Leaving Durutol Island behind, Rolan and Nami chose to head for Alabasta aboard the ship.
Carried by dense island clouds, the ship slowly descended from the sky, its massive shadow stretching across the port as it gently settled onto an open stretch of land near the docks. The landing was smooth, almost silent, as if the vessel itself understood restraint.
Moments later, Rolan and Nami appeared at the port.
"Wow… is this really Alabasta?" Nami murmured, her eyes widening in disbelief.
Before her, the Sand Country had changed beyond recognition.
"What used to be endless desert is gone. It's beautiful… too beautiful."
Green grasslands spread as far as the eye could see, dotted with small flowers in scattered colors. Bushes and young trees had taken root across the land, their presence giving the island a sense of vitality it never possessed before.
A light rain fell from the sky, draping Alabasta in a thin mist. The air felt cool and refreshing, promising that even under the blazing sun, this land would no longer suffocate its people.
Rolan surveyed the scene with calm eyes.
There was a faint sense of satisfaction in his chest.
He had only altered the island's magnetic field, acting on theory rather than certainty. He had not expected the climate and environment to transform so thoroughly.
Yet here it was.
A miracle, born from calculation rather than faith.
Rolan's Super Heart Net expanded outward, covering most of Alabasta. He sensed life everywhere. Areas that were once barren now held thriving settlements. Immigrants from neighboring islands had clearly moved in, drawn by stability and opportunity.
More importantly, the island's aura was calm, orderly, and prosperous.
Three electromagnetic signatures approached rapidly. Two moved ahead, one lagged behind.
As they drew closer, Rolan recognized the familiar blue silhouette riding atop a massive black duck.
Princess Vivi.
When Karoo reached the port, Vivi leapt down without hesitation and rushed toward Rolan.
Rolan frowned slightly, his mind pausing for half a beat.
Then she collided with him, arms wrapping tightly around his torso.
Rolan froze.
For a brief moment, his hands hovered in the air, unsure where to place them.
In his previous life, Vivi's resilience, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her people had left a deep impression on him. Combined with her beauty and grace, she had long been etched into his memory.
But in this life, they had spent little time together.
Yet here she was.
"Lord Rolan," Vivi's soft voice came from his chest, trembling slightly, "I waited for you."
He looked down at her, silent.
He had never given her an exact arrival time. From her tone alone, it was obvious she had been waiting for far longer than she should have.
Rolan slowly reached out and rested a hand on her head.
Her blue hair was damp, strands clinging to her cheeks. Her clothes were wet as well. She had been standing in the rain.
"You didn't need to come all this way," Rolan said calmly. "I could have gone to the palace myself."
Vivi lifted her head, rainwater clinging to her lashes. "I was afraid… afraid you would never come back to Alabasta."
Her voice was quiet, but sincere.
For a moment, Rolan felt something tighten in his chest.
He brushed the wet hair away from her forehead, his expression unchanged. "That's foolish."
Then he placed a firm arm around her waist.
Vivi stiffened for a second, then clung to him tightly, as if afraid he might vanish. The tension she had carried for days finally melted away.
Nami watched from the side.
She did not fully understand when or how Vivi's feelings had grown so deep, but she knew sincerity when she saw it. Seeing Vivi's persistence rewarded brought her genuine happiness.
Yet somewhere unseen, another heart quietly cracked.
"So… you really fell in love with Lord Rolan…"
His eyes reddened as he stared at the scene.
"Why… why him?"
Years of companionship, shared struggles, and unspoken feelings crumbled in silence.
But as he saw Vivi's expression, radiant with relief and happiness, he exhaled slowly.
As long as she was happy.
Leading his camel by the reins, he turned and walked away.
The rain fell steadily, blurring his retreating figure into loneliness.
Rolan raised a hand, forming an electromagnetic barrier that shielded them from the rain.
"That's enough. Let's go."
Vivi nodded softly, her cheeks tinged red as she stepped out of his arms.
Nami stepped forward, took Vivi's hand, and smiled. "Let's head to the palace first."
Upon arrival, palace guards immediately escorted them to the banquet hall.
"Rolan, you're finally here," Cobra laughed loudly. "Do you have any idea how much Vivi has been talking about you? She's nearly worn my ears out."
"Father," Vivi protested, tugging at his sleeve, her face burning. "Please stop, everyone is watching."
Igaram smiled warmly. "Mama, Princess Vivi has finally found someone she truly loves. I couldn't be happier for her."
…
That night, the weather cleared.
The moon hung hazily in the sky, its light soft and distant.
In the palace garden, Rolan and Vivi stood side by side.
"I like you," Vivi said suddenly, her voice steady despite her racing heart.
Rolan placed an arm around her shoulders. "I know."
Then, after a brief pause, "I like you too."
Hearing those words again made Vivi's heart overflow.
She leaned closer, resting her head against his shoulder.
She had never believed herself to be reckless in love. Nor had she fallen for appearances alone. What drew her to Rolan was something deeper.
His calm authority. His detached confidence. His understanding of governance and peace that surpassed every book she had ever read.
Born into royalty, Vivi understood responsibility from a young age. She had studied countless texts on ruling and diplomacy, trying to shoulder her father's burdens.
Yet it was Rolan who tore away the veil she had struggled under.
He resolved Baroque Works with decisive force and spoke of governing principles that felt both ruthless and liberating.
Rolan was strength without mercy, intelligence without hesitation.
That was what captivated her.
"But I have many," Rolan began calmly.
Vivi nodded, already understanding.
She pressed closer. "As long as you remember me, that's enough."
The moonlight bathed them in silence.
---