One Piece: I'm not Roger

Before Robin could refuse again, Aether had already made his stance clear.

"I still have plenty of this immortal brew. Enough for you to keep extending your lifespan for three thousand years, so don't stand on ceremony with me. Besides, you've already taken a sip. Are you planning to give it back? Although, I wouldn't mind drinking your leftovers."

"You… hmph."

Even though female pirates on the high seas were not particularly concerned with indirect contact, the teasing remark still made the mature 29-year-old beauty glare at him with slight annoyance.

Robin continued to slowly sip her glass in small amounts, while Aether downed his cup of immortal brew in one go, letting out a satisfied breath.

"How refreshing. It truly lives up to its name as immortal brew. Drinking should be done in full cups. Being slow and careful like you, Robin, takes away the enjoyment."

"Drinking in large gulps is just wasting such fine wine. A good drink should be savored slowly," Robin replied, unhurried as she adjusted her hair.

"Yes, yes, refined scholarly women always prefer that style. As a free man of the seas, I don't have that habit."

"Hehe, men who are too rough are not very popular with women. You should learn to appreciate the flavor slowly."

"Sorry, I'm already a married man. Besides, drinking wine is different from drinking tea."

"I know. And not just one either."

Their conversation flowed naturally, shifting from earlier discussions about revolution to personal matters, and eventually light gossip about the seas. As the effects of the immortal brew gradually spread, their mood became more relaxed, and Robin occasionally let out soft laughter like ringing bells.

Just as Aether was watching Robin's amused expression, a figure suddenly appeared beside him, attempting to snatch the wine glass from his hand.

The movement was fast, but Aether reacted even faster, catching the intruding hand firmly before it could retreat.

He glanced sideways and asked with a teasing tone.

"Ms. Betty, what are you doing?"

Betty, caught in the act, quickly adopted an innocent expression, though her eyes remained locked firmly on the immortal brew. The rich aroma alone had already exposed her intentions. From the moment she smelled it, her desire for the drink had been fully stirred.

She wiped the corner of her mouth and tried to maintain dignity.

"I just wanted to ask for a glass. Surely a big shot like you wouldn't refuse a poor woman, right?"

Aether raised an eyebrow.

"Poor? If you count as poor, then the whole sea is full of beggars."

Before Betty could respond, Robin suddenly slammed her cup lightly on the table.

"I agree with everything Aether says. I'm actually quite poor too. Lord Aether, please show some kindness and let me have a few more cups. Eternal youth is truly wonderful."

The mention of eternal youth left Betty momentarily confused.

Aether, noticing Robin's increasingly relaxed state after a few drinks, sighed and refilled her glass. He then handed a fresh cup to Betty as well. It was clear she would not stop until she had her share.

The three continued drinking and chatting. After a few cups, Betty's usual sharp demeanor softened noticeably. She even began speaking in a more playful tone, lightly tapping Aether's chest as she complained.

"You annoying man! You're the only one who dares to make me unhappy!"

Aether caught her hand before it could continue.

"Enough, don't start causing trouble after drinking."

Unable to continue her antics, Betty shifted tactics and attempted to bite him instead.

"Hmph, I'll bite you to death!"

"Stop it. With your teeth, you won't even leave a mark. Are you a dog?"

The atmosphere grew increasingly chaotic as both women became affected by the drink. Aether considered sending them back to their rooms, but both refused, insisting he stay and continue talking with them.

To him, it felt like dealing with two drunk troublemakers at once.

As the night deepened, the effects of the immortal brew became stronger. Aether briefly wondered if he was actually getting intoxicated, which should have been impossible given his physique.

Before he could analyze further, both women leaned closer, their voices soft and slightly playful.

"You're quite handsome, you know. If you behave tonight, I might reward you well."

Aether frowned slightly, realizing the situation was becoming unusual.

Warm, unsteady hands began to cling to him, making it increasingly difficult to maintain composure. He looked at the bottle of immortal brew with suspicion. There was a chance it carried effects beyond simple intoxication.

Without hesitation, he moved to stop the situation and get both women to rest for the night.

The commotion continued late into the night until the effects of the drink finally subdued everything into silence.

…

When Aether opened his eyes again, morning light had already filled the room.

Robin sat nearby, quietly looking at him. Their eyes met. Her expression was complicated, but she said nothing. After a brief pause, she wrapped herself in her coat and left the room without a word.

Before Aether could fully process the situation, a hand landed on his shoulder.

Betty stood beside him, studying him with a strange expression before lifting his chin slightly with her finger.

"From now on, you'll provide me one bottle of immortal brew every month. That's my condition."

Aether blinked.

"…Ah?"

Betty clicked her tongue.

"What 'ah'? You should be grateful. One bottle a month is only fair compensation. Or do you think I'm not worth it?"

Aether exhaled slowly.

"It's not too much. It's more than worth it."

"Good. Then it's settled. And if I end up pregnant, I'll want two bottles a month. If you refuse, I'll tell the child someone else is the father."

Aether looked at her for a moment, then replied without hesitation.

"That's reasonable. However, if that man tries to become my child's father, I'll kill him."