As Black interacted more frequently with figures tied to the main plot and battled opponents within the ability card space, he gradually grasped how characters seemed to change once transitioning from two-dimensional impressions into living, three-dimensional beings.
The little girl before him appeared only five or six years old.
Her orange-blonde hair was tangled from neglect, jutting out like thorns swept by a storm.
A faint, unsettling blue glimmer flickered within her dark eyes.
Her lips twitched unconsciously, her tongue nervously pressing against her upper palate, maintaining a constant "survival smile."
She wore a soiled yellow linen camisole; the coarse fabric had yellowed and pilled from excessive washing, the straps clumsily tied together with hemp rope.
Her worn bloomers, far too small, were patched with mismatched fabrics, and the uneven hem was frayed from labor.
"Hm? What's wrong with this shop? They're actually displaying a filthy little girl."
Noticing Black's line of sight, Stussy turned and saw the jarringly out-of-place sight.
"We'll understand if we take a closer look."
Black stepped forward first.
Before reaching the display platform, he already understood the situation.
His eye twitched slightly.
"Urgent Notice! Store lease expires at the end of the month! Closing countdown! All merchandise at rock-bottom prices!"
He never expected to encounter something so painfully familiar in Mary Geoise.
He had to admit there were talented individuals even in this world.
The scene stirred a deep memory.
Back in his high school days, a clothing shop near the pedestrian street by his school had been decorated in a "war-torn clearance" style. Loudspeakers at the entrance constantly blared urgent announcements about an expiring lease.
Yet even after he graduated and left that city, the "about-to-close" shop was still operating.
He understood it was a marketing tactic.
But he had always felt as though he were being made a fool.
He could accept such theatrics in his previous, peaceful world.
But this shop dared to attempt the same ploy in Mary Geoise.
Was the owner truly unafraid of being executed on a whim by an offended Celestial Dragon?
"Forget it. Let's see how long this place survives."
Shaking his head, Black abandoned the urge to probe further and approached the blonde girl.
The moment she sensed his gaze, she instantly displayed a bright, practiced smile.
"Incredible. She's smiled so often it's muscle memory. What a waste she's not an actress."
Muttering under his breath, Black instructed Stussy to purchase the child.
Soon enough, another rope rested in his hand.
The girl was none other than Koala the future officer of the Revolutionary Army.
It was worth noting that Black recognized Koala for a reason similar to how he had once identified Stussy.
She too had left behind an unforgettable scene known across the seas.
On the ship when Fisher Tiger escorted her back to her homeland, Arlong who harbored deep hatred for humans had used the slightest excuse to berate her.
Terrified, Koala had immediately knelt, ripped cloth from her trousers, and frantically scrubbed the deck while apologizing repeatedly:
"I'm sorry! I'll work! I'll clean nonstop! Please don't hit me! I'm sorry!"
"No matter what happens, I won't cry. Please don't kill me."
Even while uttering those words, that "survival smile" had remained fixed on her face.
Even Black, whose empathy was dulled compared to ordinary people, had felt a faint stirring at the sight.
Partly out of lingering sympathy from his previous life, and partly due to his collector's instinct toward significant plot figures, Black decided almost without hesitation to bring Koala back.
Now his manor housed Robin at eight, Perona at three, and Koala at five.
It was practically a kindergarten.
Back at the manor, Black removed their collars and instructed Stussy,
"Take them to wash up and explain the manor's rules."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Black returned to the fish tanks, idly teasing Aida while contemplating arrangements for Mandy and Koala.
Mandy was straightforward.
He would keep her nearby for a time, strengthen her through ability cards, and eventually send her back to the Warb Condin Kingdom to establish influence.
After extensive conditioning by multiple slave traders, she was unlikely to cause unnecessary trouble.
Koala, however, required more careful consideration.
Unlike Robin and Perona, Koala possessed the potential to be half combatant, half intelligence operative.
Her future path closely resembled that of a CP0 agent ironically similar to Stussy herself.
With proper cultivation and suitable ability cards, Koala could mature into an independent powerhouse.
There was no need to rush.
She was still too young, and her current personality far too fragile.
"Perhaps… she should learn a thing or two from that unruly little girl, Perona."
"You're talking bad about me again!"
Perona had quietly approached, intending to startle him. But upon hearing that remark, she immediately forgot her plan, leaped in front of him, and began protesting.
Black laughed, scooped her up, and vigorously ruffled her pink hair.
"When did I say anything bad? I was praising Princess Perona's brilliance. I want the new girl to learn from you."
"Really?"
Perona smoothed her hair, eyeing him suspiciously, clearly sensing a trap.
Black maintained an expression of absolute sincerity.
"Of course."
"Oh ho ho! I knew it you've finally recognized my shining qualities!"
Flattered, the childish Perona hopped down and skipped off.
Judging by her direction, she was likely heading to Robin to boast.
"No wonder that reclusive Moria treated her like a daughter. A lively personality like that brightens any place."
Shortly after Perona departed, Stussy returned with Mandy and Koala.
Mandy's transformation was minimal; as a display commodity, she had already been meticulously prepared by the traders.
Koala, however, seemed reborn.
Her tangled blonde hair was carefully brushed smooth, and her ragged clothing had been replaced by a simple dress.
She had transformed from a scruffy child into a delicate doll.
Black offered Stussy an apologetic smile.
"You'll have to shoulder one more responsibility."
"Your Highness, please don't say that. If you hadn't purchased me, I cannot imagine what fate awaited. Caring for a few children is nothing."
Stussy responded gently, her smile as warm as ever.
Black shook his head.
Stussy was no longer merely a slave she was his woman.
He would never treat her as disposable.
Yet the three girls within the manor represented his future foundation.
They could not be entrusted casually to ordinary maids.
Only Stussy was suitable.
Fortunately, Robin and Koala were mature beyond their years.
And Stussy's gentle elder-sister demeanor naturally restrained Perona's mischievous streak.
Managing them was hardly burdensome.