Standing on the deck of the Prometheus, even though the ship had been sailing for several days now, Hancock still couldn't contain her excitement and anticipation.
Amazon Lily, located in the Calm Belt, had powerful warriors, but the nation's resources were limited, making it difficult to build many ships. Even though Hancock and her sisters were members of the royal family, they had never ventured out to sea.
On Amazon Lily, only the most powerful warriors could join the Kuja Pirates and sail under the command of the Empress. While Hancock and her sisters were undeniably talented, they still needed more time to grow into such powerful figures.
The reason the three sisters had been captured by slavers and ended up as slaves was due to their intense curiosity about the outside world. They often ventured to the coast, waving excitedly whenever they spotted a ship brave enough to traverse the Calm Belt.
In retrospect, who would dare cross the Calm Belt without reason? Only those with significant power or individuals fearless enough to risk their lives on dangerous ventures like the slave trade. It was during one of those risky moments that Hancock and her sisters encountered a slaver crew, sealing their fate as captives and taking them to the cruel world of Mariejois.
While they technically did sail on that dark journey, it was nothing like now. They were trapped in a dank, suffocating cell below deck, consumed by fear and darkness. The splendor and adventure of the sea were replaced by dread. From there, their world only worsened as they found themselves in the hellish conditions of slavery. It was only by some miracle that the three sisters survived.
Everything changed when Claudius appeared. His intervention turned their bleak fate upside down.
"Lenny and Mero were right; he really is different," Hancock thought as she glanced at the ocean where Lenny and Mero, the mermaid sisters, were frolicking without a care.
The two mermaids wore no collars, nor were they restricted in any way. They could leap into the sea and vanish to freedom at any time, yet they stayed close, playing by the ship. When they were tired of swimming, they would climb back aboard and rest, enjoy some refreshments, or lounge in the large pool on the deck.
They weren't treated like slaves at all. It seemed more like they were guests aboard this luxury ship, free to enjoy themselves.
Hancock realized that her situation wasn't so different. Other than being unable to swim due to her Devil Fruit powers, she and her sisters were free to roam the ship, just as they had back home. Claudius even mentioned they were bound for the desert nation of Alabasta, and it didn't seem like he planned to confine them to the ship. That meant she and her sisters could set foot on Alabasta and experience the desert for the first time.
"If we're allowed to wander Alabasta freely, maybe there will be an opportunity to take Mary and Sonia and escape," Hancock considered.
But her expression shifted as she muttered, "No, it's too dangerous. Staying with Claudius is safer. If we escape and get caught again, what then?"
Claudius had mentioned that soon they would receive training to become stronger. Hancock knew he was referring to Haki training. On Amazon Lily, all warriors possessed Haki, but she and her sisters had never trained seriously. Now that they understood the harsh reality of the world, they figured it was wise to take advantage of Claudius' resources. He was willing to train them, so why not use this chance to become stronger?
"Once we're stronger, we'll find a better opportunity to leave," Hancock thought, not realizing she was once again compromising with her situation.
Hancock and her sisters weren't the only ones enjoying the deck. Stella was standing beside Nia keenly learning the art of service and refining her skills.
Meanwhile, Tesoro was being drilled by three elderly scholars on economics, finance, and the intricacies of wealth management. It was exhausting, but the thought of creating a better life for himself and Stella fueled him. He absorbed every piece of wisdom from the old men with unwavering focus.
"The more I learn now, the more valuable I'll become to His Highness. If I can prove my worth, Stella's future will be secure and happy," Tesoro thought, encouraging himself to push through.
On the third floor of the ship, in the expansive library, Claudius sat with a thick history book on Alabasta. Little Robin, who had been aboard the Prometheus for weeks, hadn't stepped foot off the ship. In fact, she'd taken it upon herself to organize and categorize the entire library during her free time.
At this moment, Robin sat on the steps, leaning against the railing with a book in her hands and a cup of warm milk by her side. It was clear that she was content with this routine.
From where he sat, Claudius could see the two youngest members, Ace and Koala, poring over a picture book. He'd left most of the other children at home this time, not wanting the ship to be overcrowded. Teachers had been arranged to take care of them and oversee their studies.
But Koala was an exception. She was always a little different.
"Robin..." Claudius called out, breaking the quiet atmosphere.
Robin, who had been casually observing Ace and Koala, looked up, surprised. Her large eyes met Claudius' with a hint of curiosity.
"Would you like to join us on our visit to Alabasta?" Claudius asked with a smile.
Robin didn't hesitate. She shook her head and replied, "No, I'm not interested."
Claudius chuckled. "You'll end up as a recluse like this," he teased.
"What's a recluse?" Robin's brows furrowed slightly as she questioned.
"Ah, nothing good, that's for sure. As the saying goes, 'Reading a thousand books is only half the journey; walking a thousand miles completes it.' Books alone won't teach you everything, Robin. Sometimes, you need to see the world to truly understand it. So, why don't you come with me to Alabasta? It's the oldest known human kingdom. I'm sure it's rich in culture and history," Claudius said, his tone persuasive.
Robin's eyes softened. The idea of Alabasta did hold some allure. A kingdom with over four thousand years of history, what historian could resist such an opportunity?
"Who knows, maybe you'll even find ancient ruins," Claudius added enticingly.
That was all it took. Robin couldn't hide her intrigue any longer. She nodded in agreement.
"Hahahaha, that's the spirit," Claudius said with a laugh.
***
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