Chapter 9
I step into the Paradise Emperor’s banquet hall right on time, straight from the casino. It’s not that I’m more interested in fancy parties than gambling, but the ship’s owner is more likely to show up here—mingling with the VIPs or at least popping in for a quick word before slipping away. You don’t get that in the casino.
The owner, of course, is Badsey—the “Wicked Merchant” and my target for this job. Well, “target” might be generous. He’s hardly a real opponent. I’m just here to size him up.
I grab a glass of wine from a passing waiter’s tray and find a seat near the aisle, glancing at the empty stage. Sipping my drink, I settle in to wait.
Suddenly, a soft “Ah!” catches my ear. I turn to see a girl in a white dress with short orange hair stumbling toward me, about to crash. I react fast, setting down my glass and stepping to the side. One hand steadies her arm, the other catches her waist, keeping her from hitting the floor.
“You okay?” I ask, helping her stand.
She steadies herself, looking a bit embarrassed, and nods. “I’m… fine. Thanks, sir. I would’ve made a fool of myself otherwise.”
“No big deal,” I say, waving it off with a grin. “Besides, if I hadn’t caught you, that wine in your hand would’ve ruined my suit. So, I was saving myself too.”
“Uh…” She glances at her glass, giving an awkward smile. “Sorry about that, sir.”
I laugh. “Just messing with you. No offense taken.” I drop back into my seat, relaxed.
Instead of leaving, the girl takes the chair across from me, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Mind if I sit here?”
“Your call,” I say, shrugging and gesturing to the seat.
“Thanks,” she says politely, settling in. She doesn’t wait for me to make small talk. “I don’t know your name yet, sir.”
“Roy,” I reply, leaning into my alias with a touch of pride. “From the Goa Kingdom.”
Her eyes light up. “The Goa Kingdom? That’s the most beautiful place in the East Blue, isn’t it?”
I make a mock-pained face. “Eh, I thought so too until yesterday. Now, I’d say this ship’s the real gem.”
“What?” She tilts her head, puzzled. “No way. The Paradise Emperor’s fancy, sure, but it can’t beat the Goa Kingdom, right?”
“Maybe not the ship itself,” I concede, nodding. Then I flash a sly grin, eyeing her. “But the Goa Kingdom doesn’t have anyone as charming as you, miss.”
Her cheeks flush, and though she knows I’m laying it on thick, she’s clearly pleased. “You’re quite the talker, Mr. Roy.”
I keep my smile just right. “Speaking of, I haven’t caught your name, miss.”
“Nami,” she says simply.
The name hits me like a spark. My eyes flicker with surprise, then recognition, but I mask it quickly. No wonder she felt oddly familiar, even though I’ve never met her. It’s her.
“Nami, huh?” I say, my tone carrying a hint of meaning. “Great name.”
Just then, the banquet hall dims, and all the lights focus on the small stage I’d been eyeing. I keep chatting with Nami, half-distracted, my gaze drifting to the stage.
A burly man in a uniform and a wide-brimmed hat steps into the spotlight. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m Task, captain of the Paradise Emperor. On behalf of the ship’s owner and crew, I warmly welcome you all.”
Sparse applause ripples through the room. The nobles and merchants clearly aren’t impressed by some captain who isn’t the ship’s owner. Task doesn’t seem fazed, launching into the kind of rehearsed pleasantries he’s probably sick of reciting.
“Tch.” I shake my head, disappointed. It’s not Badsey. For a guy with his rep, he’s playing it awfully cautious.
Nami notices my reaction. “Something wrong, Mr. Roy?”
“Nah,” I say, brushing it off. “Just realized this party’s kind of a bore.” I stand. “Sorry, I’m heading out. Catch you later, charming Miss Nami.”
As I move to leave, Nami stands too. “Actually, I’m bored too. Want to grab a drink on the deck? We’re passing Rose Island soon—the view’s amazing.”
I squint, catching the glint in her eyes. She’s working me, probably pegging me as a mark. Her flirtatious act feels a bit forced, but I can tell she’s good at this game. A certain thieving cat’s got her claws out.
“Sure,” I say with a cryptic smile. “My pleasure.” I know her game, but I’m free for now. Might as well have some fun.
“Great!” Nami’s grin screams gotcha as she loops her arm through mine, all friendly-like, and we head out of the banquet hall together.