The night was cool and calm, with occasional cries of distant beasts echoing across the island.
"Are you thinking about Big Mom's Tea Party?" Robin's thoughtful voice came from behind Rolan.
He didn't turn, replying softly, "No, I'm just reflecting on how fast we arrived in the New World."
Robin stepped closer and hugged him gently from behind.
"You should rest properly; I don't want you exhausted."
Rolan reached back and held her hand, brushing it lightly.
Robin's calm and understanding nature made her the perfect companion.
"Some things, once started, can't be undone," Rolan murmured.
Almost three years had passed since he arrived in this world, and his mindset had slowly shifted.
His transmigrator identity had blended with this reality.
Yet what mattered most was the crew and the people who cared for him.
Robin rested her face against his back.
"Your dream won't be achieved overnight.
Take a moment to rest when you need it."
Turning, Rolan embraced her, chin resting atop her head.
"With all of you by my side, I won't tire."
Listening to his steady heartbeat, Robin tightened her hold.
Rarely did Rolan show this vulnerable side.
Most of the time, he appeared like a god walking among mortals, enigmatic and untouchable, as if every outcome were planned.
Robin's scent, fresh after a bath, enveloped him, and Rolan couldn't help the subtle tension that ran through the night.
"You… you're pressing against me," Robin whispered, cheeks tinting pink.
Rolan smirked lightly, "There's a saying where I come from: a spring night is worth a thousand berries.
Shall we?"
With that, he lifted her effortlessly and carried her toward his room.
As he prepared to continue, she transformed into a flutter of petals and disappeared, a familiar trick he had seen many times.
But this time, she picked up a black blindfold from the bedside table and placed it over his eyes.
"No peeking, and no using Observation Haki," she murmured, her voice like the scent of orchids.
Rolan raised an eyebrow.
A new challenge?
Perfect.
He had faced countless tricks in his previous life; nothing could unsettle him.
A gentle finger pressed against the back of his hand.
As he was about to remove the blindfold, another hand covered his, signaling he should wait.
Rolan allowed it, feeling a different kind of thrill in surrender.
He embraced her firmly.
Both froze for a heartbeat, the subtle warmth and tension between them unspoken yet electric.
The next morning, a delicate form rested in Rolan's arms.
Light glimmered against her fair skin, her breathing steady.
He brushed a lock of crimson hair from her forehead.
Her eyelashes fluttered, nose twitching slightly, as she nestled closer.
Rolan couldn't resist lightly pinching her nose.
Her eyelids opened slowly.
"Ugh~ Good morning, Rolan!"
"Rolan?"
"It's late morning already.
The sun is high.
Lina."
It was Lina, her cheeks flushed as she remembered the previous night.
Despite her shyness, a radiant smile spread across her face.
She had given herself to him, trusting him completely.
From the moment Rolan had saved her from the pirates, her feelings had grown.
She had been quietly protective, often shy, but resolute.
Meeting Nami had stirred her jealousy slightly, yet Robin's presence had tested her the most.
And the unexpected appearances of Hancock and young Shirahoshi added layers to her emotions.
Lina's modesty prevented bold gestures, so she and Robin had planned last night carefully.
It seemed their plan had worked perfectly, and she now fully recognized Rolan's strength, as Robin had described.
Rolan had known immediately she was Lina, thanks to her unique scent and familiarity.
In this world, he understood her feelings, and he wanted to indulge them.
Lina had always seemed playful, youthful, and mischievous—hardly the maturity of an eighteen-year-old.
But last night, she had delivered herself directly, leaving nothing for hesitation.
He held her closely, inhaling her subtle fragrance.
"Rolan… you… ah~"
---
Meanwhile, on Cake Island, Totto Land, Big Mom sat atop her chocolate throne, a massive slice of cake in hand.
"Mama Mama, Katakuri, how much longer until the Tea Party?
I'm eager to begin!" she demanded.
Standing below her, her second son Katakuri, tall and imposing with his scarf covering part of his face, replied calmly, "Mama, don't rush.
The Tea Party begins in four days."
Big Mom's attention turned to the matter of Rolan.
"Did Rolan accept the invitation?" she demanded, recalling her orders to Perospero to invite him personally.
He was the main target of her interest this time.
Katakuri hesitated, "Kuro has accepted."
Big Mom grinned, "It's good he accepted."
Before she could speak further, Katakuri added, "However, Big Brother Perospero and Enel had a minor disagreement."
"Nani?!" Big Mom's shock rang through the hall.
_____
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