BXBX NOVEL Chapter 83: Ship
Chapter 83: Chapter 83: Ship
"So, is Fish-Man Island really as amazing as you say?" Claudius asked, a smile on his face. "One day, I'll have to visit. Maybe I'll bring you two along for the trip."
The two mermaids were eagerly sharing tales of the island's enchanting beauty, the unique underwater scenery, and the vibrant, colorful coral reefs. It was clear they missed their homeland, and they painted a picture of Fish-Man Island as a true paradise under the sea.
Yet, as Claudius mentioned taking them back someday, he noticed a mix of excitement and hesitation in their expressions. Seeing this, Claudius chuckled softly.
"When the time comes, you'll be free to return home," he said warmly.
One of the mermaids, named Mero, looked at him in surprise. "Truly, Your Highness? You would let us go?"
"Of course. When have I ever broken my word?" Claudius replied, a genuine smile playing on his lips.
The other sister, Lenny, slapped her tail against the water in excitement, her face lighting up. "Your Highness, you are truly kind!"
After their initial excitement, the sisters exchanged looks, and Mero added with a touch of sadness, "But... after all this time, it would feel strange to leave. You've treated us well, Your Highness. Unlike others, you never saw us as mere 'fish' or slaves. Life here, though different, has been comfortable. It's hard to imagine leaving."
"Are you saying you'd miss me?" Claudius teased.
Both mermaids blushed slightly, and Mero admitted, "Perhaps a little. We'd worry you'd be lonely without us here."
Claudius glanced around his grand yet mostly empty palace. Unlike most Celestial Dragons, he kept few servants, only Nia and a small group of maids to manage his affairs. He wasn't exactly surrounded by throngs of people.
"Lonely, huh?" Claudius murmured, as if considering it for the first time. Then he laughed and reassured them, "Well, if I do start missing you two, I'll just come and drag you back. How does that sound?"
The sisters laughed, and Lenny replied, "We'd gladly come back if Your Highness called for us. We could never forget our time here."
"But don't get too excited," Claudius said with a grin. "It'll probably be a year or two before I actually make the trip. Until then, you'll just have to make do with Mariejois."
The sisters pouted in mock disappointment, splashing the water playfully. "Your Highness, you're so wicked! Telling us now only to make us wait."
"Hey, I'm a Celestial Dragon. Being a little wicked is practically my job," Claudius said, laughing along with them.
As they enjoyed their light-hearted banter, Stussy walked into the courtyard, a smile on her face. She greeted the mermaids politely before turning to Claudius. "Your Highness, Vice Admiral Garpsent a message. He's inviting you to join him for a 'vacation' in South Blue."
"A vacation?" Claudius scoffed, seeing right through the proposal. "That old dog Garp just wants to drag me into his schemes. I'm sure this 'vacation' has less to do with relaxing and more to do with his... side mission in South Blue. Marine and CP have been crawling all over that region, trying to snuff out any traces of Roger's legacy."
Claudius was certain Garp's true intentions lay with Rouge, Roger's lover, who was rumored to be hiding out in South Blue. Although Claudius respected Rouge as the mother of Roger's child, he knew any involvement on his part could invite a world of trouble. If he were seen aiding her, it could undermine the trust Five Elders had placed in him, complicating his standing within the World Government.
"No, I won't be going," Claudius said, shaking his head. "Let Garp handle his own business. I'm not about to risk my position for his whims."
"Understood. I'll politely decline on your behalf," Stussy said. "Do you need me to come up with an excuse?"
Claudius waved his hand dismissively. "No need. He'll figure it out."
After a moment, Claudius's eyes brightened with an idea. "Stussy, don't you think it's about time we had our own ship?"
Stussy looked at him, slightly surprised. "Our own ship, Your Highness?"
"Yes. I'm tired of grabbing whatever vessel happens to be available in Mariejois's port. It's about time I had something custom-built to my own tastes," Claudius said, a hint of excitement in his voice. "A powerful ship, designed exactly how I want it. We could travel comfortably, without relying on the standard issue Marine ships."
Stussy chuckled. "If you want a ship, Your Highness, I'm sure there are plenty of shipwrights who'd be eager to build one for you. In fact, you'd probably have a fleet of luxury vessels gifted to you if you asked."
Claudius shook his head. "No, this has to be different. I want one of the best ships in the world... or at least one that rivals them," he said, clearly envisioning something grand.
Seeing his enthusiasm, Stussy asked, "And do you have a particular shipbuilder in mind?"
Claudius grinned. "Yes, the best. I'm thinking we should head to Water 7. Roger's ship, the Oro Jackson, was built by a shipwright there a man named Tom. I want him to build our ship."
"Should I make the arrangements?" Stussy asked.
Claudius nodded. "Yes. Let's leave as soon as possible. Knowing Garp, he might decide to drop by here if he doesn't hear from me soon. I'd rather avoid getting roped into whatever he's planning."
"Understood, Your Highness. I'll start the preparations immediately," Stussy said, already turning to handle the details.
After Stussy left, Claudius turned back to the mermaid sisters, who had been listening intently. "Would you two like to come along? I imagine you get pretty bored stuck here all the time."
"Really, Your Highness? You'd take us with you?" Mero asked, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Of course," Claudius said with a reassuring smile. "It's a small thing. Consider it a change of scenery."
The sisters looked at each other, grinning, and Lenny beamed, "We'd love to go, Your Highness!"
Claudius laughed. "Good! Then get ready. We're off to Water 7 to commission the grandest ship the seas have ever seen!"