilian, the long-haired female knight.
Their task was simple, follow him during the day and prevent unnecessary trouble.
As Garling departed with the others, he let out a long breath.
“Finally, some relief.”
Cassian scoffed.
“Am I really that much trouble?
I’m not some kind of monster.”
Hancock, seated beside him, rolled her eyes.
“You’re worse than one.”
Over the past half month, the residence had grown livelier with the addition of Lily and the others.
Whether it was due to a sense of competition or the effect of that sudden kiss, Hancock’s attitude toward Cassian had noticeably softened.
Now, when Cassian leaned in and kissed her cheek, she still blushed, but only turned her head slightly instead of pushing him away.
Cassian took it further, wrapping an arm around her waist and lowering his voice.
“Looks like the Little Maid is getting more obedient.”
“Afraid those newcomers might take your place?”
Hancock’s ears turned red instantly.
She forced herself to glare at him.
“Who’s afraid?
I just don’t care enough to argue with you.”
Her gaze flicked toward Lily and the others, carrying a faint sense of possessiveness.
The girls exchanged helpless looks.
Miss Hancock had become noticeably more attached lately.
Especially in front of them.
Koala hugged Cassian’s arm, blinking innocently.
“Big Brother Cassian, Sister Hancock is like a kitten guarding her food.”
Cassian laughed and pinched her cheek.
“Smart as always.”
Hancock, annoyed, lightly pinched his side.
There was no strength behind it, more playful than anything.
Cassian caught her hand and pressed a kiss against it.
“Alright, I’ll stop.”
He leaned back slightly.
“Martial law’s over.
Want to go out?”
Hancock answered immediately.
“No.
Too many Celestial Dragons outside.
Just looking at them is annoying.”
Cassian’s eyes gleamed with interest.
“That’s exactly why we should go.”
“They need a reminder that their ‘overlord’ is still around.”
After half a month indoors, those people had probably forgotten what fear felt like.
It was time to fix that.
Koala raised her hand excitedly.
“I want to go too!
I want to help teach the bad people a lesson!”
Cassian ruffled her hair.
“You can come, just don’t run off.”
He looked back at Hancock.
“Still not going?
I’ll just take Lily and the others then.”
“I heard there’s a new dessert shop.
Supposedly good.”
“I’m going.”
Hancock stood up immediately, smoothing her skirt.
“I want to see what you’re planning this time.”
Cassian chuckled.
Predictable.
When Cassian stepped out with Hancock and Koala, followed by Gunko and Lilian, the atmosphere on the street changed instantly.
Celestial Dragons who had been wandering around froze in place.
Then panic set in.
“It’s Cassian!”
“Run!”
“Move!
Get out of the way!”
In seconds, the once lively street emptied.
Only trembling slaves and a few guards remained behind.
Cassian stroked his chin, amused.
“Not bad.
Even the Gorosei don’t get this kind of reaction.”
Hancock snorted.
“You’re just good at scaring trash.”
Cassian intertwined his fingers with hers.
“Come on, let’s get dessert.”
Hancock’s face flushed slightly, but she did not pull away.
They walked forward together, Koala skipping happily beside them, while Gunko and Lilian followed in silence.
Inside the dessert shop, the owner, a chubby middle-aged man, nearly collapsed in fear at the sight of Cassian.
Cassian smiled.
“Relax.
Just bring me your best desserts.”
“Make them large portions.”
“Yes!
Right away!”
The man rushed to comply, hands shaking.
While waiting, Cassian glanced outside.
Across the street, a Celestial Dragon was forcing a slave to polish his shoes.
When the man moved too slowly, he was struck with a cane.
Cassian’s expression cooled.
“Some people never learn.”
He released Hancock’s hand and walked over.
The Celestial Dragon noticed him and froze, dropping the cane.
“L-Lord Cassian… what do you need?”
Cassian stopped in front of him, smiling faintly.
“Nothing serious.”
“I just wanted to ask, what did this slave do wrong?”
The man stammered.
“N-Nothing… I just didn’t like how he looked…”
Cassian’s tone turned colder.
“So you beat him for that?”
He tilted his head slightly.
“I don’t like how you look right now either.
What should I do?”
The Celestial Dragon collapsed to his knees.
“Mercy!
I won’t do it again!”
Cassian waved his hand dismissively.
“Get out of my sight.”
“Yes!
Right away!”
The man fled in panic, even leaving his shoes behind.
Cassian turned and helped the slave to his feet.
“If anyone bothers you again, tell them my name.”
(..uhn, but he’s a slave tho.)
The slave bowed repeatedly, tears streaming down his face.
“Thank you, Lord Cassian!”
Hancock watched quietly.
Any lingering dissatisfaction she had felt earlier disappeared completely.
She liked this side of him.
Ruthless, yet reliable.
“Come on, the desserts should be ready.”
Cassian returned and casually draped an arm over her shoulder.
This time, Hancock did not resist.
Instead, she leaned slightly closer.
Behind them, Gunko and Lilian exchanged looks.
Neither said a word, but the meaning was clear.
They had both seen enough of this.