Chapter Thirty-Nine: Arrival!

Thunder roared outside, shaking the heavens, while inside the rocking cabin, a scene of tender affection unfolded.

Camille held the girl in his arms, gently stroking her hair. She nestled shyly against his chest. The scattered stains upon the sheets bore witness to the transformation of a maiden into a woman.

“Do you regret it?” Camille asked softly, his voice filled with tenderness.

Ice Phoenix raised her gaze to Camille, her beautiful face still flushed with the lingering glow of passion. “I belong to you now—would regret even matter?” She buried her head deeper into his embrace, her lovely features blushing so deeply that it seemed the color might drip from her skin, making her all the more enchanting.

“Heh, I never thought my charm was so great, that I’d captivate you so quickly,” Camille teased with a mischievous smile, his hands wandering through Ice Phoenix’s silken hair and smooth back.

Ice Phoenix, her face hidden against his chest, seemed troubled. She lifted her head as if steeling herself. “I’m not human, and you already have a wife. Will you abandon me?” Her face was clouded with worry and fear.

Camille was startled by her words. He gazed down at the shy woman in his arms, feeling her slight tremble, and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “As long as you don’t abandon me, then nothing else matters. So what if you’re not human? There’s a saying: love breaks every shackle.”

Looking into Camille’s eyes, filled with love and tenderness, the girl smiled happily. Outside, the thunderstorm faded, the sun appeared, and warm sunlight streamed in through the small cabin window, bathing her in radiance and easing her heart, making her beauty shine all the brighter.

“Lie here and rest. I’ll go prepare something to eat,” Camille said, kissing her forehead gently.

“Alright, I’ll wait for you,” Ice Phoenix replied quietly, her cheeks flushed.

Camille dressed, took the sheet and covered Ice Phoenix’s alluring form, then walked to the cabin door. As he opened it, sunlight poured in uninterrupted. Ice Phoenix shifted slightly on the bed, feeling the faint ache below, and smiled in contentment—happiness was hers to grasp.

Standing on the deck, basking in the warm sunlight, Camille felt truly joyful. Ice Phoenix’s willingness to follow him was a blessing, and he ought to care for her well. When all was settled, he would take her to Amazon Lily. He wondered how Robin would admonish him, and thought of the girl still waiting for him. No matter what, he wanted them all to be happy, filled with joy.

Wearing only shorts, Camille stood at the ship’s rail, holding his great blade, Heavenly Snow. With a light leap, he dove into the sea.

Half an hour later, Camille broke the surface and landed lightly on the deck, pausing in surprise when he saw Ice Phoenix sunning herself there.

After Camille went into the sea, Ice Phoenix had risen. Though Camille had left her weak and her body still a little sore, the constitution of a celestial beast was remarkable—she recovered quickly. Dressed in a nightgown, she walked to the deck and sat in a lounge chair, waiting for the scoundrel to return.

The sunlight gilded Ice Phoenix’s delicate form, making her appear as if edged in gold. Camille was momentarily entranced—she was both beautiful and splendid.

“Why are you out here? Aren’t you going to rest?” Camille asked, concerned, as he approached Ice Phoenix.

Her cheeks colored at his words, and she glared at him. “Weren’t you getting food? I’m hungry.”

In truth, Ice Phoenix wasn’t hungry at all. Like Camille, at their level they only needed to absorb the essence of heaven and earth, no longer requiring food. Yet, to taste something prepared by one’s beloved—why not indulge?

Camille was nearly stunned by her look. She was no longer a mere girl; everything about her radiated charm and beauty.

Smiling gently, Camille kissed Ice Phoenix’s forehead. “Don’t worry, just wait here and let me serve you.”

Her cheeks reddened even more, and she nodded, refusing to pay the rascal any further attention.

Camille went to the ship’s kitchen. The prey he’d caught in the sea was all stored in his ring. Soon he had everything prepared, and he and Ice Phoenix ate together at the little table on the deck, opening two bottles of whisky as well.

“Will your wife get jealous?” Ice Phoenix asked, chewing on a lobster claw, somewhat uneasy.

Camille washed down a mouthful of roasted sea king with whisky. “Are you afraid Robin won’t accept you?”

“Yes, I worry she won’t. If that happens, what will I do?” Ice Phoenix’s face was full of concern.

Camille smiled. “Don’t worry—she’s very kind. When you meet her, you should learn from her.”

Ice Phoenix gave Camille a glare and focused on her food—which, truth be told, was delicious. Camille and Robin had lived by the sea for years, after all.

...

A week passed since Camille and Ice Phoenix breached that final boundary. Phoenixes truly were divine birds; after recovering, Ice Phoenix and Camille engaged in intense battles across the deserted sea.

Today they would arrive at Monster Island. Pirate ships became more frequent along the way, but it seemed everyone knew who was aboard the small vessel—none dared cause trouble. Camille was content, enjoying leisure, teasing Ice Phoenix when bored, and the days passed swiftly.

Gazing at the distant island, the compass pointed straight toward it. Camille and Ice Phoenix, hand in hand, stood at the bow. The island was vast, comparable to Little Devil Island. Several pirate ships were docked at the pier, and only a small town could be seen. The island was breathtaking, its thick, ancient trees reminiscent of primeval forests. From time to time, immense birds soared from the woods, resembling pterosaurs from Earth. Roars echoed constantly, evoking the atmosphere of the Little Garden from the first half of the Grand Line, though the beasts here were far fiercer.

Suddenly, a figure stepped across the air using Moonwalk, landing swiftly on Camille’s ship. Red hair, black cloak, an adorable straw hat atop his head, and a rapier at his waist—it was Red, Captain of the Red Pirates, Red Shanks. He hadn’t waited aboard the Jack for Camille and Ice Phoenix, but had come impatiently himself.

“Why so silent? Don’t you recognize me?” Shanks took off his straw hat, revealing a sunny smile.

Camille smiled back. This guy was always like this—sunny as ever. Though everyone mourned Roger’s death, it was also a new beginning.

“Hey! Shanks, you’re getting more handsome,” Camille said, releasing Ice Phoenix’s soft hand and giving Red’s muscular chest a friendly punch.

“Of course. And who’s this beside you—could she be...?” Red asked, pulling Camille aside and whispering with a mischievous grin.

Camille rolled his eyes, walked to Ice Phoenix, and took her hand. “Ice Phoenix, this is Red Shanks, my big brother.”

Still so intimate in front of others, Camille made Ice Phoenix blush deeply. She spoke shyly, “Brother Shanks, I’m Ice Phoenix, Camille’s wife. It’s a pleasure to meet you—Camille often talks about you.”

Shanks’ eyes sparkled as he looked at Camille. “Well! Not bad, you’ve got a wife already, while I’m still single.”

Camille shook his head in exasperation, looking at Red with disdain. “You’d better find a wife soon. If you don’t, what will you do when you’re old?”

Shanks laughed loudly, scratching his head. “Enough about that—let’s go ashore and celebrate. We brothers haven’t seen each other in over ten years.”

Camille was delighted. Red was truly a good man. He recalled first meeting him as a young boy, a trainee pirate aboard the Pirate King Roger’s ship, and now he’d become one of the most feared pirates on the Grand Line.

“Alright, you go ahead. I’ll handle the ship,” Camille said, nodding.

“Ha! Hurry up, I’ll have the boys ready the best liquor.” With that, Red strode off toward the pier using Moonwalk.

Camille glanced at Ice Phoenix, who nodded slightly. With a wave of her hand, their small ship vanished, startling Red, who kept glancing back. Even more surprising, Camille and Ice Phoenix stood in midair, unmoving, doing nothing at all. Shanks’ heart churned—these two were so powerful, and the woman was no weakling either! Was Camille always surrounded by monsters?

Tightening his grip on Ice Phoenix’s hand, Camille and Ice Phoenix flashed forward, their speed exploding, the air booming in their wake. In no time, they overtook Red, arriving ahead of him.

Giving him a bit of a show, huh? Sighing, Red increased his speed and soon caught up.

Camille only smiled, continuing onward.

In just a few breaths, the three reached the pier, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the surrounding pirates.

...

Everyone, I’ve been very busy lately, working overtime, and even after work there’s farm chores to do, so updates have been unstable. I apologize. Once things settle down, updates will be regular again.

I won’t say much more—please keep supporting me, rest assured there will be no dropped stories, and remember to vote!

Group ID: 78796064