Roger 18: Chapter 18: vs.
Roger “Is that him?
I’ve seen him in the newspapers.” Standing behind Roger, Scopper Gaban glanced at Dæmon.
“That’s Dæmon—the brewer and newest member of the Rocks Pirates.” Roger immediately understood.
However, Dæmon’s identity was not what concerned him.
He cared only about one thing.
“What exactly is your relationship with Shakky?” “We’re merely fellow tavern owners,” Dæmon replied calmly.
Young Roger was a hopeless simp whose jealousy had overwhelmed his common sense.
If Dæmon remembered correctly, the person Shakky truly liked was Silvers Rayleigh, the first mate of the Roger Pirates.
Why was Roger getting jealous of him instead?
Roger clearly could not believe that Shakky had given away his gift almost immediately after accepting it.
His expression became heartbroken.
“Shakky, why did you give the Devil Fruit I gave you to someone else?” Shakky’s eyes curved into crescents as she smiled sweetly, clearly amused by the misunderstanding.
Nevertheless, she offered a serious explanation.
“It’s only a business transaction.
Dæmon is a brewer, and his wine is extraordinary.
The only way to obtain a glass is by trading him a Devil Fruit.” “What kind of wine could possibly be that valuable?” Roger stared at Dæmon in disbelief.
However, he quickly relaxed.
As long as Dæmon and Shakky were not lovers, Roger still had a chance!
Unfortunately, Shakky’s next question shattered his heart once again.
“By the way, Roger, did Rayleigh come with you?” Roger’s lips twitched.
“He didn’t want to come ashore.
He stayed aboard the ship.” “He didn’t want to see me?” Shakky paused, a trace of melancholy appearing in her eyes.
Dæmon’s interest was immediately aroused.
Roger loves Shakky, Shakky likes Rayleigh, and Rayleigh is Roger’s closest companion.
What a tragic love triangle.
Then another thought entered his mind.
Wait…
What about Ace?
Dæmon suddenly believed he had figured everything out.
Roger had failed to win Shakky’s heart.
Later, after learning that he was dying, he traveled to the South Blue, found another woman, married her, and had a child.
While Dæmon was silently enjoying the gossip, Shakky’s breathing suddenly quickened.
Her face flushed unnaturally, and her body began trembling.
Stussy’s expression changed.
She quickly stepped forward and supported Shakky.
“What’s wrong?” “I feel…
terrible…” Shakky’s breathing grew increasingly strained.
A moment later, her head tilted to one side, and she lost consciousness.
“Shakky!” “Shakky-chan!” “Miss Shakky!” The surrounding pirates cried out in alarm and hurriedly gathered around her.
Dæmon was also startled.
Could this be the lovesickness of Amazon Lily?
As if confirming his suspicions, Stussy spoke with a solemn expression.
“It’s Amazon Lily’s lovesickness!
Gloriosa once suffered from the same illness!” Roger looked completely bewildered.
“What illness?
How do we cure it?
Where’s the doctor?!
Someone find a doctor!” “If it’s only an illness, then the solution is simple.” Dæmon stepped forward.
“Stussy, carry her into the tavern.
One glass of my wine should be enough.” An immortal could survive even after being decapitated.
A mere case of lovesickness should pose no threat.
Besides, Shakky had just given him a Devil Fruit.
The timing of their transaction could not have been better.
The others knew nothing about the Elixir of Immortality, but Stussy immediately understood.
Her eyes lit up.
“Of course!
Everyone, please move aside.” She carried Shakky into the tavern and placed her on a bed in the private lounge.
Roger attempted to follow them, but Stussy blocked the entrance.
“You can’t come inside.” Roger immediately pointed at Dæmon.
“Why is he allowed in?” “I’m the one saving her,” Dæmon replied irritably.
“Unless you’d rather do it yourself?” Roger fell silent.
Stussy could not hold back her laughter.
She quickly composed herself, closed the door, and turned toward Dæmon.
“Where’s the wine?” Without answering, Dæmon raised one hand.
Black lightning flashed around his palm, and the remaining three-quarters of a bottle of the Elixir of Immortality appeared in his grasp.
Stussy covered her mouth in surprise.
“You’re an ability user?
What kind of ability is that?” “The ability to brew wine,” Dæmon replied casually.
He walked to the bedside and poured a full glass.
“Help her sit up.” Stussy immediately did as instructed.
She supported Shakky’s body, pinched her chin, and forced her mouth open slightly.
Dæmon carefully poured the wine down her throat while examining her beautiful face.
To be honest, he still could not understand how Shakky had captivated Rocks, Roger, Shiki, Whitebeard, and countless other pirates.
“Done.” After emptying the glass, Dæmon put away the remaining half bottle.
“Is she going to be all right?” Stussy asked.
“Why hasn’t she woken up?” “How could it work that quickly?” Dæmon was not entirely certain himself.
He raised his hand and slapped Shakky across the face.
Smack!
Stussy stared at him with wide eyes.
“What are you doing?!” “Trying to wake her up.” “I know that, but don’t you think there’s something wrong with your method?” He had actually slapped Shakky in the face!
Stussy felt as though she had discovered an entirely new world.
A man who remained completely unaffected by Shakky’s beauty truly existed.
She began staring at Dæmon with open admiration, making him feel slightly uncomfortable.
“Mm…” At that moment, the unconscious Shakky slowly opened her eyes, interrupting their conversation.
Stussy immediately leaned closer.
“Are you all right, Shakky?” “I nearly died just now, didn’t I?” Shakky pressed one hand against her chest, lingering fear visible on her face.
“It was Amazon Lily’s lovesickness.
I never realized it could be so dangerous.” For a brief moment, she had genuinely felt as if her heart had stopped beating.
“You seem fine now, so our transaction is complete.” Dæmon smiled before turning around and leaving the lounge.
Shakky stared blankly at his retreating figure.
Then she looked toward Stussy.
Stussy smiled, her admiration for Dæmon growing even stronger.
A man who refused to be enchanted by Shakky was truly impressive.
“He gave you a glass of the Elixir of Immortality,” Stussy explained.
“You’re now an immortal, just like me.” Shakky’s eyes widened.
“I drank it while I was unconscious?” “Yes.
Otherwise, do you think you would have recovered so easily?” Stussy appeared equally amazed.
“I never expected the Elixir of Immortality to cure Amazon Lily’s lovesickness.” Perhaps immortals could no longer suffer from any disease.
Shakky sat frozen for a moment.
“No wonder I can smell wine on my breath.” Her expression suddenly became frustrated.
“Damn it!
I didn’t even get to taste it!” She had desired the Elixir of Immortality not only because it could grant eternal life, but also because she wanted to experience its legendary flavor.
“You should be thanking Dæmon for saving your life,” Stussy said, rolling her eyes.
“How do you feel now?” Shakky sighed helplessly and pressed a hand against her heart.
Her expression gradually became strange.
“It’s peculiar.
When I heard that Rayleigh didn’t want to see me, I felt as though I were about to die.” “But now…” She felt nothing at all.
…
Meanwhile, the moment Dæmon stepped out of the lounge, Roger blocked his path.
“Hey!
How is Shakky?” “First, my name isn’t ‘Hey.’ It’s Dæmon,” Dæmon replied.
“Second, she’s fine.
She has already regained consciousness.” Roger immediately released a relieved sigh.
Dæmon could hardly tolerate such hopeless simps.
He could not resist offering a few words of advice.
“Roger, have you ever heard a certain saying?” “What saying?” “A simp who never knows when to give up will eventually end up with nothing.” That certainly did not sound like a pleasant saying.
Roger snorted dismissively.
“You have no idea how much I love Shakky!” He paused before changing the subject.
“You’re the newest member of the Rocks Pirates, aren’t you?
Where is Rocks?” “He went to Elbaf.” Dæmon shook his head inwardly.
There was truly no saving this man.
“Really?” Roger appeared slightly disappointed.
Then he turned back toward Dæmon, and a broad grin spread across his face.
“So that spiky-haired bastard isn’t here.
In that case, how about having a spar with me?” Dæmon narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
Does he really want a friendly spar, or does he see me as a romantic rival and want an excuse to beat me up?
Whatever Roger’s true motives were, the opportunity was too valuable to refuse.
Dæmon smiled.
“Come on, then.” I’d like to experience the future Pirate King’s strength for myself!