Chapter 195 Royal Succession
Facing a nationwide speech was undoubtedly a massive test of one's mental fortitude, Our Princess Vivi, the future Queen of Alabasta, naturally turned to Zane—the god-like protector of Alabasta—to help alleviate the pressure of the upcoming event.
Whether during her undercover mission in Baroque Works or her time before that, Vivi had undergone a fair amount of physical training.
However, under the steady, intimate rhythm, Vivi began to lose her strength, her body swaying precariously from side to side.
"Don't rush. There's still some time before the speech. You can take your time to relax."
Seeing Vivi struggling to maintain her balance, Zane considerately placed his hands on the exaggerated curves of her hips, hidden beneath the hem of her gown.
His fingers on both hands gripped tightly, sometimes lifting her, sometimes lowering her.
With Zane's adjustment and assistance, our Princess Vivi finally regained her balance, subsequently lifting her swan-like neck with joy and letting out a delighted moan.
"I once experienced a small adventure; it was a journey of despair across a dark sea."
"Only after leaving my country did I realize the vastness of the ocean."
"There are countless incredible yet vibrant islands, creatures never seen before, and unexpected landscapes."
"In the midst of a pitch-black storm, I encountered a magnificent ship."
"At first, it was cold and powerful, but when it rescued me from that dark storm, I felt an unprecedented tenderness beneath its cold exterior..."
On the high platform erected in front of the royal palace.
Before the eyes of everyone in Alubarna and the ears of all Alabasta, Vivi—who already showed the bearing of a queen—elegantly and gracefully channeled her emotions into her speech, her voice full of feeling.
"Captain, I find that I've somewhat underestimated our Princess Vivi!"
Within the palace halls, Nico Robin watched Vivi's distant back as she gave her speech, her arms crossed with an expression of great interest.
"In what way do you mean?"
Zane, sitting casually to the side with his chin resting on his fist, watched Vivi ahead with a faint, knowing smile.
She truly was quite impressive.
Just moments ago, she had been trembling so hard from nerves that she'd even wetted his pants, yet now she could display such a dignified and elegant performance.
It had to be said—the naive princess clearly possessed the powerful potential to become a queen.
"Captain, I'm going to get jealous if you keep acting like this."
Knowing Zane perfectly, Nico Robin knew his thoughts had strayed elsewhere the moment she heard him speak.
She leaned in behind him with mock dissatisfaction, crouched down to rest on his back, and then leaned into his ear to give it a light, playful nip.
"You still have the appetite to be jealous? It seems I haven't filled you up yet. Let's go; today, I'll make sure you're completely satisfied."
Zane reached back and grabbed Nico Robin's firm, crouched hips.
He turned back to plant a kiss on her alluring red lips, then leaned backward, pulling her down with him.
Door-Door Fruit activated!
Nico Robin, pinned beneath Zane, didn't fall onto the palace roof; instead, they both dropped into the manifesting Space Door.
On the other side of the door was the bed inside the palace chambers.
It just so happened that Vivi had been in such a rush for her speech that she only cared about her own fulfillment, leaving him high and dry.
Now that this devious big-sister type had delivered herself to his doorstep, how could he remain indifferent?
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"What?"
Cobra looked at his daughter in disbelief.
Vivi said bashfully, "I'm sorry, Father. Mr. Zane said my strength is far too lacking, so he's taking me with him to train for a while."
"Then how long will you be gone!"
Cobra didn't oppose the idea of training.
Having lived through the rebellion, he had deeply understood the importance of power.
If nothing else, if Vivi could become stronger, she could at least ensure her own safety when facing danger in the future.
He was just slightly worried his daughter might never return.
Regarding the relationship between his daughter and Zane, he wasn't blind; he had long since heard from the maids serving Zane that his daughter had most likely already slept with him.
After the past few days, he had tacitly accepted this situation.
After all, Zane had saved both him and his daughter.
Even if the man was a pirate with a staggering bounty, based on their interactions, he clearly got along very well with his daughter.
"At least half a year. Don't worry, Father, Mr. Zane said that if anything happens, he can bring me back anytime," Vivi said reassuringly.
She knew her father was preparing for her to succeed him as Queen.
She was willing to do so.
It was just...
Whether it was to spend more time with Mr. Zane or to become stronger, she didn't want to give up this opportunity to train.
"Well... fine. Then you must take good care of yourself. Oh, and right, I'm actually quite free these days. Vivi, if you have the chance, you might want to consider the matter of royal succession."
Seeing the determination in his daughter's eyes despite her comforting words, Cobra finally sighed helplessly.
But then, as if something had just occurred to him, he quickly cleared his throat and began to drop subtle hints.
Royal succession?
Vivi was stunned for a moment, but then it clicked.
"I... I understand! Father, I'm leaving!" With a bright red face, Vivi mumbled a response and hurriedly made her escape.
'Honestly, Father... I have only just come of age, and he is already thinking about the royal succession.'
However...
"Yikes!!"
Lost in thought, Vivi nearly tripped over her own feet as she ran out of the palace.
Fortunately, her reflexes were quick, and she managed to steady herself before scurrying away even faster in embarrassment.
'Royal succession, huh...'
Inside the palace, Zane sat on the sofa, fully prepared and waiting for Vivi.
Hearing the conversation between Cobra and Vivi, he rubbed his chin.
His main reason for taking Vivi with him was her severe lack of strength.
He didn't necessarily plan to train her as an Emperor's officer like Robin or Baby 5, but she at least needed to be able to protect herself.
Regarding offspring, Zane had long ago used the Munch-Munch Fruit to modify his body, which was why he could enjoy himself for so long without producing any heirs.
As for Vivi, As for Vivi, she was not ready to think about motherhood. Whatever she wanted in the future could wait until she chose it for herself.
* * *
"Have you finished your goodbyes?"
Nico Robin, waiting in the palace with Zane, asked with a smile as she saw Vivi rushing over.
"Mhm, I've said everything I needed to my father!" Vivi nodded repeatedly.
It wasn't just Cobra; Vivi hadn't forgotten the Straw Hat Pirates either.
Vivi was truly grateful to Luffy and the others.
After all, without the Straw Hat Pirates, she might not have even made it back to Alabasta safely.
Therefore, as a token of her gratitude...
Despite the royal family's current poverty, she had specifically borrowed a sum of money from Zane to pay Luffy and his crew their commission.
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