Blood!
Rolan blinked once, then again. His nose was bleeding.
He wasn't weak. He blamed neither lack of restraint nor temperament. Instead, he could only fault his three wives for having curves so provocatively dangerous it was practically criminal.
His reaction was as obvious as gravity — incomprehensible, uncontrollable, undeniable.
And seeing him hemorrhage from his nose elicited satisfied, mischievous smiles from Hancock and the others.
"So beautiful," Rolan muttered, his voice a little strained.
"You make these garments look like they were crafted for you," he added, gaze unfocused.
Hancock's cheeks warmed as she stepped closer, glancing down at her attire. "Husband, I can't seem to get these buttons done," she admitted, pressing her hands against the cloth in frustration.
She had looked just fine moments ago. Now, as she adjusted, a button popped off and exposed more than intended.
Seeing two elegant curves threatening to make a public spectacle, Rolan activated an Electromagnetic Barrier just in time. It flickered into place and concealed everything like a veil.
Suddenly, two large white shapes appeared behind the barrier.
Hancock's face flushed deeper crimson. She hadn't expected that to happen.
"It's fine, I opened the barrier," she said, voice slightly panicked but quickly relieved.
Her… assets were exclusive to Rolan.
Rolan retrieved a fresh outfit for Hancock from his system space and handed it to her. Even with a composed expression, his eyes flicked just a tiny bit longer than he intended.
Robin and Vivi, noticing the sudden disappearance of Rolan and Hancock's aura, understood instantly something was amiss with their clothing situation.
Before long, both women stepped out wearing new, perfectly fitting outfits.
After the group settled the bill, they headed toward the VIP casino that Nami frequented.
Robin glanced at the blind swordsman walking beside Rolan and tilted her head slightly. "Who is this?"
Issho offered a gentle chuckle. "This old man is Issho, a wanderer without ties."
Robin suppressed an eye roll. She could sense Issho's strength — it was immense, close to an Admiral's level — and it was comical to hear him downplay it.
Hancock, distracted by her ensemble earlier, only now noticed the blind man beside Rolan. She didn't sense hostility from him, only calm power.
Rolan spoke up, expression unreadable, "Oh, I forgot to introduce him earlier. This is Issho, a righteous knight who eradicates evil and protects the innocent."
He gestured toward Hancock, "Issho, this is Boa Hancock, Empress of Amazon Lily."
Issho's brow lifted once before forming a respectful smile. "Empress, formerly one of the Shichibukai, yes? A truly renowned figure."
Next he met Robin. "This is Nico Robin, a renowned historian."
"Hehe, Miss Robin," Issho greeted warmly, "your name precedes you."
And then Vivi, whom Issho regarded with a polite nod. "Vivi, Princess of the Sand Kingdom, my respects."
"These are all my wives," Rolan declared plainly, without fanfare.
Issho didn't find it odd. He discerned the bond between them — genuine affection on all sides. In this world, where mutual love mattered most, he saw nothing shameful.
"That is true happiness," he said softly.
Hancock and the others exchanged glances. They understood Rolan's intent in bringing Issho along. They supported it silently.
Before long, the group arrived at the VIP casino. The guards of Golden City, now aware that Rolan had become the supreme authority here, ushered them through with deference.
Inside, exquisite carpets of deep crimson stretched underfoot. Compared to the blinding gold of the outer casino, this place exuded understated elegance, rich woods and refined decoration contrasting with opulence.
Around a high-stakes gambling circle sat a dozen VIP guests, all well-dressed and calm.
"This is the VIP casino?" Vivi murmured, eyes wide with appreciation. "It's luxurious but without unnecessary flash."
She pointed toward two women neck-deep in chips. "That's Nami and Lina."
Robin smiled, "Looks like they're winning quite handsomely."
Rolan's lips curved just a little. He hadn't expected Nami's gambling skills to rival her navigation talents.
"Issho, you interested in a round of chance?" Rolan asked casually, knowing Issho enjoyed gambling.
Issho's lips twitched, a faint grin forming. "Predicting odd or even? I won't miss that."
He strode to the side of the gambling circle, seated, produced a stack of VIP chips, and placed his bet clearly on "Even."
Two towering figures entered next, each lugging massive steel dice onto the casino floor. When they dropped them, the ground trembled.
"These dice… so heavy?" Vivi covered her mouth, astonished at the size and weight of the objects before them.
Then, a large figure walked into view — a man in a dark jacket patterned with gray stars, chewing gum lazily. Massive gauntlets adorned his hands. Rolan recognized him as Dice, one of the VIP casino's dealers and head facilitators of their signature game.
Dice expertly guided the giant cubes into a colossal dice cup. After a ritual spin, he flipped the cup upside down and then crashed it onto the casino floor with his forehead — smashing it open effortlessly.
The crowd reacted with mild applause more than shock. This was VIP level entertainment, after all.
Vivi blinked. "He didn't even use the axe properly!"
Robin laughed, "What a bizarre showman."
Hancock simply observed, though her eyes twitched slightly in disbelief.
Rolan's lips tightened briefly. Masochist, he thought.
Inside the shattered cup, the dice revealed a winning result.
"Even," the croupiers announced.
"Win."
The VIP patrons, far more refined than the common crowd outside, received the outcome with polite nods rather than shouts.
Both Issho and Nami had backed "Even," and the payoff was substantial.
Nami, hand in Lina's, approached Rolan. "Rolan, are we going to find Tesoro next?"
Rolan inclined his head, gaze focused. "Yes. By now, his stunt should be concluded."
At that moment, a striking figure cloaked in Marine attire appeared by the edge of the arena.
The tension in the room shifted subtly.