Chapter Fifty-Four: Preparing to Leave

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The sun had risen, its rays bright and lively, mischievously slipping through the cracks of the window to bathe the room in warmth. Outside, the early birds chirped incessantly, as if celebrating the arrival of a new day.

Camille held Robin in his arms at the head of the bed, the two quietly savoring the morning, like a pair of celestial lovers untouched by the world.

“How was your time outside?” Robin asked softly, nestled in Camille’s embrace.

Gently stroking Robin’s silky hair, Camille replied, “It was alright. I met everyone I needed to. Next time, you should come with me.”

Robin laughed lightly, teasing, “Aren’t you afraid I’ll hinder your flirting with beautiful women?”

Camille pinched her small nose, his tone a little stern. “With the three of you already, isn’t that enough? Do you really think I fall in love with every woman I meet?”

Robin glanced at him with doubt. “Don’t all men lose their heads when they see a beautiful woman? By the way, what’s the story with Ice Phoenix? Tell me everything—I want to hear it.”

Camille’s face flushed with embarrassment as he tightened his hold on the lovely woman and began recounting how he met and fell in love with Ice Phoenix.

“…And that’s how it happened,” Camille concluded with a mischievous laugh.

Rolling her eyes at the man holding her, Robin sighed gently. “Well, lucky you! Ice Phoenix is a good person—don’t let her down, alright? And Hancock, you have no idea. While you were gone, she waited for you every day. You should spend some time with her once we get up.”

Thinking of Hancock, who was still just a young girl, Camille’s face lit up with a smile. “I never expected that little girl to fall for your husband so quickly. See how charming I am—aren’t you jealous?”

“Hmph! Why should I be jealous, as long as you love me,” Robin replied with a soft hum, the last words drifting quietly.

Hearing her words, warmth filled Camille’s heart. He tightened his embrace around Robin, letting silent affection speak for itself.

……

“Brother Camille, are you awake?” A voice tinged with childish innocence came from outside; Hancock peeked her head through the door, glancing into Camille’s room.

Robin smiled softly. “Someone’s looking for you. We’d better get up—the sun is already high.”

“Yeah, I’m up. We’ll be out soon.”

As Robin dressed, her skin occasionally flashed into view, and Camille didn’t dawdle either, quickly putting on his clothes.

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Soon, the two walked out of the room. Hancock was sitting on the corridor railing outside, hands propping up her chin, muttering, “Why is Brother Camille so slow? Is Sister Robin in there too?”

Hearing the young girl’s words, Camille and Robin exchanged a knowing smile.

At the sound of footsteps, Hancock turned to see them, leaping lightly from the railing and running to Camille’s side, grabbing his hand. “I guessed Sister Robin was in your room. What did you two do last night?”

Camille glanced at Robin with a strange look, as if to say: How does Hancock know so much at her age? Did you teach her?

Robin rolled her eyes, laughing softly at Hancock. “Hehe! Whatever we did, it’s none of your business.”

Hancock stuck out her tongue and ignored Robin. She swung Camille’s hand back and forth. “Brother Camille, who is that sister over there? I woke up early and saw her sitting on the roof, basking in the sun.”

Ice Phoenix?

Camille leapt onto the roof. Not far away, a beautiful woman with silver hair was sitting, hands under her chin, seemingly sunbathing, though her drifting gaze seemed to be watching them.

A pang tugged at Camille’s heart as he tiptoed over and pulled Ice Phoenix into his arms. Robin watched this scene from afar without comment, while Hancock stared wide-eyed at Robin and whispered, “Sister Robin, who is that? And why is Brother Camille hugging her?”

Robin, smiling, took Hancock’s hand and sat on the roof. “She’s Brother Camille’s new wife. You’d better hurry and grow up so you can become his lover too.”

Hancock glanced at the pair in the distance, then at Robin, her eyes burning with resolve. “In a couple of years, I’ll definitely become Brother Camille’s wife!” She waved her delicate fists in a show of determination.

………

“So, what did Robin say to you last night?” Camille released the woman in his arms and embraced her as they sat together.

Ice Phoenix buried her head in Camille’s chest, her voice barely audible. “Not much. Just that the little girl over there is your future lover, and that I should be prepared. You really have no shame, going after such a young girl.”

“Ahem! That’s not what you think. I’m saving her—didn’t you see this island? There’s not a single man here but me. If I don’t rescue her, who will? Hahaha!” Camille laughed awkwardly.

“Really! I never expected an island full of women. It’s my first time in a place like this,” Ice Phoenix looked around. By now, the streets below were bustling, all with women.

“Next time, I won’t bring you along when I leave. Stay on the island with Robin. I want to take Hancock out to see the world. She’s never been outside,” Camille said, gazing at the deep blue sky.

Ice Phoenix paused, then nodded slightly. “That little girl, right? The one beside Robin?” She glanced in Robin’s direction.

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Just then, Robin looked over, saw Ice Phoenix, and nodded gently.

“Yes, that’s Hancock. She’s barely left the island. When the Four Emperors are decided, I plan to take her out. I’ll probably go somewhere with Red,” Camille explained.

“By the way, the Navy must be very wary of this place now. If they attack, I’ll have to rely on you and Robin.” Camille gently stroked Ice Phoenix’s smooth hair, his tone uncertain.

The Navy knew little of his true strength. When he fought the three Admirals, he had only used a tenth of his power. The Navy might think that, with enough forces, they could kill him. If he wasn’t here, Robin and Ice Phoenix would have to defend the island. Their strength was nearly equal to his. Even if the Navy sent all their forces—the three Admirals, Garp, Sengoku—it would be impossible to breach Amazon Lily. If those two women didn’t hold back, they could wipe out the invaders entirely.

Of course, Camille would rather avoid such trouble. If the Navy dared to attack Amazon Lily, he would teach them a lesson they would never forget.

“Yes, if the Navy comes while you’re gone, I’ll make sure to give them a good thrashing,” Ice Phoenix nodded, her eyes blazing, as if hoping the Navy would come soon. Clearly, violence was in her nature.

Soon, Camille had been on Amazon Lily for three months. The islanders were unaware of his presence, though Hancock’s two sisters knew. Camille ordered them to keep it secret.

One morning, Camille was teaching Hancock to train. Nearby, Robin and Ice Phoenix played chess—an invention of Camille’s, carved from stones, to relieve their boredom.

“Eh?”

He frowned slightly. The soul imprint he’d left with Whitebeard had vanished; the Four Emperors must have been chosen. He needed to leave now. Glancing at the women playing chess, regret flickered in his eyes.

“Robin, Ice Phoenix, come here—I have something to say.” Camille beckoned them over.

The two ended their game and walked over.

“Is it time to go?” Robin asked softly, sitting on the railing. Ice Phoenix looked on, puzzled.

“Yes. The highest honor among pirates—the Four Emperors have been chosen. I must go and make it clear to them: Amazon Lily will be a forbidden land in the future. If they dare come, they’ll face the most ruthless punishment,” Camille declared forcefully. There was no doubt—if pirates invaded Amazon Lily, their fate would be grim.

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